The New York Rangers are entering the 2021 season in a newly created division with some new teams to contend to, primarily due to the outbreak of COVID-19. New York will be up against a new tough division with teams including the Flyers, Bruins, Islanders, Capitals, Penguins, Sabres and the Devils. Let’s take a look at this competition.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are a very strong team with a lot of depth, including an amazing center core alongside some great goaltending in their young netminder, Carter Hart. Prior to the pandemic, Philly was one of the hottest teams in the league.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins, falling short of a Stanley Cup appearance in their loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, is another team with much depth led by their top line. However, Marchand and Pastrnak are dealing with injuries and will be out to start.
New York Islanders
The Islanders had an amazing season with getting to the playoffs, but falling short in the Conference Championship. The Islanders look to build upon the past season, including the addition of their goaltender prospect, Ilya Sorokin.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals had a solid season despite losing to the Islanders in the first round. They fired their head coach and brought in Peter Laviolette. Their team looks to rebuild after a rough 4-1 series loss, relying on their veteran leadership with Ovechkin and Kuznetsov.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins enter this season after missing the playoffs last season, due to injuries with Crosby and others. You can expect Crosby and Malkin to continue leading the way and Tristin Jarry will be taking a bigger role due the Penguins trading Matt Murray.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres enter the season once again looking to build around Eichel. Their signing of Taylor Hall and resigning Reinhart who will be a big part of their offense and a big part of their rebuild.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils made some good moves this offseason in Free Agency as they signed veteran netminder, Corey Crawford. Additionally through the draft, they acquired Alexander Holtz who will be a good addition to their offense along with former first overall pick Jack Hughes, who looks to build on his rookie season.
Image: Elite Sports NY
