Stanley Cup Playoff clinching scenario for April 22

One spot is up for grabs in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Friday night as the Edmonton Oilers can become second team in the Pacific Division and fifth team in the Western Conference to punch their ticket.

The Edmonton Oilers can clinch a playoff spot:

- If they defeat the Colorado Avalanche in any fashion on Friday night.

The Oilers have had a pretty strong 2021-22 season, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who both have hit the 100+ point mark, once again. The addition of Zach Hyman last summer has proved to be vital for Edmonton's forward group as he's put up 25 goals and 51 points.

On the blue line, rookie defenceman Evan Bouchard has been a bit of a surprise. He currently leads all Oilers blueliners with 40 points, followed closly by Tyson Barrie who has 37, and Darnell Nurse who's at 35 points.

The big question mark for Edmonton going into the playoffs will be their goaltending, which has stabilized a bit over the last month. Mike Smith, who had a strong 2020-21 campaign, is having a great month, winning all seven of his starts dating back to the first of April.

Puck drop for Edmonton against Colorado is set for 9 p.m. ET on Sportsnet West and Altitude Sports.

TONIGHT: The @EdmontonOilers can clinch a postseason berth in three consecutive seasons for the first time since a five-year run from 1996-97 to 2000-01.

To do so, they need a win against the Western Conference-leading Avalanche (9pm ET on SNW, TVAS2, ALT). #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/V5r5vksOJy— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 22, 2022

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