5 Players Los Angeles Kings Must Lean on in Game 7 vs. Anaheim Ducks

With their backs against the wall in Game 6, the Los Angeles Kings buckled down and emerged with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday to force a winner-takes-all battle against the Anaheim Ducks.

L.A. put forth a strong collective effort from top to bottom, but that will be tough to replicate in the series’ deciding tilt. Game 7s provide a different level of intensity, and only certain players rise to the occasion in such pressure-packed situations.

Sure, there could be surprise contributions, but teams should be counting on their leaders when it matters most.

Coaches must recognize this and rely on those ready to lay it all on the line for the team.

For the Kings, these range from defensive specialists to clutch performers and three-zone studs. If these key figures don’t shine on Friday, L.A.’s season will likely come to an end.

Since Jonathan Quick should be on the ice for 60 minutes every game, he has been omitted from this list. Besides, leaning on your goaltender is never an ideal scenario.

Here are the Kings who must carry the mail in Game 7 for the team to advance to the third round.

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