Canadiens can build lead on Rangers for final spot in East; Blues could move ahead of Wild in West wild-card race

Two recent Stanley Cup champions are almost back in the dance. The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning can each clinch playoff spots when they hit the ice on Thursday.

The Colorado Avalanche are playing their best hockey since their Stanley Cup season in 2022. It’s more than a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day. This is an Avalanche advisory. “Not only is this the best roster – but this is also the best they have played (since their Stanley Cup run),” declared Jesse Montano from Guerilla Sports.

“These games against teams playing with desperation — St. Louis, this game, Montreal — they’re not just going to roll over and go away,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s really good practice for us because they’re playing must-win games, which is what every playoff game is.

Clinching the No. 3 seed in the Central Division and a spot in the Western Conference playoffs is well within reach for the Colorado Avalanche.

The Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a unique position. They are almost certainly on a collision course with the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs, though seeding has yet to determine home ice.