So it comes to this.
The Nashville Predators will face the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. There are no more “magic numbers,” no more loser points, no more 3-on-3 overtimes, no more watching what the Flames or Blues are doing, no more conjecture about potential playoff opponents. There’s just a best of seven series against the Blackhawks.
A best of seven series against the Central Division champions. A best of seven series against the top Western Conference team. A best of seven series against a team which has consistently had Nashville’s number ever since Game 5 back in 2010.