The key to success in your fantasy playoff pools is selecting players from teams primed for long runs in the postseason. If you look at my top-ten fantasy list below and accompanying sleepers, you will have an idea of which teams that I believe will challenge for the Stanley Cup in 2014. Plenty of Bruins and Kings, that's for sure. TOP TEN Zdeno Chara, Boston Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Duncan Keith, ChicagoRyan McDonagh, New York RangersTorey Krug, BostonKris Letang, PittsburghBrent Seabrook, ChicagoSlava Voynov, Los AngelesEric Johnson, ColoradoAlex Pietrangelo, St. LouisNotes: Despite missing the last four regular-season games due to injury, King's defenseman Drew Doughty should be available for Game 1 against San Jose on Thursday. An elite playoff fantasy stud and a must-own option if you figure the King's to make a long-term splash in the postseason. If that's the case, Doughty should be coveted as arguably the top defensive fantasy option for this year's Stanley Cup dance... The juggernaut Boston Bruins are also primed for a lengthy ride, meaning that "Big Z" is a top-three pick. Zdeno Chara epitomizes the definition of a big-game performer, making him one of the premium selections out there.. Last season's playoff sensation Torey Krug followed up with an impressive 43-point campaign and added a "shot in the arm" for a previously ailing Bruin power-play. Look for their special teams to remain hot in the playoffs, and Krug to make his mark once again with steady offensive production... Kris Letang remains the premier fantasy wildcard of this year's playoffs. If he is indeed fully back from his horrific stroke incident, he is one of the few blueliners that could contend for the overall scoring title. Enough said.. If you are a fervent believer that the New York Rangers are going to make some noise beyond the first round, you need to consider Ryan McDonagh. The rising defenseman established career highs in goals (14) and points (43), but missed time late in the season due to a shoulder injury. Well, by all accounts, he is back to 100% and that means he needs to be high on your draft lists... Blue's d-man Alex Pietrangelo missed Sunday's game due to an undisclosed injury, but he should be ready to lace up the skates for Thursday's opener against Chicago. The ultra-talented rearguard should get plenty of fantasy consideration, given he had a fabulous season with his second 50+-point effort of his career and plays for a St. Louis squad that is on the "short list" for viable Stanley Cup contenders. Don't forget Kevin Shattenkirk either.. How can you not love Chicago's Duncan Keith? Having finished second in scoring amongst defensemen with 61 points, his numbers should be rock-solid with the healthy returns of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The only reason I would tread with caution with selecting Keith or even his partner Brent Seabrook is that their first-round matchup with the Blues could easily be their last. Huge boom-or bust pick... Finishing the season on a high note with five points in the last four games, young Slava Voynov could be this year's playoff fantasy steal for the Kings. He rocked last season in only his second playoff showing, collecting 13 points in 18 games. He is peaking at the right time for fantasy owners. A few things to think about- If Montreal gets by Tampa Bay, they could be facing their "Original Six" nemesis Boston in round 2. Considering their success against them during the regular season, an upset here is not inconceivable. P.K Subban and Andrei Markov are intriguing options with decent upside, because the Habs can pull it off. Second, which Colorado defenseman should be ranked higher- Erik Johnson or Tyson Barrie? The latter would easily be my choice, given that he was their most consistent offensive threat from the blueline all season long. With 38 points in 63 games, Barrie has arrived but he is currently injured and Erik Johnson could reap the rewards of his absence. I love the Avalanche to upset an opponent or two, meaning that either Johnson or Barrie(or both!) could be valuable fantasy assets to own. SLEEPER ALERT Dougie Hamilton, BostonPaul Martin, PittsburghMatt Niskanen, PittsburghAlec Martinez, Los AngelesNick Leddy, ChicagoWith 11 pts in 15 playoff games for Pittsburgh last season, Penguin's defenseman Paul Martin should be on your fantasy radar. While Evgeni Malkin recovers from injury, look for the 33-year old to get a good look on their potent top power-play unit. The word is that Malkin could return by Game 1, but an explosive Pittsburgh offense makes him an ideal sleeper target. If not Martin, then expect breakout d-man Matt Niskanen to get plenty of ice-time with the man-advantage and build off a great regular season run where he posted a career-high of 46 points, many of them during Letang's absence..... You could do a lot worse than Boston's Dougie Hamilton who will be plenty motivated to prove that he belongs in the NHL postseason after being constantly labeled a playoff healthy scratch in '13-14. The high-riser flashed some of his immense offensive potential, collecting 11 points in 15 March contests. He represents solid late-round value in all fantasy formats.. Alec Martinez lit it up for the Kings down the stretch, collecting 15 points over the last 20 games. The 26-year old could be in store for a more prominent role on the power-play if Voynov struggles.. Making a case for Nick Leddy is simple. If the talented defenseman is thrown on the first power play unit over Seabrook, he could be fantasy "gold" if Chicago makes a long run.