The Chicago Blackhawks have less than two weeks left in the regular-season and are fighting for a playoff berth. Each day until the end of the regular-season, we’ll breakdown their chances at a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Wednesday’s results
The Colorado Avalanche fell 5-1 to the San Jose Sharks, who sit five points out of a wild-card spot. All other Central Division teams were idle.
Thursday’s scoreboard watch
The Blackhawks host the Vancouver Canucks, who sit in second-place in the Pacific Division. The Calgary Flames visit the St. Louis Blues, and the Minnesota Wild will be home against the New York Rangers.
Central Division Standings
| GP | W | L | OT | PTS | |
| Nashville | 78 | 47 | 22 | 9 | 103 |
| St. Louis | 76 | 46 | 23 | 7 | 99 |
| Chicago | 76 | 46 | 24 | 6 | 98 |
| Minnesota | 76 | 44 | 25 | 7 | 95 |
| Winnipeg | 77 | 39 | 26 | 12 | 90 |
Wild-card Standings
| GP | W | L | OT | PTS | |
| Minnesota | 76 | 44 | 25 | 7 | 95 |
| Winnipeg | 77 | 39 | 26 | 12 | 90 |
| Los Angeles | 76 | 37 | 25 | 14 | 88 |
| San Jose | 77 | 38 | 30 | 9 | 85 |
Blackhawks’ outlook
The Blackhawks would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Canucks in any fashion or if they get one point and both the Calgary Flames and Kings lose in any fashion or either the Flames or Kings lose in regulation. The Blackhawks cannot clinch a playoff berth if they lose in regulation. A win against Vancouver would extend the Blackhawks’ streak to three games before they travel to lowly Buffalo. In all likelihood, giving the team a four-game streak heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Blues.
Blackhawks’ schedule
| OPPONENT | DATE | LOCATION |
| Vancouver | Thursday | Chicago |
| Buffalo | Friday | Buffalo |
| St. Louis | Sunday | Chicago |
| Minnesota | Tuesday | Chicago |
| St. Louis | April 9 | St. Louis |
| Colorado | April 11 | Colorado |
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