Adam Proteau: Pre-season picks: Metropolitan Division Adam Proteau's pre-season NHL predictions continue this week with his analysis of the Eastern Conference's Metropolitan Division.

Pretty stocked they didn't pick NJ to finish 9th!

Also, I don't see the Islanders finishing ahead of the Rangers. I mean I'd love to be wrong but I don't think so. Rangers have a pretty nice looking D group now and while Queenie isn't a youngster anymore I'm betting he doesn't hit the decline for another two season.

I'm also a bit doubtful about how consistent the Bluejackets will be for a bunch of reasons. So to me they're a bit of a wildcard.

When it comes to the Penguins, they might finish 1st in the division, or they might not... imo, it doesn't matter. Assuming they make the playoffs (obviously no reason to think they wouldn't) the real season starts for them then.

This is such a tough division to predict. There are so many variables. Many of these goalies have had great seasons and have had lulls. Philly is so hard to narrow down because their prospects are so highly touted and so many players had a down year last year. Was it a fluke or a theme? Time will tell. With Elliott coming over, you'd think he would provide above average goaltending but who knows. Personally, I think if Nolan stays healthy that Philly could be the #2 team behind Pitt

I might be in the minority here, but the Caps will NOT finish 2nd! Looking at all they have lost with very little added, plus Ovie is another year older, I feel Washington will easily drop 20+ points int the standings from last season. That wont get them near 2nd in the Metro.

Washington is worse.

The Islanders are... well, I dunno if I can really call them better...

When did Eberle transition into a C?

When it comes to the Penguins, they might finish 1st in the division, or they might not... imo, it doesn't matter. Assuming they make the playoffs (obviously no reason to think they wouldn't) the real season starts for them then.

You got that right. I don't believe the Pens will finish first due to a combo of injuries and the # of Niemi starts; I still think WAS or CLB will win the metro. But its all good. Getting in the dance is the most important thing and then is when the real season begins.

who knows with rookies, but you might be short changing the influx of young talent in lindblom up front along with any two of sanheim, morin, hagg or meyers on the back end. konecny and weal have some time under their belts too. they've lost a lot of dead weight. there will be bumps and their future is a little ways down the line as you say. they need to improve at ES and on the road. if they can do that the flyers could very well jump into that 4-5 spot.

Adam Proteau: Pre-season picks: Metropolitan Division
Adam Proteau's pre-season NHL predictions continue this week with his analysis of the Eastern Conference's Metropolitan Division.
- Adam Proteau

I see the Hurricanes , Cbj, and rangers in some savage dog fight for the 3rd spot...