This is a 7* on NASHVILLE

Nashville is 4-1-1 its last six games, but no win was bigger than Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Dallas. That overtime win gave the Predators a three-point lead over the Stars in the battle for the Central Division’s final playoff spot. Look for the Preds to continue riding the hot goaltending of Juuse Saros as they play Columbus Monday night. The Blue Jackets have won only one of their last 11 games with seven of the losses coming in regulation. They’ve lost five of the previous six meetings with Nashville this season. Columbus was eliminated from playoff contention long ago, so they’ve got absolutely nothing to play for here. In last place in the Central, the Jackets’ 16 wins this season are the second fewest in the league (Buffalo has 13). Their only win in the last 11 games was 1-0 against Detroit and that required OT. In fact, the Jackets’ last three games all went to OT, so they may very well have little left in the tank for tonight. Their struggles against Nashville are not confined to this season. The Predators have won 65 of the last 93 meetings. Play on NASHVILLE

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