With three Game 7 victories during the 2013 playoffs, the Los Angeles Kings fought hard for their 2nd Stanley Cup in three years. As Coach Brent Sutter prepares for the team to build on a possible dynasty and repeat as champs, the Kings were relatively quiet during the free agency period. Their signing of Marian Gaborik to a seven-year extension was the huge news on the offensive front, while Mike Richards will be returning to the team. While the defensive minded Kings seem well equipped for another long playoff run, fantasy owners won't find many elite options on offense. However, Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty are blue chip studs at their respective positions as they make Los Angeles a favorable fantasy destination. GOALIES We would normally point to Jonathan Quick as one of the safer elite goalie options to own, but questions regarding his recovery from offseason wrist surgery should have fantasy owners concerned. There has been chatter that the team plans to lessen his workload this season in order to keep him healthy for the playoffs. The magic number seems to be 60 games, but that shouldn't make much of a difference. If he is ready to go by Opening Night, he should still be considered a top-five lock. Martin Jones needs to be drafted in later rounds as a mandatory handcuff though. Closely monitor this situation. DEFENSE After another stalwart performance in the playoffs, Drew Doughty looks poised to build on his postseason success with a run at a Norris trophy. With 2 Stanley cup rings and 2 gold medals, only the loftiest individual achievement for a defenseman has eluded him. A monster season awaits Doughty, as he should be one of the top five NHL scorers on the blue-line. Slava Voynov has generally underachieved in his brief career so far, but finished with a respectable 34 points in 82 games. He would post loftier point totals if he would get more minutes on the top power-play unit. Keep tabs on him as the 24-year old can provide a solid return as a late round selection. Keep your eye on both Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez, as both are capable of 30-35 points with decent peripheral stats. After Doughty, Sutter likes to ride the hot hand amongst the remaining d-men on the power play. We like Voynov as next of the bunch, but this could change during course of the season. FORWARDS If Anze Kopitar could replicate his playoff numbers during the regular season, he would easily be a first round pick in all formats. In reality, he is a second-tier ...

After an exciting set of Conference championship battles, fantasy owners in playoff pools need to determine who to add to their final rosters. With two defensive teams with suprisingly strong offensive showings ready to face off, tough decisions need to be made.Do you stock up your fantasy line-up with Kings or Rangers? I am not completely sure of who the sure-fire picks are, but I am willing to make a few key observations: 1. Four of the top five leading NHL playoff scorers hail from the Kings(Kopitar, Carter, Gaborik, and Williams), averaging nearly 21 pts. On the contrary, the leading point-getters from the Rangers are tied for 15th place with 13 pts.apiece (St. Louis, Stepan, and McDonagh). The Kings have been getting it done on the offensive end but will now be facing arguably the hottest goalie on the planet in Lundqvist. Can you expect them to average 4 goals-per-game in the Championship round like they did against the high-octane Blackhawks? I say not, as both teams will play it closer to the vest. In addition, the Kings could be a bit fatigue to start the series as they just became the first team in NHL history to advance to the Cup Finals after winning three Game 7's. 2. Usually, defensemen are not the way to go but both teams have blue-chippers that need to be starting. For New York, Ryan McDonagh busted out of his post-season slump by collecting 10 points in the Montreal series, second most ever by a Ranger's blueliner in the playoff. While it's reasonable to expect a dropoff after this explosion, the rising star looks to be in the middle of much of the "Blueshirts" offensive production. On the LA side, how can you not love Drew Doughty? He collected 7 points in the seven game 'classic' against Chicago, giving him 16 pts. in the playoffs. After a 37-point regular season, the 24-year old always seems to save his best offense for the games that count. 3. If you are scraping the "bottom of the barrel" and reaching for wild-card picks, look no further than some of the usually reliable King veterans, such as Dustin Brown and Mike Richards. These type of players seem to excel in the most pivotal moments, so it's no surprise that Brown has posted 6 points in the last 4 games despite just 12 points in 21 overall playoff contests. Playing on the top line with Kopitar, the captain is beginning to surge, so fantasy owners need to take notice. Richards has not fared as well, but he is due to bust out so you can do alot worse than this perenially strong ...

After an exciting set of Conference championship battles, fantasy owners in playoff pools need to determine who to add to their final rosters. With two defensive teams with suprisingly strong offensive showings ready to face off, tough decisions need to be made.Do you stock up your fantasy line-up with Kings or Rangers? I am not completely sure of who the sure-fire picks are, but I am willing to make a few key observations: 1. Four of the top five leading NHL playoff scorers hail from the Kings(Kopitar, Carter, Gaborik, and Williams), averaging nearly 21 pts. On the contrary, the leading point-getters from the Rangers are tied for 15th place with 13 pts.apiece (St. Louis, Stepan, and McDonagh). The Kings have been getting it done on the offensive end but will now be facing arguably the hottest goalie on the planet in Lundqvist. Can you expect them to average 4 goals-per-game in the Championship round like they did against the high-octane Blackhawks? I say not, as both teams will play it closer to the vest. In addition, the Kings could be a bit fatigue to start the series as they just became the first team in NHL history to advance to the Cup Finals after winning three Game 7's. 2. Usually, defensemen are not the way to go but both teams have blue-chippers that need to be starting. For New York, Ryan McDonagh busted out of his post-season slump by collecting 10 points in the Montreal series, second most ever by a Ranger's blueliner in the playoff. While it's reasonable to expect a dropoff after this explosion, the rising star looks to be in the middle of much of the "Blueshirts" offensive production. On the LA side, how can you not love Drew Doughty? He collected 7 points in the seven game 'classic' against Chicago, giving him 16 pts. in the playoffs. After a 37-point regular season, the 24-year old always seems to save his best offense for the games that count. 3. If you are scraping the "bottom of the barrel" and reaching for wild-card picks, look no further than some of the usually reliable King veterans, such as Dustin Brown and Mike Richards. The those type of players seem to excel in the most pivotal moments, so it's no surprise that Brown has posted 6 points in the last 4 games despite just 12 points in 21 overall playoff contests. Playing on the top line with Kopitar, the captain is beginning to surge, so fantasy owners need to take notice. Richards has not fared as well, but he is due to bust out so you can do alot worse than this perenially ...

Prior to their Game 1 loss to Chicago in the WCF's, the King's offense had been tearing it up to the tune of 3 goals per game in the playoffs. It's no secret that the trade deadline acquisition of Marian Gaborik has made their forward corps more dangerous and deep, but his impending UFA status has many fantasy owners wondering about the future state of affairs in LA. Who's fantasy stock has actually been affected by this sudden dose of King's scoring power? In actuality, the Gaborik effect has provided instant legitimacy, but whether he stays or not, there shouldn't be a huge impact in where you draft your King forwards. Here is a quick look for next season: 70-80 Pts: Anze Kopitar As consistent as they come, Kopitar's fantasy value will get a modest boost with Gaborik on his wing for another season. A career season could be in the works, but the brilliant Selke Trophy finalist saves much of his offense for the playoffs. That being said, he always produces close to point-per-game numbers. With Gabby, closer to 80. Without, closer to 70. Fair enough? 60-70 Pts: Marian Gaborik (If he re-signs) The honeymoon period would be over. After signing a probable lucrative extension and having already established incredible chemistry with Kopitar, Gabby should be flying out of the gate. The problem remains his perpetual injury issues which will dissipate because of an incredible playoff run. If anything, the talented sniper will probably be overvalued but you can pencil him in for 30+ goals and 65+ pts if he can remain healthy. There is no smoking mirrors when it comes to what he brings to the King's offense. A great fit, but still a band-aid boy. 50-60 Pts:Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli Williams is far more fantasy relevant without Gaborik taking away his top-line duties. He still manages to get skipped over on the top PP unit, limiting his offensive production. Carter has been on a downward spiral since his 66 pt. season for Philly in '10-11. He should be a lock for 30+ goals, but not much in terms of assists. 50-55 pts. is the best you can hope for, with a decent dose of PIMs and SOG. Toffoli is the best sleeper of the bunch, considering the numbers he put up in his OHL days and for AHL affiliate Manchester. He just needs an opportunity, which is far from secure in this deep King's squad. Less of a chance to make a splash with Gaborik on team, but definitely worth a late-round gamble due to his high upside. 40-50 Pts: Mike Richards, Dustin ...

Prior to their Game 1 loss to Chicago in the WCF's, the King's offense had been tearing it up to the tune of 3 goals per game in the playoffs. It's no secret that the trade deadline acquisition of Marian Gaborik has made their forward corps more dangerous and deep, but his impending UFA status has many fantasy owners wondering about the future state of affairs in LA. Who's fantasy stock has actually been affected by this sudden dose of King's scoring power? In actuality, the Gaborik effect has provided instant legitimacy, but whether he stays or not, there shouldn't be a huge impact in where you draft your King forwards. Here is a quick look for next season: 70-80 Pts: Anze Kopitar As consistent as they come, Kopitar's fantasy value will get a modest boost with Gaborik on his wing for another season. A career season could be in the works, but the brilliant Selke Trophy finalist saves much of his offense for the playoffs. That being said, he always produces close to point-per-game numbers. With Gabby, closer to 80. Without, closer to 70. Fair enough? 60-70 Pts: Marian Gaborik (If he re-signs) The honeymoon period would be over. After signing a probable lucrative extension and having already established incredible chemistry with Kopitar, Gabby should be flying out of the gate. The problem remains his perpetual injury issues which will dissipate because of an incredible playoff run. If anything, the talented sniper will probably be overvalued but you can pencil him in for 30+ goals and 65+ pts if he can remain healthy. There is no smoking mirrors when it comes to what he brings to the King's offense. A great fit, but still a band-aid boy. 50-60 Pts:Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli Williams is far more fantasy relevant without Gaborik taking away his top-line duties. He still manages to get skipped over on the top PP unit, limiting his offensive production. Carter has been on a downward spiral since his 66 pt. season for Philly in '10-11. He should be a lock for 30+ goals, but not much in terms of assists. 50-55 pts. is the best you can hope for, with a decent dose of PIMs and SOG. Toffoli is the best sleeper of the bunch, considering the numbers he put up in his OHL days and for AHL affiliate Manchester. He just needs an opportunity, which is far from secure in this deep King's squad. Less of a chance to make a splash with Gaborik on team, but definitely worth a late-round gamble due to his high upside. 40-50 Pts: Mike Richards, Dustin ...

LOS ANGELES vs. CHICAGO Must-Starts Los Angeles: Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick Chicago: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook, Corey Crawford Sleepers Los Angeles: Mike Richards, Alec Martinez, Slava Voynov Chicago: Bryan Bickell, Brandan Saad Notes: In a Western Conference Finals matchup between the last two Stanley Cup champs, there is not much that sets these two elite teams apart. The resilient Kings have fought back twice in the first two rounds to force and win Game 7's on the road, while the Blackhawks had to dig out of a 0-2 hole against St. Louis in Round 1. Chicago has been the King's major nemesis lately, eliminating them from the playoffs last season and winning all their three regular season games. All of a sudden, the Kings have become a potent offensive team since the arrival of Marian Gaborik. The talented sniper leads all playoff performers with nine goals and has been consistently dangerous since being teamed up with Anze Kopitar. Speaking of the overwhelming Conn Smythe favorite, Kopitar is the leading point-getter in the postseason with 19 points in 14 games. More impressively, he has been held off the scoreboard only once in the entire playoffs. Jeff Carter and Justin Williams have been prime contributors with 11 points apiece. Assuming this series goes has a great shot of going the distance, you can expect more clutch heroics from the underrated Williams who has collected 12 points in 6 career Game 7's. Perennial playoff standouts Mike Richards and Dustin Brown have not lived up to their offensive expectations, but both have the ability to turn it on. Richards did show some signs with a goal and an assist against Anaheim in Game 7. Watch him as he has super fantasy sleeper potential for this series. The Kings have had an active defense in the postseason, led by the great Drew Doughty with 9 points in 14 games. Even though he failed to top the 40-point mark in the regular season, he is once again elevating his level of play when the games count the most. Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez have both contributed offensively from the back-end, combining for 13 points. Slava Voynov has been slow in delivering points this playoff run, but the gifted Russian defender is always dangerous with his big shot. In goal, Jonathan Quicks remains the team's elite X-factor, winning all six possible elimination games for the Kings in the playoffs...

Steven Stamkos returned to the Tampa Bay lineup last night and although the Bolts lost to the lowly Sabres, he acquitted himself quite well after a long layoff. Playing on a top line with Alex Killorn and Teddy Purcell, the star center was held scoreless but registered 5 shots on goal. There will be an adverse effect on his fantasy value without the great Martin St. Louis by his side, but Stamkos is good for 85-90 points a season regardless of who he lines up with. Give him a few games and the points will come. BTW, keep your eye on Purcell, who has definitely received a fantasy boost if he becomes the second scoring option on the Lightning. No points for Marian Gaborik in his Los Angeles King's debut, but the Slovakian sniper was skating with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams on the first line. His addition to the top power-play slides Mike Richards down to the second unit. I am liking the chances here for solid offensive production from the Kings here on out, given that they have two legitimate scoring lines to roll every night. "Gabby" will need a few games to click with Kopitar, but Richards will not with Jeff Carter. The two have been linemates since their Philly days, so expect a modest rise in fantasy value for Richards. Thomas Vanek had a quiet games for his new club in Montreal, playing on a second line with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. I am not sold on him being a point-per-game performer moving forward, considering coach Michel Therrien's intentions to keep the top line of Desharnais-Pacioretty-Gallagher intact. However, if Vanek can eventually click with Alex Galchenyuk, then we might have ourselves a new no. 1 line in Habs Nation. We still need to see how the lines play out in Montreal. Keep tabs on the Islander's Anders Lee, who after scoring a goal in the overtime loss to Edmonton, now has four in the last five games since his AHL recall after the Olympic Break. Our own "Razor" has noticed, so make sure to check out his latest installation of Under The Raydar. The fantasy star of the night was the Dallas Star's Tyler Seguin, who turned in a masterful performance with a "hat trick" and two assists in the 6-1 romp of Vancouver. He now has collected 4+ points on five different occasions this season, giving him 63 points(28G/35A) in 61 games. Jamie Benn was also huge with a goal and two helpers. Look for this duo to take another step toward fantasy stardom in '14-15, as they should develop more consistency while playing together in Year 2....

Steven Stamkos returned to the Tampa Bay lineup last night and although the Bolts lost to the lowly Sabres, he acquitted himself quite well after a long layoff. Playing on a top line with Alex Killorn and Teddy Purcell, the star center was held scoreless but registered 5 shots on goal. There will be an adverse effect on his fantasy value without the great Martin St. Louis by his side, but Stamkos is good for 85-90 points a season regardless of who he lines up with. Give him a few games and the points will come. BTW, keep your eye on Purcell, who has definitely received a fantasy boost if he becomes the second scoring option on the Lightning. No points for Marian Gaborik in his Los Angeles King's debut, but the Slovakian sniper was skating with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams on the first line. His addition to the top power-play slides Mike Richards down to the second unit. I am liking the chances here for solid offensive production from the Kings here on out, given that they have two legitimate scoring lines to roll every night. "Gabby" will need a few games to click with Kopitar, but Richards will not with Jeff Carter. The two have been linemates since their Philly days, so expect a modest rise in fantasy value for Richards. Thomas Vanek had a quiet games for his new club in Montreal, playing on a second line with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. I am not sold on him being a point-per-game performer moving forward, considering coach Michel Therrien's intentions to keep the top line of Desharnais-Pacioretty-Gallagher intact. However, if Vanek can eventually click with Alex Galchenyuk, then we might have ourselves a new no. 1 line in Habs Nation. We still need to see how the lines play out in Montreal. Keep tabs on the Islander's Anders Lee, who after scoring a goal in the overtime loss to Edmonton, now has four in the last five games since his AHL recall after the Olympic Break. Our own "Razor" has noticed, so make sure to check out his latest installation of Under The Raydar. The fantasy star of the night was the Dallas Star's Tyler Seguin, who turned in a masterful performance with a "hat trick" and two assists in the 6-1 romp of Vancouver. He now has collected 4+ points on five different occasions this season, giving him 63 points(28G/35A) in 61 games. Jamie Benn was also huge with a goal and two helpers. Look for this duo to take another step toward fantasy stardom in '14-15, as they should develop more consistency while playing together in Year 2....

Lots of games yesterday in the NHL with 13 played. There were several matinees starting with the Rangers and Ottawa.  New York has been playing a lot better recently.  Maybe Coach Alain Vigneault's system is finally kicking in.  There is certainly enough talent on the team.  They beat the Senators 4-1 in Otttawa.  The star of the game was Rangers' forward Derek Stepan who had a goal and 2 assists. Stepan had gone 13 straight games without a goal, so I am sure he is happy to get that monkey off his back.  With 30 points on the season though we can't recommend him unless you are really hurting at forward.  Young forward Mats Zuccarello had a goal for New York, and he has been hot lately with 10 points in his last 11 games...What can you say about Martin St. Louis? 4 goals last night despite the loss to San Jose.  Who says St. Louis can't score without Steven Stamkos? With 49 points this season he is still going strong.   Joe Pavelski had a big game himself for the Sharks with 3 goals. Pavelski has 48 points on the season, and is a top fantasy forward.  Patrick Marleau continued his solid season with a goal and 2 assists, and he has 46 points on the year. Rare off night for Tampa goalie Ben Bishop who allowed all 5 goals. He'll bounce back...Winnipeg beat Edmonton 3-2 in OT, and Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba had 2 goals, including the game winner. He has 16 points on the season, but in only 33 games.  You should pick him up if he is available in your league...Defenseman Tyler Myers had 2 goals for Buffalo in their loss to Columbus. Myers has 15 points on the season, so he is only worthwhile if you have injuries on defense.  Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got the win with 26 saves, and he has won 5 straight games since returning from a groin strain. He should start for Russia in the Olympic games.   Kessel is king: Toronto forward Phil Kessel will be at the Olympics as well playing for the USA. He had a goal and an assist last night in the win over Montreal.  Kessel has 48 points on the season, and he is a premiere fantasy forward.  His linemate Joffrey Lupul had a goal and an assist as well, but with only 27 points on the season, he is not performing like last year. The other Henrik: We often talk about Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist on this site, but there is another Henrik in the NHL, and that is Henrik Zetterberg of Detroit. Zetterberg had a goal and an assist last night in Detroit's shootout win over Los Angeles.  Zetterberg has 38 points in 37 ...

Lots of games yesterday in the NHL with 13 played. There were several matinees starting with the Rangers and Ottawa.  New York has been playing a lot better recently.  Maybe Coach Alain Vigneault's system is finally kicking in.  There is certainly enough talent on the team.  They beat the Senators 4-1 in Otttawa.  The star of the game was Rangers' forward Derek Stepan who had a goal and 2 assists. Stepan had gone 13 straight games without a goal, so I am sure he is happy to get that monkey off his back.  With 30 points on the season though we can't recommend him unless you are really hurting at forward.  Young forward Mats Zuccarello had a goal for New York, and he has been hot lately with 10 points in his last 11 games...What can you say about Martin St. Louis? 4 goals last night despite the loss to San Jose.  Who says St. Louis can't score without Steven Stamkos? With 49 points this season he is still going strong.   Joe Pavelski had a big game himself for the Sharks with 3 goals. Pavelski has 48 points on the season, and is a top fantasy forward.  Patrick Marleau continued his solid season with a goal and 2 assists, and he has 46 points on the year. Rare off night for Tampa goalie Ben Bishop who allowed all 5 goals. He'll bounce back...Winnipeg beat Edmonton 3-2 in OT, and Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba had 2 goals, including the game winner. He has 16 points on the season, but in only 33 games.  You should pick him up if he is available in your league...Defenseman Tyler Myers had 2 goals for Buffalo in their loss to Columbus. Myers has 15 points on the season, so he is only worthwhile if you have injuries on defense.  Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got the win with 26 saves, and he has won 5 straight games since returning from a groin strain. He should start for Russia in the Olympic games.   Kessel is king: Toronto forward Phil Kessel will be at the Olympics as well playing for the USA. He had a goal and an assist last night in the win over Montreal.  Kessel has 48 points on the season, and he is a premiere fantasy forward.  His linemate Joffrey Lupul had a goal and an assist as well, but with only 27 points on the season, he is not performing like last year. The other Henrik: We often talk about Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist on this site, but there is another Henrik in the NHL, and that is Henrik Zetterberg of Detroit. Zetterberg had a goal and an assist last night in Detroit's shootout win over Los Angeles.  Zetterberg has 38 points in 37 ...