Happy Hockey Day!
Bring on the Metro. Followed by Atlantic, then Pacific.
Ek’s Picks: EXACTLY What will Happen in the Metropolitan Division.
#8. Carolina.
Were the Canes in the Atlantic they would be making some definite noise. When you look throughout the NHL there are several teams who would have to look long and hard at trading their D-corps with the Canes. If the Flyers had this D, they would be a playoff team. If Dallas had this D, they would be an even bigger Cup contender. The Staals future here will be lingering throughout the year, and many feel Skinner could be one of the top players to be moved at the deadline. Carolina reminds me a lot of the Maple Leafs actually…a little better, but not much….and they will win more games and beat more teams than everyone wants to admit right now. They are just too young
#7. New Jersey.
Yes, I am putting them higher than 8th for a reason. They are very young for sure, but there is some young talent I believe will surprise people. I also believe in Corey Schneider, who joins several solid goalies in the Metro division…perhaps the best division (in Goal) in Hockey. The Devils have added some sneaky signings which will return plenty at the deadline as well. Ray Shero is a REALLY strong GM. Don’t be shocked to see the Devils get out of the gate much better than they should.
#6. Philadelphia.
What’s happening this year in Vancouver will be what will be happening next year and the year after in Philly…but for now the Flyers will have their issues. And while the defense is patchwork and just waiting for a slew of super talent to mature in juniors and on the Phantoms, I feel the real issue will be secondary scoring. After the Giroux line, and Simmonds on the power play the Flyers need to get goals. If they do they could easily see the playoffs. If Couturier and Read and Brayden Schenn perform they WILL make the playoffs and slide into 4th or 5th…Steve Mason was the best goalie 5 on 5 last season in the NHL. With a D that doesn’t help him. He has looked even better in Camp. If the Flyers were in the Atlantic…they would have a very good shot at the playoffs. The future is bright though
#5 Pittsburgh
I am predicting the Penguins will be on the playoff bubble with this 5th spot. My guess is they do land in the playoffs…This Penguins team has added a lot of scoring and they could easily lead the league in scoring… there is no doubt there. The problem is defense as most have said, however I believe it isn’t all on the defensemen. The Penguins have some good young D, but really lack forwards who can play shutdown. That is why the Penguins are so prone to blowing leads. And moving Sutter doesn’t help them to be better in their own end. The lack of defensive capable forwards is really what is keeping the Penguins down at this point.…¨ #4 Columbus
The Jackets deserve serious props for the decision to NOT go into Tank mode last year and instead set up the players they DO have by instilling a winning attitude. The Blue Jackets were devastated by injuries as we all know, and they are the sexy pick this year to be in the playoffs. If you want to teach your youth hockey team how to play every shift like it is your last all you need to do is show them some Jackets games. This team is NOT that much better than Philly up and down the line-up, but they have previously worked harder on a more consistent level regardless of the competition. Bobrovsky is fantastic and a key. The Saad pickup can’t be understated. This team at #4 is crazy, but the teams above them are simply VERY good.
#3 NY Rangers
It really doesn't matter where the Rangers finish, they are the toughest team to beat in a playoff series…hands down. I see them at #3 only because the two teams I put above them have bigger chips on their shoulders and more to prove. Lundqvist is the best goalie in this division and only Price is better in the NHL. I think the Rangers could see some more scoring from the younger players coming in…
#2 NY Islanders
Brooklyn will suit the Isles and I can see them getting off to a flying start. This team is poised to take the next step and last year’s bitter opening round defeat really has served as a strong motivator…Tavares could indeed by the MVP this season if all goes well, and Halak, assuming he gets healthy, is a true show stopper. But its the youth and speed the Isles have carefully built which will make this team dangerous and the playoffs will be their proving ground.
#1. Washington
Barry Trotz did a hell of a job last year and these Caps have bought in 100%… Add to that the emergence of a possible Vezina candidate in Holtby and another superstar in the making with Evgeny Kuznetsov and you have a dynamic offense. Adding Oshie brings yet more secondary scoring and just for fun they signed one of the best locker room guys, and oh by the way he is more than money in the playoffs….Justin Williams. The Caps will at times appear dominant this season. and oh yeh….they still have Ovechkin and Backstrom.
Coming up in the noon hour….the Atlantic, followed by the Podcast at 1 and finally the Pacific before it all gets going for keeps.