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Breaking Down the Possible Scenarios for Nashville Predators Playoff Push

The Predators are in the midst of a 17-game point streak but still have more work to do before they can cement a postseason berth to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

By Chad Minton

Mar 23, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates
Mar 23, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Nashville Predators v Florida Panthers / Joel Auerbach/GettyImages

Predators Stay in the Top Wildcard Spot, Face one of the Division Winners

In what is the most likely scenario, the Predators get the top wildcard spot. The Golden Knights do not control their own destiny when trying to chase down the Predators for the top wildcard spot.

Again, it really seems inconsequential on which wildcard spot you get. Especially considering how fluid the standings are with which division winner will finish with the most points. Currently the Vancouver Canucks have the most point in the West with 98, but only one point ahead of the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars.

So the Predators could end up facing Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas or even Winnipeg regardless of which wildcard spot they achieve. The only real advantage to getting the top wildcard spot is if the unlikely scenario that both wildcard teams advance to play each other in the playoffs, then that top wildcard team would have home ice advantage in the series.

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Predators Fall Back to 2nd WC Spot, Either Vegas or L.A. Take WC1

This is definitely still a strong possibility with two teams in the mix to finish ahead of the red hot Predators. This is why this matchup between the Predators and Golden Knights on Tuesday is so important.

The Golden Knights are only two points behind the Kings to climb back into the top-three of the Central Division. The Predators are one point ahead of the Kings and three points ahead of the Golden Knights.

The Canucks are in the driver's seat to win the Pacific Division, but the Oilers aren't mathematically eliminated from rallying. It would take a major collapse by the Canucks and a winning streak for the Oilers to make that improbable switch at the top.

Assuming the Canucks hold onto the Pacific Division and their 10-point lead, then they also have to hold off Colorado and Dallas for the top point total in the West. So again, there isn't a major difference between wildcard one or wildcard two for the Predators. Just get in, baby.

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