NASHVILLE, TN - With a playoff spot secured and two regular season games remaining before the playoffs get underway, one might expect the Nashville Predators to take it easy leading up to their first-round matchup with an as-of-yet undetermined opponent.
Not so, says head coach Barry Trotz. "We're sitting three points out of fourth spot in the conference with a couple games in hand on some teams," said Trotz. "We're pulling out all the stops to make sure we get that final home-ice position."
Vancouver currently sits in fourth position with 84 points heading into their final game of the season on Friday night, and San Jose isn't far behind with 83 points and one game remaining. Chicago, who've finished their season, holds down the 6th spot with 82 points - one more than the Predator's 81.
The one scenario that would not see a tie-breaker come into play is this: Nashville wins out while Vancouver and San Jose lose their final games in regulation.
"We've got to win, there's no question," said team captain Greg Johnson. "Luckily we're playing before those other teams hit the ice, so the out-of-town scoreboards won't be a distraction for us."
Notes: David Hale has been recalled from Milwaukee to replace the injured Jeff Jillson, who is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, but should return in time for the start of the playoffs.