NHL Power Rankings: Metropolitan Division – October Edition

Apr 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(87) checks Philadelphia Flyers center

(28) during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve finally made it to real, meaningful hockey. With all of the changes that have occurred throughout the offseason home stretch, it’s time to refresh our NHL power rankings, focusing on the Metropolitan Division.

Last season, this division came down to the wire, so much so that the Pittsburgh Penguins had to beat the tanking Buffalo Sabres and barely pulled it off, despite the Sabres trying to lose. It was as if no one wanted to cement themselves in the final spots for post-season contention.

This season will be much of the same. And, it may even be tighter with more teams in the mix than last season. There’s a good chance the Metro will send five teams to the playoffs in the spring of 2016 and despite more than half the division claiming a spot, it will still be a battle into the last few weeks of the regular season.

So, now that all is said and done, the rosters are finalized (mostly) and we’re approaching the start of the 2015-16 season, how does this division shake out? For anyone working on early season NHL power rankings, the Metro will be the group that gives them the most fits.

Here’s how I view this division right now…

Next: New Jersey Devils