Pittsburgh Penguins: 2017-18 Metropolitan Division Preview

The 2017-18 season is among us. Soon, the Pittsburgh Penguins will begin their 2017-18 run with hopes or pursuing a third consecutive Stanley Cup. Since the season isn’t too far off, it is the perfect time to size up the competition.

The 2017-18 season is right around the corner. There is no better time than to size up the competition the Pittsburgh Penguins will come face-to-face with this season. The Pens will be chasing a third consecutive Stanley Cup, with good reason, and will need to stay ahead of the competition.

We’ll start sizing up the Metropolitan Division first. The Metro Division is where the Pens will find their biggest rivals and toughest competition.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils ranked last in the metro last season. Despite the addition of star Taylor Hall among other 2016-17 season prep, the Devils couldn’t get ahead. This season, the Devils have suited up in ways they think will greatly improve their team.

The Devils added some new players to their roster this season including Brian Boyle and Marcus Johansson. The new additions will give the team more power and consistency. Hall will likely get consistent linemates, also, which will point to more reasons why he’ll have another big season.

The Devils will want to bring size, offense and consistent production this season but it most likely won’t fool the penguins. Pittsburgh has always had the upperhand to New Jersey; last season, the Pens defeated the Devils all five times they faced them.

Beating the Devils wasn’t a particularly riveting challenge for the Penguins. The Pens had offense that the defense-minded Devils couldn’t stop and their sources of offense couldn’t beat the Pens’ strong defense.

The Penguins will still dominate the Devils this season and it is expected that the Pens will continue their willing streak against them. The Devils will put up quite a fight against the Penguins this season but the Pens won’t let them overcome them.