Time for our regular Sunday feature “Sunday Shots.” SlapShot Radio’s awesome photographer got some great pictures from last night’s Chicago/Nashville showdown. See the entire slideshow at the SlapShot Radio website.

From Nashville vs Chicago March 31, 2012

Courtesy SlapShot Radio/DLM

The Nashville Predators survived March. The Predators began the month in 5th place and ended it in 4th, overcoming a six point deficit to the Detroit Red Wings. That is the good news. The Predators began March with a six point lead over the Chicago Blackhawks, last night’s 5-4 loss shrunk that lead to a single point. Considering they haven’t had back-to-back games at home over three weeks, playing eight of ten on the road, I guess you can look back and say that March was successful, but also had opportunities that were not taken advantage of.

Like last night’s wild game with the Blackhawks, after jumping out to a 4-0 lead, Chicago laid back and surrendered it as the Predators came back to tie the game 7:10 into the third period. Then it was Nashville’s turn to lay back, for just long enough to let Brent Seabrook in to re-take the lead for good. The victory punches Chicago’s playoff ticket and Nashville’s loss give St. Louis the division crown.

The Predators are now done with the Central Division until the playoffs start. Let’s take a look at the upcoming week for the three teams fighting for the four spot.

Detroit has four games remaining, including a late afternoon faceoff today against the Florida Panthers at the Joe. The Wings have one more road game, St. Louis on Wednesday before closing out the season at home against New Jersey on Thursday and Chicago on Saturday. The Red Wings have control of their destiny, winning out gives them fourth place and home ice for round one.

Chicago has three games remaining, including the back end of a back-to-back tonight against the Minnesota Wild. The Hawks then finish on the road in Minnesota and Detroit. While the Wild are not in the playoff mix, they have caused some havoc in the Southeast and Pacific with their two game win streak.

Nashville has three games remaining in the regular season, all against teams either being effective in a spoiler role (Minnesota at home) or teams fighting for one of the last playoff spots (Dallas at home, Colorado on the road.) So the task of clinching home ice gets no easier.

There is a single team that may have the biggest impact on this race. The Minnesota Wild. With two games against Chicago sandwiching a game at Bridgestone Arena against the Predators, their play may determine who gets home ice. The Wild are putting on the proverbial “we’re out of it so let’s go on a late season run,” led by rookie Jason Zucker’s two points in his first two NHL games. Time will tell if this player is a classic “morning glory” or for real.

Pred Nation will be watching tonight’s games with much interest. Detroit vs. Florida is on NHL Network with a 3pm central faceoff. Chicago/Minnesota is on the regional Fox Sports networks and WGN in Chicagoland.

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“A Long March” – Tracking the stretch run…
Points Available – 30
Points Gained – 17 out of 30

3/03 – @ Florida – W 3-1
3/06 – Los Angeles – L 5-4
3/08 – Colorado – W 4-2
3/10 – Detroit – W 3-2
3/12 – @ Phoenix – W (SO) 5-4
3/15 – @ San Jose – OTL (SO) 2-1
3/17 – @ Los Angeles – L 4-2
3/18 - @ Anaheim – W 3-1
3/20 – Edmonton – L 6-3
3/22 - @ Pittsburgh – L 5-1
3/24 – Winnipeg – W 3-2
3/25 - @ Chicago – W 6-1
3/27 - @ St. Louis – L 3-0
3/30 - @ Detroit – W 4-1
3/31 – Chicago – L 5-4

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Random Notes…

- With 3 games remaining in the regular season, the Predators are 4th in the Western Conference standings with 98 points, leading 5th place Detroit and 6th place Chicago by one point. Detroit has one game in hand over both Chicago and Nashville.

- 500 seems to be a big number lately, Daivd Legwand’s two assists last night gave him 500 NHL points, all with the Predators. Legwand is the first player to reach that milestone for the franchise.

- A quick word on Alexander Radulov’s goal last night… sick.

- The Pacific shuffle is getting to be a nightly occurrence. The Los Angeles Kings are now in the Pacific lead, they are tied in points with Phoenix, lead San Jose by one point and Dallas by two.

- The New Jersey Devils clinched their playoff spot last night after spanking Carolina 5-0.

- There are four remaining playoff spots open. Two in the west and two in the east.

Tonight’s Impact Games

Florida @ Detroit - This is Detroit’s game in hand over Nashville. While the Wings have been struggling a bot on home ice lately, they are still lethal. Florida is in a pitched battle for their playoff lives, currently they lead the Southeast by two points over Washington.

Minnesota @ Chicago - Chicago is in the same position as Nashville was last night, coming off a big road win over a divisional opponent on the back end of back-to-back. Minnesota has been playing solid hockey over the last few games… should be a good one at the UC tonight.

SportsClubStats Update
Seeding Potential Percentages – 4th seed – 46%, 5th seed 40%, 6th seed 13%
Highest % Potential Playoff Opponent – Detroit 64.3%, Chicago 22.2%

The Predators have no mathematical chance of finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th or 8th in the Western Conference.

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On the next SlapShot Radio

Podcast from Wednesday’s show is posted… Guest list for this week is upcoming.

Click here to download or listen to previous podcasts.

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