The Avalanche are idle tonight, but that doesn't mean this is an evening of non-significance with regards to the Avs' playoff chase. Here's a breakdown of who to cheer for tonight...(and note that all teams near the Avs picked up at least a point in their last game...ugh).
| 6 | Chicago | CEN | 70 | 37 | 25 | 8 | 82 | 33 | 209 | 206 | +3 | 4-4 | 5-4-1 | OT 1 | ||
| 7 | Phoenix | PAC | 70 | 34 | 25 | 11 | 79 | 29 | 182 | 178 | +4 | 5-8 | 4-4-2 | OT 1 | ||
| 8 | Colorado | NW | 71 | 37 | 30 | 4 | 78 | 29 | 186 | 189 | -3 | 8-1 | 7-3-0 | Won 2 | ||
| 9 | San Jose | PAC | 68 | 34 | 25 | 9 | 77 | 28 | 187 | 175 | +12 | 6-5 | 3-5-2 | Won 1 | ||
| 10 | Calgary | NW | 69 | 32 | 25 | 12 | 76 | 29 | 173 | 191 | -18 | 3-7 | 4-3-3 | Won 3 | ||
| 11 | Los Angeles | PAC | 69 | 32 | 25 | 12 | 76 | 27 | 154 | 152 | +2 | 5-7 | 5-4-1 | Won 1 | ||
The most important game to the Avs is also one of the toughest to call, as San Jose visits Calgary at 9:30 eastern. No matter what happens, the winner will move ahead of the Avalanche in the standings. And if Calgary wins in overtime or a shootout, both teams leapfrog over Colorado. Since San Jose has one more game in hand, the best-case scenario would be for Calgary to win in regulation. That wasn't fun to type.
This one will be even tougher. At 10:30 eastern, the Kings and Red Wings square off in Los Angeles. If Los Angeles wins, they too will move past Colorado in the standings, leaving MHH fans with an ethical dilemma. That's right, folks, we want a Detroit win here, preferably in regulation. Gross.
Finally, the Blackhawks host the Blues at 8:30 eastern. Chicago is just four points ahead of the Avs (fun fact: they both have 37 wins), so it wouldn't hurt to root for St Louis this evening. Again, regulation wins please.
There's your rooting guide for tonight. So go get those lucky socks on and break out your Jimmy Howard jerseys and get those burgundy vibes flowing.