16 players who will shape the Stanley Cup chase

News Snapshot:

The Stanley Cup Playoffs start Saturday. These 16 key players - one per postseason team - will help dictate who wins and stumbles in the opening round and beyond. Aaron Ekblad: After missing the final six games of the regular season to nurse an undisclosed injury, Ekblad is expected to return to the Panthers' lineup for Game 1 against the Lightning. Florida didn't address the blue line at the trade deadline. Without Ekblad, the Panthers don't have anybody on the right side of the defense capable of combating opposing top lines. They need Ekblad healthy, and at his best, to...