Avalanche Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Blackhawks

Colorado secures postseason berth with convincing victory in Chicago

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:55am

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The Colorado Avalanche became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Friday night. Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, and Valeri Nichushkin scored for the Avalanche, who improved to 45-13-10 on the year. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser tallied the lone goal for the Blackhawks, who fell to 26-31-12.

Why it matters

The Avalanche's playoff clinching victory underscores their status as one of the NHL's elite teams this season. Colorado leads the league in goals scored and has now secured a postseason berth with over a month remaining in the regular season. For the rebuilding Blackhawks, the loss continues a difficult campaign, though they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.

The details

The Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Necas and Nelson. Kaiser brought the Blackhawks within one early in the second, but Kadri and Nichushkin scored in the third to seal the win for Colorado. Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 19 saves, while Chicago's Arvid Soderblom stopped 45 shots. Colorado defenseman Brent Burns also played in his 1,565th career game, moving him into 14th place on the NHL's all-time games played list.

  • The Avalanche scored the game's first goal with 6:41 left in the first period.
  • Nelson's power-play goal came with 4:38 remaining in the first period.
  • Kaiser cut the Avalanche's lead to 1 goal 6:48 into the second period.
  • Kadri restored Colorado's 2-goal lead just 36 seconds into the third period.
  • Nichushkin scored the Avalanche's fourth goal at the 8:34 mark of the third period.

The players

Martin Necas

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored the opening goal and added two assists in the game.

Brock Nelson

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored a power-play goal in the first period.

Nazem Kadri

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored a power-play goal in the third period to restore the Avalanche's 2-goal lead.

Wyatt Kaiser

A defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks who scored the team's lone goal in the second period.

Brent Burns

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who played in his 1,565th career NHL game, moving him into 14th place on the all-time games played list.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus as we head into the playoffs.”

— Nazem Kadri, Forward, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will look to continue their strong play and secure the top seed in the Western Conference as the regular season winds down. The Blackhawks will aim to play spoiler and build momentum for next season as they are eliminated from playoff contention.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's convincing win over the Blackhawks underscores their status as one of the NHL's elite teams this season. Colorado's high-powered offense and stifling defense have them poised for a deep playoff run, while the rebuilding Blackhawks continue to search for consistency and progress.