Predators and Kings Battle for Final Playoff Spot

Only one team can clinch the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:27am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and silver representing the teams' colors.The intense final-game showdown between the Predators and Kings will determine which team earns the last playoff berth in the Western Conference.Los Angeles Today

With two games left in the regular season, the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings are both vying for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference of the NHL. The Predators recently defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Why it matters

The race for the last playoff spot in the West has come down to the wire, with the Predators and Kings fighting for the chance to extend their seasons and compete for the Stanley Cup. This high-stakes matchup will have major implications for both teams and their fanbases.

The details

The Predators and Kings are locked in a tight battle, with both teams needing to win their remaining games to have a chance at clinching the final wild-card berth. The Predators' recent victory over the Minnesota Wild has kept them in the hunt, but the Kings are also still in contention, setting up a dramatic final stretch of the regular season.

  • The Predators defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1 on April 10, 2026.
  • The Predators and Kings have two games left in the regular season.

The players

Nashville Predators

An NHL team based in Nashville, Tennessee that competes in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team based in Los Angeles, California that competes in the Western Conference.

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What’s next

The Predators and Kings will face off on April 13, 2026, in a game that will determine which team secures the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The race for the last playoff spot in the NHL's Western Conference has come down to the wire, with the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings battling it out in a high-stakes matchup that will have major implications for both franchises and their fanbases.