Predators Dump The Red Wings, Clinch Playoff Berth

There's no game that was more suited for the Predators to clinch their fifth playoff berth in six seasons than against the Red Wings.

That happened earlier today as the Preds defeated the Red Wings 4-3 in overtime at Joe Louis Arena.

The Predators got everything they could handle from the division rivals, but players like Martin Erat and Shea Weber continued to battle in hostile territory.

So now the question is who will the Predators play in the first round. Thankfully it won't be the Red Wings for the third time, and it's very unlikely it'll be the Sharks.

Right now it looks to either be the Coyotes, who the Preds just defeated this past week, or the Canucks. Either way the Predators will have their hands full against a very good team.

Preds Against Current Top 4 seeds

1. vs. Chicago ( CHI leads 4-2)
2. vs. San Jose ( SJ leads 3-1)
3. vs. Vancouver ( Tied 2-2)
4. vs. Phoenix ( PHO leads 2-1)
   

Despite being without their captain Jason Arnott (concussion) for the last several games, the Predators have continued to battle and pick up crucial points in the standings to cling onto that fifth spot. Arnott should be back well in time for the playoffs.

The Predators won't have home-ice advantage, but frankly that shouldn't be a concern. Their record is just as good on the road as it is at home this season, which is crucial in the playoffs.

So much credit is owed to Barry Trotz who has been here from the start. He coached his 900th game for the Predators today which is among the most all-time in the NHL for one team. He also picked up his 410th victory for the Predators. Hopefully he'll be the Nashville coach for many more years to come.

This might be the best Predators team ever that is going into the playoffs. It's extremely important that the Predators don't relax for the last two games of the season because those four points that are still left on the table could end up being the difference between the fifth spot and the eighth spot.