Written by Jay Levin
Nashville Predators ^[1]

Nashville, TN – Since the Nashville Predators wrapped up their series on Friday night, the focus shifts to Round 2 and possible opponents. There were Western Conference games on Saturday — both potential elimination games.

The St. Louis Blues closed out its series with a 3-1 home win over the San Jose Sharks, claiming a 4 games to 1 series victory. In the late night game, the Chicago Blackhawks rallied from a 1-0 deficit to pick up a 2-1 overtime win and stave off elimination.The Phoenix Coyotes still lead the best-of-seven series 3 games to 2, though, with Game 6 set for Monday night in Chicago. If the Hawks win on Monday night, they would force a Game 7 in Phoenix on Wednesday night (April 25th).

In the other Western Conference series, the Los Angeles Kings holds a 3 games to 1 lead over the Vancouver Canucks heading into Sunday night’s Game 5 in Vancouver. If necessary Game 6 would be held Tuesday night (April 24th) in LA and potentially Game 7 on Thursday (April 26th) back in Vancouver.

After today’s action there is still four potential Round 2 opponents for the Predators — No. 1 seed Vancouver, No. 2 seed St. Louis, No. 3 seed Phoenix, or No. 6 seed Chicago. Check below for the potential outcomes and what they mean for Nashville.

If the current series leaders hold on — Phoenix and Los Angeles both win — Nashville would end up playing the Phoenix Coyotes in Round 2, opening the series in Phoenix … with St. Louis hosting LA in the other Western Conference series.

If Vancouver and Chicago both come from behind to win their respective series — Nashville would end up playing Central Division rival St. Louis Blues in Round 2, opening the series in St. Louis … with Vancouver hosting Chicago in the other Western Conference series.

If the higher seeds advance — Vancouver and Phoenix both win — Nashville would end up with a rematch series against the Vancouver Canucks in Round 2, opening the series in Vancouver … with St. Louis hosting Phoenix in the other Western Conference series.

If the lower seeds pull off the series upsets — Chicago and Los Angeles both win — Nashville would end up playing Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks in Round 2, opening the series in Nashville … with St. Louis hosting Los Angeles in the other Western Conference series.