Sometimes I feel this is the division I am the worst at predicting. I don't know why that is exactly. Some would say I am clouded by the fact I grew up a Flyers fan, and I really can't escape that. However, I feel that I have been harder on the Flyers over the years due to over-compensation when it comes to Philly. This year, with the Flyers most certainly in a rebuild, perhaps I will be able to match my solid records of the other divisions over the past few years...
Here goes nothing...
#8. Philadelphia.
The Flyers last night gave their fans a true treat and the building was rocking in their opener...more so than in several years. It was great to see for a fanbase that has taken a lot of heat. In my 40 some years in this town I truly can't remember a time when the other 3 MAJOR Teams..The Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers...were so much better than the Flyers. I don't believe that has really ever happened. The best this team can hope for is what they saw last night. Carter Hart taking a real step forward, the young guns infusing excitement, and Tortorella making them a team no one wants to play.
#7. Washington.
The Caps are going to have issues without Backstrom and I am not convinced that Kuemper is the answer to the issues they have had for a few seasons in net. Ovechkin will keep them always competitive and in my opinion the difference between 5,6, and 7 in this division could be razor-thin.
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) January 5, 2021
#6. Columbus.
The Johnny and the Jackets era begins and I see great things coming.. I am not sold that this year will be the year it all comes together however. However, I really trust in Jarmo...so they could absolutely be in a battle for the final WildCard...
#5. New Jersey.
I love this team and how they are built. they are crazy fast and when Luke Hughes arrives they won't be looking back. They need to get goaltending, but I believe that will come. Jack Hughes is right on the verge of stardom. Best stickhandler in the NHL.
#4. Carolina
I love what Brent Burns brings in terms of excitement and character to this bunch. He is totally a Brind'amour type player and this team is VERY dangerous. These top 4 could finish in any order I feel and these top 4 could be better than any other top 4 in any of the divisions...
#3. NY Islanders.
Goaltending is what will put the Isles into third in the Metro. Barzal WILL have a bounceback year and its important to remember the Islanders had the BEST record in the East from February 1 on.. They will be back in a big way.
#2. NY Rangers.
The Rangers are stacked and loaded. Great offense. Great Defense. Great Goaltending. They are my pick to go to the Cup Final, as they were last season. But the team at #1 has a little more to prove in the regular season in my opinion...
#1. Pittsburgh
This Penguins team is better than any Pens team since their Cups. Adding Rutta and Petry gives them two solidifying guys on the backend which is something they very much needed. The core up front looks healthy and primed to be as dominant as ever and I believe that Jarry will be a Vezina finalist. His style of play and his ability to handle the puck makes other teams try to carry the puck in more than they should. And that plays right into the hands of a Penguins team that explodes out of the counterattack...The Penguins are for real...
What are your thoughts/