The NHL playoff odds picture is still volatile at 14 games into an 84-game season, but the Edmonton Oilers made the clearest statement in Saturday’s results: a 4-0 shutout of the New York Islanders. Edmonton is 10-4 and in the 90–100% playoff band; the 7-7 Islanders sit at 40–50%. The result reinforces the early gap, though one game is not enough to make that gap definitive.
Edmonton’s shutout stands out
The Islanders were blanked while the Oilers improved to 10-4. Edmonton projects for 103 points, compared with 94 for New York, but both teams remain in the 0–10% championship band. The shutout was the night’s largest scoreline separation and one of two clear wins by a team with a stronger current playoff outlook.
The Boston Bruins also won a close game against a team with a weaker projection, edging the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4. Boston is 10-5, in the 70–80% playoff band, and projects for 103 points; Chicago is 4-10, in the 0–10% band, with 75 projected points. The one-goal finish made it far less comfortable than the standings contrast suggests.
One-goal games shape Saturday’s slate
The Montréal Canadiens beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4. Montréal (9-5) is in the 50–60% playoff band and projects for 98 points, while Pittsburgh (5-9) sits in the 10–20% band with 85 projected points. The win adds to Montréal’s early position; it does not settle a race this young.
The Buffalo Sabres edged the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Buffalo (7-7) is in the 30–40% band with 93 projected points; Los Angeles (4-9) is in the 40–50% band with 89. The result tightened the teams’ immediate records, but their playoff bands still lean in opposite directions.
The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Toronto is 8-8 and in the 40–50% band, against Vancouver’s 3-13 record and 0–10% band. Toronto’s 93 projected points compare with Vancouver’s 70.
Colorado, Dallas and Ottawa win by multiple goals
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Calgary Flames 5-2. Colorado (8-6) is in the 90–100% playoff band with 105 projected points; Calgary (6-8) is in the 30–40% band with 86. The Dallas Stars beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1, moving Dallas (8-6, 70–80%) past Columbus (5-7, 10–20%) in a game that matched their 102 and 85 projected points, respectively.
The Ottawa Senators handled the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Ottawa (9-6) is in the 40–50% band with 95 projected points; San Jose (7-8) is in the 10–20% band with 81. That four-goal margin was Saturday’s most lopsided result.
Next matchup for Saturday’s teams
The supplied schedule does not identify the next game for any of these teams, so a specific upcoming matchup cannot be confirmed. With the season still in its opening weeks, Saturday’s results offer useful context, not a settled playoff forecast.
Research sources
Additional reporting checked 2026-11-01T14:00:58.116Z.
