The Blackhawks have four 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.
Saturday’s results
Chicago’s playoff dreams were all but put to rest with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Kings. The Blackhawks are now six points back of the Avalanche for the second wild card in the Western Conference with four games remaining.
The Stars failed to clinch a playoff spot after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Canucks, who has been eliminated from postseason contention. The Oilers didn’t gain ground in the playoff race after a 5-1 loss to the Ducks.
Western Conference Playoff Race (Games Ending 3/30/19)#nhlplayoffrace pic.twitter.com/DgGRERAoH5
— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) March 31, 2019
Sunday’s scoreboard watch
The Wild visit the Coyotes, who are only three points behind Colorado for the second wild card in the West.
Clinching scenarios are back on the table today for the @NHLFlames and @DallasStars. #StanleyCup #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/eOC1cIu7WN
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 31, 2019
If playoffs started Sunday
Here is a look at the matchups for the first round as they stand entering games Sunday:
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
April 1: vs. Jets
April 3: vs. Blues
April 5: vs. Stars
April 6: at Predators