ESPN.com · Mar 22
Avalanche become first NHL team to clinch playoff berth
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CHICAGO -- The Colorado Avalanche became the first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot Friday night.
That development had been just a matter of time for a while. But the way they secured the franchise's ninth consecutive postseason appearance was important.
Colorado strengthened its hold on the Western Conference with a sharp performance in Chicago during the opener of a four-game trip. Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri and Valeri Nichushkin scored in a 4-1 victory over the lowly Blackhawks.
"I think if we just play like that, there isn't many games we're going to lose," Necas said. "Just a strong overall game. ... Just keep it rolling."