The Northwest Division used to be the greatest gift the Vancouver Canucks could ask for. This team cruised to seven division titles over a nine-year span from 2004 to 2013, thanks in large part to a fairly weak division that consisted of the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild.
But the NHL realigned their divisions and conferences before the 2013-14 season. Vancouver has been forced to deal with the three California heavyweights — who have beaten and battered this Canucks team with ease.
The Arizona Coyotes have struggled more than the Canucks, but the Flames and Oilers are now among the top teams in the Western Conference after years of struggling.