Hockey in the New York area has changed, and those around it can see it, and feel it.
The Rangers, Islanders, and Devils all seem poised for interesting seasons in a relatively wide-open Metropolitan Division. There is young talent amassed in Manhattan, as well as a few miles southwest through the Holland Tunnel and few more miles east through the Midtown Tunnel. The most recent time all three teams made the playoffs was 2006-07, but that could change this year if the intrigue also brings competitiveness.
“There is excitement and buzz around,” Rangers veteran defenseman Marc Staal said recently.