In his box high above the Bridgestone Arena ice, Predators General Manager David Poile allowed himself a rare premature celebration on Sunday afternoon.
When Calle Jarnkrok scored an empty-net goal to give the Predators a 3-1 lead over the Blues, even Poile could relax, secure in the knowledge that - though 60 seconds remained in the game - the Preds had earned their first trip to the Western Conference Final.
So, bear hugs and high-fives were exchanged by a group that also included Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton, Pro Scout Nick Beverley, Director of Hockey Operations Brian Poile, and Manager of Hockey Operations Brandon Walker, among others.