GM George McPhee was once again forced to re-align his roster after division rival Tampa Bay swept the Capitals in the second round of the playoffs. With a busy off-season, the Caps look like they’ve replaced quality for quantity, but the core of the team that has brought such success during the regular season is still in tact. With that in mind, Washington’s success seems imminent.

Make no mistake: some familiar faces will be at the top of the heap in the Southeast Division. Conversely, some usual suspects should be floundering amongst the NHL’s basement from the same region.