There are still only three points separating second and seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.
While everyone jostles for position heading into the NHL's All-Star break, here is what's going on from around the division. It's not getting any easier.
Halled Out
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall injured his hand Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers and missed games on Monday and Tuesday as a result. Team Doctors are re-evaluating the injury and it remains unclear whether or not he will play against the Nashville Predators tonight, per ESPN.
Hall blows away the rest of the team's roster in terms of points (48, next best player for the Devils has 30), including a team lead in goals with 17.
Finally Retired
The Philadelphia Flyers have risen to the No. 2 spot in the Metropolitan Division, winning nine of their last 11 games. Last Thursday, they retired the number of Hall of Fame center Eric Lindros.
Combining size, skill and strength, the 6-foot-4 Lindros averaged a franchise-record 1.35 points per game in Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000. Lindros won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1995 after leading the NHL with 70 points in the lockout-shortened season.– Associated Press
Wash Out the Lines
Looking to maintain their success atop the Metro, the Washington Capitals are looking to shake up their lines moving forward. This would include a move that places Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom on different lines for the first time since November.
He Hit Me with his Best Shot
New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith is angry with the NHL's punishment – or lack thereof – following a dirty hit he took from Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Clifford Sunday.
This is a huge cheap shot by Kyle Clifford on Brendan Smith. He'll be getting a call from the league #NYR pic.twitter.com/OYKz88H8cN
— Fitz (@FitzyGSN) January 22, 2018
As of today, no suspension has been administered to Clifford and Smith is upset about that, per the New York Post.
Caned for Bad Play
The Carolina Hurricanes have earned just seven points in their last 11 games and now sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division standings as a result. They are currently three points behind the Rangers for seventh.
Murray Returns
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray suffered a terrible tragedy last week when his father passed away. Monday, he returned to the net for the Penguins, per Trib Live.
"Hockey definitely took a back seat for a couple days, but when you're out there, it's kind of a sanctuary," Murray said. "Just try to throw yourself back into it."
1st Ohio Battery offers its condolences to Murray and his family in this difficult time.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
