It's been seven years since we've been able to use the words "Arizona Coyotes" and "playoffs" in the same sentence during the final week of the NHL regular season.
But if the Coyotes are going to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2012, they're going to need a little help, along with taking care of their own business.
The Coyotes trail the Colorado Avalanche by two points for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and both teams have three games to play. The Coyotes will host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night, while the Avalanche will play the Edmonton Oilers in Denver.
The Avalanche doubled their point advantage over the Yotes by earning a single point in a shootout loss at the St. Louis Blues on Monday.
The Avalanche earned a point in a shootout loss to the Blues tonight. The Avs lead the Coyotes by two points with three games to play.
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) April 2, 2019
The Coyotes host the Kings and the Avalanche host the Oilers tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/jkSpDuWfBN
The Coyotes have several ways to surpass the Avs in the standings, but they all involve Colorado losing at least one game in regulation.
Two scenarios that would get the Yotes in:
-The Coyotes win each of their last three games in regulation or overtime, and the Avalanche lose one of their final three games in regulation.
-The Coyotes win two of their last three games in regulation or overtime, and the Avalanche lose two of their final three games in regulation.
In those scenarios, the Coyotes would finished tied with the Avs in points, but Arizona would win the tiebreaker (total regular-season wins in regulation or overtime) and earn the playoff spot. However, if the Avalanche earn five points (two wins and a loss in overtime or a shootout) in their final three games, they will secure that playoff spot regardless of what the Coyotes do in their remaining games.
After facing the Kings, the Coyotes will travel to Las Vegas to face the Golden Knights on Thursday, and they'll head back home to face the Winnipeg Jets in their regular-season finale on Saturday.
The Avalanche host the Oilers on Tuesday and the Jets on Thursday before wrapping up their regular season at the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
The Coyotes' matchup with the Kings begins at 7 p.m. Interested in going? Go here for tickets.
