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Plain and simple, the majority of Nashville Predators fans want nothing more than to see Detroit's impressive playoff appearance streak come to an end. Although the fates haven't smiled much upon the Nashville hockey club this year, they have given them a consolidation prize. Their last two games will be instrumental in deciding the playoff picture in the West.
The Predators roll into the Motor City (fresh off a long-awaited win) for their last tilt with the Wings as division rivals. It's the second of back-to-back games for Detroit and their last one at home with huge playoff implications. Conditions are perfect for heartbreak.
DETROIT RED WINGS
The Wings did themselves a huge favor on Wednesday night by defeating the Los Angeles Kings. They reclaim the 8th spot from Columbus, but only by a point. Each team plays Dallas and Nashville in their final two games (how about that?). If the Red Wings win tonight, any loss by the Blue Jackets will end their once improbable postseason push. So... LUMBUS OR GTFO.
Jimmy Howard has been playing like a man possessed. He's 3-1-1 in his last five games with a .955 SV% and an ungodly 0.79 GAA. He's certainly earning that extension he signed, and if the Wings go golfing it's certainly not his fault.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
There are probably those of you who forgot what winning felt like, so it was nice to see at least one more before the season ended. Austin Watson got his first goal, Filip Forsberg his first point, it was a good time. Look for the kids (along with Matt Halischuk and Bobby Butler) to continue to do well. They've been the driving force behind the strong play of the last two games, why not one more?
Despite scoring Tuesday night, Watson is heading back to Milwaukee, as it sounds like Mike Fisher is finally ready to play again.
Josh Cooper also reported yesterday that Patric Hornqvist won't be back for either of the season's final two games this week.
If you asked a Predators fan at the beginning of the season, "you can only choose one: playoffs or having a hand in ending Detroit's playoff streak," how many would pick the latter? It's definitely a reality, and it would make winning the last game as Central Division rivals that much sweeter. So do it boys. Do it for the fans. Do it for Lumbus.