It was unbelievable. It was gut wrenching. In the end though it was exactly what the Kings wanted.
A Championship.
For the second time in three years the Kings are Stanley Cup Champions.
The Kings took Game 5 of the series 3-2 in a double overtime thriller to win the series 4-1 against the Rangers.
It was one of the most intense games you'll see for a clincher. A double overtime chess match full of chances from both teams. In the end it was a trio of unlikely heroes for the Kings, three players who played limited minutes in the later portions of the game. Alec Martinez sealed the deal on an odd man rush up ice from Tyler Toffoli and Kyle Clifford.
It was a gritty 4th line goal from a gritty 4th line team that fought tooth and nail to get not only into the finals, but to finally overcome a worthy New York Rangers foe.
What can you say about the New York Rangers? Written off from day one of the series, the Rangers put on some defensive displays of brilliance, along with a goaltending performance of the ages. While it is no doubt a disappointing result, the Rangers were a tough tough opponent, and don't let the series score line fool you. Well done to the Rangers on a phenomenal season and great playoff run. I couldn't help but feel for Henrik Lundqvist, who played a phenomenal game in Game 5, turning away 48 of 51 shots in the contest.
What can you say about a team that overcame a 0-3 hole? A team that was taken to a Game 7 three times, and a team that overcame countless deficits in game.
Heart of a champion though, it shined through in the end.
Justin Williams, Mr. Clutch, Mr. Game 7, Mr. Whatever you want to call him, was the rightful winner of the Conn Smythe. No. 14 led his team and the playoffs in points and was a worthy winner. No one came up with more big goals, big shifts, and wowing moments than he throughout the course of these playoffs.
Jonathan Quick, after a difficult playoffs, was also phenomenal when his team needed him most.
There is really not much more to say then wow.
A team built for playoff success, crafted by Dean Lombardi to be a difficult team to play against, a team built to win championships. It all makes more sense when your players are lifting trophies twice in three seasons.
It was an unbelievable run, a dramatic run, capped off in unbelievable and dramatic fashion.
I'm sure I will have more to say on it as the days go by and it all sets in. For now though there isn't much to say, let's all enjoy the moment.
Your Kings are 2014 Stanley Cup Champions folks.