In this edition of the hotstove, we predict which Eastern Conference teams will surprise and exceed the expectations many have for them.
Todd Cordell
I like Carolina a lot this year.
They were one of the best teams in the league at 5v5 last season but horrendous goaltending made it all but impossible to accomplish anything. That shouldn't be a problem this season as the Hurricanes traded for Scott Darling, who has quietly been extremely efficient at 5v5 in recent years.
With better goaltending and the continued development of young plays like Sebastian Aho, Elias Lindholm, Viktor Rask, Jaccob Slavin and Noah Hanifin, among others, the Hurricanes could be really good this season.
My bonus pick is the Philadelphia Flyers. I think Brian Elliott is better than he gets credit for and they're inserting some really promising kids into the lineup (like Nolan Patrick, Oskar Lindblom, etc) that should nicely support a very strong core.
Peter Tessier
My surprise team is the Flyers. I think the youth they have stockpiled is amazing and if Nolan Patrick makes an impact this is a team that could be far different from what they were a year ago.
Their D-core could be lethal now and if not now, soon. If the forwards get a boost from Patrick then they easily could surpass expectations.
Jared Crozier
I don't know if it qualifies as a surprise, but I think the Lightning will be the top team in the Atlantic Division, and the one non-playoff team from last season that makes it this season (replacing the Bruins).
A healthy Steven Stamkos with a bit of a chip on his shoulder will be a big lift to the club, that only missed the playoffs by a point.
If the Lightning success doesn't qualify as a surprise, then I will have to be THAT guy and say that the Senators will be a team that surprises in terms of avoiding the regression that most people seem to believe they will go through this season. I don't necessarily think they will get back to the final four, but I think they will be one of the 3 top seeds in the Atlantic Division come playoff time.
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