from Adam Vingan of The Tennessean,

Once firmly positioned as the NHL's best team, Nashville has staggered as the end of the regular season nears. The Predators have lost nine of 11 games since Feb. 26, turning their nine-point lead atop the Central Division into a one-point deficit with 10 games remaining.

"It's tight," defenseman Roman Josi said. "Chicago's right there; St. Louis is, I think, ahead of us now. It's a tight race. We've got to find a way to get points."

The Predators' ascent to the top of the league was unexpected before the season. It was an improbable run fueled by the on-ice aggressiveness preferred by new coach Peter Laviolette and a roster capable of high-scoring offense. Their 27-9-4 record through 40 games was the best in franchise history.

Nashville has barely resembled that team lately, struggling for offense with just 19 goals during a 2-8-1 slump. Before the start of the skid, the Predators averaged 2.7 goals per 60 minutes at even strength, tied for second-most in the NHL. However, that average has dropped to 1.7 goals, a total that puts them near the bottom of the league over that span.

"We're right in the thick of it," forward Matt Cullen said. "We had a real nice cushion, and for whatever reasons, we kind of let it evaporate here. Ultimately, it just comes down to, in here, we need to get our game in order."

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