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The Metropolitan Division was considered an absolute gauntlet just a few seasons ago.

It has since leveled out with the rest of the NHL as its most recent Stanley Cup title drifts further away.

Washington was the Metro’s last team to hoist Lord Stanley in 2018. And after they captured first place in the division last season, as well as the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals opted to largely rely on internal improvements rather than external this offseason.

The same can’t be said for most of the other top contending teams in the Metropolitan Division.