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New York Rangers: Breaking down the competition in the Metropolitan Division

By John Cavanagh

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: The New York Rangers celebrate their 4-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: The New York Rangers celebrate their 4-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Members of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate an overtime goal by Evgeni Malkin
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Members of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate an overtime goal by Evgeni Malkin /

Contender: Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Record: 10-7-3 (23 points)

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t playing too well, but that doesn’t mean you can count them out of it. Any team with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel has a chance. All three have scored against the Rangers this year. There’s simply too much firepower.

Condisering that not much changed from last year, and that the Penguins are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, their start is a bit of a surprise. What’s also concerning is their goal differential, which is third worst in the league at -17. The Penguins 72 goals against highlight a significant problem with their defense, even after a 5-4 win last game against the Buffalo Sabres.

What’s impressive is that despite those numbers, they’re still third in the Metropolitan Division. Their offense has struggled, but is starting to heat up. They have too much talent to not average over three goals a game. However, goaltender Matt Murray needs to be better than a .903 save percentage, and the defense must correct its issues.

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