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New York Rangers: Metropolitan Division Power Rankings

By Steve Paulus

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 07: Adam McQuaid #54 of the New York Rangers passes the puck during an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 07: Adam McQuaid #54 of the New York Rangers passes the puck during an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 05: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (20) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes on October 05, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 05: Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (20) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes on October 05, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#1 Carolina Hurricanes

For years, hockey analysts have been waiting for the Hurricanes to make their move.  Featuring a young, gifted defense and some outstanding offensive stars, the Canes were sidetracked every year by shoddy goaltending.

With a new management team the Hurricanes made some major roster moves and started the season with a rejiggered lineup and it has paid off.  Carolina sits at the top of the Division with nine points and a 4-1-1 record. They’ve beaten  Columbus, Vancouver, Minnesota and the Rangers.  They lost in OT to the Islanders and were beaten by a tough Jets team in Winnipeg on a goal with two minutes to play.  The Hurricanes sit atop the league when it comes to possession percentage.

Ranger fans know that Carolina can score following the 8-5 loss on October 7. Sebastian Aho is a blossoming star with 11 points in six games.  Top draft choice Andrei Svechnikov has added two goals and Dougie Hamilton has solidified the defense.

The Canes might have lucked out when Scott Darling suffered a lower-body injury that required time on injured reserve.  Backup Curtis McElhinney is undefeated (3-0) and has supplanted Petr Mrazek as the team’s top goalie.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how good the Hurricanes really are as they face Tampa, Boston, San Jose and Colorado.

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