METROPOLITAN

BREAKOUT PLAYER

BRAYDEN SCHENN

FLYERS

Last year was his first 82-game season in the NHL, and the 2009 first-round pick made the most of it, scoring a career-high 20 goals. The 23-year-old is still developing, but Philly certainly expects more.

HOT SEAT

JACK CAPUANO

ISLANDERS

After taking one step forward with a strong playoff showing against the Penguins in 2013, New York took two steps back last year, finishing in the division cellar. Capuano got a pass for the regression because the team lost Hart Trophy candidate John Tavares to a knee injury last February. But the need to stir interest among new fans in Brooklyn, where the franchise will move in 2015--16, means there's a sense of urgency on Long Island.

HIDDEN GEM

BRANDON DUBINSKY

BLUE JACKETS

The rugged Dubinsky's name doesn't come up as often as it should in discussions of quality power forwards. He had a pair of 20-goal seasons with the Rangers, in 2009--10 and '10--11, and played a forceful game last year, with 16 goals, 34 assists and 98 penalty minutes.

IN THE CREASE

BY PIERRE MCGUIRE

If the Rangers are to return to the Stanley Cup finals, they must steady an inconsistent power play. Defenseman Dan Boyle, who scored six of his 12 goals for the Sharks last year with the man advantage, will help.... Everyone raves about the Blue Jackets' young forwards, but one of their best features is a big and mobile defense—JACK JOHNSON (28 assists) and Ryan Murray (17) can be dominant.... The only way the Devils can make the playoffs is if their three young defensemen—Adam Larsson, 21, Jon Merrill, 22, and Eric Gelinas, 23—become consistent NHL players. They have the ability to contribute at both ends, and if they improve, New Jersey could be better than expected.

PHOTO

CHRISTOPHER SZAGOLA/CAL SPORT MEDIA (SCHENN)

PHOTO

KIRK IRWIN/GETTY IMAGES (JOHNSON)