Oilers stay on top as Flames scramble for answers — Pacific Division roundup

The Edmonton Oilers kept control of the Pacific Division on Wednesday, downing the Anaheim Ducks 5–2 to push their record to 3-0-1. With 7 points in four games, Edmonton sits alone in first, one point clear of the Golden Knights and well ahead of the early logjam in the middle of the standings.

Oilers win, Cup expectations grow

Edmonton’s strong start comes as outside evaluations are backing up the idea that this group is built for a long run. A recent analysis looking at trends from the last 14 Stanley Cup winners lists the Oilers among just six teams that truly fit the 2027 contender profile. In a separate breakdown of cap efficiency, goalie Stuart Skinner’s deal is highlighted as one of the league’s most fairly priced contracts for 2026-27, with his cap hit closely matching his on-ice impact.

The Oilers also tweaked their depth chart, sending left-shot defenceman Spencer Stastney to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Filip Hallander in an early-season trade completed Wednesday. Edmonton adds another forward option while moving out a blueliner who wasn’t firmly established in the lineup.

Ducks: Klepov steps in as Anaheim slips

On the other side of that 5–2 scoreline, the Ducks saw the long-awaited debut of first-round pick Nikita Klepov, who was expected to play his first NHL game after watching the opening two from the press box. Even with the loss in Edmonton, Anaheim’s 2-1-0 record (4 points in 3 games) keeps them in the top half of the division for now.

Flames retool after nightmare start

The most turbulent situation in the Pacific is in Calgary. The Flames are last in the division at 0-3-0, with just three goals scored in three games and 0 points to show for it. In response, the club has recalled forwards Aydar Suniev and Jonathan Castagna, hoping the call-ups can inject some life into a stagnant offence.

In goal, Dustin Wolf is coming off a brutal opening stretch, allowing 12 goals across his first two outings. He is leaning on new off-ice stability and a reset mentality as he tries to rebound. Behind the scenes, the Flames are reportedly exploring trade options involving Connor Zary, Zach Whitecloud and Morgan Frost after this ugly start.

Canucks riding early Cotter spark

In Vancouver, the Canucks’ 2-2-0 start mirrors their uneven play, but one early bright spot has been Paul Cotter. Through four games he has quickly become a spark plug and is already drawing comparisons to former fan favourite Kiefer Sherwood. Vancouver is counting on that energy to help settle a .500 opening week and keep them in the mix with the other four-point teams in the division.