NHL Playoffs: Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues Sink Nashville Predators

Read More: T.J. Oshie (C - STL), Jaroslav Halak (G - STL), Alex Pietrangelo (D - STL), David Backes (RW - STL), Chris Stewart (RW - STL), Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues

The Nashville Predators had just clinched a playoff berth the night before, but they weren't prepared for the St. Louis Blues on Saturday—the already-eliminated Blues shut out the Predators in the final game of the regular season, winning 2-0 behind solid work from Jaroslav Halak and goals from T.J. Oshie and Alex Steen. It was Halak's third shutout against the Predators this season. The Predators, with 99 points, finish fifth in the hotly contested Western Conference NHL Playoffs race. 

The St. Louis Blues finish a disappointing season 38-33-11. With a major rebuilding process in progress they have on offseason's worth of thinking to do about Jaroslav Halak's development as a goalie; Alex Pietrangelo's emergence as a top defenseman; David Backes's best season yet; and the outstanding play of midseason acquisition Chris Stewart, who finished sixth on the team in goals scored despite playing just 25 games with the Blues. A season that began with a lot of promise in its own right ends promising the development of some important pieces in the Blues' future.