The set-up: The 38-25-11 Nashville Predators are 6-1-2 in their last nine games to all but clinch a postseason spot. They will play against Eastern Conference teams this coming week, with the Islanders and Bruins both being road games, before returning home to host the Maple Leafs. The 35-27-12 NY Islanders (82 points) are currently two points out of the East's second wild card spot, chasing the Bruins (84), who are just one point behind the Maple Leafs (85).

Nashville: The Predators just completed a 3-0-0 homestand and appear to have a playoff spot secured, as with 87 points, they are 10 points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. However, finishing third in the Central ahead of the St. Louis Blues (86 points) is No. 1 on the team's agenda. That would likely allow Nashville to face the reeling Minnesota Wild (2-7-1 in the last 10 games) in the first round of the playoffs instead of the Central-leading Chicago Blackhawks or any of the four teams battling for the Pacific Division title.

NY Islanders: Captain John Tavares rides a six-game point streak into tonight's contest after scoring his 28th goal Saturday. "We're still right there," Tavares told reporters. "There's not much time left, but still enough for us to get in (the playoffs). We'll just keep battling to the end." The Islanders' 2-1 home loss to the Bruins on Saturday, followed impressive road wins at the Rangers (3-2 on Wednesday) and Penguins (4-3 in a shootout on Friday).

The pick: This is the first game of the season between the Islanders and Predators plus the teams play again on April 4 in Nashville. This is a much more important game for New York. The Islanders are 20-11-7 at home, where they average 3.19 GPG, while the Predators are a modest 15-17-4 on the road, Make the Islanders a 10* play.