I don’t know – if you’re Nashville – if you could have asked for much more at this point of the season. From where you started back in September with a lot of question marks and possibilities, to have a shot atfourth and home ice advantage in the first round is great.

First of all, let’s make this clear: the Preds can still get fourth. I know there are some things that need to fall into place, but they very wellcould. Chicago has only two games left vs. Detroit’s three. Those two play head-to-head in Game 82. So anything can happen mathematically.

More importantly is simply Nashville’s need to have its game together heading into the playoffs. While we may be tempted to blame inconsistency at times, keep in mind Nashville is facing playoff-bound teams of a high caliber (especially this past week) and sweeps are rare. No matter which club the Preds face it willbe a tough battle.

***

I thought that Andrei Kostitsyn looked at home with Alex Radulov on his line. AK can make some very high-level plays and AR can finish with the best of them. If you haven’t seen it, check out their connection for a goal in the Detroit game here. And then treat yourself to Radulov splitting the Chicago defense one more time here.

***

I’m looking forward to seeing our defense perform in this year’s playoffs. Both Shea Weber and Ryan Suter have put together among the best campaigns of their careers, and a healthy Roman Josi and Kevin Klein bodes well for the Preds. I also can’t wait to see how much bigger Hal Gill will get in key moments.

***

Don’t look past any of this week’s opponents. Nashville has to give a full effort against these teams in order to garner all six points remaining. It is still possible and would be fantastic if the Predators managed a fourth seed starting the playoffs.

***

For just the fourth time in NHL regular season history, everyone ends the season on the same day – this Saturday. There are no games for Sunday, so Preds/Avs will be among the last to finish and should have many eyes on it.

***

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice!