Faceoff Factor

Part 7: Eastern Conference Preview

Mike Miller | National Hockey League

Sep 14, 11:22 AM | Hype this story!

On the Rise

Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning have the talent to move up the standings, but there are plenty of questions on their blue line and goaltending situations. The addition of Steven Stamkos eliminates the void of trading Brad Richards during the 07-08 season. The number one draft pick from 08 draft brings size and the playmaker ability to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning also brought back Vinny Prospal to play with Lecavalier and St. Louis. Ryan Malone brings size and grit to a team that desperately needed it. Malone will need to answer questions about him riding the coat tails of Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh. The first line of the Lightning is a solid core of players, but the rest of the lines are very questionable. Those answers will need to be answered quickly in a very tough conference.

If there was a ten million dollar question on the Lighting, it would be “Who is going to play defense?” The additions of Meszaros and Carle add some depth, but their defensive shortcomings are very noticeable. Matt Carle is still developing his defensive game and Andrej Meszaros is more towards an offensive defensemen. The Lightning allowed the second most goals in the NHL last season and arguably got worse in the defensive end of things.

The goaltending situation could be the make or break part of the team. The Lightning traded for Mike Smith on trade deadline day to become their number one goaltender. He is expected to continue to be the number one and will be relied on to carry the defense on his shoulders. If he should stumble, the Lightning picked up veteran goaltender, Olaf Kolzig. Kolzig has been average over the last few years with the Washington Capitals, but can provide the veteran presence that could be used to mentor Mike Smith. Tampa also has Karri Ramo who is expected to get plenty of playing time in the minors with the Norfolk Admirals.

Key Additions: Steven Stamkos, Ryan Malone, Andres Meszaros, Matt Carle, Gary Roberts, Olaf Kolzig, Adam Hall, Vaclav Prospal, Radim Vrbata, Brandon Bocheski

Key Subtractions: Dan Boyle, Tim Taylor, Andreas Karlsson, Andre Roy, Brad Lukowich, Filip Kuba, Alexandre Picard

Last Season: 31-42-9 – 71 Points – 15th in the Eastern Conference

Biggest Fall from Grace

Ottawa Senators: From the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 to a complete mess in 08-09. The Senators began the 2007-08 season with NHL record best start after fourteen games. The rollercoaster ride continued the rest of the season and concluded with the Sens being swept by the eventual Eastern Conference Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Senators made very little improvement in the off-season. They have one powerful offensive line and not a very good supporting cast behind them offensively. The additions of_Jarkko Ruutu_ and Brad Isbister bring no more offense to what they had last year. The Senators were unable to sign any offensive guys will continue their struggles in the goal department.

The Sens allowed Wade Redden to become a free agent and traded away Andrej Mezsaros to Tampa Bay. In return they signed Jason Smith and landed Filip Kuba in the Mezsaros trade. The moves allow the defense to become more defensive minded. Will it improve? Anyone that watched Jason Smith in Philly knows that he was very ineffective on the Flyers blue line. The Sens blue line did not improve to a point that would allow them to slow down offenses to keep teams scoring goals.

The Senators allowed the troubled Ray Emery to walk and sign in Russia. When that happened, their goaltending situation improved. The signing of Alex Auld was an improvement because they finally have a goaltender that will pressure Martin Gerber for the starting job. The platoon of Gerber-_Auld_ could be an effective one, if the defense can hold its own.

The Senators will continue to fall until they improve their drafts and free agent signings. The lack of depth up front is an extreme concern and their defensive pick ups are very questionable. Their goalie tandem looks to be very good and could be their savior.

Five Players to Watch

Derek Roy: If the Sabres are to improve this season, he will have to lead the way.

Miroslav Satan: The replacement for Marian Hossa. He will need to have to mesh with the Penguins captain and is expected to put up huge numbers.

Bryan McCabe: Is it possible that Bryan McCabe was not the problem in Toronto? The change of scenery will do him good.

Jose Theodore: The new Caps goaltender will need to lead the way to the playoffs.

Carey Price: The 20 year old has one year under his belt in the NHL. He will improve on a very good Montreal squad.

They did what?!? – the worst off-season moves

Toronto – 2 Words: Jeff Finger

NY Rangers – Wade Redden and Michael Rozsival signed for a combined eleven million dollars.

Washington – Allowed Huet to hitch a ride to Chicago and signed Jose Theodore.

They did what?!? – the best off-season moves

Tampa Bay: Their signings, drafting, and trades during the off-season improved the core and depth of the team.

Pittsburgh: Replacing Hossa is tough, but the additions of Satan, Fedetenko, and Cooke will add to the talent already in place.

New Jersey: Bringing back Rolston will add a scoring touch to a team that desperately needed one.