The Nashville Predators are in the current playoff picture if the NHL season officially ended today. They have 78 points and are in the final wildcard spot based on point percentage.
It would be tough on other teams on the outside looking in to never see this full season finished out. In the case of the Nashville Predators, they’re in the field if the NHL decides to start in the playoffs rather than scrambling to figure out how to finish the regular season.
The NHL seems committed to crowning a Stanley Cup champion in some way if possible.