The Blackhawks have nine regular-season games remaining and are trying to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a one-year absence. Each day until the end of the regular-season, Second City Hockey will breakdown their chances at a spot in the playoffs.
Friday’s results
The Wild moved into the second wild card in the Western Conference with a 2-1 win against the Capitals. Minnesota is one point ahead of the Avalanche and Coyotes.
Minnesota’s win puts Chicago five points out of the playoffs.
Western Conference Playoff Race (Games Ending 3/22/19)#nhlplayoffrace pic.twitter.com/aip3VJaeSi
— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) March 23, 2019
Saturday’s scoreboard watch
Do the Stars play? Yes, Dallas hosts the Penguins, who are third in the Metropolitan Division.
Do the Coyotes play? Yes, Arizona visits the Devils, who are a non-playoff team in the East.
Do the Wild play? Yes, Minnesota plays the second half of a back-to-back by visiting the Hurricanes, who hold the first wild card in the East.
Do the Canucks play? Yes, Vancouver hosts the Flames, who are the best team in the West with 99 points.
If playoffs started Saturday
Here is a look at the matchups for the first round as they stand entering games Saturday:
Eastern Conference
(1A) Lightning vs. (WC2) Canadiens
(1M) Capitals vs. (WC1) Hurricanes
(2A) Bruins vs. (3A) Maple Leafs
(2M) Islanders vs. (3M) Penguins
Western Conference
(1P) Flames vs. (WC2) Wild
(1C) Jets vs. (WC1) Stars
(2P) Sharks vs. (3P) Golden Knights
(2C) Predators vs. (3C) Blues
Blackhawks’ remaining schedule
March 23: at Avalanche
March 24: vs. Avalanche
March 26: at Coyotes
March 28: at Sharks
March 30: at Kings
April 1: vs. Jets
April 3: vs. Blues
April 5: vs. Stars
April 6: at Predators