In what may prove to be an outstanding development for future editions of the Nashville Predators, their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs on the final day of the regular season, beating the Peoria Rivermen 3-0.
Mattias Ekholm, Daniel Bang and Zach Budish provided the goals for the Admirals, who will meet the Texas Stars (affiliated with Dallas, naturally) in the first round. Games 1 & 2 of the best-of-five series will take place Friday & Saturday in Milwaukee, before they move to the Lone Star state for the rest of the way. Who knows, will this serve as another building block in the budding rivalry between the Dallas and Nashville organizations?
The bottom line for now, however, is that a number of Predators prospects can continue to play meaningful, competitive hockey while other teams are shutting down for the summer. When you think about how many opportunities may open up on the 2013-2014 Nashville Predators roster, this becomes a time when hopefuls can make an early impression on the coaching staff & front office.