The Chicago Blackhawks have four games left in the regular season and have clinched the Central Division and the top spot in the Western Conference. Each day until the end of the regular season, we’ll breakdown who they could possibly face in the first round and other seeding in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Saturday’s results
The Chicago Blackhawks were off Saturday, but they clinched the top spot in the Western Conference with Nashville’s 3-0 win over Minnesota. Nashville’s victory also gave the Hawks their 16th division title in franchise history. The Predators’ win moved them into a tie with St. Louis at 91 points.
In the Pacific Division, Edmonton edged Anaheim for the top spot. Both teams are tied at 97 points while San Jose (93, third place) and Calgary (92 points, first wild-card spot) were idle.
Presidents’ Trophy Race
(Games Ending 4/1) pic.twitter.com/piOaFM6tky— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 2, 2017
Western Conference Playoff Race
(Games Ending 4/1) pic.twitter.com/3bwH9vtVGz— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 2, 2017
Eastern Conference Playoff Race
(Games Ending 4/1) pic.twitter.com/38qLJdMwxf— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 2, 2017
Sunday’s scoreboard watch
If the playoffs started today, the Hawks would be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and play the No. 2 wild card team — Nashville.
The Hawks host Boston, who is coming off a 5-2 home win over Florida on Saturday. Chicago sits three points shy of league-leading Washington — who visit Columbus — in the President’s Trophy race. Columbus (106) and Pittsburgh (105), who hosts Carolina, are also in the hunt to be the league’s best regular-season team.
St. Louis and Nashville clash in the second most anticipated game of the day happening in St. Louis (Cubs vs. Cardinals) while Minnesota looks to breakout of its funk when it hosts last-place Colorado. Nashville can become the eighth and final Western Conference playoff team if they get at least a point against St. Louis or if the Kings lose to Arizona in any fashion.
In the Pacific, Edmonton is off but both Anaheim and San Jose are in action. The Sharks look to build a gap on Calgary with a win in Vancouver while Anaheim can grab the top spot with a win over the Flames.
Blackhawks’ remaining schedule
Sunday, April 2: Boston
Tuesday, April 4: at Colorado
Thursday, April 6: at Anaheim-x
Saturday, April 8: at Los Angeles
x-playoff team