The Avs put the finishing touches on their practice today, in preparation for tomorrow’s game against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

If it feels like forever since you’ve watched Avalanche hockey, you’re right. Because of a quirk in the schedule, the Avs last played on March 30 in Calgary (4-1 win), while the rest of the competition caught up in games played.

As it stands, the Avalanche sits in 10th place with 88 points, Dallas in ninth with 89, and San Jose in eighth with 92.

The Coyotes sit in seventh with 93 points, one more than the maximum the Avs can earn if they win their last two games. Therefore, the Avs can only get as high as eighth place after all is said and done.

What will it take for the Avs to grab the eighth and final playoff spot in the West?

Simply put, the Avs will have to win their final two games in regulation or overtime, San Jose will have to lose its last two in regulation, and Dallas can only earn two points over its final two games.

The Avs take on Columbus tomorrow and Nashville on Saturday, both games being played at Pepsi Center.

The Blue Jackets put 54 shots on net last night but Coyotes netminder Mike Smith turned aside each one, increasing his shutout streak to 219 minutes, 59 seconds. Despite the loss, Columbus has won three of its last four contests and is playing its best hockey down the stretch.

Nashville is, well, Nashville. The Preds are a tough team with a goaltender (Pekka Rinne) who has the ability to steal games.

If the Avs win these games in regulation or overtime, their job is done. Here’s what they will need from other teams: