It took double overtime, but wow was it a classic. The Los Angeles Kings clinched their second Stanley Cup in three seasons with a double overtime win. Kings defenseman Alec Martinez scored the winning goal at 14:43 into the second overtime. The goal edged the New York Rangers with a 3-2 score.
The road to a Stanley Cup Championship was not a smooth one for the Kings. They played 26 post-season games. That is the most ever by a Stanley Cup Champion. It also tied for the most by any playoff team. They also became the first team in NHL history to play all 21 games to get to the Stanley Cup Finals. That is a lot of difficult playoff hockey.
More amazing the Kings went 7-0 when facing elimination in the postseason. That is the most ever for a Stanley Cup Champion. This accomplishment shows how the Kings have really become as strong, and resilient team over the years. They are built for the playoffs.
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Game 5 was filled with ups and downs for the Kings. Justin Williams opened the scoring at the 6:04 mark of the first period. The first goal is always important, and this put the Kings in the drivers seat.
The Rangers responded with a strong second period. Chris Kreider got the Rangers on the scoreboard with a power play goal at the 15:37 mark of the second period. Kreider continued his great playoff performance with his fifth goal. With just thirty seconds remaining in the second period the Rangers pulled ahead with a short handed goal scored by Brian Boyle. Although being outshot 10-6 in the period the Rangers managed two goals.
The Kings dominated the third period. They outshot the Rangers 12-3, and carried most of the play. Despite an amazing performance by Henrik Lundqvist the Kings managed to tie the game at the 7:56 mark. Marion Gaborik scored his fourteenth playoff goal on the power play.
The first overtime was back and forth. The play was intense and very aggressive. Traditionally teams play more of a defensive style in overtime, but not in this case. Both teams were getting end to end odd man rushes, with scoring chances galore. Shots in the first overtime were 13-10 in favor of the Kings. Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick were outstanding in net.
The play in the second overtime slowed a little, and fatigue was slightly evident. Minutes after killing off a Kyle Clifford checking from behind penalty the Kings scored an amazing goal. Alec Martinez was the beneficiary of a great play by Tyler Toffoli who fired a shot off the outside leg pad of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, setting up Martinez for a perfect rebound goal.
Martinez described the game winning goal, “It came off his pad pretty quick and I just tried to get a stick on it and get it on net.” “I blacked out. I don’t really remember. I think I threw my gear. I don’t know. I just remember everyone coming at me and I couldn’t breath. Its just a surreal moment. I’m just so happy for the guys.”
The dynasty continues to build and the Los Angeles Kings.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.