NHL Eastern Confrence-Southeast Division Preview

Atlanta Thrashers

2005-06 Finish: 41-33-8, 10th East
2005-06 Goals For: 281
2005-06 Goals Against: 275
2005-06 Power Play: 19.0% (7th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 79.3% (25th)
Points Leader: Ilya Kovalchuk (98)
Goals Leader: Ilya Kovalchuk (52)
Assists Leader: Marc Savard (69)

New Faces

(G) Fred Brathwaite, (RW) Darren Hayder, (G) Johan Hedberg, (C) Niko Kapanen, (C/W) Jason Krog, (C) Steve Rucchin, (LW/RW) Jon Sim, (D) Vitali Vishnevski, (RW) Kyle Wanvig

Gone

(LW) Ramzi Abid, (C/LW) Serge Aubin, (RW) Patrick Dwyer, (D) Tomas Kloucek, (D) Jaroslav Modry, (RW) Ronald Petrovicky, (D) Travis Roche, (C) Marc Savard, (C) Patrik Stefan, (LW) Karl Stewart, (D) Yannick Tremblay, (RW/LW) Peter Bondra, (G) Mike Dunham, (RW) Francis Lessard, (G) Steve Shields

Offence

Left Wing: Ilya Kovalchuk, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Serge Aubin, Eric Boulton, Jason Krog, J.P. Vigier
Centre: Bobby Holik, Steve Rucchin, Jim Slater, Niko Kapanen
Right Wing: Marian Hossa, Scott Mellanby, Jon Sim, Brad Larsen, Kyle Wanvig, Darren Hayder

The Thrashers are known as offensive threats and that is because of Kovalchuk, Savard, and Kozlov. Adding Marian Hossa, last season really helped their case as well. They have second and third line scoring, and down the middle, they are not what they used to be last season. Marc Savard was not re-signed by the Thrashers, and Bobby Holik will most likely be taking over as the number one centre. After a breakout year with the Devils a few seasons ago, Holik has not been the same since then. A tremendous two-way player, who is able to put up points. The Thrashers then added Steve Rucchin who will definitely help the toughness and scoring down the middle. Niko Kapanen was also added because of his smart two-way play and will have to keep the third line stabilized. Scott Mellanby does not seem like he has first line scoring in him anymore, and that's another downfall the Thrashers must conquer, but they do have Kovalchuk, Hossa, Holik, Kozlov, and Rucchin and are able to score, and these five players will be counted on for the regular season to score points.

Defence

D: Andy Sutton, Greg de Vries, Niclas Havelid, Vitali Vishnevski, Steve McCarthy, Garnet Exelby, Braydon Coburn, Shane Hnidy, Mark Popovic

The Thrashers will not have to worry about their defence being beaten up most nights, and that is because they will be doing the beating up. This is a tough blue line, with Garnet Exelby, Vitali Vishnevksi with his big hits, Andy Sutton and Greg de Vries all known as tough defencemen. They will help clear the path in front of the net. They will punish bodies each night. After that, Niclas Havelid fills in a spot, but then there are rookies who might be able to take over. Braydon Coburn, Mark Popvic and Steve McCarthy all have a good chance of making the roster, opening night. These players look to be the future number one point man on the power play. The Thrashers desperately need a point man and they had better hope that one of these young guns can fill in before the middle of the season.

Goaltending

G: Kari Lehtonen, Johan Hedberg, Fred Brathwaite

Kari Lehtonen was frequently injured last season but he does have the ability to be an elite goalie in the NHL. Lehtonen in his first year was a perfect 4-0 and then the season after, he went 20-15, with a 2.94 GAA and a .906 save percentage. That was with a lackluster blue line. This year will be a little different and if Lehtonen stays healthy, he will be competing for a playoff spot, come April. The Thrashers also acquired veteran goalie, Johan Hedberg who had a solid campaign last season with the Dallas Stars, as the backup for Marty Turco, losing only 4 games.

Look Out For

Braydon Coburn will become a household name in Atlanta. The inexperience will hurt him this season but if the Thrashers would him on the roster, he will not disappoint, as he has had a lot of time to improve in his game. Coburn is a big man, with great agility and quickness. He can score goals and will become the future number one point man for the Thrashers. Coburn is a quality defenceman.

Round-Out

Although the Thrashers had a rough time last season with injuries, they still had a very productive season. Finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference, The Thrashers have made a few improvements, and will be looking to get into the post-season this time around. They had a winning record, and Bob Hartley is on the right track with this young group, who is gaining experience as the seasons pass by. The offence is there, but the defence can give up every so often. Although with a few trades and signings, the defence has gotten better and can work in the favour of the Thrashers.

Prediction: 91 points, 2nd in Southeast Division

Carolina Hurricanes

2005-06 Finish: 52-22-8, 2nd East
2005-06 Goals For: 294
2005-06 Goals Against: 260
2005-06 Power Play: 17.9% (17th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 81.8% (19th)
Points Leader: Eric Staal (100)
Goals Leader: Eric Staal (45)
Assists Leader: Eric Staal, Cory Stillman (55)

New Faces

(RW/LW) Jesse Boulerice, (D) Tim Conboy, (RW) Patrick Dwyer, (G) John Grahame, (LW/RW) Brad Isbister, (RW) Trevor Letowski, (D) David Tanabe, (RW) Scott Walker, (RW) Shane Willis, (C) Eric Belanger, (D) Tim Gleason

Gone

(C/LW) Matt Cullen, (LW) Gordie Dwyer, (G) Martin Geber, (RW/LW) Mark Recchi, (C/LW) Josef Vasicek, (D) Aaron Ward, (C/LW) Doug Weight

Offence

Left Wing: Erik Cole, Andrew Ladd, Trevor Letwoski, Brad Isbister, Jesse Boulerice
Centre: Eric Staal, Rod Brind'Amour, Kevyn Adams, Chad Larose, Eric Belanger
Right Wing: Justin Williams, Ray Whtiney, Scott Walker, Craig Adams, Cory Stillman

The defending Stanley Cup Champions lost many key players during the off-season. First, Mark Recchi headed back to Pittsburgh, Matt Cullen joined the New York Rangers, and Martin Gerber joined the Ottawa Senators, although playing backup to Cam Ward for most of the playoffs. Doug Weight went back to St.Louis, Aaron Ward and Josef Vasicek is gone now. Although all that happened, the Hurricanes signed Brad Isbister, Trevor Letowski, and David Tanabe. They got Tim Gleason, Eric Belanger, and Scott Walker in trades. The Hurricanes will not be hurting this season as they are deep in every position. Eric Staal leads the way, and then behind him is Rod Brind'Amour, and with newly acquired Eric Belanger, who won't have a problem playing with the defending Stanley Cup Champions. On the wings, Erik Cole returns, Justin Williams in a speedy winger, Ray Whitney, Brad Isbister and Scott Walker will add toughness and drive to the wings. Andrew Ladd played 29 games, and wasn't very impressive, but with a partial season under his belt, the Hurricanes will be giving Ladd a chance to play in the bigs. He will have to perform. He is physical and has talent to score goals. Cory Stillman is hurt and will be n the IR, but we cannot forget out Stillman who can score goals, and isn't slowing down.

Defence

D: Bret Hedican, Mike Commodore, Glen Wesley, Frantisek Kaberle, Niclas Wallin, David Tanabe, Tim Gleason, Anton Babchuk

This unknown defence core proved it was the best lat season. Bret Hedican and Glen Wesley led this group, and every one pitched in to help. Mike Commodore, David Tanabe, and Tim Gleason will be the ones to stop the traffic in front of the net, and they proved that they could last season. Frantisek Kaberle, Niclas Wallin will help on the power play. And Anton Babchuk might get a chance to play with the Hurricanes this season.

Goaltending

G: Cam Ward, John Grahame

After Martin Gerber had a great year for the Hurricanes, he stumbled in the post-season, that is where Cam Ward took over, and the rest is history. Martin Gerber left Carolina to go to Ottawa and the job was handed to Cam Ward. Without a doubt, Cam Ward has many high expectations to live up to. Ward is a defending Stanley Cup Champion and it will be harder this year around to repeat, but Ward has proved in the playoffs and the rest of his career that he can perform under pressure, and he has tremendous poise in net. Ward does not get fazed in net, and that is the reason, why the Hurricanes have a lot of confidence in him. John Grahame was brought in to back up Cam Ward. If need by, John Grahame will be able to start on a nightly basis

Look Out For

If you are not talking about Andrew Ladd, you'll be talking about Anton Babchuk. Babchuk is a large defecenman, at 6'5'', he can throw his weight around. He can dominate the end boards, and battle for the pucks in the corners. Babchuk has been known to score, as he does have the offensive ability. Although he only has 39 games under his belt, Babchuk will be ready to take on a bigger role in Carolina.

Round-Out

General Manager Jim Rutherford continues to build his team from prospects and good signings. He does not go all out for free agents, but he does not shy away from signing valuable assets to the team. Rutherford makes Head Coach, Peter Laviolette's life a little easier. Rutherford got Staal to sign to a long-term deal and with the team Laviolette has, it can be good for another repeat. Although the last team to win the Stanley Cup was Tampa Bay, and the fell on their faces last season, the Hurricanes are much deeper, and a lot better coached. They are a well-rounded team, with face-off expert, Rod Brind'Amour, and tough guys Jesse Boulerice, Erik Cole, Andrew Ladd, Scott Walker, and Brad Isbister. They can score goals with Eric Staal, Ray Whitney, Cory Stillman, Justin Williams and Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes don't lack much of anything. One thing that is improved this season is their penalty killing. The Hurricanes signed Trevor Letowski and got Brad Isbister. Isbister is not a first or second liner, but he can do all the little things that Coaches love to see from their grinders, and Letowski and Isbister can help that cause.

Prediction: 106 points, 1st in Southeast Division

Florida Panthers

2005-06 Finish: 37-34-11, 11th East
2005-06 Goals For: 240
2005-06 Goals Against: 257
2005-06 Power Play: 15.3% (24th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 82.3% (14th)
Points Leader: Olli Jokinen (89)
Goals Leader: Olli Jokinen (38)
Assists Leader: Olli Jokinen (51)

New Faces

(D) Bryan Allen, (G) Craig Anderson, (G) Alexander Auld, (G) Ed Belfour, (RW) Todd Bertuzzi, (LW) Villie Peltonen, (D) Ruslan Salei, (General Manager) Jacques Martin

Gone

(D) Jamie Allison, (D) Sean Hill, (General Manager) Mike Keenan, (D) Lukas Krajicek, (G) Roberto Luongo, (G) Jamie McLennan, (LW/RW) Jon Sim, (D) Dan Focht, (D) Alexander Karpovtsev

Offence

Left Wing: Todd Bertuzzi, Gary Roberts, Chris Gratton, Greg Campbell
Centre: Olli Jokinen, Joe Nieuwendyk, Jozef Stumpel, Stephen Weiss
Right Wing: Nathan Horton, Martin Gelinas, Rostislav Olesz, Juraj Kolnik

There was no huge loss in the offensive department. Olli Jokinen will lead the way, with his hard nosed, soft hand talent. Adding to that will be Todd Bertuzzi, Nathan Horton, Gary Roberts, and Chris Gratton. All these players are tough and that's the way Mike Keenan liked it before he resigned. Jacques Martin also likes the fact he has a lot of good two-way players. Joe Nieuwendyk, Gary Roberts, Martin Gelinas, and Jozef Stumpel all can play two ways and that is Martin's style of play. There is no huge loss but big gains, with Todd Bertuzzi. He under performed in Vancouver last season, but this year; it is a new season with a new team in a new surrounding. This is what Bertuzzi needed for this season. The scoring is there this season, it'll be up to the defence though to see how well the Florida Panthers will do in the regular season.

Defence

D: Jay Bouwmeester, Mike Van Ryn, Bryan Allen, Ruslan Salei, Ric Jackman, Steve Montador, Joel Kwiatkowski, Alexei Semenov

The blue line is showing a lot of promise. Although it's taking slightly longer than most Florida fans thought it would, the Panthers are showing in progress this year. Jay Bouwmeester will lead the way for the Panthers this season. Bouwmeester is a good all around defencemen, along with Mike Van Ryn who does play offensively and defensively and doesn't shy away from the physical stuff. Bryan Allen and Ruslan Salei will be the ones who clear the net, and clear paths for the goalies. Ric Jackman, Steve Montador and Alexei Semenov will be the 6th defencemen, and each of them is fitting enough for it.

Goaltending

G: Alexandre Auld, Ed Belfour

Replacing Roberto Luongo is a challenge. The Panthers traded Luongo to Vancouver, for Alex Auld. Auld showed a lot of promise last season, when starter Dan Cloutier went down in an injury. Auld had a 33-26-6 record, with a 2.94 GAA and .902 save percentage. It wasn't good enough to lead the Canucks into the post-season but he had a good year that most thought he wouldn't have. Ed Belfour was also signed to help replace Luongo. Belfour was horrible last season, compared to his standards. Belfour went 22-22-4, with a goals against of over three. Constantly dealing with nagging back problems, Belfour finally had surgery over the off-season, and he should be better being the back up for Auld this season.

Look Out For

Anthony Stewart stands out in this organization as the lone rookie to make training camp, or being called up during the regular season. Stewart has always been known as a physical being, who can give hard hits, and sets up plays. Stewart has his own knack of scoring goals.

Round-Out

The Florida Panthers are a huge improvement from last year. They're bigger and stronger up front and have added a bit more experience on the blue line this season. They are, however, not better in goal. Losing Roberto Luongo is brutal, and replacing him would be a harder task to do. Alex Auld and Ed Belfour will be able to take the Panthers into a playoff contention, but if Jacques Martin cannot get these guys to gel with each other, then the Panthers have no chance. They have a better chance this season, than last season, and it looks like they will contend for a playoff spot.

Prediction: 82 points 4th in Southeast Division

Tampa Bay Lightning

2005-06 Finish: 43-33-6, 8th East
2005-06 Goals For: 252
2005-06 Goals Against: 260
2005-06 Power Play: 16.7% (23rd)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 81.6% (20th)
Points Leader: Brad Richards (91)
Goals Leader: Vincent Lecavalier (35)
Assists Leader: Brad Richards (68)

New Faces

(D) Andy Delmore, (G) Marc Denis, (LW) Eric Healey, (G) Johan Holmqvist, (C) Andreas Karlsson, (D) Filip Kuba, (D) Luke Richardson

Gone

(RW) Jim Campbell, (C) Martin Cibak, (G) John Grahame, (D) Pavel Kubina, (LW) Fredrik Modin, (G) Fredrik Norrena, (LW) Dennis Packard, (D) Darryl Sydor, (RW) Shane Willis

Offence

Left Wing: Vaclav Prospal, Ryan Craig, Dimitriy Afanasenkov, Andrei Karlsson
Centre: Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier, Tim Taylor, Martin Cibak
Right Wing: Martin St.Louis, Ruslan Fedotenko, Rob DiMaio

The Lightning underachieved last season. Especially Martin St.Louis and Vincent Lecavalier. This isn't the same place as it was two seasons ago when they won the Stanley Cup. An essential part of this group is gone and that's Fredrik Modin. With his big body presence missing, the Lightning had better hope their speed and attack strategy works against their opposing team. Speed is their strategy, with Martin St.Louis, Brad Richards, Vaclav Prospal, Vincent Lecavalier, Ruslan Fedotenko, the Lightning are not short of speed. Their run and gun game is what Head Coach John Tortorella loves to do and that's how they're going to win games. They might need the big body later on in the year. Rookie Ryan Craig had 28 points in 48 games, and that will put him on the second line with Lecavlier and Fedotenko. The third line will be very effective. Led by new Captain, Tim Taylor, Rob DiMaio, and Dimitriy Afanasenkov are able to kill penalties, protect the lead, play both ends, and they bring their tough game and dish out hits.

Defence

D: Filip Kuba, Dan Boyle, Cory Sarich, Luke Richardson, Nolan Pyatt, Matt Smaby, Andy Rogers, Paul Ranger

Pavel Kubina and Darryl Sydor were dealt during the off-season and although they were huge losses, they still lose reliable defencemen, which is hard to come by. The Lightning didn't sit around, as the acquired Filip Kuba who they believe will be able to replace one of the two defencemen and Luke Richardson, who has a ton of experience and would be able to lead the younger players on the team. Kuba plays more of an offensive game, with a little edge, and Richardson is more of a stay-at-home defencemen who can help on odd man rushes. Dan Boyle will be the number one defencemen for the Tampa Bay Lightning, because of his strong play last season. Boyle can play the point, and will continue to do so. He can also dish out many hard hits and back checks hard. Cory Sarich, Nolan Pyatt, and Paul Ranger will battle to round out the top six. Sarich and Pyatt use their bodies to their advantage and Ranger had a good rookie year, and was good in the post-season.

Goaltending

G: Marc Denis, Sean Burke

The Lightning dealt for Marc Denis, who they believe will be able to help the Lightning into the post-season. After Nikolai Khabibulin left after the Stanley Cup victory, and the John Grahame experiment didn't work, the Lightning wanted someone else, and they got Denis. Marc Denis wasn't out standing for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, but he showed a lot of ability to be the number one goalie. He always showed poise and good agility. Denis' workload will be a little smaller in Tampa, as he played over 140 games in two seasons. With better players in front of him, Denis might win over 25 games.

Look Out For

Andy Rogers is one defencemen that the Lightning will call up. At 6'5'' and over 200 pounds, Rogers is a stay-at-home defenceman who throws his weight around.

Round-Out

The Tampa Bay Lightning still have what they've always had and that's speed. They don't have the physicality that they used to, but they have the speed to work with. That's what the "new NHL" is all about. Using your speed to create plays and generate scoring chances. The Lightning's blue line isn't the best, but there are workhorses on it, and that's what Head Coach John Totorella loves about his defenceman. If they work hard, they will be rewarded with more ice time. The Lightning have a projected number one goalie to take into he post-season and might do so, especially if St.Louis, Richard and Lecavlier have strong years. If they have mediocre years, then they will miss the post-season.

Prediction: 85 points, 3rd in Southeast Division

Washington Capitals

2005-06 Finish: 29-41-12, 14th East
2005-06 Goals For: 237
2005-06 Goals Against: 306
2005-06 Power Play: 14.7% (26th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 78.9% (28th)
Points Leader: Alexander Ovechkin (106)
Goals Leader: Alexander Ovechkin (52)
Assists Leader: Alexander Ovechkin (54)

New Faces

(LW) Donald Brashear, (D) Trevor Byrne, (D) John Eskrine, (C/LW) Alexandre Giroux, (LW) Quintin Laing, (D) Brian Pothier, (C) Petr Taticek, (LW) Peter Vandermeer, (LW) Chad Wiseman, (RW/LW) Richard Zednik

Gone

(D) Mathieu Biron, (LW) Colin Forbes, (D) Jean-Francois Fortin, (C) Jeff Halpern, (LW) Boyd Kane, (D) Ivan Majesky, (RW) Brian Willsie, (RW) Miroslav Zalesak, (C/RW) Petr Sykora, (C) Jared Aulin, (C) Andrew Cassels, (C) Doug Doull

Offence

Left Wing: Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Brooks Laich, Donald Brashear, Rico Fata
Centre: Dainius Zubrus, Matt Pettinger, Brian Sutherby, Kris Beech, Boyd Gordon
Right Wing: Chris Clark, Richard Zednik, Ben Clymer, Matt Bradley, Eric Fehr, Chris Bourque

The only good thing about the rebuilding of this Washington Capitals franchise last season, was and only was, Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin won the Calder Trophy, and had 106 points. Dainius Zubrus was the second-leading scorer on the team with 57 points. Obviously, the Capitals need a lot more scoring power. And during the off-season, General Manager George McPhee didn't help that cause, because he didn't bring in anyone that could play on the other side of Ovechkin. However, he did bring in Richard Zednik who only had 30 points last season for Montreal, and should be much better with more ice time on this team. The Capitals hope Alexander Semin lives up to his standards. Kris Beech, Matt Pettinger, Brian Sutherby, Brooks Laich and Chris Clark won't be able to help Ovechkin. Most likely, Ovechkin will make anyone better on his team. Georgre McPhee did however bring in tough guy Donald Brashear, so no one will be trying to cheap shot Ovechkin.

Defence

D: Steve Eminger, Jamie Heward, Brian Pothier, Shaone Morrison, Mike Green, Bryan Muir, John Erskine

There is no household name on this squad. Some people might know Steve Eminger, Brian Pothier, and John Erskine. Other than that, Jamie Heward, Shaone Morrison, Mike Green and Bryan Muir aren't the steadiest of defencemen. They have upsides and downsides. They will continue to improve over the season, as well as Pothier, Eminger and Erskine. This defence does not seem like they will be able to hold off a lot of offensive stars, so they will have to work double time during the regular season. If they choose not to show up, then Olaf Kolzig will see another big workload.

Goaltending

G: Olaf Kolzig, Brent Johnson

Olaf Kolzig does not want to leave Washington, but he has proven that he can be a number one goalie, but because his record is not astounding, he's not considered to be a number one goalie. Kolzig will likely end his career in Washington and he knows what lies in the next couple of seasons. Coming off his worst career season, posting a 3.52 GAA and a .896 save percentage. Although the numbers would be much worse if Kolzig wasn't a good goaltender. Brent Johnson is the backup to Kolzig and he'll be facing many shots. Both goalies have their work cut out for them, and it's going to be a long long season.

Look Out For

There aren't too many good young prospects for the Washington Capitals, but the name that stands out is Mike Green. A solid body, good skating ability, and an offensive defenceman, Mike Green scored 43 points in 56 games in the AHL, in his first season. Green has been putting up good numbers in the OHL as well.

Round-Out

The Washington Capitals have another long road ahead of them, and their fans will likely stick by the Capitals because of Ovechkin. The Capitals have a long way to go before they are even considered playoff contenders. Ovechkin will lead the team in his second year, along with Dainius Zubrus and Richard Zednik, after that the rest of the lines are a guess, and no one knows how well Alexander Semin is going to be. Head Coach Glen Hanlon has a lot of confidence in Kolzig and a few of his defenceman, but he'll have to find some shutdown strategy to come near a .500 record.

Prediction: 71 points, 5th in Southeast Division