Deen’s Daily: Avs Are First Team To Finish Regular Season

The Avs’ regular season has come to an end. How many times will they practice before flying to Dallas? Also, the Devils might lose a depth forward before the playoffs begin.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 14.

Colorado Hockey Now

What a week it’s going to be. The playoffs are starting this weekend, and we already know the Avalanche are locked into a first-round series against Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars. The Avs could have up to four practices before taking the ice for Game 1.

They’re the only team to complete their regular-season schedule. Nobody else will play their last game until at least Tuesday.

In the process, the anticipation for a potential Gabriel Landeskog return could elevate the excitement for the postseason. The Avs should be fully healthy heading into the playoffs. It sounds like the biggest question mark of the bunch is Ryan Lindgren, although we’ll get an update on his status, along with Josh Manson and the others on Tuesday when the team resumes practice.

Catch the game recap of Sunday’s incredible comeback victory in Anaheim in Game No. 82.

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens sleepwalk through a game against Boston. Head coach Mike Sullivan slammed the team’s defensive effort.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils forward Paul Cotter is facing a possible suspension. We should get more information following his hearing with NHL Player Safety later today.

Detroit Hockey Now: Nine straight years without playoff hockey for the Red Wings. Head coach Todd McLellan feels his team took too much for granted.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Flames beat the Sharks and kept their slim playoff hopes alive. All eyes are on Tuesday’s games.

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Sens clinched the top wildcard seed in the East on Sunday.