The Vancouver Canucks have no need to worry after going 1-1-1 in Week 15 of the season.
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A 1-1-1 record is not great by any means — but it is enough for the Vancouver Canucks to maintain their playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
All three games were extremely close. In fact, they all had the same score: 3-2. Overall, it was a solid week for the Canucks, but it is questionable if they can sneak into the playoffs with 82 points in 82 games. In 2015, the worst team to make the playoffs were the Calgary Flames, who had 97 points. But as we all know, this season’s Pacific Division is on a new level of terrible.
Here are our Week 15 power rankings.
7. Edmonton Oilers
Last Week’s Record: 1-2-0
Overall Record: 17-23-3
Can you imagine an Edmonton Oilers roster that has a centre depth chart of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and… Auston Matthews? The way things are going for the Oilers, you might have to get used to that thought. The only thing standing between the Oilers and Matthews is the NHL’s new lottery system — but you know how lucky this club is when it comes to lotteries.
6. Calgary Flames
Last Week’s Record: 1-1-0
Overall Record: 19-19-2
The Calgary Flames’ roller coaster ride through the 2015-16 season continues. A 3-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a 2-1 loss against the Arizona Coyotes. This team can beat anyone and also lose against everyone. Hence the 19-19-2 record. Games against San Jose, Florida and Edmonton are coming up — don’t be surprised if the Flames go 1-1-1 this week.
5. Anaheim Ducks
Last Week’s Record: 1-2-0
Overall Record: 17-17-7
The Anaheim Ducks lost 4-0. At home. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Does that not say it all? They did beat the St. Louis Blues, one of the best teams in the league, in a tough 4-3 outing. Honestly, the Ducks are no worse than the rest of the division, but they should have aspirations to be better. Over the next two weeks, the Ducks will face five teams that sit in the top-eight of the league. Good luck, Anaheim, you’ll need it.
4. San Jose Sharks
Last Week’s Record: 1-1-0
Overall Record: 19-18-2
The Sharks had a tough 2-1 loss against the Detroit Red Wings but recovered with a 7-0 victory over the Maple Leafs. Sure, it was against the Leafs — the fourth-worst team in the league — but scoring seven goals is not an easy thing to do in this league, and neither is getting shutouts. The Sharks are two points behind the Canucks but have three games in hand. The playoffs are in close reach.
3. Vancouver Canucks
Last Week’s Record: 1-1-1
Overall Record: 16-16-10
As mentioned above, it was a difficult but decently successful week for the Canucks. Three points at home and a loss against an immediate rival for the divisional playoff seeds are not enough, but the final two games of the week gave hope. Unfortunately, Vancouver’s overtime struggles continue, as the Canucks failed to beat the Lightning in 3-on-3 hockey. The upcoming weeks will be extremely tough, with games against the Panthers, Capitals, Rangers and Islanders.
2. Arizona Coyotes
Last Week’s Record: 3-0-0
Overall Record: 21-16-4
The Coyotes are the only team in the Pacific Division that can somewhat compete with the Kings. Arizona and LA are the only teams who have won “far” more games than they have lost, though the Coyotes are still rather far behind the Kings in the standings. They beat the Canucks, Flames and Predators last week — all teams who are competing for those few Western Conference playoff spots. The upcoming week should be good to keep the streak going, as the Yotes will face the Oilers, Red Wings and Devils.
1. Los Angeles Kings
Last Week’s Record: 1-1-1
Overall Record: 26-12-3
Next: Canucks Week 15 Outlook and Predictions
A win and two losses, one of which came in OT. Not a perfect week for the Pacific Division leader. Still, it takes more to knock the Kings off the top of the Pacific Division power rankings — or standings for that matter. The Red Wings, Senators and Ducks are waiting to bring the division even closer to gether this week. Will the Kings allow that?