Pacific Division Check-In: Ducks Surge, Oilers Stumble, and the Race Tightens Ahead of Olympic Break
The Olympic break has arrived, and with it comes a moment to catch our breath in what’s been a chaotic, unpredictable race in the Pacific Division. It’s the tightest grouping in the league right now-six teams separated by just 10 points, and only six points between second-place Edmonton and sixth-place San Jose. That’s not just parity; that’s a full-on dogfight.
Let’s take a closer look at where each team stands heading into the break and what’s on the horizon as the playoff push heats up.
Anaheim Ducks: From Rock Bottom to Wild Card Hopefuls
Just a few weeks ago, the Ducks were staring down the barrel of a nine-game losing streak. Fast forward to now, and they’ve ripped off an 8-2-0 stretch to claw their way into the final wild card spot in the West. That’s the kind of turnaround that makes you believe again.
Yes, they were blanked 2-0 by Vancouver on January 29, but Anaheim bounced back in style. Back-to-back home wins over division rivals Vegas (4-3) and Seattle (4-2) sent a clear message: the Ducks aren’t done yet.
They’ll return to action with two critical matchups-Edmonton on February 25 and Winnipeg on the 27th. If they can keep the momentum rolling, this team might just be the surprise story of the second half.
Calgary Flames: Can’t Lose Enough, But Can’t Stop Winning Either
The Flames are in that awkward middle ground-bad enough to be in the lottery conversation, but too competitive to tank convincingly. They’ve gone 4-4-2 in their last 10, and while that might not sound like much, it’s enough to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the standings where the top draft odds live.
This past week was a mixed bag: losses to Minnesota (4-1) and Toronto (4-2), but wins over San Jose (3-2) and, more notably, Edmonton (4-3). That win over their Alberta rivals might’ve felt good in the moment, but it didn’t help their odds in the draft sweepstakes.
Their Olympic break ends with a California road trip-San Jose on the 26th and L.A. on the 28th. Whether they go full rebuild or keep fighting remains to be seen.
Edmonton Oilers: Heavy Legs, Heavier Expectations
After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs, the Oilers are showing signs of fatigue. They’ve only managed to string together three consecutive wins once this season-a far cry from the dominant regular-season form we’ve seen in recent years.
They sit second in the Pacific with 64 points, but a recent 5-5-0 stretch, including a three-game skid heading into the break, is cause for concern. Losses to Minnesota (7-3), Toronto (5-2), and Calgary (4-2) exposed some cracks in the armor.
Edmonton will look to reset with a California swing to close out February-Anaheim on the 25th, L.A. on the 26th, and San Jose on the 28th. If they want to reclaim control of the division, it has to start there.
Los Angeles Kings: Slipping, But Still in the Hunt
It’s been a rough stretch for the Kings. They’ve dropped four of their last five, including a 4-1 loss to Buffalo and a pair of defeats to Seattle and Vegas.
Their lone bright spot? A 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers.
With a 23-19-14 record and 60 points, L.A. is just three points back of Anaheim for the final wild card spot. The problem? They’ve played the same number of games, and momentum isn’t on their side.
They’ll try to turn things around with a three-game homestand to end February-Vegas on the 25th, Edmonton on the 26th, and Calgary on the 28th. It’s a crucial stretch that could define their season.
San Jose Sharks: Slipping Out of the Race
The Sharks had a chance to make a push, but a four-game losing streak has them sliding in the wrong direction. The most painful of those losses? Blowing a 3-0 lead to Edmonton and falling 4-3 in overtime.
They followed that up with losses to Calgary (3-2), Chicago (6-3), and Colorado (4-2). That’s a tough run, and it’s left them with 58 points-five back of Anaheim and losing ground fast.
Their shot at redemption comes at the end of the month with home games against Calgary (Feb. 26) and Edmonton (Feb. 28). If they’re going to stay in the hunt, those games are must-wins.
Seattle Kraken: Quietly Climbing the Ranks
Seattle is quietly putting together a solid campaign. They’re 27-20-9 with 63 points, good for third in the division and tied for the second-best point percentage. That’s not flashy, but it’s effective.
This past week, they beat Toronto 5-2 and Vegas 3-2 to close out January strong. A 4-2 loss to Anaheim stung, but they bounced back the next night with a 4-2 win over L.A.
Their post-Olympic schedule isn’t easy-road games against Dallas and St. Louis on the 25th and 26th, followed by a home date with Vancouver on the 28th. But if they keep grinding out wins, the Kraken could be a real playoff threat.
Vancouver Canucks: Eyes on the Lottery
No team in the league has fewer points than the Canucks. Their 42-point total all but guarantees they’ll be in the mix for the first overall pick.
They started last week on a high note, shutting out Anaheim 2-0. But it quickly unraveled with a shootout loss to Toronto (3-2), and back-to-back defeats to Utah (6-2) and Vegas (5-2).
At this point, Vancouver’s focus is likely on development and draft position. They’ll host Winnipeg on February 25 and Seattle on the 28th. While the playoffs are out of reach, there’s still pride-and future pieces-to play for.
Vegas Golden Knights: Righting the Ship
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Vegas, but their last two games offered a much-needed course correction. The Golden Knights had dropped three straight, including a 5-4 shootout loss to Dallas and a 3-2 defeat to Seattle. But they rebounded with wins over Vancouver (5-2) and L.A. (4-1) to close the week.
With a 27-16-14 record and 68 points, they’ve built a four-point cushion atop the Pacific. It’s not a huge lead, but in a division this tight, every point matters.
Vegas returns from the break with a road game in L.A. on the 25th, then heads east to face Washington on the 27th. If they can keep the recent momentum going, they’ll stay in the driver’s seat heading into March.
Final Thoughts
The Pacific Division is wide open. Vegas may have the edge for now, but with six teams within striking distance and every game carrying playoff implications, nothing is settled. The Olympic break gives teams a chance to regroup-but once the puck drops again, expect the intensity to ratchet up fast.
From Anaheim’s resurgence to Edmonton’s fatigue, from Seattle’s steady climb to Vancouver’s lottery watch, the second half promises to be a wild ride in the West. Buckle up.