The Metropolitan Division is the stronger of the two Eastern Conference divisions and it should be a three-team race this season for the winner. Last season, Carolina won the division with 116 points, but right behind them were the New York Rangers with 110, Pittsburgh Penguins with 103, and Washington rounded out the top four with 100 points. Two other teams, the Islanders and Blue Jackets ended with 80+ points, and the Devils and Flyers bottomed out with just over 60. A Metropolitan team has not been in the Stanley Cup since the Washington Capitals lifted the Cup in 2018.
Metro Division Betting Odds
The Big Three Of The Metro Division
It is a three-team race for the Metro this season with the Carolina Hurricanes’ slight favorites at most US sportsbooks, Pittsburgh Penguins right behind them, and the New York Rangers close behind both.
Carolina does not appear to have a weak spot, but they could do with getting more goals this season. The defense will always keep them in a game, and it should be enough to get them plenty of points throughout an 82-game regular season.
Pittsburgh still has all the old guard around, but can the stay healthy? I have my doubts, but if the Penguins can find the Fountain of Youth, they can challenge the Canes. My worry would be that they care more about the playoffs than the division title at this point.
New York is a good choice to win the division crown. They were a year ahead of schedule and have the best goalie in the NHL, arguably. The Ranger’s offense is elite, and their defense will give them a chance in every game.
The Rest Of The Division
The New York Islanders and Washington Capitals are the only other two teams in the division with less than 10/1 odds to win the Metro. New York changed coaches, and still has the talent, so they will hope that was the kick in the butt the team needed. Washington is always there, and it should be no different this season, but I am not sure it’s enough to win the division title.
The Devils, Blue Jackets, and Flyers are not good hockey teams and will not be a part of this story.
