The Pittsburgh Penguins have established a double-digit lead in the Metropolitan division halfway into the season. The closest team in the division is the Washington Capitals, who are 14 points behind.. Pittsburgh has not faced much trouble this year with the Metropolitan Division and have led the pack all year long. Will any team be able to challenge the Penguins as we get closer to the playoffs? Pittsburgh could use it because they will face some tough completion in the playoffs.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are having a pretty good season so far as they are in 2nd place in the Metropolitan division. Alex Ovechkin is having an amazing year as he leads the league in goals, making a strong case for the Hart Trophy, the NHL’s MVP each season. If the Capitals are to give the Penguins a run for their money, they’re going to have to separate themselves in the standings from teams such as New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia who are all very close to Washington. Ovechkin is going to also have to continue his great success this season as well. The Capitals seem to feed off of their captain and if his play drops, so could Washington.

Philadelphia Flyers

As a Pittsburgh supporter it pains me to say this but I believe the Flyers may end up challenging the Penguins as we get closer to the end of the season and playoff time. The Flyers are starting to get hot, winning three in a row and are now in third place in the division. Claude Giroux is finally starting to play well this season to go with solid goaltending from the Ray Emery and Steve Mason tandem. The Flyers may make the playoffs and if they meet the Penguins….. We have seen how those teams enjoy each other in the playoffs.

Barring a monumental collapse, the Penguins are a virtual lock to hold on for first place in the division. The race for second will get certainly get interesting as the season unfolds.