It's time to drop the puck on the 2018-19 NHL season and while we're all brimming with excitement, there are plenty of questions about what lies ahead. Here, we'll address one question each Eastern Conference team is facing entering the new campaign.
Boston Bruins: Can they balance their attack?
There's no question the Bruins have the best top line in hockey in Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, but their depth is far more uncertain. Boston needs its kids to contribute, and its veterans to bounce back in order to keep pace in the top-heavy Atlantic Division.
Buffalo Sabres: Is this the year they take a step forward?
The Rasmus Dahlin era is underway, Jack Eichel is healthy and has a new running mate in Jeff Skinner, and the Sabres expect to make some progress this season. It's highly unlikely Buffalo will compete for a playoff spot, but finishing higher than eighth in the division - something the Sabres have done only once in the last five years - would be a nice start.
Carolina Hurricanes: Will a change in culture yield success?
The Canes first offseason under owner Tom Dundon featured some considerable shakeup. Former captain Rod Brind'Amour is now head coach and Carolina also dealt Jeff Skinner and acquired Dougie Hamilton in separate trades. It's tough to say whether the roster got better, but either way, a 10th consecutive season outside the playoff picture isn't going to cut it.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Will Bobrovsky's, Panarin's futures affect the team's psyche?
On the surface, the Blue Jackets have the pieces to contend in the Eastern Conference, but the uncertain contract situations of both Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin loom large over a club that can ill-afford losing both to unrestricted free agency.
Detroit Red Wings: Can they remain committed to a rebuild?
General manager Ken Holland has said he's not much of a believer in long-term rebuilds, but that's the task that lies ahead. Although the Red Wings lack talent on their current roster, they had a tremendous draft in June and set themselves up for another with 11 picks accumulated for 2019. Now it's up to the organization to ensure that trend continues and fully commit to the future.
Florida Panthers: Can they snag a playoff spot?
A late-season surge saw the Panthers miss the final wildcard spot by a single point, and a reinforced top six with the addition of Mike Hoffman puts Florida on the prowl to contend for the playoffs once again. Unfortunately for the Cats, a trio of behemoths lies ahead of them in the Atlantic, but a bubble spot is theirs for the taking should things come together in Florida.
Montreal Canadiens: Is Carey Price back?
Simply put, the 2018-19 Canadiens can only go as far as Price takes them. In years past, that was a strength, but he's coming off a season in which he battled injuries and posted a dreary .900 save percentage. Price's potential resurgence alone won't guarantee anything for the Habs, but it would be reassuring if he returned to close to his old form.
New Jersey Devils: Is regression inevitable?
The Devils were the Cinderella story of the East last season, using Taylor Hall's marvelous MVP season to clinch a wildcard berth. There's nothing to suggest Hall can't be among the league's top producers once again, but if his teammates don't help ease his workload, New Jersey's playoff appearance could be a one-off.
New York Islanders: Can a new staff steer things in the right direction?
The Islanders hired a new general manager and coach over the summer, but their captain still opted for greener pastures. Now, it's up to Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz to establish stability and build for a future centered around Calder-winner Mat Barzal.
New York Rangers: What do the kids have to give in Year One of the rebuild?
New York opted to bail on its slim playoff chances midway through last season, choosing to publicly announce a rebuild instead. The spotlight is now on a collection of kids tasked with becoming the building blocks of a sustained future on Broadway. It could be a long year, but the Rangers should be able to get an idea of what lies ahead with a good chance of adding another high pick in the process.
Ottawa Senators: Where do they even go from here?
No Erik Karlsson, no first-round pick, and Matt Duchene and Mark Stone could be traded by the deadline. The puck hasn't even dropped yet, and the Sens' outlook is as bleak as it gets after one of the most tumultuous offseasons in the history of the sport. But as general manager Pierre Dorion would put it, at least they're a team.
Philadelphia Flyers: What's the answer in goal?
The Flyers have a deadly attack and an elite-top pairing in Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov, but the club's biggest question mark comes between the pipes. The tandem of Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth instills little confidence, but super-prospect Carter Hart lurks in the weeds. Who's going to be the one to step up and give this team a chance to contend?
Pittsburgh Penguins: Do they have even more to give?
Believe it or not, even with three top-10 scorers, the league's best power play, and 100 points in the standings, the Penguins underachieved last season. Pittsburgh ranked 29th in five-on-five PDO (Corsica), mired by a mediocre shooting percentage and a dismal save percentage. Based on their talent alone, it's highly unlikely this occurs again - which is a terrifying proposition for the rest of the conference.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Is this the year it all comes together?
Nothing is guaranteed in this league, but the success of Tampa's season will undoubtedly be judged by what it accomplishes in the postseason. The Lightning are a championship-caliber team with no glaring roster holes, and falling short in the playoffs once again will be considered a massive disappointment.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Can they manage expectations?
In case you hadn't heard, the Maple Leafs signed John Tavares over the summer, and like it or not, the spotlight will be shining bright on Toronto all season as it ices its most competitive roster in ages. Now, it's up to them to drown out the noise and push even closer to the top of the standings and win a playoff round for the first time since 2004.
Washington Capitals: Will there be a hangover?
"Championship hangover" is a common moniker in the sports world, but the Caps may have taken the adage a smidge too literally after finally winning the Stanley Cup in June. Washington will be ready to go once their championship banner is raised, but Alex Ovechkin's crew now has a target on their backs, and netminder Braden Holtby will need to carry over his playoff form for the club to have an answer for their adversaries.
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