We’re at the midway point of the 23/24 season. Let’s take a look at where things stand in the Metropolitan Division.
Preseason Projections
The Metropolitan Division looked like it might be the most crowded division as the season got underway. The Hurricanes and Devils were the favorites on paper but they had plenty of company. Five other teams, the Penguins, Rangers, Islanders, Capitals, and Flyers, all looked like they would be close enough they could make some noise if they got a few bounces their way. The Blue Jackets were the only team in the division projected to be well off the pace.
Mid-Season Status
The Atlantic Division has been in line with the season opening projections through the first half of the season in many respects. Let’s look through the current standings.
#1 New York Rangers (56 pts – 0.667 P%): The Rangers have ridden a familiar formula to the top of the Metropolitan Division. Mediocre 5v5 numbers, elevated by a rock solid powerplay and brick wall goaltending. Except the brick wall has looked a bit shaky of late and the Rangers strong hold on the division has weakened considerably as a result.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (53 pts, 0.616 P%): The Hurricanes were a preseason Stanley Cup favorite and they seem to be finding their groove. A slow start set them behind the 8 ball, but their familiar formula of dominating the 5v5 xG share is playing out once again. An improving powerplay over the second quarter has helped the Canes make a push toward the top of the division.
#3 Philadelphia Flyers (52 pts, 0.605 P%): The Flyers jettisoned some veterans over the summer as they started to rebuild their roster. No one expected it to provide these results this quickly. Everything seems to be working for the Flyers right now, although a 5v5 xG share that looked solid through the first 20 games has waned over the past 20 which could be a sign of bumpier roads ahead.
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins (48 pts, 0.571 P%): The Penguins brought in Erik Karlsson in the summer as they looked to give their established core another kick at a long playoff run. The results weren’t there early in the season but the numbers suggested the process was good. The Pens have stuck with it and a strong 5v5 xG share is finally turning into some wins, backed by a stretch of strong goaltending.
#5 New York Islanders (48 pts, 0.558 P%): The Islanders are treading water in 5v5 xG share but have one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. That goaltending has backed them through the first half to keep them in the thick of the Metro.
#6 New Jersey Devils (47 pts – 0.573 P%): Last year’s upstart Devils have hit a speed bump in their rebuild. Their underlying numbers have looked strong for most of the season though, which bodes well for the second half. They couldn’t buy a goal early in the season, while goaltending was also a problem. The goaltending is still trouble, but rising finishing is a good sign.
#7 Washington Capitals (46 pts, 0.561 P%): The Capitals core is getting older and it seems to be showing in the team’s underlying numbers. A 5v5 xG share well below even and trending down is a poor foundation to build on. The powerplay has also struggled mightily this season, leaving the Caps searching for offence.
#8 Columbus Blue Jackets (37 pts, 0.420 P%): The Blue Jackets have a cannon. I wonder if Johnny Gaudreau has gotten accustomed to it yet.
Mid Season Projections
The Metro looked like it would be crowded going into the season and, at the halfway mark, it has not disappointed. The Blue Jackets are bad. The Rangers are good but are quickly slipping back into the pack. Six teams have jockeyed for position in the middle for 40 games and look poised to do so for another 40.
