Articles / Ranking the Rangers’ Toughest Metropolitan Opponents This Season

Ranking the Rangers’ Toughest Metropolitan Opponents This Season

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The Hockey Writers
Sep 3, 2025 12:25 PM

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The New York Rangers are gearing up for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, with fans eager to see how their team stacks up against the formidable rivals in the Metropolitan Division. Among these rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins remain a perennial threat, bolstered by the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Their experience and offensive prowess make them a tough matchup for any opponent, including the Rangers.

In addition to the Penguins, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to be a team to watch. With players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov leading their charge, the Hurricanes’ blend of skill and physicality poses significant challenges. The Rangers will need to leverage their own talents, including Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, to compete effectively against such teams.

Furthermore, the Washington Capitals cannot be overlooked. With veterans like Alex Ovechkin still making headlines, the Capitals bring a mixture of tenacity and tactical play that tests the resilience of any lineup. The Rangers’ ability to perform in tight games against these contenders will be crucial as they aim for playoff success.

As the season progresses, watching how the Rangers navigate these intense rivalries will be key. The competition is fierce, but with their star players and growing depth, the Rangers might just emerge as a dominant force in the Metropolitan Division. Fans are hopeful that this could be a season to remember for New York hockey.

Overall, the Rangers face a thrilling challenge as they prepare to confront their toughest Metropolitan opponents, bringing excitement and anticipation to the upcoming NHL season.