The heart is where the home is, and the heart of the Carolina Hurricanes is spread throughout the Southeast region of the United States. Stretching from Florida to Pennsylvania, one can find Hurricanes fans scattered about the Eastern seaboard.
The Metropolitan Division, where the Hurricanes find themselves in, is home to a great many teams that have an influence outside their region. Some of the most popular teams in hockey reside in this division, making Carolina’s path to the playoffs littered with difficulties every year. While some of the most consistent and dominant teams call the Metropolitan home, the Hurricanes have a chance at shaking things up this year and disrupting a division plagued with repeat winners.
The Metropolitan has had a team in either the Eastern Conference Championship or Stanley Cup Finals for the last five years, with two NHL champions and two runner-ups. At least four out of the eight teams in the division have qualified for the playoffs the past four seasons. They have cemented their stake in the NHL and consistently have elite teams every year. The Washington Capitals have won the last two Presidents’ Trophies and, despite attaining any milestones past the second round, they have been one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.
The New York Rangers have appeared in two conference championship games and one Stanley Cup Finals in the last five years. Just like the New York Giants, they maintain a high-profile status no matter the state of the club. They are one of the biggest teams in hockey, thanks to the help of the great Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers’ fast but skill oriented strategy puts them at the top of the offensive rankings every year. More importantly, the Rangers have dominated the Hurricanes in regular season competition, a common theme amongst the Hurricanes’ divisional opponents.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are well on their way to a dynasty, after hoisting the Stanley Cup Trophy for the second straight year. Having the best player in the league with Sidney Crosby helps, ensuring the Penguins are clear favorites every year for the foreseeable future. A fundamental clinic, the Penguins combine classic play with the jaw-dropping talent of some of the best offensive players in the league.
The Columbus Blue Jackets surged onto the scene just a season after finishing as the worst team in the Eastern Conference, recording 50 wins. The Blue Jackets played like a veteran team, showing poise and discipline. They kept most of their pieces from last season but they went from one extreme to another, making it hard to predict how they will do this upcoming season.
The rest of the division, consisting of the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils, has been stuck with the Hurricanes over the past few seasons, battling it out for the best of the worst. After last season it appears Carolina could have a major edge over the bottom four teams, potentially causing a power shift within hockey’s most elite division.
The Canes significant improvement could launch them into a legitimate opportunity to take down the mighty teams that reside at the top of the Metropolitan. It is likely that a team from this division will make the Eastern Conference Championship, at the very least. The Hurricanes could easily make a wild card spot this year, helping further the Metropolitan’s representation in the playoffs.