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The table is set for playoff success

By Kyle Gray

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 23: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on January 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Predators defeated the Golden Knights 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 23: Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on January 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Predators defeated the Golden Knights 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Nashville Predators have what it takes to surprise this postseason. The table is set for some serious success.

By winning their final game of the regular season, the Nashville Predators could not have asked for a better draw in the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  They secure home-ice advantage through the second round, avoid playing both the Jets and Blues, and enter the postseason with some confidence and a winning streak.

Central Champs

In the come-from-behind victory against the Blackhawks in the 82nd game of the season, the Nashville Predators became back-to-back Central Division champions.  Even though it seemed like an up-and-down year, especially compared to last season’s 117 point campaign, the Predators came out on top.  Winning the division will certainly instill confidence into the team as they prep for a long playoff run.  Not only that, but the season finale victory was Nashville’s third in a row.  Only one other playoff team has a streak that long (Carolina). It may not be much but the Predators are winning at the right time.

Home-Ice

One major benefit of winning the Central Division is none other than home-ice advantage.  As the Central bracket’s number one seed, the Nashville Predators get to enjoy playing at Bridgestone more often than not.  And Smashville is notorious for being a tough place to play.  The fans are loud, energetic, and a secret weapon to winning games.  Nashville’s 25 victories at home are the second most in the Western Conference and third overall. For postseason success, it’s important to play–and win–games at home.

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Blues/Jets Battle

What I think the biggest draw is for the Nashville Predators is the fact that they get to avoid playing both the Blues and Jets.  Not to undermine Dallas in any way, but the Jets and Blues are tough outs.  Winning the division allowed the Predators to let those two teams slug it out in what has a likely chance of being a seven game series.

The Predators, of course, have to get through Dallas to battle it out with the Jets or Blues. But if they can beat the Stars in 5 or 6 games, they’ll be in a good spot for the second round.

Further down the road, if the Nashville Predators survive to the Western Conference Finals, I’m not too worried about who they’ll face. I think by that time, confidence will be at an all-time high. However, in 13 games against Calgary, Colorado, San Jose, and Vegas, the Predators have a 6-7 record and 36GF vs. 40GA. Whatever the opponent, the Conference Finals series should be a back and forth affair.

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