Jacques Lemaire watched his Minnesota Wild deliver "one of the best games we've played all year" in the most crucial of moments.

He soaked in the roar of the home crowd approving of an inspiring performance, and couldn't help but think of what might have been.

Marc-Andre Bergeron scored twice and the Minnesota Wild set a season high for goals last night in an 8-4 victory against the Nashville Predators, who were eliminated from playoff contention a few minutes after the game.

"I wish we would have had more games like this," Lemaire said after what might have been his last home game as coach of the Wild. "Then we wouldn't be in the situation that we are in right now."

Andrew Brunette, Kim Johnsson, Dan Fritsche, Mikko Koivu, Cal Clutterbuck and Marek Zidlicky also scored for the Wild, who needed Dallas to beat Anaheim in regulation later Friday night to remain in the playoff race.

The Wild will finish the regular season tonight at Columbus. Lemaire said after the game he has made a decision about his future, but was not ready to announce if he would return for a 10th season as Wild coach.

Jason Arnott scored twice, and Shea Weber and Steve Sullivan also scored for Nashville, knocked out of playoff contention when St. Louis beat Columbus.

"This group never gave up," coach Barry Trotz said. "They can walk out of here proud. Obviously we didn't get the result we wanted tonight."

Marian Gaborik and James Sheppard each had two assists for Minnesota, which went 3-for-3 on the power play and got 31 saves from Niklas Backstrom.

"Tonight was special," Lemaire said. "Behind the bench, I don't know how many times I thought that the guys are playing with their heart, and you can tell. And having the fans appreciate that, it was great."

Oilers 5, Flames 1: Shawn Horcoff and Sheldon Souray each had a goal and two assists and host Edmonton beat Calgary Flames.

Blues 3, Blue Jackets 1: Keith Tkachuk scored twice for the first time since opening night and added an assist, helping host St. Louis clinch its first playoff berth in four seasons.

Ducks 4, Stars 3: Jonas Hiller made 42 saves, Teemu Selanne scored the deciding goal in a shootout and host Anaheim wrapped up a playoff spot.