Eventual Conn Smythe winner Justin Williams opened the scoring in the 1st period, a shot from the point saved by Lundqvist before a couple of Kings hacked at it until it came to Williams who found the gap. The Rangers responded well, special teams the key, as the 2nd period got over the fifteen minute mark on a power play for a Dwight King high stick they pulled level, Brad Richards
Photos Courtesy Of Donald Miralle
Kings win 3-2 (Double OT) - GWG: Alec Martinez (14.43. 2OT)
GAME 5: Staples Center
Back in LA for game five. Echoes of 2012 when the Kings took a 3-0 series lead over New Jersey with two overtime wins and a shutout victory, only to drop game four, and five, before winning game six in LA. This time the Kings were ready for the challenge. This time game five was on home ice and this time they would not be heading to a sixth game.
finding Ryan McDonagh on the right wing who centered the puck for Chris Kreider to tap in at the far post. Two minutes later and Dominic Moore took a hooking penalty and looked to kill any Ranger momentum, but with thirty seconds left Kreider and Brian Boyle manufactured a short-handed chance which Boyle slammed by Quick in the LA net. Just over quarter way through the 3rd and the Rangers were short-handed again. This time the Kings took advantage of the extra man and ex-Ranger Marian Gaborik tied it up with his league leading 14th goal of the playoffs.
After a stalemate in the 1st OT period the sides created more back and forth in the 2nd. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist faced 51 shots in total, he made his 48th and final save of the 2013-14 season at 14:42 of the 2nd OT period.
It was a pad save off Tyler Toffoli who received the puck from Kyle Clifford after Alec Martinez engineered a breakaway after a Rangers attack broke down. Toffoli's shot rebounded into the path of Martinez who just held his position to direct the puck into the net. He then threw his stick away and jumped on the spot like a kid on Christmas morning before he was mobbed by his team mates. Great scenes on the Staples Center ice.
KINGS WIN SERIES 4-1
Photos Courtesy Of Donald Miralle