"The Avs and Stars staged one of the best playoff series in recent memory last spring, and are battling for both the Central Division crown as well as the top overall seed in the NHL. This will be their penultimate regular-season showdown of 2025-26, as they'll play again on March 18 in Denver."
"Yes, the Stars have two matchups against the Avalanche this month. But if they fail to eclipse Colorado in the standings, their most likely first-round playoff matchup will be against Minnesota, which means there is potential for some "message sending" in this showdown."
"The standings will take a few more twists and turns until the end of the regular season, but the odds-on favorites to square off in this spring's Eastern Conference finals will do so in this mid-March meeting."
The NHL trade deadline occurs Friday for the 2025-26 season, after which playoff competition intensifies significantly. ESPN has released updated power rankings based on games through Wednesday, compiled by a panel of hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors voting 1-32. Each team receives a ranking with previous standings noted from February 27, current points percentages, and betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. Additionally, ESPN identified the most captivating remaining game in March for each club's schedule. Notable matchups include Avalanche versus Stars on March 6 competing for the Central Division and top overall seed, Stars versus Wild on March 21 as a potential first-round preview, and Lightning matchups highlighted as Eastern Conference Finals contenders.
Read at ESPN.com
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