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NHL Predictions: Metropolitan Division 5 Bold Projections

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 2, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a save during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a save during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Predictions: The New York Islanders celebrate after defeating the Florida Panthers in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Panthers 2-1 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Predictions: The New York Islanders celebrate after defeating the Florida Panthers in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Panthers 2-1 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL Predictions: 5 Bold Projections – The Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division Had 4 Teams With Over 100 Points in 2015-16, Helping Secure Playoff Spots for 5 Teams; They’ll Look to Match That Number This Upcoming Season

Following a Puck Prose tradition, it’s about time for another edition of our five bold NHL predictions. We typically release these in anticipation of important dates, such as the trade deadline, All-Star break, start of playoffs, free agency, etc. Now, with a new season set to begin on Wednesday, it’s time to settle in for another long, exciting nine months or so of hockey.

At the beginning of 2015-16, we released a league-wide edition for our five bold NHL predictions. It’s tricky to make accurate projections this early in the year, but we managed to hit on the Dallas Stars being a powerhouse team in the West emerging as a Stanley Cup contender. We also got lucky with our prediction that Connor McDavid would match/or exceed a point-per-game pace in his rookie season – luckily we made sure to protect ourselves to an injury opposed to making an actual point estimate.

We’re shifting gears a bit for 2016-17. Instead of five league-wide predictions, we’ve decided to split it up into a divisional series. Sticking in the Eastern Conference, next, we turn to the Metropolitan Division.

May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) shake hands after game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 4-3 in overtime to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) and Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) shake hands after game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 4-3 in overtime to win the series 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington sat atop the standings with 120 points and also claimed Presidents’ Trophy honors in 2015-16. Sitting behind them was the eventual Cup Champion Penguins who surged into the playoffs as the hottest team in the league. Both teams from New York managed to snag a postseason berth topping 100 points in the regular season (Rangers – 101pts, Islanders – 100pts), while the Flyers squeaked in late as a Wild-Card team.

Carolina gave fans reason for optimism last season, but it ultimately became clear they were a lottery team, which led to the departure of longtime captain Eric Staal. New Jersey seemingly had a shot at the postseason before losing Mike Cammalleri and Cory Schneider to long-term injuries.

At the bottom of the division sat the shocker of 2015-16; the Columbus Blue Jackets. They never managed to gain enough ground once switching coaches and ultimately finished last with 76 points.

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