Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.comMar 13, 2024, 06:20 AM ET
CloseTim Kavanagh is a senior editor for ESPN digital editorial. He’s a native of upstate New York.
Following last night’s packed 10-game NHL slate, Wednesday is relatively light with just four games on the docket. However, there are some superb matchups on tap, highlighted by two Western Conference juggernauts squaring off.
In the late game, the Colorado Avalanche will visit the Vancouver Canucks (10:30 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Each team is packed with superstars up for some end-of-season hardware, and it would not be surprising to see either of those clubs representing the West in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
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Heading into tonight’s matchup, the Canucks own the No. 1 seed in the Pacific Division (and the Western Conference) and are currently slated to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. According to Stathletes’ projections, they have a 29.0% chance to reach the conference finals, 14.5% chance to make the Cup Final and a 7.0% chance to win it all.
As for the Avalanche, they hold the No. 3 seed in the Central Division, and would take on the Winnipeg Jets if the current standings hold. Stathletes doesn’t like their conference finals or Cup Final chances quite as much (28.7% and 13.5%, respectively), but gives them a 7.1% of winning the Cup.
The two teams have played twice this season: a 5-2 win for the Avs on Nov. 22, and a 3-1 win for the Avs on Feb. 20. Notably, Ryan Johansen scored Colorado’s two non-empty-net goals in that most recent game, and he has since been traded to the Philadelphia Flyers (who promptly waived him). Who wins tonight’s potential conference finals preview?
As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it’s time to check in on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Last night’s scores
Expanded…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39715083/nhl-playoffs-standings-2024-avalanche-canucks-west-final
Author : Tim Kavanagh
Publish date : 2024-03-13 11:08:31
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