Despite parting ways with top scorers, top defenseman and an All-Star goaltender, the Nashville Predators clinched a playoff berth by virtue of their 3-2 win over St. Louis tonight at the Sommet Center and Vancouver's loss to Edmonton a few moments ago.
The likely opening round opponent will be the Detroit Red Wings, but if Calgary manages to lose and the Predators win their next game against Chicago, it could very well be a matchup with San Jose for the third year in a row. I cannot count myself among those that thought the team would ever get this far this season.