Nash Daily: Predators’ Playoff Picture, Canadiens Sign Lane Hutson

Although it’s a small chance — 13.6% to be exact, according to Money Puck — the Nashville Predators could still finish in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

The Predators can lock up the top wild-card spot by either earning one point in their regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday at PPG Paints Arena or if the Vegas Golden Knights don’t earn four points in their final two regular-season games.

Should the Predators lock up the first wild-card spot, they will likely face the Vancouver Canucks, who are the current Pacific Division leaders and No. 2 seed in the West. There’s an outside chance the Predators could play the Edmonton Oilers should they win the Pacific and Nashville is the WC1 team.

If the Predators finish as the second wild-card team, they’ll play the Central Division champion Dallas Stars.

Current Predators first-round opponent odds: Vancouver (63%), Edmonton (28%), Dallas (9%).

Nashville Hockey Now

Things seem to be clicking for Luke Evangelista, who’s taken on a bigger role for the Predators’ offense.

Two months ago, many had written the Predators off as a possible playoff contender. Now, they’re battle-tested and a dangerous opponent for anyone in the West.

Rookie defenseman Spencer Stastney has stepped right into the Predators’ lineup and not once looked out of place. He seems to be making a strong case for a permanent spot in the NHL.

Central Division Standings

1. Dallas Stars — 51-21-9, 111 points
2. Winnipeg Jets — 50-24-6, 106 points
3. Colorado Avalanche — 49-25-7, 105 points
4. Nashville Predators – 47-29-5, 99 points
5. St. Louis Blues — 43-33-5, 91 points
6. Minnesota Wild – 38-33-9, 85 points
7. Arizona Coyotes — 35-40-5, 75 points
8. Chicago Blackhawks — 23-52-5, 51 points

Wild Card Standings

1. Nashville Predators – 47-29-5, 99 points
2. Vegas Golden Knights – 44-28-8, 96 points
3. St. Louis Blues — 43-33-5, 91 points

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