Predators clinch playoff spot; eye division title next

WASHINGTON — The objective was simple: win and you're in.

All the Predators needed to do to guarantee their return to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a two-season absence was defeat the Washington Capitals on Saturday. On the strength of a three-goal first period, Nashville clinched a playoff spot in a 4-3 win.

"Sometimes you get in, you don't even play," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "Somebody loses and you get in. I always think it's a little bit more meaningful when you earn the win and you earn the two points and the right to get in."

Nashville's inclusion in the postseason was never in doubt, even after a six-game losing streak cost the Predators their sizable cushion in the Central Division. But after beating three of the Eastern Conference's best teams in succession this week, the Predators now focus their attention to winning the franchise's first division title with six games remaining.

"That's been our goal since Day 1 is to build toward the playoffs," forward Paul Gaustad said. "It's a great feeling being in the playoffs. We've got a lot of work left to do."

Mattias Ekholm, Mike Fisher and former Capitals first-round draft pick Filip Forsberg combined to chase Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby within the first 15 minutes. Similar to their 3-2 win over Tampa Bay on Thursday, the Predators weathered the Capitals' comeback attempt as they closed within 3-2 and 4-3. Mike Ribeiro's second-period goal held up as the game-winner.

By game's end, the Predators huddled around Pekka Rinne, celebrating their first playoff appearance since the 2011-12 season.

"That's obviously what you strive for all year is to be able to put yourself in a position like that and get into the playoffs with room left in the season, not have that extra stress those last couple games," defenseman Cody Franson said, "We've put ourselves in a good position."

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