Vancouver Canucks: Week 14 Pacific Division Power Rankings

The Vancouver Canucks continue to struggle behind the superior Los Angeles Kings, along with a bunch of similarly struggling Pacific Division rivals.

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When the Vancouver Canucks faced off against the Los Angeles Kings last Monday, losing 5-0, it became clear that Vancouver is in no way competing for first place in the Pacific Division. They do, however, seem to be on the same level as, well, all the rest of the division.

The Anaheim Ducks had two 1-0 wins against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, respectively, before losing 2-1 in overtime against the Canucks. That catapulted them into third behind the Kings and Coyotes. Welcome to the Pacific.

Here’s what that does to our weekly Pacific Division power rankings.

7. Edmonton Oilers

Last Week’s Record: 1-2-0

Overall Record: 16-21-3

Edmonton is just Oilin’ on. You know, they have so much young talent — even with Connor McDavid out of the lineup — but simply cannot get it together. They hardly find ways to beat their division rivals in close games (i.e. 1-0 loss vs Anaheim), leaving them in 28th in the league. Remember the Oilers’ long winning streak last month? Well, it looks like all they are winning this year is yet another lottery draft pick. Poor Auston Matthews.

6. San Jose Sharks

Last Week’s Record: 1-2-0

Overall Record: 18-17-2

Edmonton is at the bottom, LA at the top. But in between, things change every day. This time it is the Sharks who are ranked sixth, after losing two of their three games last week. Just when you think the team might have playoff quality, they lose 6-3 against the Colorado Avalanche and 4-1 against the Winnipeg Jets — the two worst teams in the Central Division.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Last Week’s Record: 1-1-1

Overall Record: 18-16-4

The Arizona Coyotes started their week with a 7-5 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks and finished it with a 4-3 overtime loss against the Oilers. They now have 122 goals against — second-most in the entire NHL and one more than the Calgary Flames have. The Yotes remain in second place, but you know how tight the race is.

4. Calgary Flames

Last Week’s Record: 1-2-0

Overall Record: 18-18-2

Calgary started into December with a seven-game winning streak. However, the defensive woes did not stop and the Flames went back to mediocrity. Biggest success of the past week: a 4-0 shutout win against the up-and-coming Avalanche.

3. Vancouver Canucks

Last Week’s Record: 1-1-0

Overall Record: 15-15-9

The Canucks got shut out 5-0 by the Kings, so what are they still doing up here? Well, they beat the Ducks 2-1 in a shootout, continuing to do things the Canuck way. Basically, play rather bad hockey, win a few close games or at least get them to overtime, and stay around the top of the division. As of today, the Canucks are tied for third with the Ducks and one point behind the Coyotes, both of which have played one less game.

2. Anaheim Ducks

Last Week’s Record: 3-0-1

Overall Record: 16-15-7

The Ducks had a successful week, beating the Philadelphia Flyers as well as the Oilers and Flames. Their only loss came against the Canucks in a shootout. Anaheim only scored a total of three goals in the last three games of the week, but on the bright side, they only surrendered one single goal in those games. Enough to find success in the Pacific Division.

1. Los Angeles Kings

Last Week’s Record: 4-0-0

Overall Record: 25-11-2

Next: Week 14 Outlook: Running Low

Five straight wins, a 12 point lead in the division, third place in the league. The Kings are doing their thing and leaving everyone else behind. They beat the Canucks, Oilers and Flames with a combined score of 14-3 and added a 2-1 victory against the Flyers. The upcoming week won’t be an easy one, as the Kings’ Week 14 match ups include meetings with the St. Louis Blues and the Avalanche, but don’t be surprised to see a few more Kings wins.

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