Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights (1:18)Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights (1:18)
Associated PressMultiple AuthorsMar 21, 2026, 12:13 AM ET
That development had been just a matter of time for a while. But the way they secured the franchise’s ninth consecutive postseason appearance was important.
Colorado strengthened its hold on the Western Conference with a sharp performance in Chicago during the opener of a four-game trip. Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri and Valeri Nichushkin scored in a 4-1 victory over the lowly Blackhawks.
“I think if we just play like that, there isn’t many games we’re going to lose,” Necas said. “Just a strong overall game. … Just keep it rolling.”
With the victory, the Avalanche moved four points ahead of the Stars and 10 clear of the Minnesota Wild at the top of the Western Conference. Dallas and Minnesota were off Friday.
The Avalanche clinched a playoff spot in fewer than 70 games for the third time in franchise history during an 82-game season. They accomplished the feat in 67 games in 1996-97 and 69 games in 2000-01.
It looked as if Colorado would run away with the Central Division when it was 33-4-7 after a 4-0 victory over Columbus on Jan. 10. But Dallas rallied with a 15-1-1 stretch going into Saturday’s game at Minnesota.
The high-scoring Avalanche totaled four goals in three games before the victory over the Blackhawks. It looks as if they might soon get some more help, too.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) and fellow forwards Artturi Lehkonen (upper body), Logan O’Connor (hip) and Ross Colton (upper body) are on their way back from injuries. O’Connor hasn’t played this season after having surgery in June.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights (1:18)Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights (1:18)
CHICAGO — The Colorado Avalanche became the first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot Friday night.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights (1:18)