And Down The Stretch They Come
by Joe Dunman on Mar 17, 2008 7:31 AM MDT
in NHL News
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PrintWell, this is it. It all comes down to the final eight nine games of the season, just like we all figured it probably would. The Avs are in the thick of the playoff battle, and have just eight games to play, all against division rivals.
Three teams in the Northwest Division are tied with 84 points: Colorado, Minnesota and Calgary. Vancouver is just two points behind, and Edmonton has won eight of their last ten, and trail the leaders by just seven points. It's conceivable, if a little unlikely, that they are still in the playoff fight as well. So you've got four definite contenders and one maybe---no doubt the toughest division in the league.
Can the Avs do it?
What if they don't? I won't even entertain that thought at all.
The Avs' remaining schedule, starting with tonight's game against the Wild:
Monday, March 17: @ Minnesota
Thursday, March 20: @ Calgary
Saturday, March 22: @ Edmonton
Monday, March 24: Calgary
Wednesday, March 26: Vancouver
Friday, March 28: Edmonton
Sunday, March 30: @ Minnesota
Tuesday, April 1: @ Vancouver
Sunday, April 6: Minnesota
How insane would it be to clinch the Northwest Division title with a win over Minnesota in the final game of the season? It could happen. And just think of the insanity of having to wait five days after the second-to-last game before it's all settled.
Or the Avs could lose the next three or four games and be out of it.
Either way, it probably won't get more exciting (see also: vomit inducing) than the next three weeks. Hold on to your butts.
ADDENDUM: What would this post be without a playoff poll?
UPDATE: The poll question does not include tonight's game, which the Avs will win. They don't have a choice.
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minor nit
But there are 9 games left, not 8. I just used this on ITCS, but here it goes again. There are three types of people in this world. Those who can count, and those who can't.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 17, 2008 10:16 AM MDT reply actions
Well
I just assumed the game tonight would be a win. I guess I should explain that.
Thanks for pointing that out, though. Clarification is probably in order.
3-4 wins
I think 3-4 wins still gets them in the Playoffs
Nashville is sitting at 9th with 80 points. If the Avs win 4 games and lose the rest, in regulation, they will have 92pts. Nashville would then have to win 6/9 to tie. But due to the "Wins"tiebreaker they would really have to win 7 (all this assumes, of course that no one picks up A for Effort points)
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 17, 2008 10:53 AM MDT reply actions
Re: 3-4 wins
I could have tried to map out all the possibilities, but I'm going to assume, with such a Division-heavy schedule and the West being as tight as it is, that losing five games will ultimately end the Avs' playoff hopes.
Granted, if they can squeak in despite losing five of the next nine, it will be a miracle, but I'll gladly take it.
4 is possible but 5 is likely
It's definitely possible for the Avs to sneak in with 4 wins, hell even 3, but that relies on the Predators helping out by losing a lot.
It's all about the drive for five!
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on Mar 17, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: 4 is possible
Mirtle says that the West teams will need at least 94 points to make the playoffs. If he's right, then the Avs need no fewer than five wins, or four wins and two OT losses...etc.
But honestly, I think (and this is just a gut reaction) that it will take 95 or 96 points. Nashville would really have to screw the pooch (along with the actual pooches in Phoenix) for the Avs to squeak in with less than that. I don't think it's a real possibility.
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