Blue Line Station
Fansided

How Will the Rangers Fare in the Metro? Who wins the Cup?

By Marvin Azrak

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a second period goal by Vladimir Tarasenko #91 against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023 in New York, New York. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: The New York Rangers celebrate a second period goal by Vladimir Tarasenko #91 against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023 in New York, New York. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Stefan Noesen #23 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with his team following a goal scored during the third period of their game against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena on September 27, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Stefan Noesen #23 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with his team following a goal scored during the third period of their game against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena on September 27, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Editorials