New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will be an unrestricted free agent after this year. He has been in the NHL for eight years, always playing for the Rangers.  He is generally regarded as one of the best goaltenders in hockey.  They call him the "King" in New York because of his tremendous athletic ability and his very determined work ethic.  At 31 years old Lundqvist is coming into the prime of his career. Last season he went 24-16-3  with a 2.05 goals against average and a .926 save percentage.  These are outstanding numbers, even better than his career numbers of 2.25 goals against average and a .920 save percentage.  After the debacle in San Jose the other day when the Rangers lost 9-2, with Lundqvist allowing 5 goals before being pulled, one has to wonder about his committment to the New York after this season.  Former Coach John Tortorella has gone to Vancouver, replaced by Alain Vigneault.  Vigneault is putting in his own system, much like Adam Oates did last year with the Washington Capitals.  It took about 20 games for the Capital players to adjust to Oates' system.  Expect the Rangers to go through the same type of process.  Vigneault is expected to have a more wide open style of play than the defensive Tortorella which could leave Lundqvist out to dry more often than he has been used to in the past.  His numbers will likely go up a bit. Now the Rangers have a solid group of young defensemen in Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Michael Del Zotto.  So Lundqvist should be happy about that, but their offense is a little bit dicey, especially with Nash out.  Lundqvist should still play about 65 games this season and have close to 35-40 wins, but he has to start thinking about whether he wants to stay in New York or go somewhere else.  You should  wait for the next 20 or so games it will take for the team to adjust to Vigneault's system to kick in, but don't be suprised if Lundqvist goes somewhere else either this season or next year. The clock is ticking on his tenure in New York. He is going to want a big contract, and General Manager Glen Sather may not be able to pay it. Stick Saves: Jaroslav Halak looks to be breaking out from the pack as the starting goaltender for the St. Louis Blues. He has started in all three games this year, and is 3-0 with a shutout against Florida and a solid 3-2 win against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks last night.  He has only allowed 4 goals so far this season in ...

Coming off a career-high 16-goal season in '11-12 for the Florida Panthers which resulted in him signing a six-year/$27.6 million contract with Vancouver, defenseman Jason Garrison was expected to make a huge offensive impact last season. Instead, Coach Alain Vigneault inexplicably left him off the Canuck's top power-play unit, and his numbers suffered as a result. Despite the lack of PP time, the 28-year old still ended up with 8 goals and managed to collect 8 of his 16 points in the last 11 games. When new coach John Tortorella took over the team in the off-season, he instantly spoke of improving the Canuck's efforts with the man advantage, which ranked 22 in the league last season. This is why he has decided to go with Jason Garrison, who owns a howitzer of a shot and provides the ideal compliment to Alex Edler's sublime passing abilities. After all, Tortorella lacked that kind of powerful shot during his time with the Rangers, so you know he will maximize the use of his secret weapon. So far, the hard-shooting blueliner has two goals and two assists over the first three games. For now, as long as Garrison anchors the first power-play unit with Edler on the blueline, his fantasy value is on a steep rise. If somehow he is available in your leagues, scoop him up immediately. Wiercioch Moving Up: After the departure of offensive d-man Sergei Gonchar to Dallas, the Ottawa Senators needed to fill his vacancy on the power-play. Enter young Patrick Wiercioch, who played admirably as a rookie last season, and stepped on to the top PP unit when Erik Karlsson was injured with decent results, scoring 3 goals and 7 assists. His 19 points overall in 42 games were ok, but now the youngster gets a chance to form a tandem with Karlsson with the man-advantage and reap the benefits of more quality-ice time. With two assists in his first two games, he is off to a fine start and should be a solid mid-range fantasy option in all fantasy formats. Parting Shots: With Kris Letang still missing time for Pittsburgh, Paul Martin and Matt Niskanen continue to pay fantasy dividends. However, when Letang returns, Niskanen's fantasy value will be ZERO.... Carolina's stud prospect Ryan Murphy logged a team high 5:31 minutes on the power play Saturday night, including picking up an assist. This is not a misprint. There is plenty of opportunity here for solid production, so pluck him off the waiver wire if you are in need of help on defense.. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is questionable for ...

Kyle Okposo- NY Islanders, RW (Owned in 5.1% of ESPN leagues) On Long Island, fantasy relevance is directly tied with who will have the opportunity to play right wing on John Tavares' line. After his strong showing in the playoffs, Isles' Head Coach Jack Capuano feels that Kyle Okposo is ready for the opportunity. Why not? He has tantalized the team brass with brief moments of offensive brilliance, but has yet to develop any sort of consistency. He set a career high with 52 points in '09-10, but his point production has regressed over the next three seasons. In the scenario that he clicks with Tavares and Moulson, 65-70 points is a definite possibility. If you have room on your bench, the "boom or bust" forward is worth a fantasy flier. Cam Atkinson- Columbus , RW (Owned in 1.7% of ESPN leagues) With the news that the talented Columbus winger has been promoted to the top line with Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky, he needs to be on your fantasy radar. His shoot-out game winner on Saturday night was a thing of beauty, and reflective of 30-goal, 60-point potential if he gets a chance to shine for the Blue Jackets. We have been high on him for few years now, but he needs to stay healthy. If he develops chemistry with Gaborik, watch out ! Thomas Hertl- San Jose, LW (Owned in 5.1% of ESPN leagues) The rookie so far has not looked out of place on the top line with Joe Thornton and Brent Burns for San Jose, scoring two goals and one assists in his first two games. The trio meshed well in training camp, carrying their success into the regular season. Just as is the case with most rookies, the youngster is a risky fantasy proposition moving forward but his stock is on the rise if he keeps getting primary minutes. He does have proven scoring pedigree, as he scored 18 goals and 30 points as a 19-year old in the Czech League last season. Marc Staal- NY Rangers, D (Owned in 42.2% of ESPN leagues) You might get lucky with this one, given that the New York Rangers have only played one game and not everybody knows about the expanded role that Coach Alain Vigneault has in store for the ultra-talented defenseman. Close to fully recovered from his eye injury, Staal played a team-high 25:40 in their 4-1 loss to Phoenix, including scoring the lone goal on the power-play. The 26-year old is set to quarterback the top PP unit, which should translate to career numbers for the Ranger's d-man. He is a mandatory pickup in all fantasy formats. For more on Staal, read our latest...

Usually when the light bulb goes off in my head with an idea for the newest UNDER THE RAYDAR candidate, the focus is mainly on up-and-coming forwards with an occasional sprinkling of a defenseman or goalie thrown in the mix. Plus, I usually don't think of my hometown team, the New York Rangers, for reasons consciously unknown. FYI, I do not draft any Rangers for my fantasy teams, but if I do, it is very rare.  On my way to work this morning, it came to me, but it came to me via thinking of another player. The departure of Head Coach John Tortorella had Ranger fans salivating at the possibility of more offense under new Head Coach Alain Vigneault who was bringing his offensive style of play. All eyes turned to Rick Nash and the season he was going to have.  There was also the prospect of Brad Richards returning with a bit more focus on producing his normal stats.  There was even talk about Michael Del Zotto finally being let loose and having the career year everyone has been waiting for.  No one even remotely had thought about Marc Staal fitting into the offensive picture, especially since he was returning from a serious eye injury sustained last season.  But there he was, in the opening day lineup and playing on the top power play unit, logging in the most time on the PP by a Ranger defenseman. Marc Staal comes from a family where three of his brothers are also in the NHL, currently playing with, or in the farm system, of the Carolina Hurricanes. Eric and Jordan are main constituents for the Canes offense while youngest brother Jared is trying to make his way to the big leagues.  There seems to be a lot of waiting when it comes to players named Staal.  Oldest brother Eric, who in just his second season (2005-2006), scored 100 points in a full season and has yet to near that mark again, the closest being 82 points he scored in 2007-2008.  Canes fans, as well as fantasy fans, have been waiting for that magical season again. Jordan was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins and ever since his arrival to the NHL, everyone has been waiting for him to break into the elite level or at least close to it.  He seems to be a 50-point player as he has reached or neared that mark in 3 of his 7 NHL seasons. Marc never had that label pinned on him, being that he was a defenseman, he wasn't expected to be a big scorer. In his first 2 years in the NHL, he played under Tom Renney and played just 2 games shy of two full seasons, showing that he could play at the NHL level....

Former Vezina winner Tim Thomas paid immediate dividends for his new team, as he stopped 25 of 27 shots in Florida's 4-2 road victory over Dallas. Already entrenched as the Panther's starter over unproven Jakub Markstrom, the 39-year old should surprise fantasy owners who drafted him the late rounds. Despite showing few signs of rust in his debut, he will surely endure his share of growing pains with the young squad, limiting his fantasy value. These aren't the Boston Bruins, so you must keep your fantasy expectations in check. The huge downgrade in supporting cast makes him a decent no. 2 fantasy goalie at best. "Timmy T" should be more than a serviceable option during the opening weeks, as he will be extremely motivated to get back to an elite level. Vokoun Who?: After the Pittsburgh faithful had learned the news of trusted veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun missing at least three months of live action, there were many concerns whether Marc-Andre Fleury can bounce back to elite status. Well, for at least one night, those fears were quelled as Fleury responded to his critics with a 28-save shutout over the New Jersey Devils in the season opener. We told you guys not to get caught up with all the negative hype surrounding Fleury after his dismal playoff effort last season. He has a proven pedigree as an outstanding regular-season goalie, which should be the only thing that matters to fantasy owners. Until shown otherwise, treat him as a middle-tier no.1 fantasy goalie option. Leave his playoff struggles to the Pittsburgh coaching staff! Other Fantasy Game Notes: Alex Chiasson's goal for Dallas gives him 7 in 8 career games. Anyone counting? Solid sleeper.. Keep your eye on defenseman Marc Staal, who has been earning top power-play minutes in the early going under new coach Alain Vigneault. He registered the only goal in the Ranger's 4-1 loss to Phoenix. He was utilized as a two-way shutdown defender in the past, but his elite skill-set and an almost full recovery from his eye injury should put him back on your fantasy radar.. The streaky Radim Vrbata scored three goals for Phoenix, making him valuable waiver-wire bait to start the season. Keep in mind that he is searching for a long-term extension, which could assist in a quick start for the Coyote forward.. Pittsburgh winger James Neal apparently re-aggravated his upper body injury and left early in the first period. Keep tabs on this one.. Not the start Rinne owners were hoping for, as the Finnish ...

Former Vezina winner Tim Thomas paid immediate dividends for his new team, as he stopped 25 of 27 shots in Florida's 4-2 road victory over Dallas. Already entrenched as the Panther's starter over unproven Jakub Markstrom, the 39-year old should surprise fantasy owners who drafted him the late rounds. Despite showing few signs of rust in his debut, he will surely endure his share of growing pains with the young squad, limiting his fantasy value. These aren't the Boston Bruins, so you must keep your fantasy expectations in check. The huge downgrade in supporting cast makes him a decent no. 2 fantasy goalie at best. "Timmy T" should be more than a serviceable option during the opening weeks, as he will be extremely motivated to get back to an elite level. Vokoun Who?: After the Pittsburgh faithful had learned the news of trusted veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun missing at least three months of live action, there were many concerns whether Marc-Andre Fleury can bounce back to elite status. Well, for at least one night, those fears were quelled as Fleury responded to his critics with a 28-save shutout over the New Jersey Devils in the season opener. We told you guys not to get caught up with all the negative hype surrounding Fleury after his dismal playoff effort last season. He has a proven pedigree as an outstanding regular-season goalie, which should be the only thing that matters to fantasy owners. Until shown otherwise, treat him as a middle-tier no.1 fantasy goalie option. Leave his playoff struggles to the Pittsburgh coaching staff! Other Fantasy Game Notes: Alex Chiasson's goal for Dallas gives him 7 in 8 career games. Anyone counting? Solid sleeper.. Keep your eye on defenseman Marc Staal, who has been earning top power-play minutes in the early going under new coach Alain Vigneault. He registered the only goal in the Ranger's 4-1 loss to Phoenix. He was utilized as a two-way shutdown defender in the past, but his elite skill-set and an almost full recovery from his eye injury should put him back on your fantasy radar.. The streaky Radim Vrbata scored three goals for Phoenix, making him valuable waiver-wire bait to start the season. Keep in mind that he is searching for a long-term extension, which could assist in a quick start for the Coyote forward.. Pittsburgh winger James Neal apparently re-aggravated his upper body injury and left early in the first period. Keep tabs on this one.. Not the start Rinne owners were hoping for, as the Finnish ...

Obviously the big change for the New York Rangers this season is their new Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, who basically switched positions with former Head Coach John Tortorella. Tortorella went to Vancouver to replace Vigneault as Coach of the Canucks.   This has a lot of fantasy implications, as Tortorella's view was that the best way to win the Stanley Cup was by blocking shots.  He had just about every Rangers player sacrificing their bodies to try and block shots.  Beyond the fact of how dangerous this is to your players, you can't win the Cup unless you can score goals. It is hard to believe that some head coaches can't understand that basic principle. The Rangers were 15th in goals scored last year with 126, and a game average of 2.63. While Tortorella will bring his shot-blocking concept to Vancouver, Vigneault has a reputation of letting his best players do what they do best, play the game.  This should be good news for the Rangers most talented offensive players, such as winger Rick Nash, the recently signed center Derek Stepan and defenseman Michael Del Zotto.   They still have one of the top goalies in net with Henrik Lundqvist, who, at 31 years old, is still in his prime.   They have a very solid group of young defensemen in Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal, and they can roll out three solid forward lines.  They may not win the Stanley Cup this season, but they should be in the hunt for it with the talent they have on this team. Goalies We view Lundqvist as one of the top four or five goaltenders in the NHL, if not the best. He had a slightly down year last season with a 24--16-3 record in 43 games.  His .926 save percentage and 2.05 goals against average were outstanding again.  Surprisingly, he had only two shutouts.  His even strength save percentage was .937, the fifth best in the NHL, and he still covers the bottom part of the net better than anyone else in the league. He is still the "King" in New York, and the Rangers will not win the Cup without Lundqvist playing at his best.   He is the rock that they depend on.  His back-up Martin Biron is about as good as one can ask for in the NHL.  At 36 years old, he has a lot of experience, including being the starting goalie for Buffalo and Philadelphia for a number of years.   His career saves percentage is .911, which is about average for a goaltender.  The Rangers are in pretty good shape in goal. Defense The big issue on defense for the Rangers this offseason was the status of Marc Staal. His...

Staal played on Monday but then missed Wednesday's Game 4 and will miss Game 5 tonight. He must not have felt comfortable with his limited vision in Monday's game.

Staal logged 17 minutes, 17 seconds of ice time in 21 shifts of the Rangers' 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3. Rangers coach John Tortorella certainly wasn't going to wait any longer to get Staal right back into the heart of the action. Once Staal was given the go-ahead to play, Tortorella took advantage of the much-needed lineup addition.

Staal said yesterday that he probably wouldn't be in Game 1 so we will have to wait until warmups to find out.