Power Ranking NY Rangers Metro Division rivals through the quarter-mark of the season

There may be a few interesting storylines for the NY Rangers across the early going this season, and another one of them is a rather deep dive into how each division rival has fared so far. We’re nearly at the quarter-way mark, so this is the time of the year when we can catch a clearer picture of what each team’s ultimate destiny might look like as far as 2024-25 goes. 

So, let’s take a look at and rank each of the Blueshirts seven division rivals and talk about which teams could still give them a hard time in 2024-25, and which may not. But, one word of caution: For those bottom-dwellers, the Rangers would still do well to not take them lightly.

7 - Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins might be the NHL’s lovable losers this year. So many fans around the league wouldn’t mind seeing Sidney Crosby and Geno Malkin make another run at the playoffs and the Cup, but it’s becoming crystal clear that 2024-25 is nothing more than a throwaway campaign. Before Thursday night’s matchups, the Rangers had four games in hand over the Pens. 

6 - Philadelphia Flyers

It’s almost like the Flyers were nothing more than a step ahead last season, only to take two steps back this year. They’re currently on pace to finish exactly where we all thought they’d land a year ago, but it is a long-term project over in Philadelphia, so the Rangers only need to ensure this group won’t sneak up on them.

5 - Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are in last place, as I write this, but they also have just a minus-4 goal differential. This is a team that, despite still unable to win consistently this season, has shown that they can put up some serious goals when they need to, and they’re a group I wouldn’t take lightly if I’m any of the other 31 teams.

4 - NY Islanders

The Isles aren’t what I’d call a good hockey team, but they’re also not a team I’d be too interested in counting out. Can they score? When have the Isles ever been one to put up a ton of goals? The answer is no, but this also isn’t a team I’d want to take lately if I’m the Blueshirts.

3 - New Jersey Devils

There’s no more guesswork here with one of the Blueshirts biggest rivals. The New Jersey Devils are here to stay, and if the Rangers want a top-three spot in the Metro, this is one of a trio of teams they need to get the best of.

2 - Washington Capitals

Remember when the Capitals made the playoffs last season with that crazy negative goals for to goals against differential? Yeah, those days are kind of long gone, and the Caps lead the entire Eastern Conference right now with 78 goals in the season.

1 - Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes aren’t leaving anyone in the dust, but it’s clear they’re setting the gold standard right now for the Metro Division. You can only wonder what this team would look like had they held onto players like Teuvo Teravainen and Jake Guentzel, but for the Rangers sake, at least the ‘Canes don’t have a fantasy hockey All-Star team.