Yesterday I wrote about what excites me for each team in the Western Conference. Today, it's the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Thrashers
Can Ilya Kovalchuk carry this team to the post-season? The Thrashers made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2007, only to get swept by the Rangers. They regressed last season, and now new head coach John Anderson will try to get them back. Outside of Kovalchuk there isn't much to work with, but Zac Bogosian could provide hope for the future.
Boston Bruins
Can the B's build off of their surprising 2007-08 campaign? With the exception of signing Michael Ryder, Boston made no changes to their line-up from a year ago. If Patrice Bergeron can return healthy, and Milan Lucic can continue to improve, the Bruins should be very good again.
Buffalo Sabres
While the Sabres should be good, I always love Sabres games because of Rick Jeanneret. I also love watching Tim Connolly and how he plays the game.
Carolina Hurricanes
Will the changes on defense be enough? The Canes acquired Joni Pitkanen, Josef Melichar, and Anton Babchuk to replace Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican. If they show enough improvement, Eric Staal and Cam Ward should be able to shoulder the load in Carolina.
Florida Panthers
What will happen with Jay Bouwmeester? He's quickly becoming one of the best defensemen in the league, but is entering the final year of his deal. The additions of Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton will help protect the battered Tomas Vokoun, but it could be offset if the Panthers decide to trade Bouwmeester to a contender.
Montreal Canadiens
How will they deal with increased pressure? Between overachieving a year ago and holding the top spot in the conference, to the organization celebrating 100 years throughout the year, the Canadiens have much higher expectations and attention this season. The difference between a good and great Habs team is the play of Carey Price.
New Jersey Devils
Can Martin Brodeur and the defensive system continue to succeed? We're watching an all-time great approach the twilight of his career, and he'll get some offensive help with the acquisitions of familiar faces Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik.
New York Islanders
Kyle Okposo and Steve Tambellini are the only bright spots on this awful team. Rick DiPietro's health is a major question entering the season.
New York Rangers
How will the team mesh? Gone from last season is Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery, two players that had very important roles on this team. It will be very intriguing to see if the players the Rangers brought in (Markus Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev, Wade Redden, and Dmitri Kalinin) can shoulder the load in front of Vezina front-runner Henrik Lundqvist.
Ottawa Senators
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