With four wins in their last five games and time ticking in their season, the San Jose Sharks have moved to within three points of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
In what has been a tumultuous season at times, the Sharks are making a late push for the playoffs, as they defeated the Arizona Coyotes by a final score of 3-1 on Friday. Suddenly, with four games remaining on their schedule, the Sharks are three back of the Kings, who are in action Saturday.
The Sharks and Kings end their respective regular seasons against each other on April 11. Could it be that game decides which of these two teams get into the Stanley Cup playoffs?
The Colorado Avalanche also managed to keep its slim playoff hopes alive, with a 4-2 win over the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
After scoring three unanswered goals, including two in the third period to take control against the Ducks, the Avalanche move to within six points of the Kings, with four games remaining on their schedule.