Broadcaster Blog: Preds and Jets On Collision Course Once More

The thought crossed my mind last spring during the seven-game dogfight in the Western Conference Round Two matchup.
The Nashville Predators and the Winnipeg Jets were in one heck of a battle. They had been No. 1 and No. 2 in the entire NHL in regular-season points, with the Predators edging the Jets out by three points for the Presidents' Trophy. Nashville won the season series three games to two. The playoff series was tied 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. The Jets won Game 7. So, by the end of it all, the two teams had played 12 times with each team winning six. I'd say that's pretty even.
In the middle of the series, our radio discussion on 102.5 The Game turned to this: Regardless of who won this battle, these two teams would likely be right back again next year in the same spot, if not the next several years. (Of course, we also spent plenty of time talking about the playoff format: Why do the two top teams have to play in Round Two? But I digress.)

Fast forward to today, and well, here they are again. As the NHL closes in on the All-Star Break, the Jets and Predators appear to be on course for another potential second-round battle in the postseason.
While neither team has a total lockdown on the top two spots, there is a gap between Winnipeg, Nashville and the rest of the Central Division at the moment. And of course the disclaimer - there are no guarantees that each would win their respective first-round playoff matchups. Upsets happen every year.
But, it certainly looks very possible that the two could meet again.
As usual, not much separates the two. The Jets have a slight lead in points and two games in hand, the Predators have a more home-friendly schedule remaining. The final two head-to-head meetings are in Winnipeg. Barring a rash of injuries, it is hard to foresee one team running away from the other.
So, as the two heavyweights have a chance to size each other up one more time prior to the Feb. 25 Trade Deadline, there will be the questions running through the minds of General Managers David Poile and Kevin Cheveldayoff:
1. How does my team match up with the other?
2. Can I add an ingredient that would tip the scales in my favor?
3. What price am I willing to pay?
4. Is it all about this year? Or should I give my team the best chance to win over the next three years?
5. What if I don't make a big move and the other team does?
My broadcast partner on TV Chris Mason joined our radio show Wednesday (along with Preds Radio host Darren McFarland) to tackle some of these questions. You can listen here:
Regardless of the answers, it's going to be a fun ride. And, as we all suspected last spring, the Predators and Jets are on collision course once more.