By the end of Sunday night, the Anaheim Ducks removed all doubt: they’re on top of the Pacific Division.
Now, it’s not the sort of substantial lead that the sliding San Jose Sharks squandered; Anaheim merely leads the Sharks and Edmonton Oilers by two standings points after beating the New York Rangers 6-3.
With everyone at 75 games played, it’s kind of nice to enjoy the clarity that comes with a clear lead (though the Sharks and Oilers will disagree):
Pacific top four (all teams with 75 games played)
1. Ducks - 93 points (38 ROW, 41 W)
2. Sharks - 91 poitns (40 ROW, 42 W)
3. Oilers - 91 points (37 ROW, 41 W)
Flames - 88 points (38 ROW, 42 W)
The Ducks are now on a four-game winning streak and managed an 8-1-1 mark in their last 10 contests.
With all due respect to Patrick Eaves’ two goals, it’s Ryan Getzlaf who’s really playing outstanding hockey. He generated four assists in this one, giving him eight helpers in his past four games. He now has a whopping 20 points in March.