Playoff hockey is right around the corner and the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche are ready for their defense. Colorado’s opponent, however, is still to be determined.
The Avs (49-24-7, 105 points) hold first place in the Central Division entering Wednesday’s games with two games left to play. The team can do no better than the No. 2 overall seed in the West since Vegas holds the tiebreaking edge in regulation wins (37) over Colorado (34).
Here’s a look at who the Avs could face in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
If Colorado wins the Central Division
The Avalanche would take on the No. 1 wild-card team.
Opponent:
Los Angeles Kings (if L.A. loses in regulation to Anaheim AND Seattle beats Vegas on Thursday)
Colorado is 1-1-1 against the Kings this season, most recently winning 4-3 in Los Angeles on April 8.
Seattle Kraken (if L.A. wins or goes into overtime in its final game OR Seattle loses or goes into overtime)
Colorado 1-1-1 against the Kraken this season, most recently losing 3-2 in overtime on March 5.
If Colorado finishes second in the Central Division
The Avalanche would take on the No. 3 team in the Central Division
Minnesota Wild
Colorado is 2-1 against the Wild this season, most recently losing 4-2 in Colorado on March 29.
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