LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — The Los Angeles Kings are currently in the Western Conference playoff picture, holding down the eighth and final playoff berth, through games played on March 6. But they are just four points behind the fourth place Chicago Blackhawks, and six points behind the Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks, who are ranked third in the Western Conference.

But, on the flip side, the Kings are just one point ahead of the Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, and could easily find themselves way down in 12th place in the conference and out of the playoff picture in the blink of an eye.

With 17 games remaining, the Kings have a favorable schedule the rest of the way, with just six of those games to be played outside of California.

But there are big, red warning flags flying around this team right now, as their offense, ranked 21st in the National Hockey League (averaging 2.66 goals per game; the Detroit Red Wings lead the league with 3.26 goals per game), has been highly inconsistent all season long, leaving their defense and goaltenders to bear much of the burden of keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Indeed, their defensive play, and especially goaltenders Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier, have been forced to carry most of the load, which begs the question:

Will they be able to shoulder that load the rest of the way, getting the Kings into the playoffs and, maybe even win a round, or will they collapse under all that weight?

To read the full story, click on: Will LA Kings Netminders Hold Up Or Collapse From All That Weight On Their Shoulders?

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