The Metropolitan division hasn’t been good this year in terms of records and points but there is still plenty of talent within the division. The season is almost over and the playoff race is heating up. Let’s take a look to see who the best player on each team was.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Too easy, right? Sidney Crosby has been the best player on the Penguins this season and frankly, he’s been the best player in the NHL for the entire season. He’s running away with the Art Ross Trophy and he’s most likely to now win a Hart Trophy. He’s also made some AHL players on this Penguins team into some pretty good players. Pittsburgh will now need him more than ever now that Evgeni Malkin is out for the remainder of the regular season.
Philadelphia Flyers: There’s no question that Claude Giroux has been amazing for the Flyers over the past couple of months as they make their way towards the playoffs. Ever since December, he’s had the most points in the NHL and is just carrying this team. We’ll see if Giroux can keep up this hot streak as they finish out the seven games of their deadly dozen against playoff teams. (So far they are 4-1)
New York Rangers: This one is very hard to decide but right now I’d have to give it to Mats Zuccarello. He has been great for the Rangers this year in terms of points as he is tied with Derek Stepan. They both have been tearing it up this year and Zuccarello has been a key to getting the Rangers to the playoffs, landing the second seed in the Metro division.
New York Islanders: No question that if John Tavares were healthy, he would be the team MVP, but he isn’t. The Islanders have been a disaster this season but the team’s best player has been Kyle Okposo. He leads the team in points with 27 goals and 69 points this season. He was snubbed from the U.S Men’s Hockey Team but has responded with a breakout season. The Islanders should easily build off this season from Okposo as he looks to be a part of their future for a long time.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets have been a playoff team so far this year and their best player has been their goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. He’s trying to actually lead them into the playoffs this season unlike last season where they fell just short. Bobrovsky is one of the best goaltenders in the world and it has shown this season as he has a .920 save percentage. Let’s see if he can carry them into the postseason.
Washington Capitals: The Capitals’ best player has been Alexander Ovechkin of course as they try to make a late playoff push. He leads the NHL in goals with 48 and is on track for 60 goals this season. He’s one of the best players in the world and if anyone can carry the Caps to the playoffs it’s the Great Eight.
Carolina Hurricanes: Carolina has been a mediocre team this season and the MVP of that team is Eric Staal. He’s been good for them this season leading the team in points with 55 and assists with 38. It doesn’t look like they will make the playoffs this season but Staal always gives them a chance to win.