As the National Hockey League (NHL) regular season nears its climax, California teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs. With the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Vegas Golden Knights all in contention, the Golden State is set to be well-represented in the postseason. But which of these teams will ultimately secure a spot in the playoffs, and how many can fans expect to see in the spring? In this analysis, ESPN breaks down the chances of each California team, examining their current standings, recent performances, and potential playoff scenarios. Will the Kings' veteran roster be enough to propel them to the playoffs, or will the young talent on the Ducks and Sharks prove too much to handle? Find out which California teams are poised to make a deep playoff run in this must-read preview.

NHL playoff watch: How many California teams make the playoffs?  ESPN