What’s at Stake in the NHL: Lightning, Avalanche can punch playoff tickets
We’ve reached the eventful final stretch of the NHL season. At this point, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot or division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know between now and the end of the season April 17.
So what’s at stake across the nine-game slate for Thursday, April 3?
– The Tampa Bay Lightning (45-25-5) have a magic number of one. They will clinch a playoff spot tonight if (a) they collect at least a point on the road vs. the Ottawa Senators AND the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Boston Bruins; (b) they collect a point AND the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Colorado Avalanche; or (c) the Habs and Blue Jackets both lose in regulation.
– After a late rally to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday, the Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4) are positioned to clinch a playoff spot tonight if (a) they beat the Blue Jackets in any fashion; (b) the Calgary Flames lose to the Anaheim Ducks in regulation or (c) the Avs collect at least a point AND the Flames collect no more than one point.
– The Anaheim Ducks (33-33-8) will be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention if they lose to the Flames in any fashion.
– The Winnipeg Jets (51-20-4) can clinch home ice in Round 1 of the playoffs if (a) they beat the Vegas Golden Knights and the Avs lose to the Blue Jackets or (b) if they collect at least a point against Vegas AND Colorado loses in regulation.
– Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, in action tonight, is one goal away from becoming the first NHL defenseman to score 30 in a season since Mike Green in 2008-09. Green is the only blueliner to do it since 1992-93.
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