The pack is tight in the Metropolitan Division as December begins. The gap between third place Washington and seventh place New Jersey is just four points, with the Islanders, Flyers and Penguins all in between (although with some differing amount of games played for all). This past week featured many divisional games for a reward in the scheduling to see some important games sprinkled in.
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New York Rangers (2-1-0): The era of good feelings continues in Manhattan, where new coach Peter Laviolette has worked his usual early stint magic to have the Rangers as the top team in the NHL right now based on points%
Carolina (3-0-1): And here come the Hurricanes!