Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Southeast Division Thoughts & Predictions

January 9, 2013, 10:49 PM ET [16 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
When thinking about divisions with storylines heading into this shortened 2013 National Hockey League season, it is incredibly hard to ignore the Southeast. With plenty of new faces both on the ice and behind the bench, the Southeast should prove to be one of the more intriguing groupings to follow. How will Jordan Staal play in Carolina? Is Adam Oates the solution in Washington? What kind of goaltending will the Lightning get out of Anders Lindback? These questions and many more are plaguing the minds of those who support teams in the Southeast Division. With all that in mind, it’s time to start making predictions.

1. Carolina Hurricanes
Few teams were as busy as the Carolina Hurricanes this past summer. Adding Jordan Staal and Alex Semin certainly gives the ‘Canes that extra offensive boost that could go a long way in making them incredibly difficult to beat. Add in a lot of good, young defensemen and the always solid Cam Ward, and the Hurricanes really start to look like a formidable threat in the Southeast. With the offensive additions, the ‘Canes will finally be able to send out a more balanced offensive line-up that should give opposing defenses headaches. Chemistry could be an issue in the beginning, but it shouldn’t end up holding the Hurricanes back from winning the Southeast.

2. Washington Capitals
The difference for the Capitals this season isn’t going to be Mike Ribeiro; the difference is going to be Adam Oates. Lightning fans are incredibly familiar with Oates and the work he did with our powerplay and Steven Stamkos’ offensive development. Oates likes up-tempo hockey and that should definitely benefit Alexander Ovechkin. Fans outside of Washington beware – Oates is going to spawn the resurgence of the Great 8. Goaltending might be a little bit of a concern for the Capitals, as Holtby is still relatively unproven, but Ovechkin’s resurgence and a generally solid roster should be able to propel the Caps into second in the Southeast.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning
Sorry, Bolts Nation, but the Lightning isn’t going to walk away with the Southeast Division crown this year. As mentioned in a previous piece, it will take time for this group to develop chemistry and adjust to new faces. In a few years, the Bolts will be incredibly dangerous; there’s too much young talent for that not to be the case. However, in a shortened season, don’t expect the Bolts to light the world on fire. Add to that the massive question mark in net and the Lightning don’t exactly look like slam dunk for a playoff spot. If Lindback comes in and plays well, the Lightning could surprise some people. But, at this point, that’s a lot to expect.

4. Florida Panthers
The Panthers are going to tumble down the standings this season. Sorry, but I’m not convinced that Jose Theodore can continue to play at the level he did last season. The Panthers also have a lot of good, young players who will be given big roles and big minutes. Because of that, the team will be under transition this year. Jonathan Huberdeau is going to be a stud in the NHL, but like Steven Stamkos, it will take him some time to adjust to the NHL game. The Panthers’ roster will spend this season figuring things out as a group; in a few years, the Cats will be a dominating force in the league, but not right now.

5. Winnipeg Jets
Sorry, Winnipeg. Offense isn’t going to be a problem for the Jets, but it wasn’t last year either. The Jets’ issues all stem from the defense and in goal. The team’s defensive strategy is weak, inconsistent and messy. Last season, it showed on the ice. Without any marketable improvements to the defense or message from the coaching staff, fans in Winnipeg can probably expect more of the same. Without more consistent performances from Ondrej Pavelec and better team defense, the Jets will continue to struggle.

--

In general, I try to stay away from blogs full of personal thoughts; it’s tough to do that when predicting the standings. So, with that said, I ask you to please give me your Southeast Division predictions in the comments section! Do you agree with my assessments? What changes would you make? Head over to the message board.

As always, thanks for reading.

If you are interested in a free fantasy hockey league for this season, let me know and we can get you involved with me and a few friends.
Join the Discussion: » 16 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Michael Stuart
» Brown, Paul Combine for Canada's Golden Goal at World Championship
» Senators to Select 10th Overall; What Should They Do with the Pick?
» Finding the Right Centerpiece
» Senators Team Awards Ballot
» Melnyk Speaks