Deen’s Daily: Avalanche’s Point Streak Snapped; Habs Hopeful For Playoffs; Devils Find Value

The Avalanche couldn’t solve the goaltender in Toronto on Wednesday. In Florida, injuries are adding up but in Montreal, playoffs are becoming more realistic. Also, the Devils got a good trade deadline pickup that has flown under the radar.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 20

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche played well in Toronto but could only muster one goal on Joseph Woll. In the end, a brutal blunder from a veteran referee led to the go-ahead goal for the Leafs. And instead of forcing OT, the Avs effectively saw their nine-game point streak (8-0-1) come to an end.

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s not like the Pens were truly in the race before losing to the Islanders. But blowing that third-period lead on Monday was bad. Really bad. Here’s what their chances are to qualify for the postseason.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs, on the other hand, can actually do the thing. They have a 43% chance of qualifying for the postseason and could complete a trifecta for the East Coast Canadian teams. That’s assuming Ottawa holds their wildcard spot, too.

Colorado’s next two games are against the Sens and Habs.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Sometimes, it’s the under-the-radar deadline moves that can spark a team. That’s what the Devils got with Cody Glass.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are struggling to figure out what to do with Vladimir Tarasenko. Which, for a guy locked up through next season, is a problem.

Florida Hockey Now: An update from Paul Maurice on the statuses of injured Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Dmitri Kulikov.

Chicago Hockey Now: Morale is at an all-time low for the directionless Chicago Blackhawks.