NHL Southeast Division Preview
The Hurricanes are loaded on offense, with Eric Staal (70 PTS), Ray Whitney (83 PTS) and Rod Brind’Amour (82) ready to play tough. Staal, after a breakout season in 2005- 06, slumped last year and has to stoke it up again. In goal, Cam Ward (.897 SV%), who was off and on in 2006- 07, is in charge of this team’s destiny.
The Lightning welcome back the explosive trio of Vincent Lecavalier (108 PTS), Martin St-Louis (102 PTS) and Brad Richards (70 PTS). The team also skates fine special teams and a solid “D.” But net minding, which was frightening last season, still has nightmare potential. Can Marc Denis (.883 SV%) be the tender everyone thought he’d be? We’ll see.
The Thrashers won the Southeast Division last year, lead by the likes of Marian Hossa (100 PTS), Ilya Kovalchuk (76 PTS) and Slava Kozlov (80 PTS). Those three are back. Goalie Kari Lehtonen (.912 SV%) will keep Atlanta competitive. The Thrashers needed help on “D” and will get some, but probably not enough, from former Colorado player Ken Klee, who was plus-18 in 81-games last season.
The Capitals have two new solid centers—vet Michael Nylander (83 PTS) from the Rangers and rookie Nicklas Backstrom from Sweden. Other offensive forces include returning youngsters Alexander Ovechkin (92 PTS) and Alexander Semin (70 PTS). But the Caps are still in need of defense. Goalie Olaf Kolzig (.910 SV%) provides a strong veteran presence.
The good news for the Panthers is that they have former Nashville veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun (.920 SV%) in net. It was a long 2006- 07 season for the Panthers without former net minder Luongo. Center Olli Jokinen (91 PTS) is a standout player and on defense Jay Bouwmeester (42 PTS, +23) is an all-around iceman. But this team needs more depth to win.
Projected Finish in 2007- 2008
1) Carolina Hurricanes
2) Tampa Bay Lightning
3) Atlanta Thrashers
4) Washington Capitals
5) Florida Panthers
Check out the other Eastern Conference divisions previews including the Atlantic and Northeast.
