Sharks playoff opponent depends on Chicago-Detroit outcome at 9:30 AM

With their 82 game marathon finally complete, the Sharks await their opponent for the first round of the NHL playoffs. Four potential first round matchups, all dependent upon the final score of Chicago-Detroit's matchup tomorrow morning, are in play.

San Jose's potential opponents are as follows:

  • If Chicago wins in regulation or overtime against Detroit, the Sharks will play the Phoenix Coyotes.
  • [UPDATED]: If Chicago wins in shootout against Detroit, the Sharks will play the Nashville Predators [link].
  • If Chicago loses in extra time against Detroit, the Sharks will play the the Chicago Blackhawks.
  • If Chicago loses in regulation against Detroit, the Sharks will play the Los Angeles Kings.

The eighth seed is still up for grabs of course, not that it effects San Jose due to their clinching of the second seed tonight. If Chicago loses in regulation and Dallas defeats the Minnesota Wild, the defending Stanley Cup Champions will miss the playoffs and Dallas would earn themselves a first round date against the Vancouver Canucks.

Stay tuned for TCY's review of tonight's game, and join us tomorrow for a live watching party of the Chicago-Detroit game that will determine the Sharks first round opponent.