Apr 8, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing
T.J. Oshie(74) pushes Army Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg out to center ice to drop the puck between the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals before the game at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Blues
Losers of their last three and 5-5-0 in their last ten St.Louis’ hot streak has officially cooled off. Tuesday night the Blues lost 4-1 to Washington and their miseries continue on. I know the post season is different but we could see an early first round exit if the Blues go in this cold. St.Louis has a chance to get back on track against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
Colorado Avalanche
In their last ten games the Avalanche have 16 points with a 7-1-2 record. On Tuesday night the Avalanche steamrolled the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 and now threaten the St.Louis Blues for first just two points behind. Colorado has a young and very talented team but watch out if they meet Chicago, they could get taught a lesson or two. Thursday Colorado heads north to Vancouver.
Chicago Blackhawks
Following a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Chicago Blackhawks Thave picked it up again by winning three straight. Heading into the post season, the Chicago Blackhawks are trying for two Stanley Cup’s in a row and three since the Jonathan Toews era. The Blackhawks battle the Canadiens on Wednesday.
Minnesota Wild
Miko Koivu scored in the shoot out for Minnesota as the Wild beat Boston Tuesday to clinch the first wild card spot in the West. The acquisition of Ilya Bryzgalov at the trade deadline has payed off huge for Minnesota. Bryzgalov is 7-3-0 since the trade from Edmonton and has filled a huge role for a team that was desperate for a goalie. St.Louis and Nashville are the last two contests for the Wild.
Dallas Stars
Dallas beat Nashville on Tuesday to earn two more valuable points. The Stars are in a tight race with the Phoenix Coyotes for the last wild card spot and it could come down to the last game of the season when the Stars meet the Coyotes in Phoenix. Currently Dallas owns the final playoff spot two points ahead of Phoenix, both have three games remaining. Wednesday night Dallas hosts Columbus.
Nashville Predators
Playing for only pride at this point, the Nashville Predators have had some success in the past week. Nashville beat Washington at home and then San Jose and Anaheim on the road to take three straight before losing to Dallas Tuesday. Their season is over but give them a pat on the back for not shutting down. Thursday the Preds welcome in the Phoenix Coyotes.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets will a decision this off-season regarding goalie Odrej Pavelec. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs Pavelec assisted on a power play goal and this was basically the last straw for Pavelec. I attended the game against Minnesota and the biggest cheers were when Michael Hutchinson made an easy glove save. Winnipeg has Boston on Thursday and is in Calgary for their last game of the season Friday.
For more on your Winnipeg Jets and the NHL playoffs follow us on twitter @hkyattheforks