Looking At The Devils Competition in the Metropolitan Division
When playoffs came around last season, it was easy to identify the Metropolitan Division as the least competitive division in the NHL.
In the 2013-14 season, the Metropolitan division only had 1 team tally over 100 points on the year, while the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific divisions all had 3 teams reach that plateau. With the summer excitement coming to a close, each of the 8 Metropolitan organizations is ready to get back on the ice and prove themselves as the top dog in a division that can go to anyone.
More from Devils News
- New Jersey Devils Bring Keith Kinkaid Back In Strange Agreement With Chicago Wolves
- Tomas Tatar Leaves New Jersey Devils For Surprising Destination
- Former New Jersey Devils Captain Makes Hall of Fame
- Devils Unwilling to Pay Massive Trade Cost for Hellebuyck
- New Jersey Devils Get 16 Games On National Schedule
We have spent the last few weeks evaluating the moves that GM Lou Lamoriello has made for the Devils this off-season. With the additions of Mike Cammalleri & Marty Havlat, the losses of Mark Fayne & Anton Volchenkov, along with advanced scouting reports on returning players, there is not much surrounding New Jersey that has been failed to be reported on.
Instead of more analysis on the Devils’ organization, lets take a look at the seven remaining teams in the Metropolitan division that New Jersey will be competing against for a playoff spot.
New York Islanders
Mar 1, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman
Travis Hamonic(3) fights with New Jersey Devils right wing
Steve Bernier(18) during the third period of a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Devils defeated the Islanders 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14 Season Stats: 34-37-11, 79 points & 8th in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: D TJ Brennan, F Cory Conacher, F Mikhail Grabovski, G Jaroslav Halak, G Chad Johnson, F Nikolai Kulemin,
Key Subtractions: D Radek Martinek, G Evgani Nabokov
What to Expect: The Islanders made a big splash last season pulling the trigger on a deal which brought Thomas Vanek to Long Island. Unfortunately, being unable to resign him, New York sent him to Montreal at the deadline. After the deadline there was not much excitement as the Islanders cemented themselves into last place. This summer, New York did not lose that much to free agency, but were able to gain some pretty big names. Halak and Grabvoski headline the additions and will look to contend themselves for a wild card spot.
Prediction: 6th in the Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes
2013-14 Season Stats: 36-35-11, 83 points & 7th in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: D Tim Gleason, C Brad Malone, C Jay McClement
Key Subtractions: C Manny Malhotra, G Justin Peters
What to Expect: Coming in 7th last season, the Carolina Hurricanes main concerning going into this off-season was how can they get better. Instead of addressing their on-ice needs, the focus immediately shifted when GM Jim Rutherford left for the Penguins vacancy, and the front office needed to be figured out. An in-house promotion led Ron Francis to get the position. Francis took control of Carolina’s organization by firing the current coach and naming Bill Peters to lead the team. Minor pickups this offseason and major overhaul in the front office, may end with Carolina having a rocky start while the new staff trying to find its stride.
Prediction: 8th in the Metropolitan Division
Washington Capitals
2013-14 Season Stats: 38-30-14, 90 points & 5th in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: F Chris Conner, D Matt Niskanen, D Brooks Orpik, G Justin Peters
Key Subtractions: F Mikhail Grabovski, G Jaroslav Halak, D Tyson Strachan
What to Expect: After just missing the playoffs, Washington was determined to spend the summer getting the players needed to improve. Making headlines this off-season, the Capitals brought in major names in Niskanen and Orpik, but that does not promise success. Niskanen thrived on a potent offensive team, and the contract that brought in Orpik has been highly criticized. Also, letting Halak leave and trusting Holtby with the starting role may be risky as he has not been a consistent net minder for the last two seasons. The Caps have made the moves this off-season, but were they the right ones?
Prediction: 7th in the Metropolitan Division
Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 27, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing
Jaromir Jagr(68) skates with the puck while being defended by Columbus Blue Jackets center
Artem Anisimov(42) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14 Season Stats: 43-32-7, 93 points & 4th in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: F Brian Gibbons, F Scott Hartnell
Key Subtractions: F Blake Comeau, F Derek MacKenzie, D Nikita Nikitin, D Nick Schultz, F Jack Skille, F R.J. Umberger
What to Expect: Sneaking into the playoffs last season as a wild card team, Columbus gave the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins quite a scare in the first round. Unable to beat their Division foe in the series, the Blue Jackets season ended, but it did show their fans, along with other teams in the Division, that they can be some fierce competition in the future. Columbus lost some of its players from last season, but with a young talented core and some nice additions, Columbus can look to build upon last season’s success. Expect for Columbus to be hovering around the top of the division for this coming season throughout the year.
Prediction: 2nd in the Metropolitan Division
Philadelphia Flyers
Mar 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) goes behind the net against Philadelphia Flyers center
Vincent Lecavalier(40) and goalie
Steve Mason(35) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Devils defeated the Flyers, 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14 Season Stats: 42-30-10, 94 points & 3rd in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: LW PE Bellemare, D Michael Del Zotto, RW Andrew Gordan, C Blair Jones, D Nick Schultz, RW Zack Stortini, C R.J. Umberger, G Rob Zepp
Key Subtractions: RW Steve Downie, D Bruno Gervias, D Erik Gustafsson, LW Scott Hartnell
What to Expect: Philadelphia made it to the playoffs last season, but could not escape the first round. After being kicked out of the playoffs, Philadelphia looked to improve their team, in hopes of a deeper playoff run next season. The off-season, however, was not kind to the Flyers. Losing first liner Hartnell via trade, and other siginificant names in Free Agency, the Flyers were unable to sign a big talent to match their losses. Cap restrictions handcuffed Philadelphia from spending major cash on players. Also not being able to deal away center Vinny LeCavalier, the Flyers have many questions going into the season. The biggest question however, will Philadelphia return to their playoff glory?
Prediction: 5th in the Metropolitan Division
New York Rangers
Mar 22, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New York Rangers goalie
Henrik Lundqvist(30) makes a save on New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Rangers defeated the Devils 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14 Season Stats: 45-31-6, 96 points & 2nd in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: D Dan Boyle, G Cedrick Desjardins, F Tanner Glass, D Matt Hunwink, D Steven Kampfer, D Mike Kostka, F Matthew Lombarbi, F Chris Mueller, F Lee Stempniak, F Nick Tarnasky
Key Subtractions: F Brian Boyle, F Derek Dorsett, Justin Falk, F Benoit Pouliot, F Brad Richards, Anton Stralman
What to Expect: Last season we saw the Rangers come two wins short of securing the Stanley Cup for the first time in the last 20 years. Lead by Henrik Lundquist’s stellar postseason, the Rangers made a run that not many expected. For the Rangers to be a threat again, Henrik must play at the same level throughout the entire season. Losing many names from their top lines, New York did pick up a few players they see could help their organization maintain their competitive nature.The Rangers lost size this off-season but they did pick up speed. If Henrik is great, the Rangers can be a divisional powerhouse, but if he is good, New York may falter
Prediction: 4th in the Metropolitan Division
Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 31, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie
Martin Brodeur(30) makes a save on Pittsburgh Penguins center Brian Gibbons (49) during the second period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14 Season Stats: 51-24-7, 109 points & 1st in Metropolitan Division
Key Additions: F Blake Comeau, F Steve Downie, D Christian Ehrhoff, F Thomas Greiss, F Patric Hornqvist, D Nick Spaling
Key Subtractions: D Deryk Engelland, F Brian Gibbons, F Tanner Glass, F Jussi Jokinen, F James Neal, D Matt Niskanen, D Brooks Orpik, F Joe Vitale
What to Expect: Its hard to believe a team who finished in 1st last season went through the summer that the Pittsburgh Penguins did. After firing Coach and GM, Pittsburgh is determined to not only win the division, but expects that the team they put together this off-season can win the conference and the cup. Losing significant names like Jokinen, Neal, & Niskanen, along with other quality players, it would be hard to see the Penguins dominant this season. However, New GM Jim Rutherford has done a brilliant job bringing in a group of talented players to help Pittsburgh reign supreme in the Metro again this season.
Prediction: 1st in the Division