Kings Leading Yet Again

Like the other series leading up to the Cup finals, the LA Kings have the early lead by securing the first two game wins. The New Jersey Devils have faced adversity before, and since this conference is for the Stanley Cup, things might not be within the Kings grasp in two or three more games. This has been evident through how the first two games went into overtime showing the prowess of both goaltenders Jonathan Quick and Marty Broduer, as they continue to keep out as many pucks as possible. So let’s review the first two games.

In the first game, the Kings got on the board with a first goal in the first period despite being handed the only penalty in the first twenty minutes. The Devils didn’t let this lead kill their chances as they tied the game 1-1 in the second period despite having less shots on goals than the Kings. It was in the third period where the goaltenders had to keep their respective teams still in it as no goals where scored and the game went into an additional period for the overtime.

It was in overtime that other than Quick keeping pucks out, getting shots on goal landed the Kings the win. The Kings out shot the Devils 25-17 for the duration of the game, and the one shot that meant the most was when Kopitar scored with eight minutes left in overtime. This gave the Kings the first win, but it was only game one and the Devils had ample time to come back in the upcoming re-matches.

Game 2 started out identical to game one with the first goal scored by Doughty. Both teams were pretty even on shots on goal and another goal was not scored until the third period. This again showed how both Quick and Brodeur have been key assets to their teams thorough out the playoffs. Quick managed to keep most goals out but towards the end of the third Devils Ryan Carter tipped in a goal to push the game into overtime. Again in overtime as in the last game, the Kings outsmarted Broduer when Jeff Carter scored the game winning goal for the Kings.

This win gives them the upper hand. If the Kings continue to play smart like they have been they won’t let the lead go to their heads and rather continue fighting for that win. Considering the history in the playoffs it is possible that they can pull this off with only two more wins to secure the Stanley Cup. But the Devils are in this series for a reason, so don’t expect this series to be won in a sweep, the Devils will bring the fight to LA on Monday. With the first two games leading in overtime periods, it is also plausible that a third overtime winner will happen in game three.

I am a recent graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where I hold a BA in English with a minor in creative writing. My career aspirations lie mostly in novel writing, but I also have an interest in sports journalism. I wrote soccer and hockey articles for my University's student newspaper and I currently write for two other sports blogs in addition to Ballhyped. I am the NHL beat writer for Ballhyped, and pretty much live and breathe for the sport of ice hockey.