McDavid delivers late again as Oilers hold top spot — Pacific Division roundup

Oilers stay on top as McDavid and Draisaitl strike late

The Edmonton Oilers tightened their grip on first place in the Pacific Division with a 3-1 home win over the Seattle Kraken. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl broke a late deadlock, both scoring in the final minutes to secure Edmonton’s second victory in three games. The Oilers now sit at 2-0-1 with 5 points, alone atop the division standings.

This strong start comes against a backdrop of concern in goal and a string of early injuries up front. A recent analysis noted growing unease in the Oilers’ crease, while another report indicated the club is exploring a lateral defenceman‑for‑forward trade to shore up its forward depth and make the most of McDavid’s current form.

Canucks roll in Calgary as Pettersson’s start fuels debate

In Calgary, the Vancouver Canucks earned a convincing 4-1 road win over the Flames. Leevi Merilainen, claimed on waivers from the Ottawa Senators, made 23 saves in his first start for Vancouver and backstopped a comeback victory. The result moves the Canucks to 2-1-0 and 4 points through three games, keeping them firmly in the early-season mix near the top of the Pacific.

Vancouver did it without forward Jake DeBrusk, who missed the game due to illness. Even so, Elias Pettersson’s promising start is driving the conversation around the team. A league‑wide column highlighted how his early production is boosting his trade value and reopening the debate about the star centre’s long‑term future with the Canucks.

For the Flames, the 4-1 defeat leaves them at 0-2-0 and still looking for their first point of the season after another setback against a divisional rival that has dictated the pace so far.

Sharks perfect, Kings on the board, quiet nights elsewhere

The San Jose Sharks kept their record spotless with a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings, decided in overtime or a shootout. San Jose improves to 2-0-0 with 4 points, good for second place in the Pacific, while the Kings at least grabbed their first point of the year in the extra‑time loss to sit at 0-1-1.

Seattle’s loss in Edmonton drops the Kraken to 1-1-0 and 2 points, matching the idle Vegas Golden Knights (1-1-0). The Anaheim Ducks, also off on Saturday, remain in decent early position at 1-0-0 with 2 points, as the organization continues its post‑Mason McTavish reshaping after dealing the former top prospect to St. Louis at the draft.