Sports
Dallas Secures Playoff Berth, Vancouver Exits Post-Season Contention
The Dallas Stars secured a post-season berth on Sunday, becoming the second team in their conference to do so. Conversely, the Vancouver Canucks were mathematically eliminated from contention, marking them as the first team out of the playoff race.
The Dallas Stars confirmed their place in the playoffs on Sunday, March 19, despite a 3-2 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights. Their qualification was assured later that day when the Utah Mammoth secured a 4-3 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings. Dallas now stands as the second team in its conference to qualify for the post-season, following the Colorado Avalanche. With 97 points from a 43-16-11 record, the Stars are five points behind Colorado in the competition for the Presidents' Trophy and the top position in the Central Division, a placement that would help them avoid an initial round matchup with the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks, who were not in action on Sunday, became the first team to be mathematically removed from playoff contention. The Canucks have occupied the lower ranks of the standings for much of the current season, leading to several player movements, including a significant trade involving former captain Quinn Hughes.
Key Facts
- The Dallas Stars secured a playoff berth on Sunday, March 19.
- Dallas qualified after the Utah Mammoth defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime.
- The Stars, with a record of 43-16-11 and 97 points, are the second team in their conference to clinch a playoff spot.
- Dallas trails the Colorado Avalanche by five points in the race for the Presidents' Trophy and first place in the Central Division.
- The Vancouver Canucks were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.
- Vancouver holds a 21-40-8 record for 50 points with 13 games remaining in their schedule.
- The Nashville Predators currently hold the final wild-card position with 75 points, while the Los Angeles Kings are close behind with 73 points.
- Even if the Canucks win all their remaining 13 games to reach 76 points, it would not be sufficient for a playoff spot due to scheduled games between the Predators and Kings.