Health is going to be a HUGE factor this year, if they are healthy I like there chances. The problem is they are already starting unhealthy. With Kopi in the line up they have the best 1-2-3 down the middle in the West. They were healthier then any team they faced in the playoffs except for maybe the Coyotes. Health is such a big factor, if they can somehow stay healthy, keep the minutes low, then they have a good shot.
The hard part this year will be dealing with the emotions for what will be a grueling 48 game sued, AND having the target on their back. Most players on this team have not been in this situation before so I think there will be a learning curve.
The Blues figure to be one of the better teams in the West and I still like the Kings over them because the Kings will have a better 4-9 forward unit. I kind of expect the Wings and Canucks to take a step back this year BUT the Canucks will still be a very dangerous team. Until the Hawks get solid goaltending I don't see them as a contender. I really think it is the Kings conference to lose with the Blues, Canucks, Sharks (yea, I think they will bounce back) right there. What I like about the Kings is they should be able to roll 4 lines and get contribution from everyone.
The fact that "experts" are picking the Kings to win again is something I thought I would never hear in my lifetime. It's still pretty frikkin awesome to hear though.