Blackhawks Eliminated From Playoff Contention

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention with a 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche at United Center Tuesday.

It's the first time Chicago has missed the postseason since 2007-08. Its nine-season playoff run was the second-longest streak behind the Pittsburgh Penguins (11).

Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist, and Semyon Varlamov made 44 saves for the Avalanche, who are 5-1-0 in their past six games. Colorado (40-25-8) leads the Anaheim Ducks by two points for the first wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the West, and are two points behind the Minnesota Wild for third in the Central Division.

Brent Seabrook scored, and Anton Forsberg made 35 saves for the Blackhawks (30-35-9), who have lost four in a row and are 3-8-1 in their past 12 games.

Karlsson Son Dies

The Ottawa Senators say the unborn son of captain Erik Karlsson has died. The team didn’t offer details, but Karlsson sat out Ottawa’s game against Florida last night.

Tuesday, March 20 Scoreboard

Colorado 5, Chicago 1

New York Islanders 4, Pittsburgh 1

Columbus 5, New York Rangers 3

Edmonton 7, Carolina 3

Washington 4, Dallas 3

Florida 7, Ottawa 2

Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 3

Detroit 5, Philadelphia 4 (SO)

Winnipeg 2, Los Angeles 1 (OT)

Vegas 4, Vancouver 1

San Jose 6, New Jersey 2

Wednesday, March 21 Schedule (All Times Central)

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

Arizona at Buffalo, 6 p.m.

Boston at St. Louis, 7 p.m.

Anaheim at Calgary, 8:30 p.m.