2003/04: The Predators would get off to a solid start and found themselves in the playoff chase for the first time in franchise history as they held a 16-14-4-2 record at the end of December. In January the Predators would make their move posting a 9-3-2-0 record. After struggling through the first half of February the Preds began to look to improving their team acquiring Steve Sullivan from the Chicago Blackhawks. Sullivan would have an immediate impact scoring a hat trick in his first game against the San Jose Sharks on February 18th, as he recorded 10 points in his first 3 games with Nashville. The Predators also would acquire Brad Bombardir and Sergei Zholtok from the Minnesota Wild. The added strength would help as the Predators made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history with a record of 38-29-11-4. In the playoffs the Predators were matched up against the President Trophy winning Detroit Red Wings. After losing the first two games on the road Music City got its first taste of playoff hockey as Thomas Vokun stopped 41 of 42 shots in a 3-1 win. In Game 4 Vokun was even better stopping all 41 shots as the Preds evened the series with a 3-0 win. However, as the series shifted back to Detroit the playoff tested Red Wings regained control with a 4-1 win. Hoping to force a 7th game season came to an end in Game 6 at home as they were held to just 15 shots in a 2-0 loss.

2005/06: Coming out of the Lock Out the Predators were looking stronger then ever as they added a genuine star in Paul Kariya. Kariya would be just as good as expected leading the team in points at 85. The Predators would come out of the gate smoking as they won their first eight games, winning by just 1-goal in their first four games setting a NHL record. With the continued emergence of Thomas Vokun in goal the Predators were solid well rounded team all season as they were one of the top teams in the Western Conference all season as they finished in second place with a solid 49-25-8 record, topping the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history. Down the stretch the Predators would hit a bump in the road as Goalie was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis of the pelvis, a blood-clotting condition. While backup Chris Mason allowed the Predators to finish the regular season strong, the loss of Vokun would catch up with them in the playoffs. The Predators would capture Game 1 of their first round series against the San Jose Sharks, but that would be it as the Sharks ripped the Predators in the next four games to win the series in 5 games.