SPORTS

Avalanche Clinch Playoff Spot With 4-1 Chicago Win

PUBLISHED Mar 21, 2026, 12:16 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Center 100%

Sources: 9

Chicago. The Colorado Avalanche clinched a playoff berth Friday night with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the first NHL team this season to secure a postseason spot. Nathan MacKinnon recorded three assists while Martin Necas, Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the game. Colorado moved four points ahead of idle Dallas for the Western Conference lead and extended a gap over the Minnesota Wild by ten points this week; the team heads into the upcoming Olympic break with a notable power-play uptick and continues a multi-game road trip.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early season: Colorado's power play was among the NHL's weakest before the Olympic break.
Mid-March: Team showed power-play improvement (9-for-32 in March; 10-for-42 since the hiatus).
Prior week: Avalanche lost four of five, including a 7-2 loss to Pittsburgh.
Friday night: Colorado defeated Chicago 4-1 in Chicago; MacKinnon earned three assists.
After game: Avalanche clinched a playoff berth and strengthened their Western Conference position.

News Intelligence

If you're a Colorado Avalanche fan, this is a moment of celebration. The team's clinching of a playoff spot shows their resilience despite early season struggles. Their recent power-play improvement is a positive sign for the upcoming playoffs. Share the good news with fellow fans.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Colorado Avalanche organization, including players Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, benefited by securing postseason positioning, enhanced team reputation, and improved seeding and revenue prospects after clinching a playoff spot with a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

Who Impacted

The Chicago Blackhawks, coping with injuries and a young roster, suffered a 4-1 loss that intensified their struggles; goalie Arvid Soderblom faced heavy workload, stopping 45 of 49 shots, while the team remained in the league's lower standings.