For the third straight game in these playoffs, LA won an overtime game without holding any lead. It was the second consecutive win in extra frames in the cup final as well.
Trailing 4-2 heading into the 3rd, the Kings scored a controversial tally, with a Dwight King tip. Lundqvist and his D core argued the non call but to no avail. Just over 6 minutes later Marion Gaborik notched his 13th of the campaign, tying the game at 4.
Non call aside, Los Angeles would have most likely tied the game, controlling most of the puck battles along the boards and getting the better of the chances. One area the Rangers would not be outdone in was the hitting department. Having over a 100 hits combined between the two heavyweights, dead even throughout the entire game. A task New York had to improve on being the smaller of the two combatants.
Two major favourites for the Conn Smythe, Martin St. Louis and Marion Gaborik score stellar goals, adding to their campaign for the MVP of the postseason. Both could be handed the hardware now and nobody would complain. They each have had their fare share of success both in this series and the past two outings.
Many fans will be depressed, somewhat given up, believing that the end is near for the beloved blue shirts. They need not worry, for the last time they were outplayed and Lundqvist was scored on more than three times, they bounced back and eliminated the pesky Canadiens last round with a 1-0 shutout, something they will hope to duplicate in game 3, with the series coming back to Madison Square Garden.
If Vigneault could somehow recreate the passion and speed shown in the ECF against the Montreal Canadiens, the Kings would be in for a shock. The talent on display through two games has been extraordinary. Nothing short of spectacular play from both sides. New York hasn’t been behind in both games, but still has found the short end of the stick losing in overtime off of some lucky bounces. Either outcome could have been much different, with the Kings only showing up basically for the 3rd period of each contest.
With the momentum clearly in Los Angeles’ favour, New York will hope to grasp the home ice advantage that is now theirs. Some will say the Rangers only chances of winning the Stanley Cup have been squandered as the Kings likely won’t fall behind for a 3rd straight time, especially being two wins away from their second Cup victory.
The end is near, defeat for one, glorious victory for another. 82 games plus a bunch more has resulted in fatigue and desperation from both clubs. Each team has achieved more than expected, running on pure adrenaline by now. For Rangers fans, they mustn’t give up. They have the dedication and leadership needed to bounce back from this deficit. The Kings have their heroes and all stars to propel them to two more wins, each side is hungry for a championship, only one will end up on top.
