This is why the Nashville Predators played 82 games. The goal from the moment the 2017 Stanley Cup Final ended was to gain home ice in the playoffs. Along the way, the Predators reached franchise records including 117 points. Earning the Presidents’ Trophy is just icing on the cake.
Looking back at the season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy was necessary. Given the outcome of the NHL regular season, the only option to ensure Game 7 of any series was played at Bridgestone Arena meant being the top team in the league. With Winnipeg earning 114 points, second best in the league, anything less than the #1 overall seed meant road ice tomorrow.