NHL 2021-2022 Midseason Report Cards: Metropolitan Division

As the middle of January transitions into the end of January, the NHL is at the midpoint of its 2021-2022 campaign.

With the holiday break and the Winter Classic in the books and the All-Star break and trade deadline lurking, this is the natural point in the NHL season where teams begin to determine how to proceed for the remainder of the year.

Some teams have Stanley Cup championship aspirations, while some just want to get into the playoffs, and others are simply seeking improvement over what they accomplished a season ago. Whatever the case may be, each team can be assessed based on expectations, and what better way to do that than with report card grades?

Where do things stand in the NHL’s Metropolitan Division?

I’ll go division by division to gauge how teams have faired this season, and the next group on the list is the Metropolitan Division. Let’s start with the standings as they appear entering action on Friday, January 28:

1. Carolina Hurricanes (29-9-2, 60 points)
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (27-10-6, 60 points)
3. New York Rangers (28-12-4, 60 points)
4. Washington Capitals (23-12-9, 55 points)
5. Columbus Blue Jackets (19-21-1, 39 points)
6. New York Islanders (15-15-6, 36 points)
7. New Jersey Devils (15-22-5, 35 points)
8. Philadelphia Flyers (13-22-8, 34 points)

Carolina Hurricanes: A+

Everything is clicking for the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021-2022 season. The Canes are the best defensive team in the NHL, leading the league in both goals against per game and penalty kill percentage.

Offensively, Carolina is one of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL, scoring over three and a half goals per game, while the power play, which ranks fifth, converts 25.8% of the time. Forward Sebastian Aho has led the charge offensively for the Hurricanes.

The fact that this team has so many solid team marks shows how well-assembled this roster is. Individually, the Canes may not be as flashy as some other teams, but comprehensively, they’ve been one of the best in the NHL through the first half of the season.

Columbus Blue Jackets: C+

I thought Columbus would easily be the worst team in the Metro, but the Blue Jackets have amassed a respectable .476 point percentage. While that doesn’t scream playoffs, it’s a good showing for the Jackets.

In reality, though, this team has long odds to reach the playoffs, as it is 23rd in the NHL standings. Entering Friday’s action, Columbus is 16 points behind its closest division rival and nine points out of a playoff spot (even with an extra game played).

Columbus earns a C+ for exceeding expectations, yet still being well out of a playoff spot.

New Jersey Devils: D

I was optimistic that the New Jersey Devils would find success and make the playoffs this season. Unfortunately, key offseason acquisitions have not yet been able to rescue New Jersey.

Defense is where I thought this team would make strides and improve, but it is one of the worst in the league. The Devils have a .417 point percentage and own a -28 goal differential, and both of those marks are among the worst in the NHL.

The Devils have already drafted young players to lead the team, and in the most recent offseason, the franchise was able to bring in some established veteran players. That, however, has not gotten the job done, and New Jersey has another disappointing season on its hands.

Pittsburgh Penguins: A

The Penguins are once again in contention for their division and, they hope, the Stanley Cup. Perhaps no player has been steadier this season for the Pens than goaltender Tristan Jarry, who struggled a year ago and has bounced back nicely in this campaign.

Injuries have lingered all season for Pittsburgh, but the Pens continue to find a way to win, and that is a big reason for the high grade. If the Penguins can get fully healthy, it will be scary to see what they can do after winning so consistently with a depleted lineup.

Pittsburgh was dealt a tricky hand in the first half of the seasons, but they have battled through and deserve a ton of credit for being tied atop the Metro at the halfway mark.

Washington Capitals: B+

Washington has lost some ground on the current top three teams in the Metro, but the Capitals still find themselves in prime playoff position. The Caps are in danger of falling below the Boston Bruins, but that wouldn’t move them out of a playoff spot.

The Capitals have been solid both offensively and defensively, though the power play has been one of the worst in the NHL, but lately, Washington has dropped some games. I think there are two questions surrounding this team after half a season: can it win if Alex Ovechkin’s production dips, and can it acquire a goalie?

The Caps get a B+ for being in the playoffs but not currently in contention for a top spot. However, there is a clear formula for this team to earn a higher grade by the end of the year and make a deep run in the postseason.

The Metropolitan Division has four playoff-caliber teams, three non-playoff teams, and one that could attempt to disrupt that balance in the second half of the season. This division should provide entertaining hockey on a nightly basis as the race to the postseason ramps up.