The Predators really don't want Blackhawks fans taking over Nashville

The Nashville Predators are doing everything they can to stop Chicago Blackhawks fans from filling their arena in the playoffs.

The Nashville Predators are fighting hard to secure home ice in the NHL playoffs, and they want to make the most of that advantage.

If the playoffs started today, the Predators would play the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round. The staunchly loyal Chicago fan base would surely make the almost 500-mile, seven-hour drive to Nashville to support the Hawks, and the Preds just can't let that happen. 

The team is going to great lengths to make sure Bridgestone Arena is inhabited only by Nashville fans.

• Senators ask fans to stop throwing hamburgers on the ice

From The Tennessean: 

The Predators will begin selling playoff tickets this weekend. On Saturday, tickets can only be purchased at Kroger stores in Middle Tennessee. On Sunday, they can be purchased at the Bridgestone box office prior to and during the 4 p.m. game against Calgary. On Monday, tickets will be sold online through the Predators' website — but only to customers who live within the team's TV market.

The Preds need all the playoff help they can get. They've never advanced past the second round in their history. 

- Dan Gartland