Predators Face Uphill Battle to Reach Playoffs

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Nashville Predators are still alive in the playoff race, but their path to the postseason is extremely difficult. Sitting four points behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card spot, the Predators have a 14.8% chance of making the playoffs with 16 games left. To clinch a playoff berth, the Predators must win most of their remaining games, including key matchups against fellow playoff contenders like the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks.

Why it matters

The Predators are facing an uphill battle to reach the playoffs after recent losses and a trade deadline that saw them lose key role players. With multiple teams vying for the final wild card spot, the Predators must find a way to string together wins, especially against their direct competitors, to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The details

The Predators (29-28-9, 67 points) are four points behind the Kraken (71 points) for the final wild card spot. They also have to contend with the Kings (69 points) and Sharks (70 points), as well as the surging Jets (66 points). Of the Predators' final 16 games, seven are against these playoff rivals, making those matchups must-win games. Nashville also needs to win tough games against playoff-ready teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Wild.

• The Predators have lost two straight games as of March 16, 2026.
• The Predators have 16 games remaining in the regular season.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Predators' next key games are against the Winnipeg Jets on March 17 and the Seattle Kraken on March 19. Winning those games would be crucial to keeping their playoff hopes alive.