Southeast

LAST SEASON 29-41-12, 14th in the East
KEY ADDITIONS D Brian Pothier, LW Alexander Semin, RW Richard Zednik
KEY LOSSES D Mathieu Biron, C Jeff Halpern, RW Brian Willsie

After the penultimate game of his rookie year, with the Capitals about to finish last in the division, center Alexander Ovechkin said, "I think next season we'll go to the playoffs." Classic Ovechkin optimism, but the actual outlook is bleak considering the woeful Washington defense. In 2005--06 the Capitals lost 11 games by more than three goals, allowed 300 goals (the second most in the league) and led the NHL with 673 penalties. G.M. George McPhee made a bid for elite defenseman Zdeno Chara but settled for the ordinary Brian Pothier, who signed a four-year, $10 million deal. Maybe by the end of that contract Ovechkin's prediction will come true.