Avalanche Clinch Playoff Berth With 4-1 Win Over Blackhawks

MacKinnon and Necas lead Colorado's offensive onslaught in Chicago

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:08pm

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The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 at the United Center, clinching a playoff berth in the process. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas combined for five points, powering Colorado's deep, relentless attack that the young Blackhawks could not contain. The Avalanche struck twice on the power play and outshot Chicago 49-20, dominating play throughout the game.

Why it matters

The win not only padded Colorado's record, but it also mathematically clinched a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth for the Avalanche. This early playoff qualification gives the team some breathing room down the stretch, allowing them to manage minutes, rest when needed, and focus on securing the best possible playoff seed.

The details

Colorado wasted little time taking control, with Martin Necas opening the scoring in the first period. Brock Nelson then added a power-play goal to make it 2-0 before the first intermission. Chicago's Wyatt Kaiser cut the deficit in the second, but Nazem Kadri's power-play tally early in the third period restored Colorado's two-goal lead and sealed the win. Nathan MacKinnon had three assists, while Necas recorded a goal and two helpers, leading the Avalanche's dominant offensive performance.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Colorado opened the scoring at 13:19 of the first period.
  • Brock Nelson scored on the power play at 15:22 of the first period.
  • Wyatt Kaiser scored for Chicago in the second period.
  • Nazem Kadri scored on the power play just 36 seconds into the third period.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

A star forward for the Colorado Avalanche who finished the game with three assists, driving the team's offense throughout the night.

Martin Necas

A skilled forward for the Avalanche who recorded a goal and two assists, matching MacKinnon's production and helping Colorado control the game.

Wyatt Kaiser

A young player for the Chicago Blackhawks who scored his team's lone goal, providing a brief moment of hope for the home crowd.

Nazem Kadri

A veteran forward for the Avalanche who scored a crucial power-play goal in the third period to restore Colorado's two-goal lead and effectively end Chicago's comeback bid.

Arvid Soderblom

The Blackhawks' goaltender, who made several timely saves to keep the score from getting out of hand despite the Avalanche's dominance.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The win did more than pad Colorado's record. It mathematically clinched a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth, per the NHL standings. That early ticket gives the Avalanche some breathing room down the stretch, allowing them to manage minutes, rest when needed, and focus on jockeying for the best possible seed.

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.