Being a blog about the Columbus Blue Jackets and read primarily by Blue Jackets fans, it’s perfectly natural that our focus remains inside our own lines. However, this season, we’ll take a peek over the breastworks to see just what the opposition is doing. This bi-weekly series will give our fellow Cannonites a little intelligence on the rest of the Metropolitan Division
*Results listed through 10/8
Carolina Hurricanes
10/3 – Beat Montreal
10/5 – Beat Washington
10/6 – Beat Tampa Bay
10/8 – Beat Florida
It is hurricane season, so it seems apropos that the Carolina Hurricanes have started the season by sweeping aside all opposition. The Storm Surge has returned and Columbus will get a crack at slowing down the Jerks on October 12th.
Where they rank in the Metro: At the top.
Trending: Can’t have a trend after just one ranking!
Canes Country General Mood: “What a start to the year. This will be a fun team to watch.” All because of Dzingel.
New Jersey Devils
10/4 – OT Loss to Winnipeg
10/5 – Loss to Buffalo
The Devils have stumbled out of the gate – though they did pick up a point in one game. They were one of Buffalo’s first victims and there’s a little angst creeping in. Still, just 2 games down.
Where they rank in the Metro: At the bottom.
Trending: —
All About the Jersey General Mood: “My only beef with the team at the moment is the dumpster fire we are on defense.” Probably time left in the season to improve.
New York Islanders
10/4 – Lost to Washington
10/6 – Beat Winnipeg
10/8 – Lost to Edmonton
An uneven start to the season has the Islanders in the bottom half of the early standings. They did a good job of sorta controlling Connor McDavid on Tuesday only to have James Neal treat them rudely. Too early to tell how the goaltending will be this year, but they luckily only have to face Neal one more time this season. Barry Trotz isn’t flashy, but he’ll have the team in the mix before long.
Where they rank in the Metro: In the middle
Trending: —
Lighthouse Hockey General Mood: “This team just lacks the creativity to making watching exciting”. Trotz will get you to the playoffs, though.
New York Rangers
10/3 – Beat Winnipeg
10/5 – Beat Ottawa
The Rangers have a pretty light start to the season with only two games played. They won’t hit the ice again until the 12th! It’s nice to have an extended preseason in which you can count the 4 points earned. Mika Zibanejad is off to a good start and the Rangers rebuild might be ahead of schedule.
Where they rank in the Metro: Top 3
Trending: —
Blueshirt Banter General Mood: “So Jack, I think the Pats cover against the Giants.” Look, they have no hockey for awhile. It’s understandable.
Philadelphia Flyers
10/4 – Beat Chicago
One game!? Not a whole lot to go with here. Gritty is the best thing about the Flyers. So whatever.
Where they rank in the Metro: In the middle
Trending: —
Broad Street Hockey General Mood: “Dare I say, finally another Flyers hockey game day.” They finally play again on 10/9.
Pittsburgh Penguins
10/3 – Lost to Buffalo
10/5 – Beat Columbus
10/8 – Lost to Winnipeg
The Pens are off to a painful start – the injury bug has hit them early and hit them hard. Several players are down for awhile including Evgeni Malkin, who had an odd injury occur during the game against Columbus. So, the fans are having to fret a slow start due to injuries. On the bright side, they can dream about trading Jack Johnson for awhile longer. He’s currently playing with a rookie defenseman. I’m sure that will end well for the kid.
Where they rank in the Metro: In the middle
Trending: —
Pensburgh General Mood: “Any status update on the forwards who will get hurt tomorrow?” Ouch.
Washington Capitals
10/2 – Beat St. Louis
10/4 – Beat New York Islanders
10/5 – OT Loss to Carolina
10/8 – OT loss to Dallas
The Capitals have earned points in all games played so far, but only two were wins. Evgeny Kuznetzov made his debut after completing his suspension. I suppose all one can say is that you hope he gets his stuff figured out. The Capitals have 14 games in 28 days, which seems like a heavy workload to start the year. They’ll probably be fine.
Where they rank in the Metro: Top 3
Trending: —
Japers Rink General Mood: “the last 11 regular season home games, the Caps powerless play is 2 for 37.” I’m genuinely shocked.
That’s our whirlwind view of the division.
Here’s a palate cleanser. Thanks for reading.