3.) Calgary Flames
Surprise! The Calgary Flames are one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division. Hockey fans might be surprised to see the other Alberta team thriving after trading away names like Jacob Markstrom and Noah Hanifin in the past year.
However, they've done an excellent job keeping the puck out of the net. The Flames are tied for eighth in the NHL in team GAA with 2.67. Calgary will be a surprise playoff team if they can figure out their offensive attack (2.62 goals per game).
2.) Edmonton Oilers
Golden Knights fans will remember the Edmonton Oilers for that colossal second-round matchup in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. Despite a kissing Evander Kane and a dominant power play, the Golden Knights defeated the Oilers in six games.
Now? Edmonton is in a similar position as they were last season, starting slow. However, they're sitting at 22 points (5-4-1 in their last ten games) and have a playoff spot. Fans know the names: Connor McDavid (11 goals, 17 assists) and Leon Draisaitl (16 goals, 14 assists). These players will cause chaos for the Golden Knights and the rest of the NHL. Keep a close eye on the Oilers as the season rages on.