After previewing the Atlantic, Central, Northeast, and Northwest, Puck Daddy turns its attention to the Southeast Division, starring a who's who of "are they really a playoff team this year?"

Last season, after ten consecutive seasons of missing out on the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Florida Panthers, turnover and all, won their first division title in franchise history, edging the Washington Capitals by two points. The Southeast was the tightest of the six divisions, with a 12 points difference between the champs (Florida) and the cellar dwellers (Carolina).

But, my, how a summer could change things. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford promised to spend money to compete and he did acquiring Jordan Staal and signing Alex Semin. Winnipeg added Olli Jokinen up front. Tampa signed Matt Carle for the blueline and acquired Anders Lindback to take over in goal for the departed Dwayne Roloson. Meanwhile, the Panthers lost Jason Garrison, a 16-goal scorer from the blue line, replaced him with Filip Kuba, and also signed George Parros.

Will a summer of turnover in the division mean a different outcome come April? We'll find out.

Carolina Hurricanes

Last Year’s Record: 33-33-16 (82 points)

Coach: Kirk Muller

Pre-Lockout Preview: “This is a playoff team. Potentially dynamic top six, solid goaltending, veteran defense and a coach ready to come into his own. Not sure how the dominoes will fall in the Southeast, but this is an Eastern Conference No. 8 finisher."

What’s Changed: Zack Boychuk and Zac Dalpe got extra seasoning with Charlotte and will push for spots on the big club. Kevin Westgarth was acquired from the Kings for protection. Tuomo Ruutu underwent hip surgery and will be out until May. Joe Corvo got a haircut.

Pivotal Player: Eric Staal. His season changed once Muller took over for Paul Maurice in November. He finished strong, which included a 12-game points streak after the All-Star break, and could find himself between Jiri Tlusty and Alex Semin to start.

Player That Benefits Most From 48-Game Season: Justin Faulk was in the Calder Trophy talk before last season and the defenseman finished with eight goals in 66 games. Playing with Charlotte during the lockout has given him a 31-game head start into the NHL campaign furthering the 20-year old's development.

Prediction: First, and a team that could make a little noise in the East.

Washington Capitals

Last Year’s Record: 42-32-8 (92 points)

Coach: Adam Oates

Pre-Lockout Preview: “The Southeast is a more interesting place than last season: The Carolina Hurricanes have Jordan Staal and Semin; the Lightning have bolster their blue line and addressed their goaltending; the Panthers were a division champ last season (and are waiting on Luongo). The Capitals need a smooth transition to Oates next season, because a playoff spot isn't predestined for any team that gets off slowly in the East.

That said, the Capitals should be a playoff team. And Ovechkin should reclaim his form.”

What’s Changed: Nick Backstrom visited a specialist in Michigan after taking a hit from behind in Sweden. The prognosis? "No concussion". Eric Fehr was re-acquired. Roman Hamrlik and Michal Neuvirth spoke out against Donald Fehr. Teammate Troy Browuer spoke out against Hamrlik. The two hugged it out. Alex Ovechkin was named a torchbearer for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Pivotal Player: Alex Ovechkin. Is he done threatening 50 goals every season? Maybe not. But it will be important how the captain reacts to Oates' new system. He felt "trapped" under Dale Hunter. How will he feel after this season?

Player That Benefits Most From 48-Game Season: Mike Green had a long off-season to recover from a groin injury that limited him to 32 games last season (He played only 49 in 2010-11). He's scored just 11 goals in two year after seasons of 31 and 19. Basically, we haven't seen the real Mike Green for some time now, and for the Capitals, they're hoping the extra rest can do him some good.

Prediction: Second. They'll be solid in goal with Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby, as long as he proves last year's postseason wasn't a flash in the pan.

Story continues