The Pacific Division race is heating up, and with just over two weeks left in the 2025-26 NHL season, it's anyone's game. The Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are locked in a tight battle for the top spot, while a few other teams are eyeing a wild card berth. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are looking ahead to the draft lottery.
Anaheim Ducks
Just last week, the Ducks seemed to have a solid grip on the division, leading the Oilers by five points and the Golden Knights by six, with a game in hand. But the tides turned quickly.
They started strong with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Flames but stumbled against the Oilers, losing crucial ground. Despite a late rally against the Maple Leafs, they fell in overtime, and a late-game collapse against the Sharks resulted in a regulation loss.
Now sitting at 87 points with seven games left, the Ducks are just two points ahead of the Oilers, who hold the tiebreaker. The road ahead looks manageable, with games against the Blues, Flames, and Predators, all of which are winnable.
Calgary Flames
It's been a tough stretch for the Flames, who are near the league's basement in points. They wrapped up a successful homestand with a narrow overtime loss to the Ducks and a decisive win over the Canucks. However, their road trip began with a heavy 9-2 defeat to the Avalanche, where Nazem Kadri notched two goals.
The Flames' road struggles continue with upcoming games against the Golden Knights, Ducks, and Stars.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are finally hitting their stride. They edged the Golden Knights in overtime and secured a key win over the Ducks, marking their first four-game win streak of the season with a shutout victory over the Kraken. With 85 points and seven games remaining, the Oilers are just two points behind the Ducks, holding the tiebreaker with more regulation wins.
Their schedule includes home games against the Blackhawks and Golden Knights, followed by road matchups with the Mammoth and Sharks.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are eyeing a potential first-round showdown with the Oilers for the fifth straight year, but first, they need to secure their playoff spot. They blanked the Canucks but suffered a setback against the Mammoth before bouncing back with an overtime win over the Blues.
Currently holding the final wild card spot with 78 points, the Kings are four points behind the Golden Knights. They have a home stretch coming up against the Predators, Maple Leafs, and Predators again.
San Jose Sharks
Just a point shy of the wild card, the Sharks have a game in hand over the Kings. They've been on a rollercoaster but managed a solid week, highlighted by a comeback win against the Ducks, thanks to Macklin Celebrini's 40th goal and a late winner from Alexander Wennberg.
The Sharks face a busy week with games against the Maple Leafs, Predators, Blackhawks, and Oilers, starting a series of back-to-backs.
Seattle Kraken
The Kraken's playoff hopes are fading as they're 3-5-2 in their last ten games. They managed an overtime win against the Lightning but couldn't capitalize against the Sabres and Oilers.
They return home to face the Mammoth and Blackhawks before hitting the road for a challenging back-to-back against the Jets and Wild.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks remain at the bottom, enduring losses to the Kings, Flames, and Golden Knights. However, they pulled off a wild 8-6 win against the Avalanche after squandering a four-goal lead.
With just 52 points, the Canucks face a tough schedule with games against the Wild, Mammoth, and Golden Knights.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights made a bold coaching change, bringing in John Tortorella after a rough patch. His debut saw a win over the Canucks. With a light schedule ahead, they host the Flames before road games against the Oilers and Canucks.
The Pacific Division is shaping up to be a thrilling finish, with every game carrying significant playoff implications. Stay tuned as these teams battle it out for postseason glory.