We have made it. It is finally the week of September 28th, meaning the National Hockey League is starting back up.

There are so many interesting storylines to look at. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at the biggest storylines from each respective division, what teams got better, what teams got worse, and where I think they will end up in the standings.

Please feel free to discuss in the comments. I’m always open to debating. And, of course, grab your favorite coffee and type away. Me im having a Iced carmel macchiato 

To start the series off today, Monday, September 28th, we will be talking about the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. It is no secret that almost every team in the Metropolitan Division got better this offseason. Let’s talk about it.

Standings Projections

Carolina Hurricanes — Projected: 111 Points

Carolina is coming off its second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

This team plays a very frustrating style of hockey for its opponents, constantly leaving teams outshot, outscored and, at times, simply outplayed. Carolina did lose goaltender Frederik Andersen to the Edmonton Oilers, but the Hurricanes had a relatively quiet offseason.

But let’s face it: they don’t need to add many more pieces.

This is still a team that is going to be a force in the Eastern Conference yet again.

Washington Capitals — Projected: 107 Points

After missing the playoffs last year, the Washington Capitals are going to be one of the best teams in the Metropolitan Division.

They are arguably one of the top five deepest teams in the National Hockey League, adding elite goal scorer Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres and acquiring Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis.

There was no secret that the Capitals wanted to get faster and add more power to their lineup. With Alex Ovechkin still leading the way, Washington is set to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey Devils — Projected: 102 Points

The New Jersey Devils are an interesting team because they can be one of the best teams in the league if they can stay healthy.

Injuries have really plagued this squad over the last couple of years, including superstar Jack Hughes.

The Devils added some key pieces this offseason, including Stanley Cup champion Evan Rodrigues, former Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha, a player who really turned his career around in Pittsburgh last year.

New Jersey is going to be a force in the Metro.

The question is: Who is going to be their goalie?

Philadelphia Flyers — Projected: 96 Points

Look, I’m not the biggest Philadelphia Flyers believer.

They are a very dangerous team when they are hot, but outside of Trevor Zegras, Owen Tippett, Porter Martone and Travis Sanheim, I see question marks throughout their lineup.

Their power play was a major issue last season, and if they cannot improve in that area, it could be a tough season offensively.

I do expect some regression from Philly, but I still expect them to be fighting until the very end.

The Next Four Are Really Interchangeable

This is where the Metropolitan Division gets interesting.

I could realistically see any of these four teams finishing in a different spot than where I have them projected.

New York Rangers — Projected: 89 Points

I think the New York Rangers are going to be a better team than people think.

With additions like Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, the Rangers have made some significant changes to their roster.

They also have one of the best, if not the best, goalies in the league in Igor Shesterkin.

After a disappointing 2025-26 season, I expect a big leap from the New York Rangers this year. Maybe that does not mean making the playoffs, but there is definitely something to look forward to in New York.

Columbus Blue Jackets — Projected: 87 Points

They are the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It is what it is.

That’s just who they are, as the kids would like to say: mid.

This team has the pieces to compete, with Adam Fantilli leading the way. They are another organization that has questions in goal, and outside of Jet Greaves, it is really looking like they could give up a ton of goals.

The best player on that team by far is Zach Werenski, and you have to wonder about his future in Columbus after requesting a trade this offseason.

This team can be exciting down the line, but right now, I don’t think they are ready.

New York Islanders — Projected: 85 Points

The New York Islanders are another team that I’m not really high on because I don’t think they can score consistently enough to compete for a playoff spot.

They are always going to be in games because of star goaltender Ilya Sorokin, but outside of Matthew Schaefer, nothing really excites me about this team.

The Islanders are going to have to find more offense if they want to surprise people in the Metro.

Pittsburgh Penguins — Projected: 84 Points

I know I’m going to get some hate for this one, but I am expecting a huge regression from Pittsburgh.

The Penguins have two of the greatest players of all time in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and both are still putting up insane numbers at their age.

But outside of them, I don’t see enough scoring production to convince me that Pittsburgh can compete with the rest of this division.

Goaltending is going to be another problem for them. Pittsburgh acquired Stuart Skinner last season, but he eventually signed a free-agent deal with the Winnipeg Jets.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins were good last year, so hopefully for Pittsburgh’s sake, some of that young talent can make the jump to the NHL and really produce.

For now, I’m expecting a difficult season in Pittsburgh.