Is the Southeast getting tougher?
NHLHS Washington Capitals Correspondent Jodie Smola writes on the happenings within the Southeast Division and how it has become a tougher and better division.
Is it just me or did the southeast division get a little tougher? I do believe they did. I get to see the southeast division a lot here in Washington and as I noted earlier in the year, the Capitals were pretty dominant last season but I’d say change is blowing in the wind.
While the Tampa Bay Lightning have had Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, you have to admit that the arrival of Steven Stamkos and the evolution of Steve Downie added some extra flare to their goalscoring. But this upcoming season they get a seasoned veteran who knows how to deposit 30 goals a year into the back of the net. Hello, Simon Gagne. If that doesn’t prove to you that TBL is emerging as stronger, I get it. Gagne has one year left on his contract and you are thinking disposable. Don’t dismiss them so fast.
Two words: Steve Yzerman. Those two words when strung together with the term GM means long-term emerging threat to me and I think it should to you too. Look for TBL to build and look for them to be a hard working team on a mission.
Still not convinced that the Southeast division got tougher? The Atlanta Thrashers. I don’t know that they’re going to be the second coming of Chicago (and I don’t believe that they will) but I believe they did an outstanding job bringing in some well needed goalscoring and presence. Take a look at who they’ve acquired and tell me they didn’t improve. I dare you to.
What am I doing bringing all this up? After all these points don’t you think the Capitals now have a bit of a different focus going into the new season? I think they do. Something tells me they may have to work a little harder this year earning the division title. Now before anyone jumps down my throat I didn’t say they won’t. I’m merely saying it will be a little harder trying to get there this upcoming season.
Jodie Smola
NHLHS Washington Capitals Correspondent
jsmola@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @phillysunshine
