For at least tonight, the Colorado Avalanche have the edge on the Minnesota Wild for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.
The Avs did so by beating the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on Wednesday, scoring the last three goals of the game and enjoying a two-tally performance from “rental” Mikkel Boedker.
Here’s how the race for that last wild card spot looks now, keeping it to the Avs and Wild at the moment:
Avalanche: 76 points in 71 games played (33 ROW)
Wild: 75 points in 70 GP (31 ROW)
As you can see, this is a tenuous lead for the Avalanche. Minnesota can go back ahead if they beat the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, leaving them tied in games played ... for at least a moment.
Looking at their schedules, there’s one date that sticks out like a sore thumb:
Saturday, March 26: Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche
That marks the only head-to-head game remaining between the two teams. For all we know, it could all come down to that contest, especially if the Wild or Avalanche can snag a win in regulation.
For now, though, it’s almost like a tennis match, with the Avalanche holding serve tonight.
Final: #Avs - 3, Canucks - 1#AvsWin pic.twitter.com/BHNIyukUNY
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 17, 2016