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\u2019s big game. <\/p>\n
All that and more on this edition of Deen\u2019s Daily \u2014 April 2.<\/p>\n
Colorado Hockey Now<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
They don\u2019t 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\u2019t have a morning skate. <\/p>\n
The Stars shutout the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Thursday. They\u2019ll enter that game feeling pretty good. It should be a fun matchup. <\/p>\n
Around The NHL<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Detroit Hockey Now: Ottawa doesn\u2019t 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<\/a> against the Flyers on Thursday. <\/p>\n Philly Hockey Now:\u00a0This is the Flyers\u2019 second consecutive loss in regulation<\/a>, meaning there are now three teams between them and a playoff spot. Although it\u2019s only two points. <\/p>\n San Jose Hockey Now: Remember that six-game losing streak that knocked San Jose way out of the playoff picture? It\u2019s now four straight wins, and back in the second wildcard spot at the conclusion of Thursday\u2019s games. <\/p>\n