Crown the LA Kings! Stanley Cup Champions
14 Jun, 2014
The Los Angeles Kings reclaimed the Stanley Cup on Friday with a double overtime win over the New York Rangers that capped one of the most remarkable postseasons in National Hockey League history.
With both teams close to exhaustion, broken sticks scattered on the ice and fans at the Staples Center roaring themselves hoarse during a heart-pounding contest, the Kings sealed a 4-1 series victory with a 3-2 win in Game Five.
The winning goal came courtesy of defenseman Alec Martinez almost 15 minutes into the second overtime, triggering a wild celebration as Kings captain Dustin Brown raised the Stanley Cup above his head.
“We always had the confidence. We just had a bad start to the first series,” said Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. “But we never gave up, we were fully confident that we were going to get to this point and I am so happy right now.”
The Kings struck first in the opening period through Justin Williams, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs, but the Rangers got goals form Chris Kreider and Brian Boyle during a four-minute span late in the middle frame to move in front.
Marian Gaborik, who finished as the leading scorer in the playoffs with 14 goals, tied the game with 12 minutes left in regulation before the teams slugged it out in overtime.
New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 48 saves for the Rangers while Jonathan Quick turned away 28 shots for the Kings, who claimed their second title in three years.
While the 4-1 series outcome suggested the Kings romped to victory, three of their four wins were decided in overtime and they overcame incredible odds to make the final, playing the maximum seven games in all three series en route to the final.
“It wasn’t easy by any means. The past two months have been the most physically exhausting I’ve been in my career,” said Quick. “To overcome all the challenges and adversity … our group is pretty special so it means a lot.”
Reuters
Image Harry How
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