Noah Pedrazzoli follows up his season previews with a mid-season checkup on the teams competing with the Islanders in the Metropolitan Division.
New Jersey Devils
Led by Captain Nico Hischier, the Devils are currently meeting their expectations competing for the Metropolitan Division crown.
In an interesting turn of events, the Devils are dominating on both sides of the ice as they are one of the best defensive teams this year.
This can of course be credited to the roster building done by general manager Tom Fitzgerald through crucial additions in Brett Pesce, Brendan Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic. The rest is through the system imposed by new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
In addition, the Devils have solved a weak link they had trouble fixing last year: depth scoring.
The Devils have found new heroes in Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter who have potentially put the finishing touches on a team that is heavily favored to compete for the Stanley Cup this year.
Devils’ Nico Hischier nets first hat trick of career (courtesy: Sportsnet)
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have shocked the hockey world with their quick retool. With the combination of prospects developing into promising regulars such as Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael, and Dylan Strome; and their free agent signings seemingly assimilating into Spencer Carbery’s system.
Another welcomed surprise is the resurgence of Alexander Ovechkin, who seemed to have cooled down last season after such a star-studded career, is now back to chasing Wayne Gretzky’s scoring record (24 goals away).
The Capitals, after being swept by the New York Rangers last season, emerged as a team that can compete with the cream of the crop in the East.
Dylan Strome scores nice tip-in goal (courtesy: NJ Devils)
“The Hurricanes have always found strength in the depth of their roster.”
Carolina Hurricanes
After seemingly losing their superpowered roster in free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes have surged to the top of the Metropolitan division once again where they will be jousting with the New Jersey Devils for the top.
The Hurricanes have always found strength in the depth of their roster, especially with the bottom-six, as new additions William Carrier and Jack Roslovic have proven to be hidden gems for Carolina’s offense.
While the Hurricanes could be searching for goaltending at the upcoming trade deadline, they have pulled off another seemingly masterful defensive roster build through the additions of Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere and the re-signing of Jalen Chatfield and Jaccob Slavin.
Jack Roslovic scores vs the Devils (courtesy: NJ Devils)
Columbus Blue Jackets
While it may seem like a surprise with a quick glance at the standings, the Blue Jackets are having a superb year in their first season under Don Waddell and Dean Evason.
Even with the tragic loss of star winger, Johnny Gaudreau, the Blue Jackets have found unsung heroes in forwards such as Krill Marchenko and Sean Monahan as well as up-and-coming star defenseman, Zach Werenski.
The Jackets are putting on an impressive display through their team mindset behind Dean Evason’s system which is nothing short of impressive as they are a very young team, full of developing prospects.
While time will tell if this run is sustainable, the Blue Jackets should be commended for being competitive at this point in the season and potentially nearing an end to their rebuild.
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