The Washington Capitals are situated atop the Metropolitan Division, which isn't entirely surprising. What is surprising? The New York Rangers are in playoff position, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are not. We debate which of those three trends will continue, and make some creative trades to get the fast-starting Carolina Hurricanes back into the mix:
The Capitals are back on top. Will they win the division?
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: In the Capitals' dressing room the other day, I asked around about whether this regular season felt differently now that they're defending Stanley Cup champions.