Golden Knights still on top, Oilers unbeaten — Pacific Division roundup

There were no games on the Pacific Division schedule yesterday, but the standings and storylines still offer plenty to chew on. Vegas continues to lead the way with 12 points in eight games (6-2-0), followed by Edmonton at 11 points in six (5-0-1) and Seattle at 10 points in seven (5-2-0). Anaheim (8 points), San Jose (6), Vancouver (4), Los Angeles (2) and Calgary (2) round out the table.

Golden Knights set the pace, Oilers keep climbing

The Hockey News keeps the Vegas Golden Knights in the No. 1 spot in their latest NHL power rankings, matching their position atop the overall standings with 12 points. Right behind them, the Edmonton Oilers are described as rapidly rising in those rankings thanks to a star-driven scoring surge.

On the ice, that surge is reflected in a 5-0-1 record, good for second in the Pacific and making Edmonton the NHL’s only team without a regulation loss, as noted by The Hockey Writers. Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard are driving that offence, with the outlet even likening them to a legendary historic duo. In goal, Devon Levi has provided stability; Daily Faceoff points to his 4-0-0 start with a .903 save percentage and 2.76 goals-against average.

Off the ice, Sportsnet reports that Alberta’s move to stop changing clocks will force the Oilers to adjust to more afternoon games and a different travel rhythm this season.

Canucks under the microscope, Flames juggle youth and rumours

In Vancouver, a 2-6-0 start and just four points from eight games have ramped up the scrutiny. Sportsnet reports that the Canucks have placed forward Aatu Raty on waivers, while The Hockey Writers highlights positives beneath the surface: prospect goaltender Alexandr Meriläinen, a young defenceman nicknamed “D-Petey,” Jonathan Lekkerimäki and a defence corps slowly taking shape. According to The Hockey News, Vancouver is also among the clubs believed to have interest in Calgary forward Connor Zary.

For the Flames, a 1-5-0 record has shifted the attention to youth. The Hockey Writers notes that Aydar Suniev, recalled on Oct. 7, has produced two goals and three points with a plus-1 rating through his first three games. The same outlet looks back at the franchise’s limited but notable First Nation and Métis connections. Separately, The Hockey Writers floats a suggested trade scenario that would send defenceman Zach Whitecloud to Toronto, underlining that speculation around Calgary’s roster is already in full swing.

Kings’ crease in question, Sharks adjust, Kraken rolling

For the winless Los Angeles Kings (0-3-2, two points), Daily Faceoff openly questions the goaltending. Through five games, the Kings sit 31st in team save percentage at .848, a number that matches their slow start. The Hockey Writers also recently broke down a 4-1 home loss to Edmonton that capped the Oilers’ California road trip.

In San Jose (3-3-0), The Hockey Writers grades the Sharks’ line changes after a 6-3 home loss to Boston, noting that San Jose outplayed the Bruins for stretches despite the scoreline.

Seattle’s 5-2-0 record is backed up by results in tight games. Both The Hockey News and The Hockey Writers focus on back-to-back shootout wins over the Philadelphia Flyers, extending Philadelphia’s winless skid while reinforcing the Kraken’s knack for closing out close contests early in the season.