Last season the Pacific Division saw a clear divide.
The three teams to clinch a playoff berth from the division were all within five points of one another, while the bottom four were separated by just eight points.
However, as we gear up for the regular season, early indications are that the gap between the seven clubs will not be as severe this time around, and goaltending is to blame.
Some teams have upgraded at the position, others have stripped away, and some are simply facing question marks.
Goaltending no longer Flames' excuse for missing playoffs
The Calgary Flames can largely rest their hats on the fact that having the worst goaltending in the league is the reason they missed the postseason in 2015-16.
The club gave up a league-worst 3.13 goals against per game, and saw four different individuals man the crease at one time or another, with none providing goaltending that could be considered reliable.
| Goalie | Games | Wins | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karri Ramo | 37 | 17 | 2.63 | .909 |
| Jonas Hiller | 26 | 9 | 3.51 | .879 |
| Joni Ortio | 22 | 7 | 2.76 | .902 |
| Niklas Backstrom | 4 | 2 | 3.35 | .881 |
However, this offseason the team went on the offensive, and acquiring Brian Elliott from the St. Louis Blues and signing Chad Johnson in free agency. Elliott led the league with a .930 save percentage during the regular season in 2015-16 and tied for second with a 2.06 goals-against average.
Meanwhile, Johnson played admirably on a poor Buffalo Sabres club, finishing with a .920 save percentage and a 2.36 goals-against average in 45 games.
The Flames still own a blistering offense and a strong defensive core, so the vastly improving their options in net could see the team quickly compete for top spot in the division.
Gibson takes on new role
The Anaheim Ducks chose their main man this offseason.
After splitting the duo of Frederik Andersen and John Gibson, the team rolled the dice, dealing Andersen to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who then inked the 26-year-old to a five-year contract.
In turn, the team has placed its eggs entirely in the basket of the 22-year-old Gibson, who has just 66 games of NHL experience.
Gibson earned the starting role over Andersen last season, but lost his starting job during the playoffs after rocking a lackluster .900 save percentage and 3.08 goals-against average in his first two postseason games.
The Pittsburgh native has never started more than 38 games in a season, but will certainly be expected to going forward. The Ducks did acquire Jonathan Bernier from the Maple Leafs, who should help to fill in as needed, but there's no question the Ducks will certainly be testing uncharted waters in handing the reigns over to the youngster.
Several unknowns
While the Flames looked to have beefed up their goaltending and the Ducks have made a point about clarifying their starter going forward, the rest of the division stood pat with their squads' existing tandems, and in doing so have created several questions of their own to answer.
Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks will enter the season with Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom. The team appears to have Miller pegged as its starter, but as Miller, 36, continues to age and with Markstrom appearing to be coming into his own, the question is: what will it take for the Canucks to hand the keys over to their younger netminder full time?
Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes have been aggressive this offseason in attempting to prove they are preparing for a successful future. But who will be between the pipes when the future arrives?
Louis Domingue showed flashes of brilliance in his first season. Meanwhile, Mike Smith - despite turning in strong numbers in 2015-16 - continues to be very inconsistent from one season to the next. Will this duo be enough, or will the Coyotes be left howling for more?
Oilers
Cam Talbot's .917 save percentage was the best mark an Oilers goaltender has put up since the 2012-13 season.
He is early into what the Oilers hope is a long and successful run for the team as it looks to turn over a new leaf. However, Talbot sits in a position where he could hit the ground running or regress. His value to the Oilers' future could very well be proven this season.
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