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Predators visit Blackhawks in regular season finale

Apr 4, 2008 - 1:43 PM Nashville (41-31-9) at Chicago (39-33-8) 8:30 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Nashville Predators clinched a playoff spot just in time.

The Predators look to end their regular season with a win when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

After claiming a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, the Predators were guaranteed their fourth straight playoff berth when Vancouver (39-32-10) lost a 2-1 decision to the Edmonton Oilers.

It was the perfect time for the Predators to punch their ticket to the postseason as they are just 0-4-1 against the Blackhawks during the 2007-08 campaign and didn't want to enter the regular season finale with a playoff spot on the line.

J.P. Dumont had a goal and an assist and defenseman Greg de Vries notched the decisive tally in the third period against the Blues to lead the Predators to their fifth win in the last six games.

The Blackhawks postseason bid fell just short despite completing a 5-1-1 stretch with a 6-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.

Rookie Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists against the Red Wings. Kane leads all NHL rookies with 69 points this season, one ahead of the Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom.