Preds, Grizzlies separated by more than just 209 miles
The Nashville Predators and Memphis Grizzlies are separated by 209 miles along Interstate 40. Yet, in their respective NHL and NBA standings, the distance between the two teams is much greater.
The Predators own the NHL's top record, while the Grizzlies' record is among the NBA's worst.
There has been only one other time in the history of both leagues that NHL and NBA franchises in the same state finished the year with the best record in one league and the worst record in the other league.
That came in the 2008-09 season when the San Jose Sharks (53-18-11) ruled the NHL regular season and the Sacramento Kings (17-65) were the NBA's worst.
Here's a state of the state between our two state's winter sports teams:
The records
Predators: Own the NHL's top record (48-14-10, 106 points) and are on pace to win the league's Presidents Trophy, which goes to the team with the best regular-season record.
Grizzlies: Are 19-51 entering Wednesday's game, battling Phoenix (19-53), Atlanta (21-50) and Orlando (21-50) for the league's worst record.
Playoff watch
Predators: Became the first NHL team to clinch a playoff berth. The Predators will defend their Western Conference championship beginning April 11 or 12.
Grizzlies: The Grizzlies already have been eliminated from playoff contention, ending their seven-year streak of postseason appearances.
The streaks
Predators: Are 14-0-1 in their past 15 games, the only blemish a 3-2 shootout loss to New Jersey on March 10. They haven't lost a game in regulation since Feb. 17.
Grizzlies: Have lost 20 of their past 21 games, snapping a 19-game losing streak on Saturday with a win over Denver.
What's left
Predators: 10 games left, beginning with Thursday's game against Toronto. Regular season ends on April 7 at home against Columbus.
Grizzlies: 12 games left, beginning with Wednesday's game at Philadelphia. Season ends on April 11 at Oklahoma City.
Star watch Predators:Pekka
Rinne is a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender.
Grizzlies: Mike Conley played just 12 games before his season ended with an injury.
Coach status
Predators: Peter Laviolette is signed through the 2020-21 season. Don't be surprised if another extension is announced after this season.
Grizzlies: J.B. Bickerstaff was named the interim head coach in November after David Fizdale was fired after a 7-12 start to the season. Bickerstaff is a candidate for the full-time position.
Front office status
Predators: The only general manager in franchise history, David Poile recently became the NHL's all-time winningest general manager.
Grizzlies: Chris Wallace has been the franchise's general manager since 2007. There is speculation that his job could be in jeopardy after this season.
Stats to know
Predators: The Predators have 13 players with 10 or more goals but no player with more than 26 . ... Pekka Rinne is 40-9-4 this season.
Grizzlies: Twenty-one different players have played at least four games this season . ...
Memphis averages a league-worst 99 points per game.
Reach Dave Ammenheuser at 615259-8352 and on Twitter @NashSportsEd.