Oilers banged up in goal as McDavid makes history — Pacific Division roundup

There were no games on the schedule for Pacific Division teams yesterday, but it was a busy news day nonetheless, led by the Edmonton Oilers, who sit atop the division with 17 points through 10 games.

Oilers juggle injuries as McDavid’s start turns historic

Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet report that the Oilers have placed goaltender Devon Levi on injured reserve and recalled Matt Tomkins from the AHL on an emergency basis. Sportsnet also notes that defenceman Mattias Ekholm will miss the matchup against the Maple Leafs with a concussion, and that Tristan Jarry will get the start in goal with Levi unavailable.

On the ice, Connor McDavid’s dominance continues to define Edmonton’s season. The Hockey Writers reports that McDavid has broken a Wayne Gretzky record with what it calls a historic start, and in a separate piece suggests Levi might be the franchise goalie the Oilers have been searching for since Dwayne Roloson left town. Daily Faceoff points out that McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for 10 points in a 6–5 shootout win over the Hurricanes on Thursday.

Sportsnet highlights head coach Mike Babcock’s straightforward, day-by-day approach as a key to the Oilers’ early success, and details how a Panthers-style defensive system is helping fuel their 8-1-1 start. Multiple Sportsnet stories out of Toronto focus on how the Maple Leafs plan to handle McDavid and Edmonton’s top line, including Gavin McKenna’s first chance to face McDavid and Auston Matthews’ perspective on defending him.

The Hockey Writers also looks back at the Oilers’ top five goaltenders of the Connor McDavid era, underlining how central the crease has been to the conversation in Edmonton.

Kings, Flames, Ducks and Sharks at different crossroads

Further down the table, the Los Angeles Kings sit with six points from eight games. The Hockey Writers points to three prospects who could provide a needed boost after a win on Oct. 22, while Daily Faceoff argues that a “disaster” of a season could actually benefit L.A. by opening the door to a substantial retool, given their expiring veteran contracts and future cap space.

In Calgary, Sportsnet quotes Zach Whitecloud saying he is committed to the Flames’ future and wants to be part of the solution, even as the team navigates a rebuild that has fans wondering which veteran might move next.

For the Anaheim Ducks, The Hockey Writers recaps a 4–1 loss to the Devils on Thursday. La Presse, in a broader look at venues, concludes that a renovated Olympic Stadium in Montreal is not a viable NHL option, mentioning the Golden Knights and Ducks in that context.

The San Jose Sharks, fourth in the Pacific with 13 points from 11 games, are framed by The Hockey Writers as a short-handed group that passed a first real test of adversity. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov entered that game 0-4-0 in his previous four starts before turning in a more encouraging performance.

Canucks search for silver linings at the bottom

At the bottom of the division, the Vancouver Canucks have just five points in 12 games and are mired in a nine-game losing streak. The Hockey Writers notes that the team is clinging to small positives: Elias Pettersson has found a bit of a spark, prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki is delivering, but goaltender Kevin Lankinen is struggling. In a season that has started this poorly, even minor bright spots are welcome in Vancouver.