Leon Draisaitl season-ending injury reshapes Western race
Key Questions
What happened to Leon Draisaitl and how does it affect the Oilers?
Leon Draisaitl suffered a season-ending injury on March 18, sidelining him for the Edmonton Oilers. This has led to EDM tying VGK at 86 points in the Pacific Division, trailing Anaheim's 87 points.
What are the current standings in the Pacific Division?
Anaheim leads with 87 points, while Edmonton and Vegas are tied at 86 points. Draisaitl's injury has driven this tight race.
How did the LA Kings' recent game impact the Western wild card race?
LA Kings won in a shootout over Nashville, securing WC2 at 83 points ahead of NSH at 82. This flips the standings in the scramble behind Utah's 86 points.
Which teams are contending for the Western Conference wild card spots?
Utah leads at 86 points, followed by LA (83), Nashville (82), San Jose (81), and Winnipeg (80) in a tight race for WC2.
What coaching change occurred with the Vegas Golden Knights?
VGK swapped coaches to Tortorella, adding volatility to their position in the tied Pacific Division race.
How have recent Predators games affected their playoff hopes?
Nashville lost to LA in a shootout after beating San Jose for the 15th straight time, dropping them to 82 points and into the wild card scramble.
What is the status of the San Jose Sharks in the wild card race?
The Sharks are at 81 points, one point behind Nashville after a loss to the Predators, hosting Edmonton who are one point out of the second wild card.
How are the Winnipeg Jets faring in the wild card race?
Winnipeg is at 80 points after defeating Columbus, staying in the scramble behind Utah, LA, Nashville, and San Jose.
Draisaitl out (3/18) drives EDM/VGK 86pt Pacific tie behind ANA87; LA SO W over NSH flips West WC2 (LA83/NSH82/SJ81/WPG80 scramble behind UTA86), VGK Tortorella coaching swap adds volatility.