Kings Can Take Over 2nd Wild Card in Tight West Race

Sharks, Blues also looking to move up; Avalanche closing in on Presidents' Trophy

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:27pm

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The Los Angeles Kings can jump into the second wild card from the Western Conference with a win over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. The San Jose Sharks also have a chance to move into a playoff position with a win against the Anaheim Ducks. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche can move closer to locking up first place in the Central Division and winning the Presidents' Trophy with a victory against the Vancouver Canucks.

Why it matters

The Western Conference playoff race is extremely tight, with several teams battling for the final wild card spots. The Kings, Sharks, and Blues are all trying to improve their playoff positioning, while the Avalanche are closing in on the Presidents' Trophy. These games could have a significant impact on the final standings.

The details

The Kings (29-26-18) can jump into the second wild card from the Western Conference before facing the team they're currently trailing by a point, the Nashville Predators, on Thursday. The Blues (31-31-11) need a win to keep up in the crowded Western Conference wild-card race after losing 5-4 to the Sharks on Monday. The Sharks (34-31-7) have a chance to take advantage of a game in hand and potentially move into a playoff position with a win against the Ducks (41-28-5), who are first in the Pacific Division. The Avalanche (49-14-10), the team with the most points in the NHL (108), can move closer to locking up first place in the Central Division and winning the Presidents' Trophy with a win against the Canucks (21-44-8), who are last in the League with 50 points.

  • The Minnesota Wild will clinch a playoff berth if the St. Louis Blues defeat the Los Angeles Kings in any fashion (9 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, FDSNW) OR the Anaheim Ducks defeat the San Jose Sharks in regulation (9 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT).

The players

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team that is currently trailing the Nashville Predators by a point for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

St. Louis Blues

An NHL team that needs a win to keep up in the crowded Western Conference wild-card race after losing 5-4 to the Sharks on Monday.

San Jose Sharks

An NHL team that has a chance to take advantage of a game in hand and potentially move into a playoff position with a win against the Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks

An NHL team that is first in the Pacific Division and can move closer to clinching first in the division with a win against the Sharks.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team with the most points in the league (108) and can move closer to locking up first place in the Central Division and winning the Presidents' Trophy with a win against the Vancouver Canucks.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.