How Will the Rangers Fare in the Metro? Who wins the Cup?
8. Columbus Blue Jackets(2022-23, 25-48-9, 59 points, 8th in Metro):
The Blue Jackets have some exciting prospects, like No. 2 overall pick Adam Fantilli, who’s projected to make a significant impact and might even be running for the Calder Trophy, just like Connor Bedard. It’s music to the Blue Jackets’ ears because they’ve been searching for a top-line center for ages.
Moving on, Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine should lead the charge. The Jackets are also banking on Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko, who lit up the scoreboard with 21 goals last season, to improve.
There’s also Emil Bemstrom and Alexandre Texier. They could add some extra scoring depth to the top-nine forward group, which looks better than last season. Even if Cole Sillinger doesn’t make a giant leap in his development, they should be okay.
Columbus did beef up their defense by acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. However, there are still some big question marks. Erik Gudbranson is a bit of a liability, and Adam Boqvist has a knack for getting injured. So, the defense should improve, but by how much?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – goaltending. It’s the Blue Jackets’ Achilles’ heel. Elvis Merzlikins had a tough season last year with a. 4.23 Goals Against Average, an 8.76 Save Percentage, and a league-worst -25.9 goals saved above expected.
However, there’s hope he’ll bounce back. The real question is, can he bounce back enough to be an average goalie? That’s the game-changer. And behind him, things are a bit uncertain. Daniil Tarasov has been dealing with injuries, and Spencer Martin is more of a backup goalie.
7. Philadelphia Flyers (2022-23, 31-38-13, 75 points, 7th in Metro):
The Flyers might not be great this season, but a few things could keep them competitive.
First off, let’s talk Carter Hart. Last season, he was fantastic with a .907 save percentage with a +10.3 goals saved above expected.
If he keeps those numbers up, the Flyers won’t fall into lottery land, which isn’t too shabby, especially for a team coached by the fiery John Tortorella.
Injuries, notably Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson, hit the Flyers hard last season.
Now, they’re back in action, and if they bring their A-game, this team could be a tough out on game nights.
Travis Konecny thrives under Tortorella’s guidance, and Owen Tippett is emerging as a top-six scoring threat. Joel Farabee and Jackson Cates will add some depth to the scoring, and Tyson Foerster might make his NHL debut.
Now, let’s talk defense. Rasmus Ristolainen had a career year. Ristolainen’s journey from being a big, hard-hitting defenseman to a more well-rounded player was quite the ride.
Drafted 8th overall in 2013, Ristolainen was known for his slick moves, even scoring a memorable game-winner in the 2014 World Junior Championship. But his transition to the Philadelphia Flyers came with some bumps.
While Ristolainen had impressive traditional stats like hits, blocked shots, and points, his advanced analytics didn’t shine. The Flyers believed in his potential, traded for him, and signed him to a five-year $25.5 million contract.
Under the guidance of head coach John Tortorella and defense coach Brad Shaw, improvements came.
They focused on improving his defensive play, refining his physicality, and emphasizing positioning.
The coaching staff’s tough love paid off. Ristolainen embraced a more controlled physical style, improved his stick work, and became a defensive force. His offensive numbers initially suffered as he was taken off the power play, but he didn’t mind. The focus was on becoming a solid defender first. In 2023, Ristolainen’s confidence soared, and he began contributing offensively again. His season ended with three goals and 20 points in 74 games, a remarkable turnaround.
Ristolainen’s improvements earned him a promotion to the top pair, and he became the team’s most improved player, according to Tortorella. Will he do it again? If he can, that’s a win for the Flyers’ defense, which could use all the help it can get.
Marc Staal is slated for top-four minutes, and Cam York is rising. Nick Seeler and Sean Walker are holding the fort on the third pairing. Philadelphia’s defense might face some challenges wildly if Travis Sanheim doesn’t bounce back.
Tortorella’s teams are known for being tougher than a frozen puck, so don’t be surprised if the Flyers give their opponents a run for their money. However, they’ll likely finish with around 75 points, much like last season. It’s not the playoffs, but it’s a step in the right direction.
6. Washington Capitals (2022-23, 35-37-10, 80 points, 6th in the Metro):
The Capitals might have an aging forward group but don’t count them out yet. At 38 years old, Alex Ovechkin is still a goal-scoring machine, netting 42 goals last season. That guy is like fine wine; he keeps improving with age.
They did have some injury woes, with Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom missing a chunk of the previous season. Backstrom even had hip surgery, raising questions about his future performance. Yet Wilson, in just 33 games, managed 13 goals and 22 points. Imagine what he can do over a full season, especially since he’s now got his 7X$6.5 million AAV extension.
The Caps have Dylan Strome, who put up 65 points in 81 games and adds depth at center.
They’re counting on Evgeny Kuznetsov to bounce back and T.J. Oshie to stay injury-free. Oh, and Max Pacioretty is returning from a torn Achilles.
Now, in the goalie department, Washington made some changes. Out with Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek and in with Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren. Kuemper had a solid .908 save percentage and stopped 8.8 goals above expected. Lindgren struggled with his .899 SV%.
The Capitals defense, once a strength, could use some tinkering. It’ll be interesting to see what new coach Spencer Carbery does with that.
John Carlson is still the anchor, but he needs to stay healthy. The right side of their blue line is solid with Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk. It’s the left side that’s a bit concerning. Rasmus Sandin, their acquisition, has potential but is unproven at handling top-four minutes.
Martin Fehervary is defensively sound but not much of an offensive threat. Injuries have plagued Joel Edmundson, who will be out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured hand.
Overall, the Caps have decent goaltending, an offense that could light up the scoreboard, and a solid right side on defense. Yet finishing higher than fifth or sixth place might be a stretch.
The main focus in Washington is on Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. The rest of the team is aging, but with a resurgence from Nicklas Backstrom and a healthy John Carlson, they aim to support Ovechkin in his quest for greatness.
5. New York Islanders (2022-23 42-31-9, 92 points, 4th in Metro):
The Islanders’ playoff hopes rest firmly on the shoulders of their stellar goaltending duo, Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov. Sorokin was spectacular last season, saving +38.5 goals above expected and boasting a .924 save percentage. If he can replicate those numbers and get the team into the playoffs, he’ll be a Vezina Trophy favorite.
Varlamov, the other half of this formidable tandem, is one of the league’s better backup goalies. He had a .913 SV% last season and saved 3.5 goals above expected. Even when Sorokin takes a breather, Varlamov keeps the Islanders competitive in most games.
Their blue line, led by Adam Pelech, remains a top-half unit in the league. Although Noah Dobson might need to improve defensively, he brings puck-moving skills, as does Ryan Pulock. Depth isn’t an issue either, with reliable options like Scott Mayfield, Sebastian Aho (no, not that one), and Alexander Romanov.
However, the Islanders have a glaring weakness, and that’s their offense. While they have some firepower, it pales in comparison to other teams. General manager Lou Lamoriello recognized this when he acquired Bo Horvat before the trade deadline from the Vancouver Canucks. Horvat had a career year with 38 goals and 70 points, but there isn’t much offensive support around him.
Brock Nelson notched 37 goals last season, but can he repeat that performance? Mathew Barzal is a playmaking wizard but lacks a scoring touch. Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri have 20-plus-goal potential, but Palmieri needs to stay injury-free.
The bottom-six forwards aren’t significant contributors in scoring, and their power play was the NHL’s worst last season. While their goaltending and defense should keep them in playoff contention, the offense remains a puzzle, likely keeping them on the outside looking in come the Spring.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (2022-23, 40-31-11, 91 points, 5th in Metro):
The Penguins’ strength, both last season and in the upcoming 2023-24 season, undoubtedly lies in their top-six forwards. Sidney Crosby continued to shine at 36 years old, tallying 33 goals and 90 points in 82 games last season.
His partner in crime, Evgeni Malkin, is showing no signs of slowing down either, posting 27 goals and 83 points in 82 games last season. Their availability for the full 82-game season is crucial, even though the team doesn’t necessarily need them to play every game.
Jake Guentzel, although recovering from offseason ankle surgery, is expected to provide a significant scoring boost when he returns. Reilly Smith, a solid offseason addition, should contribute 20-plus goals and 50-plus points, while Bryan Rust is due for improved shooting luck. The Penguins’ forward group is undeniably their strong suit.
However, changes were made in the bottom six forwards during the offseason. Team president and general manager Kyle Dubas brought players like Matt Nieto, Lars Eller, Rem Pitlick, and Noel Acciari. Eller, at 34, may not be at his prime, but Nieto and Acciari are dependable bottom-six contributors. Pitlick has shown scoring ability in this role, and Drew O’Connor, a returning player, has had a promising preseason, potentially poised for a breakout.
Yes, the acquisition of Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks was seismic. The reigning Norris trophy winner adds firepower to the Penguins’ blueline, especially their power play.
However, the bottom six was a weak point contributing to Pittsburgh missing the playoffs last season, so this group must perform better in 2023-24. There’s some uncertainty due to the influx of new faces, but the potential for improvement is there.
The key to the Penguins’ playoff aspirations might rest on Tristan Jarry’s shoulders. He signed a five-year $26.88 million ($3.75 million AAV) extension this summer, and if he can stay healthy, he’s an above-average goaltender with a .913 SV% over his previous 144 appearances. With Casey DeSmith traded, Alex Nedeljkovic takes over as Jarry’s backup, looking to bounce back from a challenging stint with the Detroit Red Wings.
While the goaltending situation has some uncertainties due to Jarry’s health and Nedeljkovic’s recent performance, it might not be the team’s most vital link. However, it shouldn’t be weak enough to keep them out of the playoffs again. Last season, Pittsburgh missing the playoffs for the first time in 16 years was considered a fluke. Expect them to return with a vengeance.
3. New York Rangers (2022-23, 47-23-11, 107 points, 3rd in Metro):
As a Rangers fan, I’m excited about the upcoming season. Our top-six forwards are looking solid, and the addition of Blake Wheeler is noteworthy. Our strength lies in our forward group, and there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
Artemi Panarin may not be at his peak, but he’s still an elite playmaker. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider add the finishing touches to our top line. Filip Chytil has been stepping up as a reliable second-line center, contributing 20-plus goals and 40-plus points. Kaapo Kakko also has the potential to make an impact in the top six, especially with Alexis Lafreniere facing some preseason challenges.
With this lineup and the addition of Peter Laviolette behind the power play, it should be one of the best in the NHL, especially with Wheeler’s playmaking skills added to the mix.
However, there are concerns about our depth. While Vincent Trocheck is a solid third-line center, can our scoring keep up with the likes of the Devils and Hurricanes, who have deeper forward groups? Will Cuylle making the opening-night roster could alleviate some of these concerns if he can contribute to the scoring in a top-nine role.
Our fourth line, consisting of Nick Bonino, Tyler Pitlick, and Barclay Goodrow, might not provide much at five-on-five, and we need to address that. And then there’s Lafreniere, who had a rough preseason. We still believe in the former first-overall pick, but he needs to consistently score in the top nine, which he hasn’t quite proven yet.
In the net, Igor Shesterkin is fantastic, but the presence of Jonathan Quick raises some questions. Quick had a tough preseason, and given his age, it’s unlikely he’ll suddenly turn things around. While Shesterkin can carry us to the playoffs, Quick playing two dozen games could be a stumbling block, potentially jeopardizing our chances against the Devils Hurricanes in the division. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to cheering on the Blueshirts this season!
2. New Jersey Devils (2022-23, 52-22-8, 112 points, 2nd in Metro):
The Hurricanes indeed had the upper hand against the Devils in the playoffs last season, crushing them in five games. However, New Jersey looks pretty promising up front. With stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt leading the charge, they have one of the most exciting offensive trios in the league.
Timo Meier is set for his first full season with the Devils and is locked in for eight more years at $8.8 million per season.
Tyler Toffoli, who clicked well with Bratt and Hughes during the preseason, was acquired from the Flames for Yegor Sharengovich.
Even the third line, featuring Ondrej Palát, Erik Haula, and Dawson Mercer, has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with.
The fourth line might not be loaded with scorers, but Tomáš Nosek, Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian, or Curtis Lazar bring speed, physicality, and defensive responsibility.
Defensively, with players like Ryan Graves and Damon Severson no longer there, it’s time for Kevin Bahl and Luke Hughes to step into bigger roles. Bahl had a solid preseason and appears ready for an expanded role, possibly alongside John Marino. As for the younger Luke Hughes, there might be some early growing pains. Yet the 19-year-old has a bright future once he gains more experience.
Regarding goaltending, Vitek Vanecek should be reliable during the regular season with his .911 SV% from last year. The big question is whether he can elevate his game in the playoffs. Akira Schmid is relatively inexperienced but stymied the Blueshirts in the preseason. How he handles the increased workload remains to be seen, but the potential exists.
Overall, the Devils look well-rounded and are poised to be a juggernaut. Now, let’s dive into what the projected first-place team, the Hurricanes, brings to the table.
1. Carolina Hurricanes (2022-23, 52-21-9, 113 points):
The Hurricanes’ blue line is undoubtedly the cream of the crop in the NHL, and their offseason moves only solidified their strength. The addition of Dmitry Orlov on a two-year deal and the return of Tony DeAngelo on a one-year contract bolstered an already formidable defensive corps.
Orlov may have seen a dip in performance last season, but the Hurricanes offer the perfect environment for a defenseman to bounce back. With Jaccob Slavin anchoring the top pair on the left side, Orlov won’t be tasked with top-pair minutes, allowing him to excel in his role, which will probably be on the bottom pairing in Raleigh alongside Tony DeAngelo.
The right side of the top four is equally impressive, with the likes of Brent Burns, who remains a premier offensive defenseman even at 38, and Brett Pesce, a reliable two-way second-pair defender.
However, the depth doesn’t end there. Brady Skjei, who had a stellar season with 18 goals and 38 points, will partner with Pesce on the second pair. Finding a blue line better than the Hurricanes’ is problematic, and this is in a league with solid defensive units.
Regarding the forward group, the Hurricanes have depth but no superstars. While Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho can achieve 30-plus goals and 70-plus points, the team may be missing a player with 90-plus-point potential. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t pose a significant issue during the regular season.
There are some question marks regarding goaltending, although not as glaring as the absence of a high-scoring forward. Freddie Andersen and Antti Raanta are above-average netminders, but their health concerns persist.
Fortunately, Pyotr Kochetkov could be the best third-string goaltender in the NHL. He’s waivers exempt, allowing the Hurricanes to develop him in the AHL, while Andersen and Raanta tend to the NHL crease. Plus, he’s the ideal call-up in case of injury. Speaking of the AHL, Carolina has none, as the Chicago Wolves chose freedom. So Kochetkov will wear a Syracuse Crunch (Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning) jersey while under contract with the Hurricanes.
While goaltending isn’t their weakness, the injury history and age of Raanta and Andersen make it a potential question mark. Many pundits are tipping them to win the Metro division and possibly even the Stanley Cup.
2024 Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket Predictions:
Here’s the surprise: my playoff predictions.
This is what it looks like in the Eastern Conference:
Metropolitan Division:
Carolina Hurricanes Vs Pittsburgh Penguins (WC1)
New Jersey Devils Vs New York Rangers
Atlantic Division:
Toronto Maple Leafs (Presidents Trophy) Vs Buffalo Sabres (WC2)
Tampa Bay Lightning Vs Florida Panthers
The Atlantic Division will be fierce. Last year’s playoff teams remain formidable, and they’ve added some fresh talent. The Maple Leafs, for example, have boosted their forward lines with Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. Meanwhile, the Panthers are doubling down on the crew that made it to the finals.
However, don’t count out the Bruins. Yes, they’re not in the playoffs for me. Yet, despite the absence of Patrice Bergeron. They still rock a stellar defense and top-notch goaltending. On the flip side, the Lightning face a major hurdle with Vasilevskiy sidelined, not to mention their depth issues at forward and defense.
Now, when we look at Detroit, Ottawa, and Buffalo, the Sabres seem like the ones to watch. They’ve been steadily improving, and I love watching goaltender Devon Levi. The Senators might face some blueline questions, and while the Red Wings will put up a fight, I don’t see them topping the other squads.
Aside from the Canadiens being at the bottom, everything else is up in the air.
Here’s what things look like in the Western Conference:
Central Division:
Colorado Avalanche Vs Seattle Kraken (WC1)
Dallas Stars Vs. Minnesota Wild
Pacific Divison:
Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames (WC2)
Los Angeles Kings vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Central Division might not have the same star power as others, but it’s not without its interesting storylines. At the top, Stars and Avalanche are battling it out for supremacy. Last year, Colorado narrowly clinched the Central title, but with the Stars adding Matt Duchene, they’re looking like top contenders.
Now, keep an eye on the Wild. Filip Gustavsson’s emergence last season was a game-changer for Minnesota, and he’s set to own the crease this year. Can they finally get over the first-round hump?
The Predators are making moves, like saying goodbye to Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen and bringing in Ryan O’Reilly. However, it all concerns how far Juuse Saros can take them.
The Jets are coming off a rollercoaster season. Their culture is concerning. They had locker room issues last season, and coach Rick Bowness called out players. If they don’t fix this, it could hurt them. Yet if they unite, they can”Jet”. Signing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and forward Mark Scheifele to 7X$8.5 AAV million extensions help.
Kevin Hayes is a good addition for the Blues, but they might not be contenders yet. As for the Blackhawks, all eyes are on rookie sensation Connor Bedard, but it’s still a building year. The Coyotes show signs of rejuvenation, but they might find themselves at the division’s bottom when the dust settles.
The Pacific Division is shaping up to be quite interesting. Can you believe the Oilers haven’t won their division with McDavid and Draisaitl? That might change this season. The Kings, with Dubois, Kopitar, and Danualt, have fantastic center depth. And don’t count out the reigning champion Golden Knights. The Kraken flexed their might by reaching the second round last season. I think they’ll keep improving.
The Flames could surprise us with a rejuvenated spirit under new coaching. Losing Toffoli hurts, but there’s talent with Lindholm, Kadri, and Huberdeau. And watch out for Jacob Markstrom in goal. I’m expecting Calgary back in the postseason.
The Canucks might progress under Rick Tocchet, but they lack the firepower to compete. The Ducks continue their rebuild. As for the Sharks, enjoy lottery land!
My Stanley Cup Winner is…:
Before we get to that, here are my picks for the individual player awards.
Regular Season Awards:
Hart Trophy: Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
Calder Trophy: Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)
Vezina Trophy: Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars)
Norris Trophy: Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
Selke Trophy: Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils)
Back to the playoffs, let’s start with my Eastern Conference Pick.
It’s been 17 seasons since Carolina won a final four-game, but this could be their year. They’ve been consistently strong under Rod Brind’Amour, and it feels like they’re building towards something big. Beating Pittsburgh in the first round would be sweet. Then, taking down the Rangers in round two, who ended their run in 2022, would be pretty satisfying.
Facing the Lightning in the conference finals won’t be easy, but I think they can weather the storm. The Hurricanes might ride that surge to the final.
Out West, it does feel like the stars are aligning for the Oilers and McDavid. If they can get past the Kraken, handle the Kings once again, and make up for that sweep by the Avalanche, it could indeed be their year to reach the Stanley Cup Final. The hockey world is waiting for McDavid to shine on the biggest stage!
As for who wins the Stanley Cup, it’s Carolina’s turn.
The Hurricanes have been on the cusp of glory for a while now. They’re a team with depth and a rock-solid defensive system. Andrei Svechnikov ( My Conn Smythe Pick) and Teuvo Teravainen will bring to their offense in the playoffs. Defensively, the Hurricanes have arguably the best blueline chart in hockey, not to mention their elite tandem guarding their net. It’s almost poetic that Brind’Amour, who won the Cup as a player in 2006, does it again as a coach.