We're only a month into the 2024-25 season, but fans of teams in the Metropolitan Division already feel like they're watching the standings closely, waiting for other teams to stumble. The top of the Metro is crowded, with the Rangers, Hurricanes, Capitals, and Devils alternating chances at the top of the division. While it means little in November, it could mean we're in for a long fight for division supremacy over the coming months. Here's a breakdown of where we are and why each team has a legitimate chance of winning the division in April.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals' start indicates that last season's postseason appearance wasn't a fluke. While they barely snuck in as a Wild Card team a season ago, the Capitals are soaring. After a subpar season, by his standards, Alex Ovechkin looks primed to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record this season. The greatest goal-scorer of the generation has ten goals in 14 games, putting him on pace to cement himself as the best ever before the end of the year.
Ovechkin isn't the only player creating offense. Connor McMichael is experiencing a breakout season, tying the captain with ten goals. Dylan Strome has become a great distributor, leading the team with 18 assists and 22 points. Offseason addition Logan Thompson has yet to drop a decision, starting 7-0-0 with a 2.55 GAA. Their start has come in spite of injuries to TJ Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom, which will likely keep them out the entire season.
Why They Could Win the Metro- Of the four teams, I think the Capitals have the toughest path to the division crown. Their only slight this season has been their performance against their division rivals, with three of their four losses coming within the Metropolitan Division. However, this division is so unpredictable that Washington winning would make complete sense. If Ovechkin and McMichael can keep scoring, while getting some help from Tom Wilson and others, the Capitals might surprise the rest of the division.