Southeast Division Preview

It wasn't that long ago when the Southeast division was considered to be the division that 'didn't matter' to hockey fans. Five teams in non-traditional hockey cities who all struggled mightily to make the playoffs was the division's calling card. The usual scenario was that one team would claim the division title only to be quickly eliminated in the first round. The Southeast had the reputation of only producing one playoff team year after year while the rest occupied the bottom third of the Eastern Conference standings.

In recent years however, we have witnessed a metamorphosis of sorts in the division. Back in 2004, the Tampa Bay Lightning surprised everyone when the beat the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup finals. In 2oo6, it was the Carolina Hurricanes turn when they joined the Lightning and raised their first Stanley Cup. Now, we are being treated to highlight-reel goals from Alex Ovechkin and the emergence of the Capitals as the Southeast division's up-and-coming team.

The battle for the division title (and other playoff spots) this season will be a lot more interesting and competitive. Unlike in year's past, the Southeast is capable of producing three playoff teams for the first time in the division's history (although Florida, Washington, and Tampa Bay all made the playoffs in 1996 before the division's conception). The Southeast is finally developing an identity; an identity that boats youth, speed, goals and some of the NHL's brightest young stars.

Tampa Bay Lightning: 3rd

It didn't take much for the Lightning to be relevant again following a season where they finished dead last in the National Hockey League. Needless to say Lightning management were certainly active during the deadline and off-season. After trading for goaltender Mike Smith (from Dallas) in exchange for Brad Richards, Tampa brought in veteran net minder Olaf Kolzig.

After selecting Steven Stamkos with the number one pick, Lightning management gave the team a face lift. Gary Roberts, Ryan Malone, Marc Recchi, Radim Vrbata and Vaclav Prospal were all acquired which solidified their top two scoring lines with Vinny LeCavalier and Martin St. Louis.

On the back end, the Lightning made another shuffle shipping out Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich (who was signed by the Lightning to a 7-year deal in March) to San Jose for Matt Carle, and then traded for ex-Senator Andrej Meszaros. Leaving the Lightning were Alexandre Picard, Filip Kuba, and a first round draft pick.

Looking ahead to the 08/09 season, the Lightning have a team that is much better than 2007-08's version. The Lightning have stability in goal for the first time in years after having a revolving door or goaltenders, and up front the Lightning will be a breed of speed and toughness. Littered throughout the lineup are veterans that will guide the young prospects, and Barry Melrose should give a fresh approach from behind the bench.

All in all, this Lightning team has the potential to do damage. For motivation, they need only look back a year ago when the Philadelphia Flyers went from bottom -feeders of the NHL to the Eastern Conference finals in a one year span.

Washington Capitals: 8th

The Washington Capitals enter this season with high expectations on themselves, from fans, and from pundits alike. After winning the Southeast division last year, the next step for the Capitals is to win a round in the playoffs...but it may be easier said then done following the strides other Eastern Conference teams have made.

The Caps didn't make much noise this summer and their team remains relatively intact.

Washington's biggest move came when they acquired Jose Theodore as a free agent. Out went Christobat Huet who fled for Chicago, and in came a former Hart and Vezina trohpy winner who was struggling to regain his form. A risky move that could pay dividends to the team... or a move that could leave the Capitals struggling all year long.

The big question for the Capitals is which Jose Theodore will show up? Will it be the Jose Theodore who guided the Canadiens to an upset over the top seeded Bruins in 2003, or the Jose Theodore who lost his starting job to Christobal Huet less than three years later?

Without knowing which Theodore will show up, it is difficult to predict how Washington will fair this season. If Theodore is on his game, the Capitals are capable of winning the division... and then some. If he is not, then the Capitals are in for a bumpy ride. Given the uncertainty at this point, look for the Capitals to battle with Tampa Bay for the division title, only to see them faulter down the stretch and find themselves in a dog fight with Carolina for the last playoff spot in the East.

Carolina Hurricanes: 9th

After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year following a Stanley Cup championship, the big question surrounding the Hurricanes is if the Stanley Cup hangover is finally over. That being said, all indications are pointing to yes.

Eric Staal, who just signed a seven year $57.75 million deal beginning in the 2009/2010 NHL season, is poised to prove the hockey world that he is worth every penny. On defense, the Hurricanes have an average blue line, but watch for the newly acquired Joni Pitkanen to rebound after a sub-par year in Edmonton.

In goal, the Hurricanes need Cam Ward to be the Cam Ward who won them a Stanley Cup in 2006. He rebounded last season after a rough 2006-07 season, but if the Hurricanes want to be in the playoff picture they will need Ward at his best. Even Eric Staal alone will not be able to carry this team by himself.

The Hurricanes will keep it close, but Washington and Tampa Bay simply have more depth. Look for Carolina to barely miss the playoffs for a third straight season.

Florida Panthers: 13th

After reluctantly trading away the cornerstone of their franchise, Florida showed the hockey world that they are ready to put the Oli Jokinen days behind them. In steps a new era of players who inject the team with a shot of youth, speed, and energy for the future. However, things are still not looking very promising in the Sunshine state.

Despite acquiring Bryan McCabe on defense and Cory Stillman up front, the Panthers are team that is in transition. The team simply does not have an identity. It has been eight years since the Panthers last made the playoffs, and they have been playing in one of the league's most winnable and 'open for the taking' divisions. It will take some time for the Panthers to forge their identity and legitimately compete for the playoffs. That being said, Florida's blue line is certainly solid compared to other teams in the Southeast. On offense, the Panthers have all the right players...they just need time to develop. Nathan Horton, David Booth, Rostislav Olesz and Brett McLean are all very good players that need time to hone their skills. The big question for the future is if these developing Panthers want to stick around in what has been a culture of losing over the past decade. Only time will tell.

Atlanta Thrashers: 14th

The Atlanta Thrashers will find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place this season. Gone is one half that formed the dynamic duo of Hossa and Kovalchuk. There will be even more pressure on Kovalchuk to produce given that Hossa is gone, but without a supporting cast Atlanta management is placing their superstar in rough waters. If the Thrashers sink this season, look for Kovalchuk to jump ship during the off-season. I'm sure there will be plenty of lifeboats available from other teams.