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Canucks look for division crown; Avalanche aim to stay alive

Apr 5, 2007 - 3:34 PM Colorado (42-30-7) at Vancouver (48-24-7) 10:00 pm EDT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- The Vancouver Canucks are on the verge of a division title. The Colorado Avalanche are fighting for their playoff lives.

The Canucks aim for their second division title in three seasons on Thursday when they take on the Avalanche, who enter with slim playoff hopes.

Vancouver (48-24-7) is three points ahead of Minnesota (46-26-8) in the Northwest Division. The Canucks can clinch their fifth division title with a win or a regulation loss by the Wild, who host Edmonton on Thursday.

The Canucks also are two points shy of breaking a franchise record for points in a season set in 2003-04.

Vancouver posted a 4-2 victory over Los Angeles on Tuesday. Matt Cooke scored the go-ahead power-play goal for the Canucks.

The Avalanche (42-30-7) are 13-1-2 since February 27, but trail Calgary (43-26-10) by five points with three games left in the battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Colorado stayed alive with a 4-3 victory over the Flames on Tuesday. Joe Sakic netted the game-winner and added three assists.

Colorado has won four of the seven meetings between the teams this season.

The Avalanche have made the playoffs 11 straight seasons, including all 10 since moving to Denver before the 1994-95 season.