Domination within division faces toughest test of all

Nashville's mastery of the Central Division continued against the reeling Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. The Predators got the first goal for just the second time since the All-Star break and played from ahead in their 3-2 victory.

The win was important for Nashville on several fronts. For one, it broke a three-game winless skid, though Nashville lost two of those games in shootouts. It also continued Chicago's tailspin. The Blackhawks have lost nine games in a row. Nashville was seven points ahead of Chicago through Tuesday -- more firmly cemented in the possibility of getting the fourth seed or fifth seed, at worst, come playoff time.

Most important, the Predators appeared to find their defense again. Nashville allowed fewer than three goals for just the second time since the All-Star break.

It couldn't have come at a better time for Nashville. The Predators face red-hot Detroit on Thursday at Joe Louis Arena, where the Red Wings have won 21 straight games. After Detroit, the Predators take on the Dallas Stars -- a team that has beaten them in both games they have played this season.

Overall, the Predators have picked up points in five of seven games since the All-Star break.

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