Nashville Predators: Way too early Western Conference Power Rankings

Edmonton Oilers (1-1-0, 2 pts)

Incredibly enough, Connor McDavid looks even better than he did last year. I know everyone has seen it by now but his breakaway goal against the Flames made NHL athletes look as if they were skating in molasses and despite a 3-2 loss to Vancouver on Saturday, I am more confident in the Oilers making a deep run than ever.

I know it’s early, but it is staggering how much he has shaped that franchise in a few short years and while we’re at it, has there even been a better fit for a veteran than Milan Lucic in Edmonton? He has been a positive, physical presence to reign in the young herd when they get out of line and he has fit in perfectly. Cam Talbot was up to his old tricks looking all-world on an opening night shutout over Calgary, followed closely by allowing three goals on seven shots to Vancouver in his very next outing.

Adam Larsson has been effective in the orange and blue so far and has balanced what I consider one of the most improved defenses in the Western Conference. If Edmonton can stabilize the goaltender position, they have more than enough fire power to take the Pacific. I think the division as a whole is down, so this should be Edmonton’s year to take hold of the Pacific for now and for the foreseeable future.