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NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Metropolitan Division

By Daniel Mcclue

Oct 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Stanley Cup prior to playing the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Stanley Cup prior to playing the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins players look on as the 2016 Stanley Cup banner is raised prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins players look on as the 2016 Stanley Cup banner is raised prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at the PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Hockey is back! The regular season has started as teams look to make an immediate impact. We wrap up our divisional NHL predictions in the Eastern Conference with the Metropolitan Division, where at least two teams could make a deep playoff run.

In 2015-16, the Metropolitan Division proved to be among the strongest in the NHL. Both the Presidents’ Trophy and Stanley Cup winners emerged from here, while the two Wild-Card spots in the East were won by Metropolitan teams.

Pittsburgh may start the season without their talisman and captain. But having retained the majority of their roster from last season, they look set to challenge again. Same goes for the Washington Capitals, who are destined to thrill from start to finish.

While at the bottom of the division Columbus, Carolina, and New Jersey could all have breakthrough years. Especially with the chance of both New York teams regressing.

Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (34) celebrates with defenseman Markus Nutivaara (65) and left wing Scott Hartnell (43) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (34) celebrates with defenseman Markus Nutivaara (65) and left wing Scott Hartnell (43) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Columbus Blue Jackets, 8th – 75 points

It’s hard to see where the team with the second worst defense got better this season. Sure, they were ravaged by injured last year – only three skaters played in all 82 games. Special teams remain a problem, coming 21st in power-play percentage and 19th on the penalty kill.

Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) dives to cover the loose puck beside the net against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) dives to cover the loose puck beside the net against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

If their top players can remain healthy, they could stand to come higher in the Metropolitan. This would rely on big seasons from Brandon Saad and Cam Atkinson. In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky needs to bail out his team more. Last season’s save percentage of .908 and goals against per game of 2.75 weren’t good enough.

On defense, Zach Werenski is fluid and will be a stud for them. But Seth Jones needs to prove he can become the elite defenseman the Blue Jackets traded Ryan Johansen for, and fast.

Sam Gagner could be a free agency steal. But the biggest question on offense is the form of Nick Foligno who scored 31 goals in 2014-15 and if he can return to that level of play – as their captain – he could lead them up the division.

No pressure.

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