The Eastern Conference playoff race had another shake-up on Friday. In the Western Conference, a new team has jumped back into a wildcard spot. Also, the Avs will have a much-needed practice day ahead of Saturday’s big game.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 2.
Colorado Hockey Now
The Avalanche had a much-needed off day yesterday and will follow it up with a practice at Family Sports later this morning. Wednesday concluded a 14-game stretch in which the Avs played every other night from March 6 to April 1. They finished 8-5-1.
They don’t have many practice dates left, but this is a good time to make the most of the extra day. And with the Dallas Stars game scheduled for just after 1 p.m. MT on Saturday, they won’t have a morning skate.
The Stars shutout the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Thursday. They’ll enter that game feeling pretty good. It should be a fun matchup.
Around The NHL
Ottawa Hockey Now: The Senators got a huge win against the Buffalo Sabres to finish the night in the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit Hockey Now: Ottawa doesn’t have much breathing room, as the Red Wings are tied with 88 points, but the Sens have the regulation wins tiebreaker. Detroit got a big win against the Flyers on Thursday.
Philly Hockey Now: This is the Flyers’ second consecutive loss in regulation, meaning there are now three teams between them and a playoff spot. Although it’s only two points.
San Jose Hockey Now: Remember that six-game losing streak that knocked San Jose way out of the playoff picture? It’s now four straight wins, and back in the second wildcard spot at the conclusion of Thursday’s games.
Vegas Hockey Now: Not sure how much of a help it’ll be, but the Knights are getting Carter Hart back soon.