Predators surge toward playoffs despite trade deadline selloff

Flashback: At the deadline, general manager Barry Trotz shipped away veterans and primarily received draft picks in return.

• Trotz also held on to some key contributors who were rumored to be on the trading block.

State of play: Heading into Thursday's game against New Jersey, the Predators have won five in a row.

• The heady play of goalie Juuse Saros has been key during the team's playoff-caliber surge.

Reality check: While the Preds are playing well, their grip on the last wild card berth is tenuous, with three rivals right on their heels in the standings.

• The fact that it's a down year in the Western Conference has helped. If Nashville played in the Eastern Conference, the Preds would be 13th in the standings.