Nashville Predators clinch 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff berth

The Nashville Predators clinched a Stanley Cup Playoff berth following a 4-3 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night. The Predators become the sixth team in the Western Conference to clinch a spot; this win eliminates the St. Louis Blues from playoff contention.

Nashville went on a strong franchise record 18-game point streak that was snapped last month which helped them get into the playoff picture. That run 16-0-2 record of course was inspired by a cancelled U2 concert at The Spehere in Las Vegas.

The Predators currently have a 45-29-5 record and 95 points under head coach Andrew Brunette. They sit three points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Predators are looking to make it to their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history after reaching that feat in 2017 and falling short to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nashville saw their eight-year playoff streak come to an end last season after compiling a 42-38-2 record. Nashville was swept by the Colorado Avalanche during its last playoff appearance in 2022.

Nashville is led by Filip Forsberg who has tallied 43 goals and 46 assists for 89 points in 78 games, while Roman Rosi has notched 21 goals and 57 assists for 78 points in 78 games. Josi leads all defensemen in the NHL with 21 goals and ranks fourth among defenders. The Preds of course have also had big help from Gustav Nyquist, the 34-year-old has racked up a career-high 71 points in 78 games and veteran Ryan O’Reilly who has notched 25 goals and 65 points in 78 games. Meanwhile, Tommy Novak, Luke Evangelista and Colton Sissons have each notched 15 goals and 30-plus points this season.

The Predators added forward Jason Zucker and Anthony Beauviller at the trade deadline, Zucker has four goals and six points in 14 games while Beauvilller has two points in 11 games

Nashville has three games remaining as they get ready to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.