Division Breakdown: Southeast Division

1st Place: Carolina Hurricanes
They go from winning it all the year before last to missing the playoffs last year. Everything this team does is going to hang on one man's performance and that's Cam Ward in net. He had a ridiculously good year when they won it and last year he struggled a lot. Their defense are mostly all veterans and don't have the burst in their step anymore, but they also have some young goal scorers with Eric Staal.

2nd Place: Tampa Bay Lightning
If this team makes the playoffs, you may want to watch out. They have a lot of weakness' but they will run the scoreboard up on you if you let them. They have $51million between 3 players which eats up a lot of salary cap room. Very fun team to watch, but they have to find a solution for their weak goal tending situation if they plan on making it in.

3rd Place: Atlanta Thrashers
They made the playoffs for the first time last year, but played horrid in the 4 games they got to see before the Rangers swept them. Marian Hossa has to be a positive influence on this team. He is a in a contract year and needs to show that he is worth all the money they are paying him. If the ATL can stay on track, be looking for this team trying to sneak is 2nd place.

4th Place: Florida Panthers
The Panthers made a lot of moves this off season and they have consistently started out poorly in the season and then be strong down the stretch for the past few seasons. I think now that they have some confidence in net with Vokoun, their offensive chemistry needs to spark a lot earlier in the season to give their team a shot.

5th Place: Washington Capitals
This team is going to be real exciting to watch this year. They have Overcheckin and Nylander along with rookie Nicklas Backstrom. With Olli the Goalie in net, this team has the potential to sneak into the playoffs if everything is clicking right and some of the higher ranked teams struggle this season.