Ranking The Atlantic Division Defensive Corps

7.  TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Apr 14, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Lightning 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

As Victor Hedman moves toward his prime, the is surrounded by aging or frail (or both) bodies.  Matt Carle is solid, though overpaid, and the Lightning have to be waiting for the day that Keith Aulie steps up to fill in for Sami Salo and Eric Brewer.  Another group with potential on the horizon but someone needs to step up and take charge.

6. BUFFALO SABRES

Apr 26, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (10) during the game against the New York Islanders at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Islanders 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Erhoff is finally making a respectable salary, after being grossly overpaid for the first two years of his contract.  Tyler Myers is due for a rebound season, but until there is proof of that happening, the Sabres will muddle along.  They do have a cupboard full of good prospects so in 2 or 3 years this will be a different story, but for now the likes of Jamie McBain and the re-tread Henrik Tallinder will have to make do.