NHL Metropolitan Division Preview.
This is the second of a four part Bits series previewing the Metropolitan Division.
The Metropolitan Division has been loaded the past few years. Many people believe that this division is the class of the NHL. The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for the first three peat Stanley Cup win since the early 80s Islanders. The Washington Capitals have the opportunity to three peat in Presidents Trophies.
There are emerging teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers. Both New York teams could make their presence felt.
Carolina Hurricanes
Last Year: 7th in Metro Division (87 points)
Additions:
G Scott Darling
C Marcus Kruger
D Trevor van Riemsdyk
RW Justin Williams
Departures:
G Eddie Lack
D Ryan Murphy
LW Andres Nestrasil
The Hurricanes added experience with their newcomers. The line with Jeff Skinner and Elias Lindholm could be one of the better young lines in the league.
Scoring is still a concern for Carolina. How will the goaltending situation with Cam Ward and newly acquired Scott Darling pan out?
Prediction: 7th in Metro
Columbus Blue Jackets
Last Year: 3rd in Metro Division (108 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh; 4-1 in First Round
Additions:
RW Pierre Luc Dubois
C Tyler Motte
LW Artemi Panarin
Departures:
G Anton Forsberg
C Sam Gagner
LW Scott Hartnell
C William Karlsson
D Kyle Quincey
LW Brandon Saad
The Blue Jackets were the surprise team of the regular season. They tied the NHL record for consecutive wins which catapulted them to a playoff berth.
They lacked a scoring punch, but should have help with acquiring Artemi Panarin.
They need help in backing up goalie Bobrovsky.
With John Tortorella at the helm, I believe they have enough toughness to achieve a second consecutive playoff berth for the first time in franchise history.
Prediction: 1st in Metro Division
New Jersey Devils
Last Year: 8th in Metro Division (70 points)
Additions:
C Brian Boyle
D Will Butcher
C Nico Hirschier
RW Marcus Johansson
D Mirco Mueller
RW Drew Stafford
Departures:
D Yohan Auvitu
LW Mike Cammalleri
D Jon Merrill
RW Devante Smith Pelley
The Devils ended up a distant last place in the division last year and I don't see a reason why they won't be this year. Travis Zajac will be out for the first four months at least due to injury.
Nico Hirschier is a promising young talent and should provide a glimpse into the Devils future.
Prediction: 8th in Metro Division
New York Islanders
Last Year: 5th in Metro Division (94 points)
Additions:
RW Jordan Eberle
Departures:
G Jean Francois Berube
G Mikhail Grabovski
D Travis Hamonic
RW Ryan Strome
This is a big year for the Islanders franchise. They were only one win away from the playoffs last year. The captain; John Tavares is in a contract year which threatens to be a distraction. Did General Manager; Garth Snow do enough to push the Islanders into playoff contention?
They are putting their hopes on Jordan Eberle to once again thrive with Tavares. Eberle is a change of scenery canidate after struggling with Edmonton.
I don't see this as enough.
Prediction 6th in Metro Division
New York Rangers
Last Year: 4th in Metro Division (102 points)
Lost to Ottawa; 4-2 in Second Round
Additions:
C David Desharnais
G Ondrej Pavalec
D Neal Pionk
D Kevin Shattenkirk
Departures:
D Dan Girardi
G Antti Kaanta
D Kevin Kline
C Oscar Lindberg
C Derek Stepan
The Rangers should continue to have a strong blue line and be tough to get goals against. Can they get one more year out of Rick Nash? They also need the King to reclaim his throne.
The competition should be tight for the lower playoff spots. The Rangers could have difficulty making their 8th consecutive playoff appearance.
Prediction: 5th in Metro Division
Philadelphia Flyers
Last Year: 6th in Metro Division (88 points)
Additions:
G Brian Elliott
C Jori Lehtera
C Nolan Patrick
Departures:
RW Pierre Edouard Bellemare
C Nick Cousins
D Michael Del Zotto
G Steve Mason
C Brayden Schenn
Philadelphia should have enough firepower and a good enough defense to get back into the playoffs. Can they get their age old goaltending dilemma solved? Is Brian Elliott the answer to that conundrum?
Prediction: 4th in Metro Division
Pittsburgh Penguins
Last Year: 2nd in Metro Division (111 points)
Defeated Nashville; 4-2 for second consecutive Stanley Cup Championship
Additions:
D Matt Hunwick
G Antii Niemi
RW Ryan Reaves
Departures:
C Nick Bonino
C Matt Cullen
G Marc Andre Fleury
D Trevor Daley
D Ron Hainsey
LW Chris Kunitz
D Mark Streit
Many pieces are now elsewhere from the back to back Stanley Cup Championship teams. But a healthy Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and Kris Letang along with a capable supporting cast could have them on top of the heap again next spring.
The Penguins have played 213 games in the past two years.
Can goalie; Matt Murray stay healthy?
Prediction: 2nd in Metro Division
Washington Capitals
Last Year: 1st in Metro Division (118 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh; 4-3 in Second Round
Additions:
RW Devante Smith Pelley
Departures:
D Karl Alzner
RW Marcus Johansson
D Nate Schmidt
D Kevin Shattenkirk
RW Justin Williams
The Capitals took their salary cap hit, losing three defenders and winger, Justin Williams. They are still a formidable team capable of winning the division again.
Alex Ovechkin will not play in the World Championships. He trained for more speed in the off season. It appears that the Capitals will need him more than ever this year.
Prediction: 3rd in Metro Division
Order of Finish:
1 Columbus
2 Pittsburgh
3 Washington
4 Philadelphia
5 N.Y. Rangers
6 N.Y. Islanders
7 Carolina
8 New Jersey
