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The Metropolitan Division Looks the Most Competitive in the NHL

New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders

Let’s begin this column by noting that, this off-season, every NHL division has grown more competitive.

In the Pacific Division, the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks, two teams that narrowly missed being a playoff seed last season, both have improved (on paper) lineups. In the Central Division, there are six teams – the defending Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche, the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets – that conceivably make it to the post-season. And in the Eastern Conference, the Atlantic Division now has six teams (Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Boston, Detroit and Ottawa) that could make it into the playoffs. There are very few teams you’d consider completely out of the playoff race before the season begins.

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