What needs to happen April 13 as Predators, Kings vie for last wild-card spot
The Nashville Predators picked up a big win over the Minnesota Wild on April 11, but got no help from the Edmonton Oilers.
With two games left in the regular season, the Nashville Predators are still in the hunt for the Stanley Cup Playoffs . Unfortunately, so are the Los Angeles Kings . And only one team can take the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
The Predators beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1 at Bridgestone Arena on April 11, but earlier in the day, the Kings beat the Edmonton Oilers 1-0 at Crypto. com Arena. That means the Kings (34-26-19) remain in control of the wild-card race: They have 87 points with three games to play.
Nashville (38-32-10) has 86 points with just two games to play. "It's fun playing these meaningful games," said Steven Stamkos, who had a goal and assist in the win. "It sucks we let it slip out of our control, but all we can focus on is the next two (games).
" Nashville's playoff hopes are in the hands of Los Angeles, which can clinch the final wild-card spot by earning four points in its final three games. The Predators can be eliminated as early as April 13 — if they lose in regulation to San Jose that day, and Los Angeles beats Seattle in any fashion. According to Money Puck , the Predators' playoff chances are 22.