Remember when I talked about the Vegas Golden Knights' age problem being exposed against the Anaheim Ducks? The Ducks might've looked younger and less experienced in Saturday's overtime loss. However, they also looked quicker and hungrier, causing all sorts of problems for Vegas.
Ironically, the Pacific Division standings reflect this. Aside from the Ducks and the Golden Knights being in playoff positions, the Seattle Kraken are also joining them in the playoff hunt. Yes, the Kraken are competing for a Stanley Cup playoff spot, after all. Cue the "Greatest Expansion Story Ever Told" storylines.
Pacific Division Standings | Wins | Losses | Overtime Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Anaheim Ducks | 10 | 3 | 1 | 21 |
Vegas Golden Knights | 7 | 3 | 4 | 18 |
Seattle Kraken | 7 | 3 | 4 | 18 |
San Jose Sharks | 7 | 6 | 3 | 17 |
Los Angeles Kings | 6 | 5 | 4 | 16 |
Vancouver Canucks | 8 | 8 | 0 | 16 |
Edmonton Oilers | 6 | 6 | 4 | 16 |
Calgary Flames | 4 | 10 | 2 | 10 |
These were the standings heading into Sunday's slate of games. But it brings up something bizarre. The Anaheim Ducks atop the Pacific Division instead of the Golden Knights? The Kraken being in a playoff spot instead of the Edmonton Oilers? What bizarre world are we living in?
Still, there's a good reason for this. The Ducks are finally seeing their young players get it going. Young stars like Leo Carlsson (eight goals and 15 assists) and Cutter Gauthier (11 goals and seven assists) have carried the load. The San Jose Sharks are also in the mix thanks to Macklin Celebrini (10 goals and 14 assists) taking off.
As for Seattle? Nobody knows how the Kraken are doing it. I guess they followed the Mariners' suit and hired an Etsy witch. It almost got them to a World Series, you know?
The moral of the story? A new era of hockey's upon us. You're seeing new stars like Celebrini and Carlsson take over the NHL. It's on the Golden Knights to adjust so they can hold onto their power. Otherwise, Father Time will take over.
Guess what? H