The Blackhawks have five regular-season games remaining and are trying to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a one-year absence. Each day until the Blackhawks are officially eliminated from playoff contention, Second City Hockey will breakdown their chances at a playoff spot.
Thursday’s results
Alex DeBrincat scored twice to lead the Blackhawks to a 5-4 win over the Sharks in San Jose. Chicago now has 78 points and is five points back of the Avalanche for the second wild card in the Western Conference.
The Oilers are one point behind Chicago after grabbing a point in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Stars, who strengthen their spot in the first wild card spot. The Canucks avoided elimination with a 3-2 shootout win over the Kings.
Western Conference Playoff Race (Games Ending 3/28/19)#nhlplayoffrace pic.twitter.com/bauCARJwzA
— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) March 29, 2019
Friday’s scoreboard watch
The Avalanche host the Coyotes, while the Wild visit the Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
If playoffs started Friday
Here is a look at the matchups for the first round as they stand entering games Friday:
Eastern Conference
(1A) p-Lightning vs. (WC2) Blue Jackets
(1M) Capitals vs. (WC1) Hurricanes
(2A) x-Bruins vs. (3A) Maple Leafs
(2M) Islanders vs. (3M) Penguins
Western Conference
(1P) x-Flames vs. (WC2) Avalanche
(1C) x-Jets vs. (WC1) Stars
(2P) x-Sharks vs. (3P) Golden Knights
(2C) x-Predators vs. (3C) Blues
p-Presidents’ Trophy
x-Clinched playoff spot
Blackhawks’ remaining schedule
March 30: at Kings
April 1: vs. Jets
April 3: vs. Blues
April 5: vs. Stars
April 6: at Predators