Together, the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets have a chance to accomplish something that hasn't happened in eight years; that is, both franchises making the playoffs in the same season.
While the probability that both will qualify for the postseason has taken a hit in recent weeks (thanks, Nuggets), each team enters the final few weeks of the regular season with a chance. And sometimes, that's all you can ask for this late in the year.
The Nuggets and Avs haven't both made the playoffs in the same year since 2009-10, when the two mile high teams each got bounced in the first round.
There are only about 3 weeks to go in the NHL and NBA seasons, so the time is now for the Pepsi Center Pair to play at the highest level possible.
Here's a breakdown of each team's chances to clinch a spot in the postseason.
Colorado Avalanche (86 points--top Wild Card Spot)
PLAYOFF PROBABILITY: 81.2% (According to Hockey Reference)
Let's start with the team that is currently in the playoff field. A year after the worst season in Avalanche history, Colorado is in a great position to make the postseason for the first time since 2013-14.
The Avs currently hold the first of two wild card spots in the Western Conference standings with just 10 games to go. Five of those 10 remaining contests will be played at the Pepsi Center--where Colorado has been fantastic all season (25-9-2 on the year).
The downside of the upcoming slate is that eight of the 10 teams left on the schedule have a .500 record or better.
Right now, the Avalanche have 86 points, the same total as the Anaheim Ducks--who are in the second Wild card spot and the final overall playoff position out West.
The closest team on the outside looking in (one that the Avs have to stay ahead of) is the Dallas Stars, with 84 points. Right behind them and very much in the hunt are the St. Louis Blues--with 83 points.
While the point separation isn't great, here's something to take note of that should make Avs fans feel better: games played.
The two teams that could collectively knock out the Avs--the Ducks and Stars--have each already played one more game than Colorado.
So, say the Avs win while the other two teams have the night off-suddenly there's a bit of separation in the standings.
Overall, the Avalanche are in a good spot, but they still have a lot of work to do--especially against a lot of pretty tough opponents.
Denver Nuggets (38-33, 10th place)
PLAYOFF PROBABILITY: 13.9% (According to Basketball Reference)
That dang Western Conference is making things awfully tough on the Nuggets. Despite being on pace for their most wins (43) since 2012-13 (when they last made the playoffs), Denver's postseason chances have taken a major blow in recent weeks.
Some of that is due to a few pretty inexcusable losses (hello Mavericks, Grizzlies, Lakers). A lot is due to the fact that the Western Conference is (again) extremely competitive.
Let's start with where they are right now. At the moment, the Nuggets hold the No. 10 seed out west, a full two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final playoff spot, with just 11 games remaining.
They'd have to jump at least two teams ahead of them in the standings to make the postseason.
And, furthermore, seven of those contests are on the road--where the Nuggets are a measly 11-23 this season. Oh, and did we mention that 10 of the remaining 11 games are against teams with winning records? Woof.
All that being said, things aren't looking good for the Nuggs, hence the 14 percent chance of making the playoffs.
One somewhat encouraging note though: the Nuggets will at least have a chance to go head-to-head with the teams ahead of them in the coming weeks.
They play the Timberwolves (the No. 8 seed) twice and the Los Angeles Clippers (the No. 9 seed) once. Realistically, Denver might have to go 3-0 in those matchups (2-1 at the worst) to have a chance at a playoff spot. That's especially true since both LA and Minnesota will--in all likelihood--both hold tiebreakers over Denver, should the teams end with the same overall record.
Optimistically, while the odds are not great--the Nuggets still have a chance to play themselves into the playoffs in the final few weeks.
But, if you're planning on catching some playoff action at the Pepsi Center in mid April, your best bet is to keep rooting for the team on skates.
