McDavid powers Oilers past Kings, Pacific Division roundup

All eight Pacific Division teams were in action, and the standings are starting to take shape. Vegas remains on top with 12 points in eight games (6-2-0), but Edmonton is closing fast at 11 points in just six outings (5-0-1). Seattle holds third with 10 points from seven games.

McDavid drives Oilers, Kings struggle with new look

In Los Angeles, the Oilers rolled to a 4-1 win, stretching their streak to five straight victories and keeping the Kings winless at 0-3-2, seventh in the division. Sportsnet reports Connor McDavid posted a goal and three assists, including a dynamic first period in some of their coverage, while Vasily Podkolzin scored twice and Devon Levi turned aside 39 shots for a career high. Another Sportsnet piece points out that Edmonton is showing a new level of defensive sharpness early in the season, and The Hockey News already has Evan Bouchard in the early Norris Trophy conversation after two weeks.

On the other side, Daily Faceoff notes that a structural change to the Kings’ system has been causing problems, and their record so far backs that up.

Flames finally win, Ducks tweak depth chart

In Calgary, the Flames finally got on the board with their first victory of the season, a 4-2 decision over the Anaheim Ducks. Heading into the game, they sat last in the standings with just a single point. According to Sportsnet, Martin Pospisil scored the tiebreaker with just over four minutes left, Yegor Sharangovich added an empty-netter and Arsenii Suniev led the way offensively with two points. The Flames still sit tied for last with two points in six games (1-5-0), while Anaheim remains fourth at 4-2-0 with eight points.

The Hockey Writers argue the Flames need to break up the Middleton–Zayne Parekh pairing, saying Parekh hasn’t found the expected offensive rhythm yet. For Anaheim, The Hockey Writers also detail several roster moves involving Ryan Poehling, Roger McQueen, Travis Mitchell and Cutter Gauthier earlier in the week, without going into specifics in the headline.

Kraken edge Flyers, Vegas steady, Canucks slide, Sharks find a bright spot

Seattle pulled out a 3-2 shootout win in Philadelphia. Sportsnet notes Bobby McMann scored the shootout winner and Philipp Grubauer made 24 saves as the Kraken improved to 5-2-0, cementing third place in the Pacific with 10 points.

The Golden Knights, leading the division at 6-2-0, handled Nashville 5-2. Sportsnet reports Brett Howden had a goal and an assist and William Karlsson scored the game-winner.

In New York, Vancouver fell 3-2 to the Islanders for a fifth straight loss, leaving the Canucks second-last in the division at 2-6-0 with four points. Sportsnet points out that Zeev Buium’s early-season struggles stand out on a rebuilding team with virtually no margin for error.

San Jose dropped a 6-3 decision to Boston but had a milestone to savour. According to Sportsnet, Ivar Stenberg scored his first NHL goal on the power play off a feed from Macklin Celebrini to briefly tie the game 2-2. The Sharks sit fifth in the Pacific at 3-3-0 with six points.