DALLAS -- For the Stars to clinch a spot in the playoffs on Wednesday, the math is simple.
If they earn at least one point against the Arizona Coyotes OR if Chicago defeats Vegas in any fashion, the Stars will punch a ticket to the big dance.
It took a thrilling seven-round shootout victory over the Golden Knights on Tuesday to get where they're at, but with two games remaining in the regular season, the Stars can breathe a little easier if they take care of business against the Coyotes.
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The Stars have won the first two games of this season-ending four-game homestand with wins over Seattle and Vegas. A regulation victory on Tuesday would've clinched a playoff spot, but the Stars gladly took the extra point over the Golden Knights, which put them on the brink of elimination.
Let's not forget the Stars are still in a battle for playoff positioning. They're tied in points with Nashville for the first wild card, but the Predators hold the tiebreaker. Therefore, the Stars will have to beat them by points outright to take the first wild card, which would set up a first-round matchup with the Calgary Flames. The final wild card will take on the Colorado Avalanche.
The Coyotes snapped a 10-game winless streak with a 5-3 victory on Tuesday night in Minnesota. It was a comeback effort for the Coyotes, who scored four goals in the third period to snap an eight-game losing skid against the Wild. Arizona remains last in the Western Conference and 31st in the NHL with 53 points.
Great seats are still available for tonight's game against the Arizona Coyotes! Get your tickets now!
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.
