Predators clinch final playoff berth in Central, eliminate Stars

The Nashville Predators clinched the last postseason berth in the Central Division with a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

The victory eliminates the Dallas Stars from playoff contention.

The Predators have now made the playoffs in seven straight campaigns, tying them with the Washington Capitals for the second-longest active streak.

The club owned an 11-16-1 record on March 15, but the team turned its season around with a 19-7-1 stretch since.

Nashville will open the postseason against the top-seeded Hurricanes. It will be the first playoff meeting between the two clubs.