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Predators look to complete eight-game sweep of Blue Jackets

Mar 10, 2007 - 5:38 PM Columbus (27-34-7) at Nashville (45-18-6) 8:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators have been extremely grateful for the Columbus Blue Jackets' contributions to their impressive record.

Nashville can complete an eight-game season sweep of Columbus on Saturday and maintain their quest for the league's best record.

The Predators have outscored the Blue Jackets, 26-11, in their first seven meetings and have a one-point edge over the Detroit Red Wings in the race for the Presidents Trophy. They are five wins and 11 points shy of setting single-season franchise records for victories (50) and points (106).

Despite missing injured standouts Peter Forsberg (upper body), Steve Sullivan (back spasms) and Marek Zidlicky (upper body), the Predators opened a three-game homestand with Wednesday's 6-3 triumph over the Calgary Flames.

Jason Arnott scored for the second straight game to help Nashville raise its record to 6-0-3 in its last nine contests. The Predators are 24-5-4 at home.

Columbus is opening a four-game Western road trip with a five-point advantage over the Los Angeles Kings to avoid the worst record in the Western Conference.

The Blue Jackets had a three-game winning streak snapped with their franchise-record 14th shutout loss of the season in Friday's 3-0 defeat against the Dallas Stars.