Ryan Wilson: Metropolitan Division Preview Metropolitan Division Preview

I think Philly will be better than the Rags. I don't think the Rags forwards are that impressive.

This isn't a very tough division anymore. Outside of Pens/Caps NYI, NYR all have regressed. NJD might be a bit better but still super boring. CAR and CBJ sucks, PHI is just meh.

Metro is anyone's puck game between the Pens and Caps. These two teams are pretty evenly matched but tie goes to the runner and I'm a give the defending champs the benefit of the doubt. After that you got the Isles and then a toss up between NYR and the Flyers if they keep moving in the right direction.

I think Philly will be better than the Rags. I don't think the Rags forwards are that impressive.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think both teams have question marks on defense. Whoever gets good secondary scoring and has a better defense has a good chance of the #3 seed or a wild card.

This isn't a very tough division anymore. Outside of Pens/Caps NYI, NYR all have regressed. NJD might be a bit better but still super boring. CAR and CBJ sucks, PHI is just meh.
- sammy87

So the Rangers have not regressed? Have you seen their defense try to transition the puck?

The Flyers are no shining example of it themselves, but the Rangers are in the same exact boat as them.

Caps
Pens
Isles
Philly
NYR
NJ
Car
Cbj

Two things that hamper the Pens from winning the division:
1) injuries can and always do hit hard
2) fatigue. The "cup hangover" will set in at some point, probably in the second half.

This isn't a very tough division anymore. Outside of Pens/Caps NYI, NYR all have regressed. NJD might be a bit better but still super boring. CAR and CBJ sucks, PHI is just meh.
- sammy87

Tougher than it was a couple years ago. Besides the Central who doesn't have their super poopty teams at the bottom?

After that you got the Isles and then a toss up between NYR and the Flyers if they keep moving in the right direction.
- Victoro311

Agreed.

I think Philly will be better than the Rags. I don't think the Rags forwards are that impressive.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think they're deep top to bottom but they have no game breakers which is a really big problem.

I really do believe Shero is going to pull off one or two more significant moves and make them a team fighting for fourth place.

I think they're deep top to bottom but they have no game breakers which is a really big problem.
- Victoro311

We also don't know how their new guys will gel or fit AV's system.

We also don't know how their new guys will gel or fit AV's system.
- Rinosaur

I'll give them one thing: the Brassard for Zibanejad deal was a steal.

Caps will win the Metro Pens 2nd Flyers 3rd Isles 4th. That's my guess.

Our defense is soooooo bad

I'll give them one thing: the Brassard for Zibanejad deal was a steal.
- jmatchett383

Can't believe we got a 2nd too

Our defense is soooooo bad
- RAGSareDANGERus

It's about on par with ours. You have McD who is a better all-around defender than what the Flyers have but, assuming Provorov makes the team, the Flyers probably have slightly better 2-5 guys.

So the Rangers have not regressed? Have you seen their defense try to transition the puck?

The Flyers are no shining example of it themselves, but the Rangers are in the same exact boat as them.
- jmatchett383

Typed too fast....NYI, NYR have regressed. I dont think either will be that good. NYI was a huge disappointment in the playoffs last year. I dont see Ladd making them that much better. Henrik is the most overrated player in the league.

Our defense is soooooo bad
- RAGSareDANGERus

Sup gurl.

It's about on par with ours. You have McD who is a better all-around defender than what the Flyers have but, assuming Provorov makes the team, the Flyers probably have slightly better 2-5 guys.
- jmatchett383

Skjei has looked worse than we hoped for, but I think he'll correct himself eventually. Other than that, Clendening and Holden have been the 2 best defensemen after McDonagh and that's a major problem.

Edit: although Girardi actually wasn't that bad last night

Sup gurl.
- Victoro311

On vacation

Almost time for your squad to start defending that Cup.

Skjei has looked worse than we hoped for, but I think he'll correct himself eventually. Other than that, Clendening and Holden have been the 2 best defensemen after McDonagh and that's a major problem.
- RAGSareDANGERus

Its preseason...Staal and Girardi probably arent even trying since they know their jobs are safe

Its preseason...Staal and Girardi probably arent even trying since they know their jobs are safe
- YuenglingJagr

That's what I'm hoping for. Klein has looked like absolute dogpoop too which is a concern. But we also haven't played a preseason game with our full defense/roster yet so we'll see how it shakes out.

Its preseason...Staal and Girardi probably arent even trying since they know their jobs are safe
- YuenglingJagr

That's the odd thing about Skjei (I refuse to call him "Shay" and instead refer to him as "Skay-Gee"). He knows he is fighting for a spot and his play has, if anything, dipped.

That's the odd thing about Skjei (I refuse to call him "Shay" and instead refer to him as "Skay-Gee"). He knows he is fighting for a spot and his play has, if anything, dipped.
- jmatchett383

maybe he was, dare I say, a flash in the pan?