Predators win Presidents' Trophy, Central Division, Western Conference in resilient victory against Capitals

WASHINGTON — More banners will hang from the Bridgestone Arena rafters next season.

In a season filled with franchise firsts, the Predators achieved three more Thursday. By defeating the Washington Capitals 4-3, they clinched the first Central Division and Western Conference regular-season titles in team history.

Twenty minutes later, Predators players huddled around phones to watch the Florida Panthers beat the Boston Bruins, securing the Presidents' Trophy as a result. 

"We actually talked about it throughout the year when we were playing well," Predators captain Roman Josi said. "Every rink you go to, there's so many banners up there. We only had one banner, so it was definitely one of our goals."

Of course, the banner that the Predators most want reads “2018 Stanley Cup champions.” They’re in an advantageous position to pursue that, guaranteeing themselves home-ice advantage throughout the entirety of the postseason. 

“The words ‘Presidents’ Trophy’ didn’t come out much,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. “The words ‘home ice’ came out a lot, and just trying to secure home ice. … We know it’s important in the playoffs, and we’re trying to give ourselves the best chance to be successful in the playoffs.”

Here are three observations from Thursday's win:

Resilience leads to history

The Predators haven’t lost much this season, but they’ve shown a knack for shaking off adversity. After suffering a hard-luck loss to the Panthers in their previous game and with a lot at stake against the Capitals, a strong response was expected Thursday.

A troublesome second period, in which the Capitals scored two power-play goals and outshot the Predators 17-7, nearly torpedoed an history-making evening. But the Predators' trademark resilience surfaced in the third period, with Josi and center Ryan Johansen pulling the team out of a 3-2 deficit.

"With all the skill we have on this team, we're never out of a game," Predators forward Filip Forsberg said. "We showed that again tonight."

Saros strong in possible final start

The confidence that the Predators have in Saros is obvious. They wouldn’t start him in a critical game as they did Thursday if that weren’t the case.

In what could be his final start this season with the playoffs opening next week, Saros buoyed his teammates when their play sagged, making 27 saves at even strength and 29 total. 

Saros has demonstrated this season that he is more than capable of providing top-notch goaltending in tough situations. If for whatever reason he's needed in the playoffs, the Predators have the utmost faith in him to deliver. 

Smith sets career high

Predators forward Craig Smith scored twice Thursday, the second of which was his career-high 25th goal this season. 

Smith, who scored 12 goals last season, has experienced a remarkable return to form, the product of his speed and relentless pursuit of pucks. His line with Kevin Fiala and Kyle Turris is among the most productive in the league, which will create matchup nightmares for the Predators' potential playoff opponents. 

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.