Avalanche clinch final Western Conference playoff spot

The Colorado Avalanche locked down the last remaining playoff position in the Western Conference on Thursday by earning a point against the Winnipeg Jets, eliminating the Arizona Coyotes.

Colorado owns the last-place Ottawa Senators' first-round pick, giving the club the rare distinction of competing in the postseason while boasting the highest odds at landing the No. 1 pick at the NHL draft.

The Avalanche will make consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2004-2006 and will look for their first series victory since 2008.

Colorado can still move into the first wild-card spot if it wins its final contest and the Dallas Stars lose each of their two remaining games in regulation.