Vancouver Canucks in four-team playoff race and here's what they're up against
It’s a four-horse race to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, and the Vancouver Canucks are in the thick of the chase.
And they’ve got a big game tonight.
The Canucks are one point behind the Calgary Flames for the second wild card spot (Calgary has a game in hand), but also have the St. Louis Blues and Utah Hockey Club breathing down their neck.
The Canucks and Blues are tied in points, though Vancouver has a game in hand, and they’re two points clear of Utah.
It’s a four-team race for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
This has been a turtle derby of sorts, given that all four teams in the race for the final playoff spot have lost more games (including OT losses) than they have won. They also each have a negative goal differential.
What a long, strange journey it has been for the Canucks this season. Off-ice drama and on-ice disappointments have left a sour taste in everyone’s mouths, yet they do have a chance to change the narrative with a strong finish.
It won’t be easy, though, particularly with Quinn Hughes banged up. He could return to the lineup soon, but he won’t be playing at 100% health.
While the Flames and Canucks are ahead in the standings and have been riding the playoff line seemingly all season, the threat from St. Louis and Utah is increasing.
The Blues, in particular, appear to have an edge despite having the fewest games remaining. St. Louis is red-hot, with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games. They’ve also got the easiest remaining schedule, with just five games against teams currently in a playoff spot.
The postseason doesn’t technically start until next month, but there may be a playoff feel to upcoming games. The Canucks play their biggest game of the season tonight in Calgary, and they have Utah and St. Louis on their schedule in the next five games as well.
Remaining schedules in the playoff push
Vancouver Canucks (18 games left)
- Home games: 9
- Road games: 9
- Games remaining vs. playoff teams: 10
- Second half of back-to-backs remaining: 3
- Last 10 games: 4-6-0
Calgary Flames (19 games left)
- Home games: 9
- Road games: 10
- Games remaining vs. playoff teams: 10
- Second half of back-to-backs remaining: 2
- Last 10 games: 4-3-3
St. Louis Blues (17 games left)
- Home games: 9
- Road games: 8
- Games remaining vs. playoff teams: 5
- Second half of back-to-backs remaining: 2
- Last 10 games: 7-1-2
Utah Hockey Club (18 games left)
- Home games: 9
- Road games: 9
- Games remaining vs. playoff teams: 8
- Second half of back-to-backs remaining: 2
- Last 10 games: 5-3-2
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