Expectations for right wing Denis Shvidki are high. Coach Terry Murray has slotted the 1999 first-round draft pick for the fourth line, but the absence of holdout Peter Worrell has given Shvidki time between veterans Mike Sillinger and Scott Mellanby. Goaltenders Trevor Kidd and Luongo have offered conflicting comments regarding who will be the starter. Murray wants to see a No. 1 goalie emerge, but even he won't give clues as to who will mind the crease on opening night. Kidd never has been at his best when he is not the clear-cut starter.
Defense is Florida's most obvious weakness.
The Panthers were unable to obtain an offensive-minded defenseman and an offseason scrimmage left Brad Ference with a broken jaw that will keep him out some six weeks. Lance Pitlick has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and is the subject of trade rumors. The defending division champion Capitals went to camp without three of their top five goal-scorers. Peter Bondra has requested a trade, while Chris Simon and Sergei Gonchar remain unsigned. Gonchar, who had 18 goals and 36 assists, led the Caps with a plus-26 rating.