Ducks, Coyotes and Predators capture West playoff spots

The Western Conference playoff picture became clearer on Friday when Anaheim, Nashville and Phoenix all clinched post-season berths.

The Predators defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1, the Coyotes topped San Jose 4-3 and the Ducks prevailed over Los Angeles 2-1 thanks to a pair of goals from Teemu Selanne.

Nashville (44-26-11) and Phoenix (43-25-13) each have a game to play and are tied for fourth on points but the Predators have the advantage with one additional win. Anaheim (46-30-5) are tied for seventh with Chicago but hold the tie-breaker with more wins.

Chicago, last season's Stanley Cup champions, need one point in their season finale, or a loss by the ninth-placed Dallas Stars, to clinch the West's final post-season spot.