Taking stock of the Metro Division - Part 2

In the final part of this mini-series, we focus on the Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, and Capitals.

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Every year, as the off-season nears its end, I like to examine the changes of Metro Division teams and take stock of where everyone is at.

I posted part one of the mini-series – which features the New Jersey Devils – on Monday.

Today I’m going to focus on the remaining four teams.

New York Rangers

The rival Rangers surprisingly made their way to the final four this past season. They rode the exact same formula that led to their regular season success; all-world goaltending from Igor Shesterkin and a power play that could score timely goals.

Ultimately, they couldn’t accomplish enough at 5v5 and that proved to be their downfall.

I’m not sure things are going to be any different moving forward. The likes of Ryan Strome, Andrew Copp, Tyler Motte, and Frank Vatrano walked away from the team in free agency. The latter three were in-season additions that provided much-needed depth and made them a more competent full-strength team down the stretch.

While Vincent Trocheck should adequately fill Strome’s shoes as the 2nd line center, and a support piece on the top power play, they paid full price and then some on a contract that will likely age poorly.

They also failed to replace the depth pieces lost in free agency, which should have the team laboring at five aside once again.

New York will no doubt be hoping their aging stars up front can continue to pile up points on the power play while youngsters like Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider develop and rise the team’s floor at full-strength.

This team will contend for a playoff spot – Shesterkin alone all but guarantees it – but I’m not sure they get in; let alone enjoy success once they get there.

Philadelphia Flyers

*rolls up sleeves*

Okay, okay, now it’s time for a little fun.