Tampa Bay deserves credit for trying to keep its contending window open as long as possible but begins the season with many question marks.

The Carolina Hurricanes are inching closer and closer to the end of the pre-season with the penultimate game on the horizon tonight. The Canes will be icing a veteran-heavy lineup against the Lightning with virtually everyone but the projected fourth line slated to go.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will have a new look, but the same expections of contending for championship this season. Long-time captain Steven Stamkos left in free agency.

Add that to a strong core group, and the Hurricanes aren’t going anywhere. Carolina is still going to be a force. Carolina is an annual threat for 110 points and that was true before Guentzel was acquired.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Calgary Flames have entered a new era. The Flames captured the Pacific Division title during the 2021-22 season. However, departures followed, with the team losing a chunk of its core after that point.