Canada's seven NHL teams sit outside of the playoffs heading into the all-star break, and Don Cherry doesn't envision the picture getting much rosier come April.
The former Welsh international played 18 professional seasons, scoring 220 goals in 520 games for clubs in England, Scotland, Israel, Canada and the United States.
Neal scored late in the third period to give the Predators a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old centre suffered the abdominal injury in November before undergoing surgery in early December.
Players hit the ice at Rexall Place on Sunday for a skills competition with their sticks wrapped in special rainbow-coloured hockey tape.
VANCOUVER — Canadian offensive lineman Dean Valli retired Monday after 10 seasons with the B.C. Lions.