The Avalanche did not play last night, but still found themselves improving their chances of reaching the postseason. Calgary lost (3-0 to the Blue Jackets, a game that featured several fights and 42 penalty minutes in the final minute of the game). Nashville lost 4-2 to the Capitals. And the Coyotes lost 8-4 to the Oilers. That game moved the Oilers ahead of the Coyotes in the standings. Nashville and Edmonton are both trying to get to that 8th playoff spot - a spot currently held by Colorado. The Oilers and Avalanche have two more head-to-head games remaining on the schedule.
1. Detroit * 73 47 20 6 100 2. San Jose * 73 43 21 9 95 3. Minnesota * 73 39 26 8 86 4. Anaheim 74 41 25 8 90 5. Dallas 74 42 27 5 89 6. Vancouver 73 37 26 10 84 7. Calgary 73 37 26 10 84 8. Colorado 74 39 29 6 84 9. Nashville 74 36 30 8 80 10. Edmonton 74 37 32 5 79
Tonight, the only game of real importance to the Avalanche playoff hopes is San Jose at Minnesota. In addition, Columbus has a chance to get to 79 points with a win over Detroit to further cloud the waters.
Go San Jose! and to my dismay….grrr….go detroit….*cough*