What’s at Stake in the NHL: Streaking Blues chasing history – and a playoff berth
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 five-game slate for Monday, April 7?
– The white-hot St. Louis Blues (43-28-7) have won a franchise-record 12 consecutive games. They will clinch a playoff spot tonight on the road if they defeat the Winnipeg Jets in regulation AND the Calgary Flames lose to the San Jose Sharks in regulation. In case you’re wondering: the NHL record for consecutive team victories in a season is 17, set by the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins. A dozen NHL teams have won 13 or more games in a row within a season. The Blues will be the 13th if they win tonight. The Edmonton Oilers won 16 consecutive games last season.
– If the Edmonton Oilers (44-27-5) beat the Anaheim Ducks AND the Flames lose to the Sharks in regulation, Edmonton can finish no worse than third in the Pacific Division and will in turn clinch a playoff spot. Given the Vegas Golden Knights have a five-point lead over them and the Los Angeles Kings for first place, a win Monday positions the Oilers for a fourth consecutive first-round a matchup versus the Kings.
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