After three consecutive home games following the combination All-Star break and bye week, the Predators are going on the road for some enormous contests that will impact their positioning in the battle for a wild card postseason berth. Should they falter, it could turn general manager Barry Trotz into a seller as the March 8 trade deadline approaches.
The Predators are likely battling with the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames for the Western Conference’s two wild card berths.
First Period – Saturday, Feb. 17 at St. Louis Blues
This is the first of two remaining games between the Predators and the Blues. Nashville won the first matchup of the season against the Blues, an 8-3 drubbing in St. Louis the day after Thanksgiving.
Gaining standings points is important, but getting them against teams that you are battling for a playoff position are vital.
Second Period – Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Vegas Golden Knights
The Predators have faced the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights once this season, a Jan. 15 4-1 defeat in Sin City. Vegas is currently in second place in the Pacific Division and one of the league’s best teams at home.
Third Period – Thursday, Feb. 22 at Los Angeles Kings
Like the St. Louis game, this is a potential four-point game in the standings if it is decided in regulation time. The Predators defeated the Kings in their only game of the season against each other, a 2-1 win Jan. 18 in Los Angeles.