Avalanche Aim for First Playoff Spot as NHL Season Approaches End

NHL Season Update

As the NHL season nears its conclusion, the Colorado Avalanche are looking to regain their early-season mojo. While they were riding high with only two regulation losses by January 1, their current form has seen that number rise to 13. Despite this dip in performance, they are in a strong position to secure an invitation to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs as they face the Chicago Blackhawks on March 20. With just one point needed from the game, the Avalanche could become the first team to qualify for the postseason this year, maintaining a narrow lead over the Dallas Stars, who trail by just two points in the competitive Central Division race.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets, revitalized after a recent coaching change, have surged to playoff contention under Rick Bowness, boasting an impressive record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 4 overtime losses in their last 23 games. This shift has resulted in the New York Islanders slipping below the playoff threshold as the standings become increasingly tight.

Upcoming NHL Matchups

Tonight’s NHL slate features several important games:

• Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 PM ET
• New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals, 7 PM ET
• Colorado Avalanche at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 PM ET
• Florida Panthers at Calgary Flames, 9 PM ET
• Anaheim Ducks at Utah Mammoth, 10 PM ET

Current Standings Snapshot

Eastern Conference (2025-26 Season)

Metropolitan Division:

• 1. Carolina Hurricanes – 92 points
• 2. Pittsburgh Penguins – 84 points
• 3. Columbus Blue Jackets – 83 points

Atlantic Division:

• 1. Buffalo Sabres – 92 points
• 2. Tampa Bay Lightning – 88 points
• 3. Montreal Canadiens – 84 points

Wild Card Contenders:

• Boston Bruins – 84 points
• Detroit Red Wings – 84 points

Outside Playoff Zone:

• New York Islanders – 83 points
• Ottawa Senators – 79 points
• Philadelphia Flyers – 78 points
• Washington Capitals – 76 points
• New Jersey Devils – 72 points
• Florida Panthers – 71 points
• Toronto Maple Leafs – 70 points
• New York Rangers – 64 points

Western Conference (2025-26 Season)

Central Division:

• 1. Colorado Avalanche – 98 points
• 2. Dallas Stars – 96 points
• 3. Minnesota Wild – 90 points

Pacific Division:

• 1. Anaheim Ducks – 78 points
• 2. Edmonton Oilers – 77 points
• 3. Vegas Golden Knights – 76 points

Wild Card Contenders:

• Utah Mammoth – 78 points
• Los Angeles Kings – 72 points

Outside Playoff Zone:

• Seattle Kraken – 71 points
• Nashville Predators – 71 points
• San Jose Sharks – 70 points
• Winnipeg Jets – 67 points
• St. Louis Blues – 65 points
• Chicago Blackhawks – 64 points
• Calgary Flames – 61 points
• Vancouver Canucks – 50 points

Potential Playoff Matchups

If the playoffs were to commence today, the Eastern Conference bracket would look as follows:

• Carolina Hurricanes (M1) vs. Detroit Red Wings (WC2)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (M2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (M3)
• Buffalo Sabres (A1) vs. Boston Bruins (WC1)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) vs. Montreal Canadiens (A3)

For the Western Conference:

• Colorado Avalanche (C1) vs. Los Angeles Kings (WC2)
• Dallas Stars (C2) vs. Minnesota Wild (C3)
• Anaheim Ducks (P1) vs. Utah Mammoth (WC1)
• Edmonton Oilers (P2) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (P3)

Tiebreaker Insights

In case of teams finishing the regular season with equal points, the NHL employs various tiebreakers including:

1. Regulation wins
2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
3. Overall wins
4. Points achieved in head-to-head encounters
5. Goal differential
6. Total goals scored

The regular season is set to culminate on April 16, with playoffs anticipated to start on April 18, 2026. As the league heats up, teams are racing against time to secure their playoff berths, making each game increasingly critical for postseason aspirations.