I just want the season to start so I can watch this division fight harder than ever.

Tampa and Washington even (20 to 1), Carolina (30 to 1), Florida (40 to 1), Winnipeg (60 to 1)…sounds pretty accurate…

When Backstrom came back (he missed 40 games!) and Holtby replaced those other guys the the Panthers were one game from losing the division, the defending champs got sent home (#2 seed), and the #1 seed was 30 seconds from elimination.

I am not saying the Capitals have it locked up, at all. But they should be VERY tough if healthy given how good they were at the end, another year of seasoning and meshing, and the way the off-season shook out. Tampa is going to be really tough, Panthers could be, and Hurricanes will be interesting…

The Capitals DID NOT get better…so I don’t see where people actually think they’ll be a better team based on what we know now. A whole year with Holtby might be interesting.

The Panthers were lucky and won’t repeat again if you ask me. I don’t think they have the talent nor did they make the appropriate moves to become better. Remember, last year was one of the worst years in the South East we’ve ever seen! Every team sucked when it came to points. But they represented very well in the playoffs by upsetting the Bruins and fighting a battle with the soon-to-be Eastern Conference champion Devils.

‘Peg….well, they’re really a novelty team at this point. I don’t see the worth in some of their commitments, especially to Pavelec – the most average starting goaltender in the league. They’ll play good hockey and entertain the thirsty fans in Winnipeg, but they’ll hover outside until they can make some core moves or if Kane can continue with another big stride.

Tampa had a great team in 2010-2011…they had a terrible one in 2011-2012. The regression was alarmingly obvious – poor goaltending and awful defense. Pretty much a recipe for disaster! When Tampa decided to have the oldest goalie tandem in the NHL, I knew it wouldn’t be a good year. Roloson was fabulous for Tampa in ’10-’11, but he was still a little shaky. Smith had to come in and save the day for Roli a few times during the playoffs…not good. Then his numbers the following year were comically terrible. This forced Tampa to ride a career backup as its starter, Garon. Not a bad goalie by any means, just not consistent enough to keep up in net with the demands the team needed. Combined with injuries to key players, dismal blueliners, and calling up half its farm system, the Lightning were still only a few points out of playoffs. This summer, they stuck to a plan and attacked the goaltending position and defense immediately. I feel they made the most significant improvement of any team this offseason. They’ve improved the only areas they had problems last year they where they STILL almost made it to the dance.

Carolina…yeah…tremendous surprise there. Welcome to the big leagues again! If Ward doesn’t play like Pavelec, this team is going to be very hard to beat. Much like Tampa, they improved in the areas they lacked in a big way.

Tampa
Carolina
Washington
Florida
Winnipeg

Florida only won because of points they were lucky enough to achieve through OT.

Im callin wash or tampa

This year we’ve lost an inconsistent Semin, a terrible defender in Wideman, and a few fourth line alternates. And Knuble and Vokoun but eh… BUT we did snag Ribeiro and WW who should help with the offensive production. You’re also looking at a HUGE jump in talent between the pipes with Holtby who everyone saw had a phenomenal post season, and really no loss on the defensive end whatsoever. Add a coaching change along with an offensive minded mentality coming to the district with Oatesy and there’s no way you can tell me this team doesn’t take the division.