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The Top of the Metropolitan Division is Tight and All Four Teams Have Legitimate Claims to the Division Crown

With the top four in the Metropolitan separating themselves from the rest of the pack, it's starting to feel like an epic battle to reach the top is incoming.

ByBen Huffman|
Oct 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates with the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) defends in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates with the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) defends in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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New Jersey Devils

Health was a major concern for the New Jersey Devils last season as they missed the postseason. With an aggressive mindset going into the offseason, the Devils have come out looking like a much better team. Ranking in the Top 10 in goals per game, goals allowed per game, and both special teams disciplines, the Devils got the early jump by sweeping the Global Series against Buffalo and have played more games than any other team to this point.

The most impressive part of the Devils' start has been how much they've spread the wealth on offense. Captain Nico Hischier leads the team with ten goals, but Jack Hughes is right behind him with eight and Timo Meier, Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter have seven each. Jesper Bratt and Dougie Hamilton have been the main distributors. Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen have provided stability between the pipes, something the team has sorely lacked in recent seasons.

Why They Could Win the Metro- First-year man Sheldon Keefe has experience with superstar playmakers. The Devils have the most comparable offensive talent to the New York Rangers, who I viewed as the team to beat in the division. They have the talent to outscore some of their defensive shortcomings. Assuming they don't work Jacob Markstrom into the ground and can stay healthy for most of the season, they could find the magic that put them in a dogfight with the Hurricanes two seasons ago for the division title.

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