Metropolitan Division shifts in the 2026-27 NHL season

The Metropolitan Division schedule is dense this October

The NHL’s 84-game expansion makes the Metropolitan Division schedule dense this October. The 2026-27 NHL season is defined by significant logistical and culinary shifts across the Metropolitan Division. The New Jersey Devils faced the New York Rangers on October 15, just two weeks after the Devils opened their season against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 1. This increased schedule follows a collective bargaining agreement that allows more games to provide space between the Stanley Cup Final and the June draft. The Hurricanes face the Devils four times this season, and the league scheduled all four meetings within a 39-day window. These matchups follow the Hurricanes’ second Stanley Cup triumph, which they secured on September 29 against Florida. While the Hurricanes celebrate their championship, the schedule forces immediate divisional competition. The New York Rangers also recently navigated a series of road games in Minnesota on September 25, 26, and 27. The Devils’ season also includes a matchup against the New York Islanders on October 2. You should watch how these division rivalries intensify under the new 84-game format.

The $66 million approval for Lenovo Center renovations is a necessary update for the Hurricanes

The $66 million approval for Lenovo Center renovations is a necessary update for the Hurricanes. This funding supports a larger $300 million renovation project for the venue that opened in 1999. The authority previously approved $4.1 million to add more seats in the lower bowl and upper level. Construction during the summer included replacing every lower bowl seat. These updates aim to increase hockey capacity by 694 seats, bringing the total to 19,606. The arena closed for eight weeks through mid-August to accommodate these changes. The project also includes a new media work room and construction of more space for 360-degree access around the ice. One drawback remains the reduction of lower-level aisles from six to four on the east and west sides. The project also includes a new team store on the southwest side that will be three times the size of the current one. The Centennial Authority also gave Tom Dundon permission to build an entertainment district next to the arena. This mixed-use development will include 100,000 square feet of retail, 150,000 square feet of office, and 200 multifamily residential rental units, according to consultant Dan Barrett, who advises the authority on the renovations. Gale Force Sports and Entertainment will commit $200 million to a phase one development, with that figure rising to $800 million by the 20th year.

The new food options at the Prudential Center are a welcome addition for Devils fans

The new food options at the Prudential Center are a welcome addition for Devils fans. The Heritage Kitchen pop-up supports local businesses and rotates monthly. This month, the program showcases Pie Oh My, a family-operated business from New Jersey that sells handcrafted pizza and Italian comfort food. Rutt’s Hut, a 98-year-old icon from Clifton, now serves the "Ripper" deep-fried hot dog at the Eastback Kitchen stand near Section 15. Melba Wilson also introduced a Veggie Soul Roll outside Section 107. Fans can find several other new items:

The Pork Roll/Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheeseburger includes a double smash burger with fried egg and American cheese at Section 12. The Queso Birria Tacos consist of three beef short rib tacos with melted mozzarella cheese and cilantro at the Goya Cantina. The gyro at Section 1 and 118 uses beef and lamb strips on pita bread with feta cheese and onions. The Gluten-Free / Vegan Grilled Cheese uses vegan cheese on sourdough bread at the Everybody’s Kitchen stand. The State Fair Lemonade provides fresh lemon and simple syrup at Sections 2 and 126. The Devils also welcomed Devil Road Whiskey with a cocktail and Caymus Vineyards as a new wine partner in the Lofts. Will these culinary additions help the Devils secure more wins this season?