Adjustments the Top Stanley Cup Contenders Must Make in 2013-14 NHL Season

The top contenders for this season's Stanley Cup have made their deadline power moves. Now the real work begins. Teams will need to find chemistry with their new additions and avoid injury down the stretch.

For some teams, there are still things to be decided on the depth chart. The real contenders for this year's championship are preparing for the marathon that makes the NHL's playoffs the most compelling in sports.

Here are the top 10 challengers for the Stanley Cup and adjustments they must make in the final weeks of the season.

10. New York Rangers

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Changes at the Deadline: The New York Rangers made the biggest trade during the deadline period by acquiring Martin St. Louis. It cost the club Ryan Callahan and picks and has the potential to impact the postseason in a big way.

Adjustments to be Made: The Rangers are a nice fit for St. Louis since former teammate Brad Richards is on the team. They played on a line with Carl Hagelin in the first couple games after the deal.

Expectations: New York has a chance to impact the Eastern Conference this year. Pittsburgh and Boston did not load up and there is an opportunity for the Rangers to advance to the finals. Martin St. Louis gives them an edge.

9. Montreal Canadiens

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Changes at the Deadline: The Montreal Canadiens added a couple of pieces at the deadline, notably Thomas Vanek. The skill winger adds a much-needed offensive element to their attack.

Adjustments to be Made: Vanek played with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. He'll get plenty of time on the power play and big even-strength minutes for the rest of the regular season.

Expectations: He was considered one of the real gems at the trade deadline, so Montreal Canadiens fans should expect maximum output from Vanek. If the team can find chemistry for him among the forwards, he will deliver.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

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Changes at the Deadline: The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Marian Gaborik and acquired Nick Schultz and Matt Frattin, along with picks and prospects. 

Adjustments to be Made: Columbus performed well for much of the season without Gaborik during his injury, so they don't have to fine tune. The additions of Frattin and Schultz give them greater depth, which is important for a deep run.  

Expectations: The Blue Jackets have been around since 2000 and don't have a history of success. Making the postseason would be huge for Ohio NHL fans. The race in the Eastern Conference could go down to the final day. 

7. Anaheim Ducks

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Changes at the Deadline: The Anaheim Ducks made a flurry of moves at the deadline this year. Along with picks and prospects going both ways, they traded Dustin Penner and Viktor Fasth, while acquiring Stephane Robidas. 

Adjustments to be Made: The club did not replace Penner via trade. They have several in-house options who could pick up the extra playing time. Kyle Palmieri is the obvious choice, and Frederik Andersen took Fasth's role as NHL goalie of the future in Anaheim.  As for Robidas, Lance Pugmire from the Los Angeles Times tells us the Ducks are looking for a March 18 debut from him. Robidas has been recovering since November from a broken leg. 

Expectations: The Ducks are one of the best teams in the NHL. The expectation is a deep run into the playoffs. A Stanley Cup for Anaheim is possible in 2014. 

6. San Jose Sharks

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Changes at the Deadline: The San Jose Sharks didn't change their roster at the deadline. David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News detailed some of the moves the Sharks were looking at during the deadline period. 

Adjustments to be Made: The Sharks are rolling once again with their veteran lineup. The club is built for the long haul and is still inside their window of opportunity. 

Expectations: The San Jose Sharks expect to win the Stanley Cup in 2014. They are among the best clubs in the NHL and begin the postseason marathon as one of the favorites. 

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

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Changes at the Deadline: The Pittsburgh Penguins were quiet at the deadline, acquiring forwards Lee Stempniak and Marcel Goc. Wes Crosby from NHL.com gives the details of the trades. 

Adjustments to be Made: Stempniak got a great opportunity on Friday, when he skated with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Goc played different roles during the game and may be used as a utility player. 

Expectations: Pittsburgh has a healthy and effective Sidney Crosby, and that means a Stanley Cup is possible. The additions of Stempniak and Goc are smaller moves but could benefit the Penguins in the playoffs. 

4. Boston Bruins

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Changes at the Deadline: The Boston Bruins went into the deadline looking to shore up their defense. Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe gives details on how they acquired Andrej Meszaros and Corey Potter. 

Adjustments to be Made: The deadline was built around finding a replacement for Dennis Seidenberg, as explained by Shinzawa. A player of Seidenberg's quality wasn't available, and Meszaros was having a solid year in Philadelphia. He should serve a useful role in Boston.

Expectations: The Bruins are a strong contender to make it to the Stanley Cup finals this season. They've made small additions to their lineup because the other areas of the team are quality. Boston is ready for a long postseason. 

3. Los Angeles Kings

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Changes at the Deadline: The Los Angeles Kings made several smaller moves, but the headline acquisition was Marian Gaborik to help with scoring. For a team having a tough time scoring goals, Gaborik is a solid fit. 

Adjustments to be Made: Gaborik is playing with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, a wonderful slot for any scoring winger. The Kings have set themselves up with a strong first line. 

Expectations: Los Angeles is a top-quality team with a recent Stanley Cup win. Adding a big-ticket item like Gaborik is a clear indication that the organization is going for it this season. 

2. Chicago Blackhawks

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Changes at the Deadline: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman David Rundblad at the deadline. Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times tells us the 'Hawks acquisition came as a surprise. 

Adjustments to be Made: Chicago's trade for Rundblad adds depth, and that's likely where he'll stay. The long playoff run means extra defensemen can be valuable, and that's the role Rundblad will play.  

Expectations: The Chicago Blackhawks expect to win the Stanley Cup. The fact that they made a small move reflects the power and health of the current roster. 

1. St. Louis Blues

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Changes at the Deadline: The St. Louis Blues rocked the deadline with the first major deal of the week. In acquiring franchise goalie Ryan Miller and veteran forward Steve Ott, the Blues are going for it, as explained by Jerry Brown of NHL.com.

Adjustments to be Made: Ryan Miller is already having an impact on the team, winning his first four games with St. Louis. Steve Ott has already found a home on a line with former teammate Brenden Morrow. 

Expectations: The St. Louis Blues made it to the finals in the first three seasons of their existence. It's been a long time since 1970, but the moves made at the deadline indicate the Blues are all-in this summer.