The Predators took a huge step towards locking up a playoff spot on Monday. First, they beat the Coyotes 3-1. This gave the Preds 83 points and put them in 3rd place in the Central ahead of the Blues. Then later, the Kings lost to the Oilers 2-0, and the Preds finished the night eight points ahead of the Kings in the wild card.
According to Sportsclubstats.com, the Predators now have a 97.3% chance of making the playoffs. While it is far from over, most of the fringe playoff teams like the Kings, the Jets, and the Stars, are plummeting in the standings.