Avalanche Reach 100 Points: Colorado Clinches Playoff Berth with Win Over Chicago
Avalanche Reach 100 Points: Colorado Clinches Playoff Berth with Win Over Chicago
The Colorado Avalanche became the first team in the NHL to officially punch their ticket to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, reaching the 100-point plateau with a decisive victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The milestone victory was spearheaded by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who both put on a clinic at Ball Arena. MacKinnon recorded his 18th three-point game of the season, while Necas extended his road goal streak to seven games, matching a franchise record held by Joe Sakic. The win cements Colorado’s status as the heavy favorite for the Presidents' Trophy and marks their ninth consecutive postseason appearance.
Despite the lopsided score, the Blackhawks saw flashes of brilliance from young netminder Arvid Soderblom, who kept the game from spiraling out of control early with several acrobatic stops. However, the sheer volume of high-danger chances created by the Avalanche’s top six was too much to overcome. Valeri Nichushkin and Nicolas Roy also found the scoresheet, highlighting the immense depth that has made Colorado the most feared offensive unit in the league this season.
Report: Is a Blockbuster Extension Brewing for Necas?
While the celebrations are in full swing in Denver, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of Martin Necas. Sources suggest that despite his incredible chemistry with MacKinnon, the Avalanche and Necas remain far apart on a long-term extension. Rumors are swirling that Necas, who is in the final year of his current deal, may be seeking a contract worth upwards of $10 million annually—a figure that could create a significant salary cap crunch for the Avs as they prepare to re-sign Cale Makar next summer.
Insiders indicate that the team is desperate to keep the 27-year-old forward but may be forced to consider a trade if a deal isn't reached before the draft. For now, Necas is playing the best hockey of his career, proving to be the perfect wingman for MacKinnon. His ability to drive play at five-on-five has been the missing piece Colorado needed to return to the summit of the Western Conference.
Blackhawks Look Toward the Future
For the rebuilding Blackhawks, Friday night was a lesson in what it takes to compete with the elite. While Wyatt Kaiser and Arvid Soderblom showed poise under pressure, the gap in talent remains significant. Chicago’s focus remains firmly on the upcoming draft, where they hold multiple high-value picks to complement their young core. Despite the loss, head coach Luke Richardson praised his team's effort, noting that facing a team like Colorado provides invaluable experience for his developing roster.
As the Avalanche prepare for their ninth straight spring run—tying Toronto for the longest active streak in the league—the rest of the NHL is officially on notice. With 100 points in the bag and their stars playing at an MVP level, the path to the Cup once again appears to run through the Mile High City.
