As the NHL pauses for the Milan‑Cortina Olympics, the Metropolitan Division is once again a pressure cooker. The New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils all enter the break fighting for postseason position, but each team arrives there with a very different trajectory. With the Eastern Conference standings tightly packed, every point accumulated before the break matters—and every point lost may loom large in March and April.
Rangers Battling in the Middle of the Pack
The Rangers hit the Olympic break hovering in the middle of the Metropolitan cluster, sitting on 63 points through 57 games. Their record—27‑21‑9—reflects a team that has struggled to find consistency but remains firmly in the playoff conversation. Their goal differential sits at –6, a sign of uneven defensive play and stretches of inconsistent scoring. Still, their 16‑9‑6 home record shows they can control games at Madison Square Garden, and their recent form (4‑5‑1 in their last 10) suggests they are capable of stabilizing after the break.
Islanders Holding a Wild Card Position
The Islanders enter the break in a stronger position, sitting at 69 points through 58 games with a 32‑21‑5 record. Their +7 goal differential and balanced home‑and‑road performance (16‑10‑2 at home, 16‑11‑3 away) reflect a team that has found its identity. Their recent 6‑4‑0 stretch shows they are trending upward at the right time. The Isles currently hold a playoff spot and control their own destiny, but the margin is thin—several teams trail them by only a few points.
Devils Fighting to Stay in the Race
The Devils sit just behind the Rangers and Islanders in a crowded field. With 63 points through 57 games and a 28‑22‑7 record, New Jersey remains firmly in the hunt. Their +7 goal differential and competitive home/road splits show they are capable of pushing into a playoff position with a strong post‑Olympic surge. Their recent 6‑3‑1 form suggests momentum, but the Devils must tighten defensively to avoid slipping behind the pack.
The Road Ahead
With all three New York‑area teams separated by only a handful of points, the post‑Olympic sprint promises to be one of the most compelling in the league. The Rangers need consistency, the Islanders need to maintain their structure, and the Devils need to convert momentum into wins. The race is wide open—and the margin for error is microscopic.
