Flynn’s Daily: Cale Makar Makes History; Blues Keep Winning; Draisaitl Leaves Game

It’s official — the Colorado Avalanche are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the 7-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Cale Makar made history and Charlie Coyle scored his first goal in burgundy and blue.

The St. Louis Blues won their 11th game in a row and face the Avs next. Also, the Edmonton Oilers lost one of their best to injury.

Avalanche highlights and more in April 4th’s edition of Flynn’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Makar scored his 30th goal this season — becoming the ninth defenseman in NHL history to hit the milestone.

The Avs got production from all four lines and the blueline in the victory over the Blue Jackets. Colorado was missing Martin Necas and Jonathan Drouin from its top six but managed a dominating win to clinch a playoff berth.

READ MORE: Good & Bad: Avs Clinch Playoff Spot with Quick Turnaround Win

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens put up a fight but ultimately fell to the Blues in overtime. Bryan Rust, Connor Dewar and Rickard Rakell scored for the Pens, and Rutger McGroarty scored his first NHL goal with just 25 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game 4-4.

“After a good start and some good goaltending, the Pittsburgh Penguins heaped mistakes and chances upon the already red-hot St. Louis Blues,” Dan Kingerski wrote in his recap.

Robert Thomas scored the game-winner for the Blues in OT to keep the team’s winning streak alive.

San Jose Hockey Now: Jake Walman returned to San Jose and beat his former team. Leon Draisaitl earned an assist on Viktor Arvidsson’s goal but left the game in the second period and did not return.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins lost their 10th in a row to the Montreal Canadiens. The game started off on an even playing field but the Habs kicked it up a notch and the Bruins failed to counteract.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Winnipeg Jets held the Vegas Golden Knights scoreless to earn two points and further secured their No. 1 spot in the league.

Four different Jets scored goals, while the Golden Knights struggled to produce anything. But due to the Utah Hockey Club’s loss to the L.A. Kings, Vegas earned a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.