Predators Battle for Final Western Conference Wild Card Spot

Nashville Predators look to clinch playoff berth with 10 games left in regular season

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:37pm

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The Nashville Predators are currently holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference with 77 points, but face a tight race to secure a playoff berth. With 10 games remaining, the Predators will need to fend off the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks to clinch a postseason spot.

Why it matters

The Predators are seeking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2024, when they were eliminated in the first round. Making the playoffs would be a significant achievement for the franchise and its fanbase, who are eager to see the team compete for the Stanley Cup.

The details

The Predators' playoff chances took a hit with a recent loss to the New Jersey Devils, dropping their odds from 60% to 43.5%. Their most likely first-round opponents are the Colorado Avalanche or Dallas Stars, though long-shot possibilities include the Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, and Edmonton Oilers. The Predators have 10 games remaining, including matchups against fellow wild card contenders like the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

  • The Predators' regular season ends on April 16, 2026.
  • The NHL playoffs begin on April 18, 2026.

The players

Nashville Predators

An NHL team based in Nashville, Tennessee that is currently in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Steven Stamkos

A veteran NHL player who is also battling for a wild card playoff spot with the San Jose Sharks.

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What they’re saying

“The Nashville Predators are still in the hunt for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and have a game against the Montreal Canadiens on March 28 to get one step closer.”

— Alex Daugherty, Predators beat writer

What’s next

The Predators will need to win their remaining 10 games, including key matchups against fellow wild card contenders like the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, in order to secure a playoff berth.

The takeaway

The Predators' playoff push highlights the intense competition for the final wild card spots in the Western Conference, with multiple teams battling it out in the final weeks of the regular season. The Predators will need to find a way to win their remaining games and fend off their rivals to return to the postseason for the first time in two years.