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Blackhawks playoff chase: March 24

Here’s a look at Chicago’s playoff chances heading into Sunday’s games.

The Blackhawks have eight 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.

Saturday’s results

The Avalanche beat the Blackhawks, 4-2, to leap the Coyotes and take control of the second wild card in the Western Conference. The Coyotes grabbed a point in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Devils.

The Stars, who hold the first wild card with 82 points, failed to build its lead as they fell 3-2 at home to the Penguins.

The Wild were blasted 5-1 by the Hurricanes. The Oilers and Canucks didn’t capitalize on Chicago’s loss and both lost — Edmonton 3-2 to the last-place Senators and Vancouver 3-1 to Pacific leaders Calgary.

Sunday’s scoreboard watch

Do the Coyotes play? Arizona plays the second half of a back-to-back when they visit the Islanders, who are second in the Metropolitan Division.

Do the Canucks play? Vancouver also plays the second half of a back-to-back at home when they host the Blue Jackets, who are three points out of the second wild card in the East.

If playoffs started Sunday

Here is a look at the matchups for the first round as they stand entering games Sunday:

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) Avalanche

(1C) Jets vs. (WC1) Stars

(2P) Sharks vs. (3P) Golden Knights

(2C) Predators vs. (3C) Blues

Blackhawks’ remaining schedule

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

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