As the NHL continues on in the month of February, teams are hitting the 54-game mark which means it’s the time where almost every team has played two thirds of the NHL schedule. With student’s report cards being sent home to the moms and dads of the world, it’s only fitting to give every NHL team a report card of their own. Every day, this week leading into the weekend, Last Word On Sports will cover one division a day, and break down each team into five separate categories; Offense, Defense, Goaltending, Coaching, and Management. Just like a school report card, each section will receive a grade between A+ and F. Today, we take a look at the Metropolitan division.
The top spot has been a tough one to hold, as both the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins have taken turns with it. Both teams have exchanged wins back and forth and when one team starts to falter, so does the other. The Washington Capitals and New York Rangers are not far behind in the rear-view mirror. The Capitals continue to progress under a new coaching regime, while the Rangers will continue on through this month without starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. The Philadelphia Flyers look to piece together a few winning streaks to continue their hope to climb the ranks, while the New Jersey Devils try to find ways to score goals. Hindered by injuries all-season long, the Columbus Blue Jackets likely won’t make the playoffs this season, although to no fault of their own, and the Carolina Hurricanes are not far behind in the last position of the division.
NHL REPORT CARD, TERM 2: METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Our Hockey Department’s Griffin Schroeder, Hunter Hodies, Ben Kerr and Shawn Wilken all sat down and graded each team.
1. NEW YORK ISLANDERS – (40-20-2)
OFFENSE: A
The Islanders were expected to be better in this department with John Tavares(26G-55P) coming back from injury, signing Mikhail Grabovski(9G-18P), trading for Nick Leddy(7G-22P) and Johnny Boychuk(4G-25P), and bringing up Ryan Strome(10G-35P), but they are certainly exceeding expectations. Placing 5th in scoring at a 3.07 goals per game clip along with taking the second-most shots in the league with 1878. The Islanders dominate 5-on-5, as they are second in the league with 121 goals in that situation, getting contributions from various players. Brock Nelson having nine powerplay goals is a testament to that.
DEFENSE: C+
The Isles’ additions have helped on the offensive side, and naturally has helped on the defensive side. They have allowed the 4th fewest shots per game at a 27.4 clip, placing 6th overall in total shots allowed. A glaring flaw in the Isles D however, comes in their penalty kill. Ranking 29th in the league, the unit is killing only 73.6% of penalties, a flaw that could expose the Islanders come April. Allowing 2.77 goals per game isn’t too special either, but most of that falls on the Isles goaltending depth.
GOALTENDING: C+
Jaroslav Halak has netted the Isles 31 wins. His stats outside that have been quite decent, but not too special. A 2.40 GAA along with a .912 save % are borderline average numbers, but the Isles score plenty of goals to support him. Chad Johnson has been an unreliable back-up, as in 13 games he has a .873 save % and a 3.33 GAA.
COACHING: B-
Jack Capuano has led his group to an unexpected position, but with plenty more to prove. His 2013 team made the Stanley Cup Playoffs and last season’s team lived and died by John Tavares. It seems different with this group, as despite their flaws in special teams and goaltending to an extent, they find ways to win and that is a great sign of a good team with depth.
MANAGEMENT: B
Last year, Garth Snow would’ve gotten a worse grade. This time around, the team is having a special season, and Snow has played big part in making it happen. Sticking with Ryan Strome and bringing in veteran presence with the additions of Jaroslav Halak, Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk, Nikolay Kulemin, and Mikhail Grabovski have all been notable moves that have contributed to the Isles’ success. In their last year before moving to Brooklyn, Snow has certainly made the last “New York” Islanders team a feel-good story that has a final chapter waiting in the playoffs.
2. NEW YORK RANGERS – (37-16-6)
OFFENSE: A
The Rangers as a team have been streaky, but their offensive attack has been consistent, averaging 3.07 goals per game, good for 4th in the league. They take the 10th most shots per game, averaging 30.6, and the powerplay converts on exactly 1/5 of its opportunities, good for 9th in the league. The resurgence of Rick Nash(35G-55P) has played an integral part with Derick Brassard(13G-43P), Marty St. Louis(14G-38P), and Derek Stepan(36P in 40 Games) among others have signified the depth of the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
DEFENSE: B-
The Rangers, gutted on their blueline early in the season, have stood tall in the defensive department. They’ve allowed 29.1 shots per game(13th), but have allowed just 2.35 goals per game, good for 4th in the league. The penalty kill is 13th as well killing penalties at a rate of 82.6%, but the core will be tested mightily with the absence of King Henrik.
GOALTENDING: B+
Henrik Lundqvist has bounced back from a slow start on the season, common for his career. His numbers have been Henrik-like, netting 25 wins, posting a .922 save % and 2.25 GAA in 39 games. He is currently on the shelf however, opening the door for Cam Talbot, who has been good in his own right, posting 8 wins in 17 games with .918 save % and 2.35 GAA. It’s Talbot’s team for the moment, and time will tell if he can fully seize it.
COACHING: B
Alain Vigneault has faced adversity in his second year as Rangers head coach, but the team has chugged along after a slow start. Well in the race for the Metropolitan Division crown just four points back from the Islanders with 71 points, the Rangers look even more dangerous than last season with Rick Nash playing as well as he is and the depth of the team as evident as ever
MANAGEMENT: B+
General Manager Glen Sather has done a fantastic job in the past few years in molding the Rangers into a Cup Contender. Trading Michael Del Zotto for Kevin Klein, signing now captain Ryan McDonagh to an extension, and bringing in Alain Vigneault have been stand-out moves in the past couple of seasons. His job will only get tougher however, with expiring contracts of Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, and Martin St. Louis to tend to.
3. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS – (34-17-9)
Despite being riddled with injuries this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are only one point behind the New York Islanders for first in the Metropolitan division. Pittsburgh seems to be fully healthy and they are starting to play really well. How was term 2 for the Penguins? Let’s take a look.
OFFENSE: B+
The Penguins offense is always going to be good when you have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way. They’re both right up there in the points standings but one of the best players on the Penguins right now is David Perron. Since being acquired by Edmonton, he has nine goals and 13 points. Patric Hornqvist and Blake Comeau seem to be getting their scoring touch too so don’t be surprised if the Penguins keep racking up goals now.
DEFENSE: A-
Pittsburgh’s defense this season has been very good and it’s due to the emergence of Kris Letang, who in my mind, could contend for the Norris Trophy. He’s tied with Mark Giordano for most points by any defenseman in the league. Paul Martin has really been lights out this year and after a slow start to the season, Christian Ehrhoff has been very good as well. Rob Scuderi has quietly had a bounce back season and Simon Despres has been good too. It’s going to be interesting to see down the stretch if the Penguins will trade for a defenseman because of the loss of Olli Maatta.
GOALTENDING: A
What more could you ask of Marc-Andre Fleury this year? Of course he will judged by his play in the plays but this is one of his best seasons of his career as he leads the league in shutouts with eight. His GAA is also a lot better this season as it’s 2.22 and his save percentage right now is .922. He’s certainly going to be in the top five voting for the Vezina this season and may even be a finalist with Pekka Rinne and Carey Price if he keeps this up. Thomas Greiss started out the season strong backing up Fleury but he has really faltered as of late as he’s allowing a lot of goals which is making a lot of Penguin fans asking for Jeff Zatkoff. Greiss will cool down and regain his form no worry.
COACHING: B+
In his first year as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Johnston has done a very good job with this team this season. He has held this team at or near the top of the Eastern Conference all year long despite all of the injuries or ilnesses this team has encountered. We still need to see how good of a coach he is in the playoffs though.
MANAGEMENT: A
Jim Rutherford has made some trades for the Penguins in-season and they’ve been very good. The David Perron trade was just execellent. He got him for a 1st round draft pick and Rob Klinkhammer. That’s what I call a steal. He’s also traded Marcel Goc for Maxim Lapierre who has done more for the Penguins in his brief stint then Marcel Goc did for a season. Rutherford may still make a deal or two before the deadline whether its for a veteran defenseman or a forward that can upgrade the bottom six.
4. WASHINGTON CAPITALS – (33-18-10)
OFFENSE: B-
The Caps have hung in there offensively among defensively-minded coach Barry Trotz placing 9th in goals for per game at a 2.88 clip. They tend to make those shots count however, as they are 17th in the league averaging 29.8 shots per game. Alex Ovechkin has thrived under Trotz’s system, potting 34 goals so far this season while being a +9 versus -35 last season. Nicklas Backstrom continues to be one of the most underrated players in the game with 16 goals and 57 points, six away from the leader, Patrick Kane.
DEFENSE: B
New head coach Barry Trotz’s system has improved the Capitals immensely, placing them 8th in goals against per game(2.46) and 10th in shots per game at 28.7. It took the Caps a while to adjust, but Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik have settled into the system effectively. John Carlson is having a break-out season himself, potting seven goals and 38 points. When Mike Green is your 5th defenseman, your team is deep in this regard.
GOALTENDING: B-
It’s Braden Holtby’s team that’s for sure. He’s started 47 of 56 games that Capitals have played, winning 26 of the 29 games the Caps have won this season placing them in the first wild card slot in the East with 68 points. He certainly has excelled in this role however, posting a .923 save % along with a 2.20 GAA. Justin Peters has been less than reliable, posting a 3.58 GAA and .870 save %, winning only two of the eight games he’s started.
COACHING: B+
Barry Trotz has done a wonderful job in getting the Caps to adjust to a defensive system that worked wonders for his team in Nashville. Alex Ovechkin, the team’s biggest star, has had a bounce-back season in more ways than one, improving his all-around game while putting up the familiar goal-scoring numbers fans have been accustomed to seeing. The team is thriving in the regular season, but as many teams’ successes are measured, it has to carry over into April.
MANAGEMENT: B
This grade was difficult due to the Capitals cleaning house last April with the firing of then-GM George McPhee and then-head coach Adam Oates. New GM Brian MacClellan has certainly done his share of positive moves, getting Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik along with new head coach Barry Trotz. After 17 years of McPhee at the helm, owner Ted Leonsis felt it was time for a change, and it seems like MacClellan has brought a fresh new look to the franchise. With rumors circling around defenseman Mike Green, his next move may be looming come March 2nd.
5. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – (26-24-11)
OFFENSE: C-
Jakub Voracek(18 goals, 59 points) and Claude Giroux(16 goals, 54 points) are good. Very good. Wayne Simmonds is a solid power forward as well chipping in with 34 points, along with Brayden Schenn potting 32. Outside of that, the strength in this category for the Flyers tapers off, evident of their 2.67 goals for, good for 19th in the league. That power play’s good though, converting on 23.6% of their chances, good for 3rd.
DEFENSE: D+
It’s no secret the Flyers have had a depleted core on their blueline with Kimmo Timonen being out along with Andrej Meszaros being gone, but there’s not much to build on in terms of depth alongside Mark Streit. Andrew MacDonald has been underwhelming, along with Michael Del Zotto and Carlo Coliaccovo as the revolving door has been active. They rank 24th in terms of goals against at 2.80 per game, and their penalty kill is God-awful with a 75.7% kill rate, 28th in the league.
GOALTENDING: C+
Steve Mason arguably has been the most improved goaltender in the league, and it’s a shame he has no defense in front of him and cannot stay healthy. Mason has a .925 save % with a 2.27 GAA, recapturing some of his rookie year magic with the Blue Jackets. Ray Emery has been less than impressive in 22 games he’s played, posting a 3.25 GAA and .891 save %. Good for Rob Zepp to get his first NHL win however as a 33-year old rookie however.
COACHING: C+
Craig Berube is doing the best he can with what he’s got, but the team just can’t get over the hump and adapt to his system. The team can score in bunches, but cannot keep the puck out of the net. With good assets, maybe the course could change, but right now the playoffs seem like a pipe dream for Berube’s team. His job is safe as of now according to Flyers President Paul Holmgren, but that could quickly change.
MANAGEMENT: D
The Flyers have been buyers to say the least the past few seasons in the Paul Holmgren era and Ron Hextall era. Most moves however, have been questionable and have killed the Flyers in the present. The Andrew MacDonald signing has served as a testament to that. The team is just not that deep to complement a steady goaltender, solid number one defenseman, and two bonfide superstars.
6. NEW JERSEY DEVILS – (25-26-9)
OFFENSE: C-
The Devils have never seemed to recover from the Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk defections. Sure they have tried with signings of Jaromir Jagr, Ryan Clowe, Mike Cammalleri, Damien Brunner, Michael Ryder, and others, but they just haven’t been able to replace the elite offence that was lost after their trip to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final. Only three teams have scored less than the Devils 136 goals this season.
DEFENSE: B-
The Devils defence is young and improving. Jon Merrill, Eric Gelinas, Adam Larsson, Seth Helgeson, and Damon Severson have all 23 or younger and have seen significant time on the Devils blue line. Larsson has made massive strides in his development, and Severson has been extremely good for a 20-year-old NHL rookie. Veterans like Andy Greene are teaching them well, and the sky is the limit for this unit down the road.
GOALTENDING: A
After parting ways with Brodeur, the team has relied on Cory Schneider to take the reigns and given him the majority of starts. It appears to have been a good choice as he has put up a sparkling 926 save percentage this season. The Devils would be in big trouble without him.
COACHING: N/A
Peter DeBoer was fired and replaced by the unconventional triumverate of Lou Lamorello, Scott Stevens, and Adam Oates. The results haven’t been great but this mark remains a work in progress until the true head coach is announce.
MANAGEMENT: C+
Lamoriello was once one of the most respected GMs in the NHL, but that stature has seemed to fade. The fallout with Brodeur was ugly. The team lost Kovalchuk and Parise without getting returns for them. They haven’t made the playoffs in three years. There are questions of when Lamoriello will hand over the team to someone else.
6. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – (26-29-4)
OFFENSE: C+
Decimated by injuries all season long, the Jackets have struggled to find offense beyond their top line. Ryan Johanssen, Nick Foligno have been great and are supported by Scott Hartnell, but the fourth highest scoring forward in Cam Atkinson has just 24 points. The top line can’t be blamed but overall more depth is needed. The injuries are a major reason why though.
DEFENSE: B-
The Blue Jackets have gotten a ton of offence from the back end with Wisniewski providing 27 points so far, while David Savard has 22 and Jack Johnson 28. Johnson’s play in his own end is still not great though. Ryan Murray has suffered another injury plagued year but he does look great when he plays. If he can stay healthy this grade can really rise down the road, as he’s the number one defender they need.
GOALTENDING: C
With a .913 save percentage over 33 games this season, Bobrovsky was having an off-year even before his injury. In fact Curtis McElhinney has put up a .918 in 26 games this year and is getting the majority of starts while Bob is on the bench. That said, expect Bobrovsky to bounce back next year.
COACHING: C+
Todd Richards did a great job with this team last year, but just hasn’t gotten the wins this season. I don’t think he can be blamed though, the injuries have hit and hit hard.
MANAGEMENT: B-
The young kids are being brought along well and developped despite the injuries. Johanssen, Murray and Savard are key parts of the core. Kerby Rychel, Marko Dano, and Alexander Wennberg have all seen NHL action and are developping well. Management has some work to do at the deadline though, deciding what pieces to ship out for more futures.
8. CAROLINA HURRICANES – (19-28-7)
OFFENSE: D
With 134 goals, the only team scoring less than Carolina is Buffalo. Alexander Semin has been a disaster, the $7 million healthy scratch. Jeff Skinner hasn’t developped the way the team hoped and concussions have been an issue. Jordan Staal has played well, but was out of the lineup for the first three-plus months of the year. Even Eric Staal, who leads the forwards in scoring, is having a down year.
DEFENSE: B-
Justin Faulk leads the team in scoring, and Andrej Sekera was having a great year before he was sent to LA in a trade deadline move. Overall the Canes have kept the shots against and goals against down, and the defensive unit has been a bright spot.
GOALTENDING: C+
Cam Ward has bounced back from a disaster in 2013-14 to reclaim the starting job and has a .914 Save Percentage. Sure he’s not in elite goalie territory, but he’s once again respectable. Anton Khudobin has just a .901, suffering through a letdown after his breakthrough last season.
COACHING: B-
Bill Peters has implemented a strong defensive system for the Canes, and he should be given more time to try and develop his young talent, and get the team back to winning.
MANAGEMENT: B+
Ron Francis made his first major moves today, and got a decent return for Jiri Tlusty, and a major windfall in the Andrej Sekera trade. Drafting and developping the picks and prospects that were acquired is the big thing for him going forward.
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