Colorado Avalanche Clinch Playoff Berth in Win Over Struggling Blackhawks

Chicago allows 49 shots in loss as Avalanche become first team to secure postseason spot

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:06am

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The Colorado Avalanche dominated the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night, outshooting them 49-20 and cruising to a 4-1 victory. The win clinched a playoff berth for the Avalanche, who became the first team in the NHL to secure a postseason spot this season. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, continued their struggles, falling to 26-31-12 on the year and all but ensuring they will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season.

Why it matters

The lopsided loss to the league-leading Avalanche highlighted the significant gap between the two teams, as the Blackhawks continue to rebuild while Colorado remains a Stanley Cup contender. Chicago's inability to mount a comeback or even keep the game close raises further questions about the direction of the franchise and the development of its young players.

The details

The Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, outshooting the Blackhawks 20-6. Goaltender Arvid Söderblom kept Chicago in the game, making 45 saves, but the Blackhawks offense was largely ineffective. Wyatt Kaiser scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks in the second period, but Colorado added two more power-play goals to seal the victory. Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon had three assists, continuing his strong season.

  • The Avalanche clinched a playoff berth and reached 100 points with the win.
  • The Blackhawks have now lost five straight games to the Avalanche.

The players

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche, who have clinched a playoff berth and reached 100 points on the season.

Arvid Söderblom

The Blackhawks' goaltender, who made 45 saves in the loss.

Wyatt Kaiser

The Blackhawks' forward who scored the team's lone goal in the second period.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Avalanche's star center, who had three assists in the game.

Jeff Blashill

The Blackhawks' head coach, who acknowledged his team did not have its best effort against the Avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have it tonight, and they did. I thought they came out and played really well.”

— Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks Head Coach

“I didn't know of (Greene) was going to find me. I knew they were changing and we were changing. I tried to jump in the middle to at least give (Greene) some option. It landed on my stick. What a pass.”

— Wyatt Kaiser, Blackhawks Forward

“(Colorado's) level is a level that we want to get to. They're going to be a contending team this year, so it's definitely a measuring stick.”

— Ryan Greene, Blackhawks Forward

What’s next

The Blackhawks will look to rebound during an upcoming four-game road trip, with injured players Andrew Mangiapane and Louis Crevier expected to rejoin the team at some point.

The takeaway

The lopsided loss to the Avalanche underscores the significant work the rebuilding Blackhawks have ahead of them to reach the level of the NHL's elite teams. Chicago's inability to keep pace with Colorado serves as a sobering reminder of how far the franchise has fallen and the challenges it faces in its quest to return to the playoffs.