Each Pacific Team’s Most Concerning Stat So Far
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The Hockey Writers
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As the NHL season progresses, teams in the Pacific Division are starting to reveal concerning statistics that could greatly impact their playoff aspirations. The Edmonton Oilers, for instance, are facing struggles on defense, highlighted by their goals against average, which places them among the worst in the league. This defensive lapse has allowed opponents to capitalize, putting immense pressure on star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to score more than ever.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are grappling with inconsistency in their goaltending. Despite strong performances from key players such as Anze Kopitar, their inability to rely on their netminders has raised questions about their defensive structure. This issue has been highlighted in several of their recent games, where they conceded late goals that ultimately cost them valuable points.
The Vancouver Canucks have found themselves in a similar situation, struggling with special teams. Their power play has consistently failed to convert, ranking near the bottom of the league. This has put pressure on players like Elias Pettersson, who are expected to lead offensively but find themselves hindered by missed opportunities during critical moments. Improving their efficiency could be key to improving their standings in the heated division race.
At the same time, both the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken have dealt with injuries that have compounded their challenges. The Flames have seen important contributors go down, affecting their depth and overall balance, while the Kraken need to rally around players like Matty Beniers to maintain competitiveness. Their response to these setbacks could define their seasons as they push for a playoff spot in a tightly-contested Pacific Division.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are grappling with inconsistency in their goaltending. Despite strong performances from key players such as Anze Kopitar, their inability to rely on their netminders has raised questions about their defensive structure. This issue has been highlighted in several of their recent games, where they conceded late goals that ultimately cost them valuable points.
The Vancouver Canucks have found themselves in a similar situation, struggling with special teams. Their power play has consistently failed to convert, ranking near the bottom of the league. This has put pressure on players like Elias Pettersson, who are expected to lead offensively but find themselves hindered by missed opportunities during critical moments. Improving their efficiency could be key to improving their standings in the heated division race.
At the same time, both the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken have dealt with injuries that have compounded their challenges. The Flames have seen important contributors go down, affecting their depth and overall balance, while the Kraken need to rally around players like Matty Beniers to maintain competitiveness. Their response to these setbacks could define their seasons as they push for a playoff spot in a tightly-contested Pacific Division.