NHL Metro Division Continues to Reign Supreme

Over the weekend the NHL held its annual All-Star Weekend. Over the past four seasons the NHL has turned a single game into three mini games with a 3-on-3 tournament. For the second time in this format the Metro Division took home the $1million prize. This victory just continued years of dominance for the Metro Division. As a matter of fact this win solidified the Metro Division as the supreme division in the NHL.

In the first game of the night, the Metro Division defeated the Atlantic Division by a score of 7-4. After their victory in the first game, the Metro followed that up with a win over the Central Division by a score of 10-5.

NHL Divisional Notebook: Metro Reigns Supreme at All Star Weekend

Sidney Crosby opened the scoring the Metro 15 seconds in the first half. It was only the beginning for Crosby on a historic night. Crosby would finish the night with four goals and four assists to win All-Star Tournament MVP, to add the list of his accomplishments. While, Crosby did not participate in the skills competition, Crosby certainly put his skill on display during the game. Crosby continued to show why he is still the best player in the NHL.While fans

Crosby’s teammate Kris Letang displayed his great skill and ability in this format as well. The two Penguins teammate was flanked by Mathew Barzal. The trio was unbelievable all night long. All three knew exactly how to play this type of game to perfection.

Other stand outs from the Metro Division was the play of Columbus superstars Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson. They were joined by Kyle Palmieri on a line. Additionally each member of this line would record at least one point on the night. All three players clicked, and set up some pretty goals on the night.

Finally, the goaltenders stole the show for the Metro Division. Henrik Lundqvist and Braden Holtby allowed the players in front of them to display their skill. On the one hand, Lundqvist recorded a first half shutout in game 2. On the other hand, Holtby, was able to regain some confidence that was lacking during the Capitals seven game losing streak.

With most of the division off this past week, this is a perfect time to take a reset and ponder what teams might do with the trade deadline approaching. Additionally, the Metro Division will resume playing on Monday night, let’s take a look at what each team needs to do heading towards the playoffs.

1. New York Islanders – To continue to stay in first place will be the ultimate goal. All the Islanders have to do is just keeping playing their game.
2. Washington Capitals – Figure out a way to stop this seven game losing streak. Get better goaltending from Holtby and learn to play better defense in front of him.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets – Considering how well this team is playing, management must decide on what to do with Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins – The Penguins had a nice week off, now it is back to work. Adding a piece or two would not be out of the realm of possibility for Jim Rutherford.
5. Carolina Hurricanes – The addition of Nino Niederreiter has allowed the offense to explode. Look for Carolina to add more offense come the trade deadline.
6. New York Rangers – Henrik Lundqvist showed why he is the “King of the Shootout,” during the skills competition on Saturday night. Going forward Lundqvist will be the reason why the Rangers stay relevant in the standings.
7. Philadelphia Flyers – Carter Hart is the future of this organization. One smart thing the Flyers did was end Hart to the AHL to avoid rust during the break. The Flyers will ride Hart throughout the rest of the season. One thing is for sure, the Flyers will be a making moves at the trade deadline.
8. New Jersey Devils – The Devils are in an interesting position. With Schneider rehabbing down in the AHL, and Blackwood the guy in New Jersey right now, what do the Devils do with Kinkaid? With other pending free agents, will the Devils be sellers at the trade deadline?

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NHL Metro Division Notebook: Islanders Back in First Place

Photo Credit: By Michael Miller [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons