* The Stars and Wild became the first two Central Division clubs to clinch a berth in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
* Seattle increased its chances of reaching the postseason for the first time in franchise history by erupting for eight goals against Arizona.
* The playoff race in each conference could get even more interesting during Tuesday’s 11-game slate, which features an ESPN doubleheader and six teams in action who either occupy or are within five points of a Wild Card spot.
STARS SECURE PLAYOFF BERTH AS ROBO COPS 1-3—4 TO ECLIPSE 100-POINT MARK
Jason Robertson (43-58—101 in 77 GP) recorded four points to help Dallas (42-21-14, 98 points) clinch a berth in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and become the fourth different player in Stars/North Stars franchise history with a triple-digit total in a season. He joined Dino Ciccarelli (106 in 1981-82 & 103 in 1986-87), Bobby Smith (114 in 1981-82) and Neal Broten (105 in 1985-86), who all achieved the feat when the club was based in Minnesota.
* Robertson (Arcadia, Calif.), who took a unique path to reach the NHL, can become the third California-born Stanley Cup winner in League history – he would join Brooks Orpik (2009 PIT & 2018 WSH) and Scott Parker (2001 COL). Click here to read more playoff #NHLStats about Dallas.
WILD ALSO CLINCH POSTSEASON BERTH AFTER EARNING POINT VERSUS VEGAS
Minnesota (44-23-10, 98 points) suffered a shootout loss after Western Conference-leading Vegas tied the game with 34.2 seconds remaining in regulation but were able to clinch a berth in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs by virtue of its point and Dallas’ victory Monday.
* Matt Boldy (30-30—60 in 77 GP), who beat Golden Knights goaltender Laurent Brossoit to reach 30 goals on the season, is set to make his second Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance after recording 1-0—1 in six games against the Blues during the 2022 First Round. Click here to read more playoff #NHLStats about Minnesota.
SEATTLE’S SUCCESS IN SOPHOMORE SEASON FEATURED IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
Monday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates featured more notes from the three-game slate, including Seattle scoring eight goals versus Arizona to improve to 42-26-8 (92 points) this season and strengthen its grip on the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Kraken’s 42 victories represent a 15-win increase when compared to their total from 2021-22 (27-49-6, 60 points).
QUICK CLICKS
* Andrei Vasilevskiy, Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrnak named NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week
* Tage Thompson looks to spark Sabres in crucial game against Panthers
* Women in Hockey: Namita Nandakumar
* Color of Hockey: Larry Kwong gaining support for Hall of Fame induction
* Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award announces 2023 finalists
TUESDAY FEATURES ESPN TWO-PACK, OTHER PIVOTAL GAMES IN WILD CARD RACES
Tuesday’s 11-game slate is highlighted by an ESPN doubleheader featuring Los Angeles (45-22-10, 100 points) hosting Edmonton (45-23-9, 99 points) and Vegas (48-22-7, 103 points) visiting Nashville (38-30-8, 84 points), with the Predators being one of six teams in action who either occupy or are within five points of a Wild Card spot. The others are Seattle (42-26-8, 92 points) and Calgary (36-26-15, 87 points) in the Western Conference as well as Pittsburgh (38-29-10, 86 points), Florida (39-31-7, 85 points) and Buffalo (37-31-7, 81 points) in the Eastern Conference, with the Panthers and Sabres squaring off in a pivotal showdown at FLA Live Arena.
