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Predators looking to break into top eight vs. Oilers

Mar 3, 2009 - 3:12 PM Edmonton (31-26-5) at Nashville (31-28-4), 8:00 p.m. EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators' recent play has them closing in on the top eight teams in the Western Conference. The Edmonton Oilers are one of those teams clinging to their playoff spot.

The Predators try to overtake the Oilers on Tuesday when the teams meet at the Sommet Center.

Nashville closed February with four straight regulation victories, including an 8-0 drubbing of the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Jason Arnott recorded a hat trick and Steve Sullivan and J.P. Dumont notched three assists apiece for the Predators, who are in ninth place, one point behind the Oilers and Anaheim Ducks (31-28-5) in the West.

The Oilers have held off Nashville with two wins in their last three games following a 0-2-1 stretch.

Edmonton is coming off a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Defenseman Tom Gilbert scored a goal and set up another and Dwayne Roloson made 43 saves to lead the Oilers to the win.