Avalanche Clinch Playoff Spot This Friday

0:00This is Corey with the story with NHL News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Colorado Avalanche have a shot at becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs this Friday. All they need is one point in their game against the Chicago Black Hawks, with the postseason kicking off on April 18th. Dallas stars are just two points back in the Central Division race, so Colorado wants to widen that gap. The OVs hold one game in hand, and face Chicago at the United Center, where they've won both meetings this season by shutout scores. Last year on the same day, the Washington Capitals punched their ticket first, but it took five more days for the next team to join them. This time around, with the tight standings, expect a flurry of clinches soon after. The Avalanche are coming off with three game winless skid, but sit at six wins, three losses, and one overtime loss in their last 10. The stars have been scorching hot at eight wins, one loss and one overtime loss in theirs,

1:01setting up a tense division battle. A central crown means dodging the Minnesota wild in the first round, likely facing a wildcard team like the Kings, Kraken, or Predators instead. Pugdrop is at 8.30 pm. Eastern time should be a key step toward locking in that top seed.