Blackhawks 2017 playoff picture: March 31
Here's a look at the Blackhawks' playoff positioning heading into Friday's games.
The Chicago Blackhawks have five games left in the regular season and are battling for playoff positioning. Each day until the end of the regular season, we'll breakdown their chances at a spot and seeding in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Thursday's results
The Canadiens clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Florida Panthers. The Oilers defeated the Sharks to come within one point of the Pacific Division top spot.
The Hurricanes defeated the Blue Jackets in OT to stay alive in the wildcard race, while Boston shut out the Stars, giving themselves a 3-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second Eastern wildcard.
In the Central Division, the Predators lost at home to the Maple Leafs, thus leaving the Blues in the third division spot after their win over the Coyotes on Wednesday. Nashville is one point behind Calgary in the first wildcard spot. The Wild snapped their losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Senators. They are currently seven points behind the Blackhawks.
Western Conference Playoff Race
— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) March 31, 2017
(Games Ending 3/30) pic.twitter.com/J2UkmkuN9g
Eastern Conference Playoff Race
— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) March 31, 2017
(Games Ending 3/30) pic.twitter.com/ggQY2BchDy
Remaining schedule. pic.twitter.com/aTCeM1y0Mw
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) March 31, 2017
Friday's scoreboard watch
If the playoffs started Friday, the Hawks would be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and play the No. 2 wild card team — Nashville.
The Hawks host the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday.
Blackhawks' remaining schedule
Friday, March 31: Columbus-x
Sunday, April 2: Boston
Tuesday, April 4: at Colorado
Thursday, April 6: at Anaheim-x
Saturday, April 8: at Los Angeles
x-playoff team
