Greetings from the morning skate, where the Avalanche just finished up its session. We could be talking about a playoff team tonight. Or, we could be talking about a team that needs to go to San Jose and maybe have to win something, even if it’s just one point.
The scenario: the Avs’ magic number is 1. One point in the next two games gets them in the first round of the postseason for the second straight year. If the Arizona Coyotes fail to get four full points in their next two games, tonight in Vegas or Saturday against Winnipeg, they’re out.
If the Avs lose the next two games in regulation and Arizona wins the next two in EITHER REGULATION OR OVERTIME, they are in. If Arizona wins one game in either regulation/overtime and one game in a shootout – and the Avs lose both IN REGULATION – Arizona would go, based on a head-to-head tiebreaker.
Before Arizona can even think about still making the playoffs, they need the Avs to lose both games IN REGULATION. If the Coyotes lose in any fashion – regulation, overtime, shootout – they’re out. If Arizona won both games in a SHOOTOUT, and the Avs lose both in regulation, the Avs would go.
OK, that’s about how much I’ll confuse you with today. Bottom line: If Avs can just scrape out a point in the next two games, they’re in. You don’t want to have to scoreboard watch still going into Saturday night in San Jose. But it could happen. And, the Avs could still finish seventh too, with two wins and two Dallas losses in REGULATION.
A note or two before I post some locker-room audio from today:
Mikko Rantanen was on the ice, in skates, albeit in the orange non-contact jersey. He remains kinda/sorta day-to-day. If the Avs go into San Jose needing a point still, I’d think there’s a chance he’d play. But, obviously, I think the Avs really want to avoid that, and give him the extra rest before the first round.
Philipp Grubauer in goal.
Some uncut audio:
Erik Johnson, talking about being able to play for a playoff spot personally. Remember, he was hurt this time last year and never did play in the postseason:
Next up, Tyson Barrie, on what clinching would mean:
Next up, Gabe Landeskog on the same:
Lastly, Derick Brassard, on his transition to the Avs:
0 Comments (6 conversations)
faydout
Not getting too far ahead of ourselves here, but if I’m being honest… looking at the standings, I think I’d prefer to stay as the 2nd WC. I like our odds against Calgary/SJ/VGK more than WPG/NSH/STL.
NoMoreRats
When Brassard first started speaking he sounded very similar to Patrick. I happen to agree with him that the Avs have a chance to do some damage if they can get in. They should be healthier than last year. particularly in net. Makar potentially playing could bring a huge amount of excitement.
I’m glad they’re all focused on finishing it up tonight
Chris DeMott
So what you’re saying is that the Avs are “in a good spot”. Yeah, that could be a problem…
Hockeyhead
Good thing Arizona is playing the Knights and Jets to try and get in. It would be more of a concern if they had say Buffalo and Jersey…. Here is to the Avs Kickng ass against the Jets and Sharks and going into the playoffs on a roll. Glad to here 96 is in skates again. It would be great to get in and do some damage to the top seeds.
MJW80013
If the avs beat both the Jets and the sharks in the same week, do they get to kiss Maria? That would be a real West side story.
mfisk
Totally forgot that EJ was hurt this time last year. Very fitting he gets the wining goal in OT tonight!