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.

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
4 of 4

New York Rangers

I feel like the New York Rangers are a team that is acknowledged for being very good yet doesn't get talked about at the same level as other great teams. Maybe it's because they aren't as flashy as some of those other teams despite consistently being better, or because I don't live in New York to hear them being talking about. It usually isn't until later in the season and during the playoffs when we see the full strength of the Rangers shine through.

The individual numbers don't jump off the page for the Rangers like they do for some of the other teams in the division, with Artemi Panarin's ten goals and 22 points being the exception. However, they're Top 5 in goals scored and allowed per game with special teams that drive opponents insane. The Rangers have yet to play much within the division, with just three of their first 14 games coming against Metro opponents, but they've done considerable damage against the Atlantic Division to build their start.

Why They Could Win the Metro- Top to bottom, the Rangers have the toughest lineup in the division, especially in net. Igor Shesterkin will be worth every penny of his new contract once he signs it. He has formed a formidable tandem with Jonathan Quick, who has won his first three starts. Their defensive group rivals Carolina's as one of the best in the NHL. Most importantly, they're a team built to succeed in the playoffs with a coach who knows how to win. If they can get consistent secondary scoring to ease the burden on their top lines, the Rangers could find themselves playing in June.