Some pleasant surprises in the Southeast

Now that the turkeys have been carved and the leftovers wrapped, perhaps it’s as good a time as any for respective general managers, coaches and fans of the Southeast Division to give thanks to a few unsuspecting performers this season.

We’re not talking the obvious — players like Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis, Atlanta’s Ilya Kovalchuk, Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, Carolina’s Ray Whitney and Florida’s Tomas Vokoun. They’re the usual contributors within the Southeast.

Instead, let’s take a look at players who were off the radar at the start of the season, but are now playing a vital role in the early stages of 2009-10.

The Capitals are shooting for their third straight divisional title, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see coach Bruce Boudreau’s club atop the standings with 14 wins and 34 points. Then there’re the surprising Atlanta Thrashers and Tampa Bay Lighting, currently second and third in the standings. Both clubs are seeking their first playoff appearance in three seasons.

The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, each hit hard by injuries, round out the division in fourth and fifth, respectively. Both have been playing better of late and will only improve once some key performers return to the lineup, namely Tuomo Ruutu, Scott Walker and Cam Ward for the Hurricanes and David Booth, Gregory Campbell and Cory Stillman of the Panthers. Carolina center Eric Staal just returned to the lineup on Wednesday following a 10-game absence due to an upper-body injury.

So here’s are snapshots of a few players, perhaps unheralded at the start of the season, having an impact this season.

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