Nashville Predators: Can Remaining Schedule Guide Team through Playoffs?

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 09: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) talks with defenseman Roman Josi (59) and right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes, held on March 9, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 09: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) talks with defenseman Roman Josi (59) and right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes, held on March 9, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators are riding a two-game winning streak, with one win over the Sharks. Can the remaining schedule guide the team through playoffs?

The answer in short: We hope so.  Seven of the remaining 9 games for the Nashville Predators are against playoff-caliber teams. There are three stretches where the Predators have two or more days of rest.  They get one last test against the rival Jets, and they finish the 2018-19 season at home.

While the Predators have been so-so recently, as their 5-5 record in the last 10 indicates, the remaining schedule gives some hope with the playoffs around the bend.

Home is Where the Wins are

Nashville’s 22 wins at home are the second most in the conference.  With 5 more games at Bridgestone Arena this year, the Predators have a nice setup to add to their win column.  The Nashville Predators also wind up their regular season with two games at home against bottom-half teams, Vancouver and Chicago. If they can end the year on a winning streak, the Predators can enter the playoffs with a little confidence boost.

More from Predators News

The West’s Best

Nashville faces off against Winnipeg and Minnesota this month, not to mention the home finale against Chicago.  They did just defeat the San Jose Sharks on the road. The Predators have the opportunity to build momentum into the playoffs if they can get some statement wins against the best in the West.  Both San Jose and Winnipeg expect deep playoff runs, and it’s very likely the road to the Stanley Cup means beating both teams.

A couple of hard-fought victories for the Nashville Predators against one or both of these teams to close out the regular season could mean good things come playoff time.

Eastern Conference Advantage

The last hill to climb to win the Stanley Cup means a battle against the East’s best team.  Good news for the Nashville Predators is that they have dominated the Eastern Conference this year with a record of 17-7.  Five games in the last stretch are against Eastern teams. If the Predators can continue their winning ways, they not only secure much-needed points but one last measure against a potential Stanley Cup opponent.

The remaining stretch for the Nashville Predators comes with some true tests.  But if the team can come away with some confidence and statement wins, they’ll be ready to roll in the playoffs.