The Chicago Blackhawks have two 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.
Tuesday’s results
Chicago squandered a three-goal lead in an overtime loss to Colorado. The Hawks gained a point, but with Washington and Pittsburgh winning Chicago was eliminated from the Presidents’ Trophy race.
Minnesota clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division with its win over Carolina. St. Louis failed to gain ground with a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg. Nashville, however, grabbed a point in an overtime loss to the New York Islanders.
In the Pacific Division, first-place Anaheim defeated Calgary in a potential playoff preview. Second-place Edmonton fell to Los Angeles for Anaheim to build its lead. San Jose moved into a tie for second with the Oilers after its 3-1 home win over Vancouver.
Presidents’ Trophy Race
(Games Ending 4/4) pic.twitter.com/XiQMo3Qigy— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 5, 2017
Western Conference Playoff Race
(Games Ending 4/4) pic.twitter.com/UpSC3e39KR— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 5, 2017
Eastern Conference Playoff Race
(Games Ending 4/4) pic.twitter.com/CDRDz5rwhH— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 5, 2017
Wednesday’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.
There are no Western Conference teams in action. League-leading Washington hosts the New York Rangers while Buffalo hosts Montreal, who have locked in the first place in the Atlantic.
Blackhawks’ remaining schedule
Thursday, April 6: at Anaheim-x
Saturday, April 8: at Los Angeles
x-playoff team