NHL 2021-2022 Midseason Report Cards: Metropolitan Division
New York Islanders: C
A treacherous start to the season put the Islanders behind the eight-ball right from the start. Having only played 36 games, this team has several games in hand, but if it wants to use those games effectively, it’ll need to address the same issue it has faced for years: a lack of scoring.
This grade reflects the fact that New York has a lot of work still to do, as well as the fact that this group, being built for the postseason, could have a difficult time making up ground in a high-scoring, talent-based regular season.
The Islanders’ .500 point percentage makes them a wild card in the sense that they could drop off or make a push for the playoffs. With that said, it was important that they not allow the early stretch of road games to bog them down, and that’s exactly what’s happened.
New York Rangers: A
Everything that I wanted from the Rangers last season is what I’m getting this season. As a result, New York is part of a tie at the top of the division.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is having a fantastic season that has guided one of the better defensive team performances so far this year. In addition, the star offensive players are shining, as the Rangers have four top-25 scorers across the entire NHL.
It’s been an impressive season that New York hopes to convert into a playoff appearance. Adding some depth players, including some that have playoff experience, could bump this A up to an A+ by the end of the season.
Philadelphia Flyers: F
The Flyers have had two double-digit losing streaks this season, and that alone could be the reason that Philadelphia gets the lowest possible grade.
Philly is in last place in the Metro and sits at 27th in the NHL standings. The current 13-game winless streak that the Flyers are mired in is a new franchise record, and there are serious trade rumors swirling around established players, including captain Claude Giroux.
Things are ugly in the City of Brotherly Love, and a failing midterm grade reflects that. Unfortunately for the Flyers, things will probably have to get worse before they can begin to get better.