Penguins stunned in OT as Hurricanes roll on – Metropolitan Division roundup

It was an eventful night in the Metropolitan Division, with the Penguins suffering a gut-punch overtime loss, the Hurricanes tightening their grip on first place, and the Islanders pulling out an extra-time win while losing a key defenceman.

Hurricanes stay on top as Kochetkov stays perfect, Hall sidelined

The Carolina Hurricanes sit comfortably atop the division with 24 points in 15 games (11-2-2) after a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. La Presse reports that Pyotr Kochetkov turned aside 24 shots to improve to 9-0-0 this season, while Sportsnet notes that Seth Jarvis picked up two assists and Mark Jankowski’s seventh goal of the year stood as the game-winner as Carolina held off a late Columbus push.

Carolina’s scoring depth is also drawing attention. The Hockey Writers argues that winger Jackson Blake is approaching star status. On the downside, Daily Faceoff reports that Taylor Hall will miss time with an upper-body injury after posting three goals and five points in eight games.

For Columbus, seventh with 10 points in 11 games (5-6-0), the narrow loss to a division rival is another missed chance to climb in a crowded Metropolitan race.

Penguins collapse late as Utah rallies, reinforcements return

In Pittsburgh, a potential statement win turned into a collapse. The Penguins, sixth with 12 points in 13 games (5-6-2), fell 4-3 in overtime to the Utah Mammoth. Sportsnet highlights that Logan Cooley completed his hat trick by scoring with one second remaining in regulation to force OT, where Mikhail Sergachev buried the winner.

There was at least some positive news up front. Sportsnet shows Ben Kindel scoring in his return to the lineup after being activated from injured reserve. Earlier, Sportsnet reported that the Penguins had activated both Kindel and Samuel Girard, adding depth for a team that, according to the network, was aiming for a third straight win but instead had to settle for a single point.

Capitals steady, Islanders clutch but lose Pulock

The Washington Capitals remain second in the division with 16 points in 12 games (8-4-0) after a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators. Sportsnet reports that rookie defenceman Cole Hutson scored twice, including a top-corner snipe, while Charlie Lindgren made 25 saves.

The New York Islanders, fourth with 16 points in 13 games (7-4-2), also earned a 4-3 overtime win, beating the Minnesota Wild. According to Sportsnet, defenceman Matthew Schaefer produced two goals and three points, including the OT winner, in a game that saw Joel Eriksson Ek open the scoring just 27 seconds in.

The victory came at a cost. Daily Faceoff reports that Ryan Pulock exited with an upper-body injury after just two shifts following an awkward board battle with Yakov Trenin.

Devils, Rangers and Flyers under scrutiny

The New Jersey Devils hold third place with 16 points in 13 games (8-5-0). The Hockey Writers breaks down three takeaways from their 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, a game that halted their bid for a fifth straight win. On the trade front, Sportsnet discusses Dylan Larkin’s situation in Detroit and raises the possibility that the Devils could be among the suitors.

The New York Rangers sit fifth with 15 points through 14 games (7-6-1), and their recent form is raising red flags. Daily Faceoff writes that they need to improve their centre depth to take the next step, while The Hockey News notes that a recent slump has wiped out their strong start and exposed deeper weaknesses.

In Philadelphia, last in the division with 10 points in 15 games (3-8-4), the story is largely off the ice. The Hockey News pays tribute to Andre Lacroix, a key member of the Flyers’ original roster and a WHA star, who passed away at 81 and is remembered as a “magician with the puck” and a big personality. On the roster front, Sportsnet mentions in a broader notes piece that the Flyers may look to add a defenceman.