NHL teams
Katie Strang, ESPN.com 9y

Pacific Division wrap

Trending up

  • San Jose Sharks: The San Jose Sharks were on everyone’s radar considering the type of drama that threatened to submarine the team this past summer. But to many folks’ surprise, the Sharks have banded together in spite of all the scrutiny and doubt that has engulfed the team. A resounding shutout victory against the Los Angeles Kings, the defending Stanley Cup champions, was a firm start to the season. The Sharks followed that up with another blanking of the Winnipeg Jets. Both Antti Niemi and Alex Stalock have looked terrific in their season debuts, setting the stage for an intriguing goaltending battle this season.

  • Sedin twins: After a rough year under coach John Tortorella last season, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin already “have their magic going,” according to Edmonton Oilers coach Dallas Eakins, who spoke of the twins’ production after his squad’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks this past weekend. Henrik chipped in with one goal and one assist, and brother Daniel finished with three helpers.

  • Corey Perry: Though the hat trick by the Anaheim Ducks winger couldn’t secure a victory in the team’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night, Perry is off to a productive start with four points in two games.

Trending down

  • Edmonton Oilers: Plenty of people were wondering whether this might be the year the Edmonton Oilers take the next step. It still might be, but they sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division standings with an 0-1-1 record to start the season.

  • Mike Smith: We said before the season began that the Arizona Coyotes' fate is directly tied to the play of goaltender Mike Smith, and things are not beginning well for the veteran netminder. Smith was lit up for six goals in his first start of the season against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The Yotes already turned to journeyman Devan Dubnyk in Game 2.

Injury report

  • Bennett out long term: The Flames are expected to be without Sam Bennett for a good chunk of the season; the team announced that the rookie center will undergo shoulder surgery that will sideline him four-to-six months.

  • Muzzin, Lewis on the mend: Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin and forward Trevor Lewis sat out Saturday’s game against the Coyotes, though neither player is believed to be battling anything too serious.

What to watch for

  • Hitting the road: After a pair of wins to start the season, the Sharks hit the road for a five-game road trip out East that features stops in New York, Washington, Boston and New Jersey. Let the team bonding continue.

  • Central foes: Though the Kings are off to a slow start, they’ll have a chance to test their mettle vs. a couple of stiff opponents from the Central Division when the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild come to town this week. The Kings have five games remaining on a six-game homestand that should help them shake any lingering effects of a Stanley Cup hangover.

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