Avalanche on the Brink of Playoffs, Makar Chasing History vs. Blackhawks

Avalanche Eye Playoff Berth, Makar Chases History Against Blackhawks

The Colorado Avalanche stand on the precipice of securing a 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff berth, with a critical matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks looming. This Friday, March 20, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, the Avalanche have the opportunity to become the first team in the league to punch their ticket to the postseason. The stakes are undeniably high, not just for the team’s immediate playoff future, but also for defenseman Cale Makar, who is on the verge of etching his name further into the NHL record books.

Playoff Clinching Scenarios: What Colorado Needs to Do

For the Colorado Avalanche, the path to the playoffs on Friday night is clear: secure at least one point against the Chicago Blackhawks. A win or an overtime/shootout loss would be enough for the club to clinch their spot. Boasting the NHL’s best record at a dominant 44-13-10, Colorado has been a force throughout the season. Should they clinch against Chicago, it would mark the second-fastest postseason berth in the franchise’s history during an 82-game season, a testament to their consistent performance. However, the Avalanche enter this pivotal game on a three-game losing streak, a concerning trend they will need to reverse quickly. Compounding the pressure, the Dallas Stars are hot on their heels in the Central Division standings, making every point crucial in the race for divisional supremacy. The game is scheduled to start at 12:30:00 AM UTC on March 21, 2026.

Cale Makar’s Historic Pursuit: The Race to 500 Points

While the team chases a playoff spot, individual brilliance is also on display. Defenseman Cale Makar is on the cusp of a significant career milestone, nearing 500 points. Makar currently boasts 497 career points, accumulated through 136 goals and 361 assists over just 462 games. He needs only three more points in his next two games to surpass legendary defenseman Denis Potvin for the third-fewest games to reach the 500-point mark by a defenseman in NHL history. The only blueliners to achieve this incredible feat faster were the iconic Bobby Orr, who did it in a remarkable 396 games, and Paul Coffey, who reached 500 points in 422 games. Makar’s pursuit of this benchmark underscores his elite offensive talent and places him among the game’s all-time great defensemen, even at this relatively early stage of his career.

Season Matchup: A Look at the Avalanche’s Dominance Over the Blackhawks This Season

The Avalanche have enjoyed considerable success against the Blackhawks this season, having won both of their previous matchups. The scores of those games—a tight 1-0 victory and a more comfortable 3-1 win—demonstrate Colorado’s ability to shut down Chicago’s offense. Despite their recent three-game skid, the Avalanche’s overall statistical profile remains formidable. They lead the entire league in goals per game, averaging an impressive 3.79, and also top the charts in shots on goal per game with 34.1.

In stark contrast, the Chicago Blackhawks have struggled offensively this season, ranking 27th in the league with just 2.64 goals per game and dead last at 32nd in shots on goal per game with a meager 24.4. However, the Blackhawks are not without recent momentum, coming off a 2-1 victory against the Minnesota Wild, a result that could inject some confidence into their lineup heading into Friday’s contest. Despite Chicago’s recent win, the statistical disparity heavily favors Colorado, suggesting that if the Avalanche can recapture their typical dominant form, they should be well-positioned to secure the point they need and punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly do the Avalanche need to do to clinch a playoff spot on Friday?
A1: The Colorado Avalanche need to secure at least one point against the Chicago Blackhawks (either a win or an overtime/shootout loss) to become the first team to clinch a 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff berth.

Q2: How close is Cale Makar to reaching 500 career points?
A2: Cale Makar needs just three more points to reach the 500-point milestone. He currently has 497 points (136 goals, 361 assists) in 462 career games.

Q3: What is the Avalanche’s current record this season?
A3: The Colorado Avalanche hold the best record in the NHL at 44-13-10.

Will the Avalanche shake off their recent losing streak and secure a dominant win to clinch, or will the Blackhawks play spoiler on home ice?

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Related Topics: Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, NHL