Predators secure first Presidents´ Trophy in franchise history

6 April 2018 07:36

The Nashville Predators capped their impressive regular season run with a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals to clinch first place in the NHL Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference.

Thanks to a regulation loss by the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, the Predators (52-18-11) also secured the Presidents' Trophy for most points in the league. 

Craig Smith scored twice and backup goalie Juuse Saros stopped 28 of the 31 Capitals' shots in the club's franchise-record 52nd victory. 

It is also the first time in their history the Predators are Central Division and Western Conference regular-season champions in 19 seasons of existence. 

The #Preds are Presidents' Trophy winners for the first time. @koorsenfire infographic: https://t.co/9JFOhsPq1t

— p-Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 6, 2018

They will have home ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Capitals, 11-3-0 in their past 14 games, have clinched first place in the Metropolitan Division. Nashville's win also means the Winnipeg Jets will play the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 2018 Central Division, regular-season Western Conference & Presidents’ Trophy winners are headed back to Smashville. #Preds pic.twitter.com/fLMsBZwHVB

— p-Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 6, 2018