With the 2014-15 NHL season just around the corner, it’s preview time all over the internet. Today, we’re going to take on the Metropolitan Division. It’s maybe the most confusing place in the league, as I’d wager at least 5 teams have legitimate chances to make the top 3. In this preseason playlist, we’re playing one song for each Metro team, a track that best describes their situation right now. Teams are in alphabetical order, not in order of expected finish.
Carolina Hurricanes – Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
Key Lyric: “Hold tight, we’re in for nasty weather. There has got to be a way.”
Hopes go up if Khudobin takes over in net. Unfortunately, the obvious points of skater praise run out after the Staals, Alex Semin, Jeff Skinner, and Justin Faulk. The team needs help in a bunch of places.
Columbus Blue Jackets – The House that Heaven Built by Japandroids
Key Lyric: “And if they try to slow you down, tell them all to go to hell.”
With one of the deepest forward lineups in the NHL, and an elite goalie, the Jackets are poised to break into the top tier of the division.
New Jersey Devils – The Denial Twist by The White Stripes
Key Lyric: “But you were hearing a different song, yeah you were hearing a different song.”
The Devils play a different style than anybody else in the NHL and the story is shot suppression. With a full season of Cory Schneider, enough pucks might stay out of the net to push the Devils up the standings.
New York Islanders – Islands by The XX
Key Lyric: “I don’t have to leave anymore, what I have is right here.”
A sudden and impressive talent injection should provide a huge boost to the Isles. Competent goaltending alone can do wonders. Adding Grabovski, Kulemin, and a full year of Tavares might make this year special.
New York Rangers – Side of the Road by Beck
Key Lyric: “On a borrowed dime, in a different light, you might see what the other side looks like.”
A repeat run to the Stanley Cup Final doesn’t seem to be in the cards this year. Enough losses (Richards, Stralman) and odd additions (Tanner Glass) point toward some kind of slip. It’s unclear how far they’ll fall.
Philadelphia Flyers – Ghost Pressure by Wolf Parade
Key Lyric: “Ghost pressure, come shake me up, shake me up.”
An upsetting situation on defense (especially the unfortunate loss of Timonen) and any kind of regression from Steve Mason will spell huge trouble in Philly. Maybe there’s some hope if the team’s Ghost (Shayne Gostisbehere) comes to play?
Pittsburgh Penguins – The Way We Get By by Spoon
Key Lyric: “We believe in the sum of ourselves.”
Focus on a front office shakeup overlooks the most important features on the Pens: Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Martin, and now Ehrhoff. If they’re all healthy and playing together, they’re nearly unstoppable. Add in new, better forward depth? This team should romp.
Washington Capitals – Fall In by Cloud Nothings
Key Lyric: “I wanna be like you, show me what I should do.”
Despite missing the playoffs last year, the Caps weren’t too far away and have offensive dynamos to work with. Can a few new d-men and the new direction of Barry Trotz push the team far enough?
(Is there a better song for any team in the Metro? Is my taste in music just the worst? Let us know in the comments!)
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