The Atlantic Division is home to some very established goaltenders. Well, in the case of the Islanders, three very established goaltenders. Regardless of the number of goalies between the pipes, the Atlantic Division sports five teams that, in addition to having experienced goalies, have a shot to make a successful run next season (even the Islanders).

Four of the Atlantic’s five teams made the playoffs last season. The only other NHL division that can say that is the Central Division of the Western Conference.  The New York Islanders, the only team in the Atlantic that failed to reach the post season, picked up two veteran goalies in Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson, and drafted forward John Tavares, all in the hopes of returning the team on the isle to glory.

The Penguins, Rangers, and Devils should have no problems continuing their regular season success.  The Penguins are returning many of the players from this past years’ Stanley Cup Championship team, and the Rangers, despite losing Scott Gomez and Paul Mara, still have a solid core of players led by captain Chris Drury. And with the addition of a healthy Marian Gaborik, the Blueshirts should have no problems reaching the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

The Devils, as well, return players like Jamie Langenbrunner and Martin Brodeur, who is looking to rebound after last year’s late season collapse. If Jacques Lemaire can rekindle his mid-1990’s magic behind the bench, the Devils should make the playoffs once again.

So, who is the team to watch in the Atlantic?  Well, aside from the defending champs, the biggest threat has to be the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Flyers have one of the most skilled, and simply one of the best group of forwards in the NHL. They also attempted to fix their defense by trading for and signing veteran Chris Pronger who, despite being 34 years old, is still recognized as one of the best and one of the most physical defensemen in the league, posting 48 points this past season with Anaheim.  The only question mark is goaltender Ray Emery, who the Flyers acquired this off season. Emery hasn’t played in the NHL since the 07-08 season when he posted a dismal .890 save percentage in 31 games with the Ottawa Senators. However, Emery is coming off a decent season with Atlant Moscow of the KHL where he posted a .926 save percentage and now, with the Flyers, he has the uncontested starting job, so look for him to make the most of it.

Matt DiSilvio is a guest writer for Shorthanded Breakaway. He majors in Communication Studies at West Virginia University and interns with the Sports Department at WTAE Pittsburgh.