Wednesday, August 22, 2012

2012-13 NHL Predictions- Post Free Agency- Southeast Division

Eastern Conference

Southeast Division

 100 Points
     The Hurricanes are clear winners on paper of this offseason because of their signings of Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin. Now, two players does not a team make, but throw those two players in with Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner, two dynamic and prolific offensive players and you have one of the better offensive clubs in the East. The defense will have to hold up and if it does, Cam Ward will flourish playing for a contender once again.
 93 Points
     The Capitals came oh so close once again last season before falling in another seventh game to the Rangers. Alex Ovechkin hasn't been quite player he was when he was cleaning up MVP awards, but it has come down to the supporting cast around Ovechkin. A bright spot is Brayden Holtby because if he can continue to improve on his impressive playoff run, the Capitals may take this division. But on the other hand, you have the loss of Alexander Semin to a division foe, which leads me to wonder whether they will have enough around Ovechkin once again.

tampa bay lightning logo 92 Points
     Tampa Bay was a major disappointment after coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The key will be whether the Lightning tighten up defensively and find a reliable back stop in goal. They will have enough offense with Steven Stamkos alone and I trust Guy Boucher to energize his guys to get back into the playoffs.

florida panthers logo 89 Points
     The Panthers came the closest to knocking off the eventual Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils, falling in a thrilling double overtime affair. The Panthers are top heavy, relying on their big guns Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleishmann and Stephen Weiss. Florida will have to rekindle the same spark that they had to win them the division title last year as well as a boost from an unexpected source to put them over the hump and back into the playoffs. 
   
winnipeg jets logo 78 Points
     The Jets had a fair first season in Winnipeg, remaining around the playoff hunt for most of the season. However, they will fall back a little bit due to the division and conference getting a little bit stronger while the Jets have not done much to improve heading into 2012. 

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