With only two of the top ten teams in the NHL hailing from the east, the Western Conference has dominated the first quarter of the season. Between the two divisions, there are eight teams that are separated by only six points, which makes for an interesting early playoff picture.
The Pacific Division could be the deepest in the NHL with four legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. With three quarters of the season left to play, here is an early season report card for the Pacific contenders
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are having a season to forget right now. They are currently 7-15-2 and occupy last place. With so much potential and a loaded roster they haven't come close to any reasonable expectations. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is having a good season for Edmonton with 13 assists and Jordan Eberle leads the team in goals with eight. Taylor Hall has battled through his typical rash of injuries, and seems to have gotten back on track. Goaltending has been the biggest issue all year and adding the combustible Ilya Bryzgalov to the dumpster fire could create a “humongous-big explosion”. Edmonton is just bad right now and needs to start making some plans for next season. Grade: F
Calgary Flames
The Flames are not doing so well right now. They are in sixth place with an 8-11-4 record. Jiri Hudler leads the team in points with 21 but that’s about where the good news ends. Rookie forward Sean Monahan has given the Calgary faithful hope for the future, but the Flames are not even close to playoff contention. Goaltending and defense are in short supply with no real fix in sight. Overall, Calgary needs some serious help. Grade: D-
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have been one of the NHL's best teams over the past decade. Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are still great hockey players and can go on a tear whenever they want to. The Canucks started strong with 12 wins this year, but in a competitive division it’s only good enough for fifth place.
John Tortorella has done a decent job in his first year as coach adjusting to a complete change of scenery. Roberto Luongo has a 2.30 GAA, which isn’t bad, but it isn't great. Overall, the Canucks have been average so far this season. They’ll need to be better if they want to reach the postseason. Grade: C
Phoenix Coyotes
With all of the drama surrounding the Coyotes, plenty of people have been surprised by the hot start in Phoenix. They are 14-5-4 and captain Shane Doan has been a beast for the Coyotes this season. He leads the team with 11 goals and 19 points, but it’s his leadership that is a huge part to the Coyotes success so far this season. Dave Tippett has always gotten he most out of his teams and the Coyotes aggressive style reflects just that. Goaltender Mike Smith has been sub-par through the first quarter of the season and he will only get better. Overall, expect Phoenix to contend for the division title. Grade: B
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have been playing some excellent hockey this year. They are currently 15-6-3 this year yet it seems that most people have forgotten that this club is only a year removed from their Stanley Cup in 2012.
Anze Kopitar has 22 points for the Kings this year and he is getting the job done as the top center for Los Angeles.
Ben Scrivens has filled in very nicely for the injured Jonathan Quick, posting a microscopic 1.37 GAA. The Kings are still a very dangerous team in the West and it has shown with their current third place standing. Grade: A-
San Jose Sharks
San Jose has just been lights out this year. They are 15-3-5, good for second place in the division. Jumbo Joe Thornton has been great for the Sharks with a team leading 22 assists and 24 points. Rookie sensation Tomas Hertl leads the team in goals with 12, which is particularly impressive considering the talent they have on the team. The Sharks are going to be dangerous this season and are my pick to overtake the Ducks and win the division. Grade: A
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks could be the best team in the division. Anaheim have been playing great hockey this year with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry leading the way. Getzlaf leads the team with 13 goals to go along with 27 points for the season. Teemu Selanne is playing the final season of a Hall of Fame career and could provide some extra motivation for a veteran club. Youngsters Nick Bonino and Emerson Etem provide depth on offense while Cam Fowler and rookie Hamphuis Lindholm have been impressive on defense. The goaltending trio of Jonas Hiller, Viktor Fasth and rookie Frederik Andersen give coach Bruce Boudreau plenty of great options in net. Anaheim sits in the top spot for now, but they’ll face a serious challenge from San Jose for the division. Grade: A
