The Columbus Blue Jackets have the start to the season they needed and expected. They are on top of the Metro Division after a fortnight.
Roughly two weeks into the 2017-18 NHL season and the Metropolitan Division is headed by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The boys in union blue have racked up eight points in five games, including two back-to-backs.
Now the second week still has three games to play tonight, but none will have any ramification on the top of the metro. The Devils, Penguins and Capitals all have the night off.
Technically, the New Jersey Devils are the top team in the division due to goal differential tie breaker. The Devils are +8 and the Jackets are +5. So just as everyone predicted, the Devils are in the top spot.
Columbus Blue Jackets
But the Jackets have already played three metro teams and won all three games. The Devils are 1-1 with a loss to Washington and a win over the putrid Rangers. Also the Jackets have already navigated two back-to-backs where the Devils have only played one.
Also the Devils have played the Sabres and Avalanche. Two of the worst teams in the NHL buckled and were beat by a combined score of 10-3. Those two wins are points that every team in the NHL are going to rack up this season.
Devils and Jackets Similarities
Both the Devils and Jackets have a one point advantage on the Penguins and Caps as well as a game in hand. Both play three games this week, including one against the hot Tampa Bay Lighting at home.
Both leaders of the division are young and rely heavily on stud goaltenders. Sergei Bobrovsky looks like he is in Vezina form and is leading or in the top five of most goalie stats. Devils goalie Corey Schneider is having a bounce-back season after a disappointing 16-17 season and is just behind goalie Bob in these statistical categories.
The Devils and CBJ also have rookies that have come out of nowhere to lead their team. Sonny Milano has four goals in five games, including an incredible overtime goal that can’t be viewed enough.
Devils rookie defenseman Will Butcher is just slaying opponents defenses and has racked up eight points in five games. That is a solid 131-point pace over 82 games. Congrats Calder, Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner Will Butcher.
The Devils and Jackets’ start though has one big difference and that is the Devils reliance on the power play. The Devils are converting at a 27% rate and have had 22 opportunities. That is good for 7th and 11th-best in the league, respectively.
Next: CBJ win in OT in Minnesota
The Jackets on the other hand are at a 7% conversion rate on the man advantage. Only two teams have had less chances to score with the man advantage than the Jackets as well. The scoring on the man advantage will certainly come down for the Devils. The Jackets conversely will get more chances and come into their own as the season continues.
Expect the Jackets to remain around the top of the Metro Division for the foreseeable future. As long as Bob stays healthy, they will be there. The Devils should enjoy their time up there now but brace for hard times. Beware Newark, winter is coming.