NHL Season Preview: SE Division
With NHL training camps opening in just a few weeks time, I'm starting my annual preview of all 30 NHL teams.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers had a disappointing season in 06-07 finishing 4th in the weak SE Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. Their biggest moves last season were either busts (Auld) or were injured for the better part of the season. This season, the Panthers made a big splash in the free agent market, acquiring proven veterans in Radek Dvorak, Brett McLean and Richard Zednik. In goal, they added all-star Tomas Vokoun, effectively ending Ed Belfour's tenour as a Panther. Vokoun should get between 55-70 starts this season. Perhaps the biggest question mark heading into the season is how much scoring the Panthers will produce and how well their young defensive core will fare this season. At least at the beginning of the season, expect growing pains and a tough road ahead. The future looks bright for the Panthers, but success is a season or more away, as the younger players need time to develop.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning just squeaked into the playoffs took the Devils to six games before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They lost a strong defender in Corey Sarich signed on with the Flames. They added depth in the signing of forward Michel Oulette. Expect this team to be quick skaters, and somewhat shaky on defense. The goaltending tandem remains the same from last season. I expect the Lightning to slide into one of the final remaining spots again this year and to give that team a tough time in a seven game series.
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers made the playoffs for the first time in their history last seaon and then got swept rather easily by the NY Rangers. They head into the season having added depth in Defensemen Joel Kwiatkowski and forward Eric Perrin. They also added grit in picking up Todd White and a speedy center in Pascal Dupuis. The Thrashers have basically one good line and a bunch of young, promising defensemen. Don't expect the Thrashers to make the playoffs, although goalie Keri Lehtonen should keep them in many games, provided he's healthy.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals took advatage of the Islanders fire sale by inking solid d-man Tom Poti and slick Russian Slava Kozlov. They also added depth up the middle by signing Michael Nylander. They have a solid one-two punch in Alexander Semlin and Alex Ovechkin. Perhaps the biggestr question mark comes from the lack of experience both up front and on the blueline. Goalie Olaf Kolzig needs to stand on his head most nights. The Capitals are a year or two away from competing.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are by far the strongest of the weakest division in the NHL. They boast 2006 Conn Smythe winner in G Cam Ward. The Hurricanes are a fairly young team with lots of upsidein their players. They should be a defensive minded team with at least one line, possibly two that knows how to score. Staal, Ladd, and Cole will be expected to score plenty of goals. Defensively, there will be some growing pains with a lack of experience back thee beyond Hedican and Commodore. Look for the Hurricanes to take the division fairly easily.
Where these teams will finish this season:
1. Carolina Hurricanes
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Florida Panthers
4. Atlanta Thrashers
5. Washington Capitals.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers had a disappointing season in 06-07 finishing 4th in the weak SE Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. Their biggest moves last season were either busts (Auld) or were injured for the better part of the season. This season, the Panthers made a big splash in the free agent market, acquiring proven veterans in Radek Dvorak, Brett McLean and Richard Zednik. In goal, they added all-star Tomas Vokoun, effectively ending Ed Belfour's tenour as a Panther. Vokoun should get between 55-70 starts this season. Perhaps the biggest question mark heading into the season is how much scoring the Panthers will produce and how well their young defensive core will fare this season. At least at the beginning of the season, expect growing pains and a tough road ahead. The future looks bright for the Panthers, but success is a season or more away, as the younger players need time to develop.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning just squeaked into the playoffs took the Devils to six games before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They lost a strong defender in Corey Sarich signed on with the Flames. They added depth in the signing of forward Michel Oulette. Expect this team to be quick skaters, and somewhat shaky on defense. The goaltending tandem remains the same from last season. I expect the Lightning to slide into one of the final remaining spots again this year and to give that team a tough time in a seven game series.
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers made the playoffs for the first time in their history last seaon and then got swept rather easily by the NY Rangers. They head into the season having added depth in Defensemen Joel Kwiatkowski and forward Eric Perrin. They also added grit in picking up Todd White and a speedy center in Pascal Dupuis. The Thrashers have basically one good line and a bunch of young, promising defensemen. Don't expect the Thrashers to make the playoffs, although goalie Keri Lehtonen should keep them in many games, provided he's healthy.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals took advatage of the Islanders fire sale by inking solid d-man Tom Poti and slick Russian Slava Kozlov. They also added depth up the middle by signing Michael Nylander. They have a solid one-two punch in Alexander Semlin and Alex Ovechkin. Perhaps the biggestr question mark comes from the lack of experience both up front and on the blueline. Goalie Olaf Kolzig needs to stand on his head most nights. The Capitals are a year or two away from competing.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are by far the strongest of the weakest division in the NHL. They boast 2006 Conn Smythe winner in G Cam Ward. The Hurricanes are a fairly young team with lots of upsidein their players. They should be a defensive minded team with at least one line, possibly two that knows how to score. Staal, Ladd, and Cole will be expected to score plenty of goals. Defensively, there will be some growing pains with a lack of experience back thee beyond Hedican and Commodore. Look for the Hurricanes to take the division fairly easily.
Where these teams will finish this season:
1. Carolina Hurricanes
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Florida Panthers
4. Atlanta Thrashers
5. Washington Capitals.
posted by opinionator777 at 1:57 PM
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