Defending Metro Division Crown Will Be Difficult
Goodbye, August, and hello hockey! For the last two seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes have won the Metro Division. Although it has not resulted in the ultimate goal, it is always the initial goal entering a season.
In the last three seasons, Rod Brind’Amour and his group have won their respective division. Three years ago, the division was the “Central” division. A shortened season due to Covid had Carolina edge the Florida Panthers by one point.
Last season, the New Jersey Devils made a strong push to take over the Metro Division but fell short by one point.
The buzz around this hockey team is about being a Stanley Cup contender and normally the best path to that goal is by being atop the division and preferably the conference.
Despite having another strong season and adding top talent to the already strong roster, the Metro division may not be as easy to win. The division continued to get better in the off-season and some up-and-coming teams are here to stay.
One of the young teams taking a big step were the Devils and they seem to be looking to making big strides this season with the acquisition of Tyler Toffoli. With 34 goals last season in Calgary, Toffoli adds a power forward to the young, skilled group of forwards in Newark.
The New York Rangers have had a great deal of skill combined with strong goaltending. After taking a step back last season, they will be led by familiar face, Peter Laviolette, this year.
The Rangers cross town rival, New York Islanders have kept their roster ultimately the same. Strong goaltending from Ilya Sorokin will always keep them in the game but besides a full season with Bo Horvat, the Islanders remain level.
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a busy off-season with the acquisitions of Reilly Smith and Erik Karlsson. This will certainly help them return to form as long as the core can stay healthy. Add this as another big threat to the division once again.
The Philadelphia Flyers are in a transition period, while the Columbus Blue Jackets are very similar. With both organizations having strong drafts, they are sure to be a threat in years to come but no immediate threat.
The Washington Capitals have Alex Ovechkin and some of the same veterans so they will always be competitive but of late, the nation’s capital has not been able to get over the hump.
A strong division indeed, the Metro will be difficult to repeat for the Canes but is it not a success without the division crown?
I think many routes to the Stanley Cup can be won and the pressure of winning another division should not have this team lose sight of the ultimate goal.