Golden Knights rally, Sharks win in OT: Pacific Division roundup

It was a big night for the top of the Pacific Division: Vegas stayed in first with a dramatic shootout comeback, San Jose kept its strong start rolling in overtime, while Vancouver and Calgary absorbed lopsided losses.

Golden Knights’ comeback and high expectations

The Vegas Golden Knights (4-1-0) remain atop the Pacific with 8 points after a 4-3 shootout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to Sportsnet, Vegas erased a 3-0 deficit, with Jack Eichel posting a goal and an assist. Sportsnet also notes that Toronto’s Easton Cowan scored on a breakaway against Adin Hill, but the Vegas netminder held the line the rest of the way before the shootout decided it.

Sportsnet further reports that expectations in Vegas remain high, driven by promising young talent under first-year head coach Ryan Craig, following last season’s run to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Sharks rolling as Nurse nets OT winner

The San Jose Sharks continued their strong opening stretch (3-1-0, 6 points, third in the division) with a 3-2 overtime win on the road against the St. Louis Blues. Per Sportsnet, Tyler Toffoli recorded a goal and an assist, Collin Graf fired home the late third-period equalizer, and Darnell Nurse buried the overtime winner for his first goal as a Shark, set up on the rush by rookie Ivar Stenberg.

Canucks overwhelmed in Carolina

The Vancouver Canucks (2-3-0) were routed 7-2 by the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. Sportsnet reports that Logan Stankoven produced his first career hat trick, Andrei Svechnikov added two goals, and defenceman Sean Walker piled up four assists for Carolina. In a separate column, Sportsnet calls the performance an embarrassing loss for Vancouver, pointing to poor effort and execution and warning that this road trip could quickly underline how much work remains in the Canucks’ rebuild if those elements don’t improve.

Flames still winless, Castagna a bright spot

The Calgary Flames (0-4-0, last in the Pacific) are still searching for their first win after a 7-3 home loss to the Colorado Avalanche. According to Sportsnet, Cale Makar led the way for Colorado with two goals and an assist, and the result adds to what the outlet describes as mounting evidence that this season will require patience in Calgary. Sportsnet does highlight one positive: forward Jonathan Castagna, who made his NHL debut and recorded his first NHL point by springing Adam Klapka in transition for an early equalizer.

Oilers and Ducks: off-ice storylines

The Edmonton Oilers (3-0-1, 7 points, second place) were idle, but defenceman Evan Bouchard was front and centre in discussion. On Sportsnet’s Hockey Central, analysts argued he is making an early case for the Norris Trophy. Another Sportsnet piece notes that while critics label him as careless in his own zone and prone to major mistakes, there is another side to his game emerging with his hot start.

For the Anaheim Ducks (2-1-0, fourth place), the notable news comes via Daily Faceoff, which reports that Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O’Connor is taking time away from the team following the passing of his father, Myles O’Connor, who played 43 NHL games, including stints with the Devils and Ducks.