Early-Season Worries Across the Western Conference
The article reviews early-season issues for all 16 Western Conference clubs after roughly 10 games. It highlights Anaheim's lack of five-on-five scoring and Calgary's struggles from Dustin Wolf, among other team-specific worries. The piece frames these concerns as areas to monitor as the 2026-27 campaign develops.
The review covers all 16 Western Conference clubs after roughly ten games, a point when effects of a shortened training camp and preseason were expected to fade. Anaheim’s power play ranks sixth, yet its overall scoring is 24th and its five-on-five output 27th; the team was 15th at even strength last season and saw forward turnover.
Calgary’s Dustin Wolf has started five games; in four he conceded at least four goals, with negative GSAA and GSAx figures. Chicago has allowed the third-most high-danger chances after ranking last in that category, while Colorado’s power play improved from 27th to 19th but remains a concern.
This early-season review may shape how fans, local media, and team staff interpret slow starts, especially in Anaheim and Calgary, where specific weaknesses could become storylines. It could influence fan confidence and attendance or merchandise interest if concerns persist, though ten-game samples often prove noisy. For players and coaches, such coverage may add pressure or prompt adjustments; for supporters, it offers a shared framework for discussing what to watch as the season develops.