The Avalanche need two points to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They can also clinch the Presidents’ trophy if the Boston Bruins defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in regulation.

But one thing that’s still up in the air is who they’ll be facing in the opening round. For the first time since 2023, the Avs are set to begin the postseason at home. The second wildcard spot in the Western Conference has far too many teams still alive to predict how it’ll end. And if the St. Louis Blues secure another two points against the Avs, they’ll be right there and will significantly increase their chance of being Colorado’s first-round opponent.

As it currently stands, the Blues have 78 points in 76 games. They are one of five teams between 78 and 83 as we enter the final 10 days of the regular season.

Currently, the Los Angeles Kings own the second wildcard spot with 83 points in 77 games. The Nashville Predators are next in line with 82 points in 77 games. On Monday, L.A. defeated Nashville in a shootout win to overtake the Preds for that spot.

The San Jose Sharks sit 10th in the West. They defeated the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, reaching 81 points in 76 games. That extra game in hand could catapult them above both Nashville and L.A. and into the playoffs.

The Winnipeg Jets are 11th with 80 points in 77 games, followed by the Blues.

Los Angeles has the upper hand, and beating Nashville helped make that possible. But the Blues can be three points back with five games remaining for each club if they beat the Avs again. What also works in their favor is their 29 regulation wins. Neither of the other four teams has more than 27 for the first tiebreaker. Their 6-2-2 record in their last 10 also makes them the hottest team currently fighting for a spot.

Updated point totals in the chase for the second wild card in West after #LAKings 3-2 SO win over #Preds on Monday:

Kings (83) – 5 games remaining
Predators (82) – 5 games remaining
Sharks (81) – 6 games remaining
Jets (80) – 5 games remaining
Blues (78) – 6 games remaining

— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) April 7, 2026