Wow.
Just when you think the drama can't get any better when it comes to the LA Kings, they do it once again.
Another 2-0 deficit to start a game. Down 4-2 entering the third. Yet they come back with a strong final period, and put it away in an exhausting double OT.
Dustin Brown put away the OT winner just after the 10 minute mark of the 2nd overtime period, deflecting a point shot in front from Willie Mitchell.
Justin Williams played another strong game, registering three assists and Willie Mitchell also had a very good game with a goal and an assist.
Mats Zuccarello was a standout performer for the Rangers tonight. This guy is as quick and crafty as they come. His efforts tonight earned him a goal and an assist in 23 minutes of ice time. Ryan McDonagh was strong again for the Rangers and played nearly 38 minutes. His defensive partner, Dan Girardi, also played around 37 minutes and got the snot knocked out of him on multiple occasions. On the other side Drew Doughty played a staggering 41:41. Unreal numbers. Jake Muzzin who is Doughty's partner quietly logged nearly 37 minutes as well.
Faceoffs were relatively split in the game which again bucks the trend of the Rangers being a weak faceoff team. Kopitar continues to struggle against Derek Stepan and in the dot overall. The Kings centermen was a baffling 16-for-41 tonight. Good enough for 39%. Kopitar, having been near 53% for the majority of the playoffs, is now 25-for-62 in the series which is 40%.
Taking in the entire scope of the game, the Kings played another relatively sloppy game with a slow start combined with lots of turnovers and rushed plays. They were out played for a solid period again in this one, and have yet to actually lead in the series. But here we are, 2-0. They have found ways to win, and win from behind and when not playing their best. That is the truly scary part to me if you are the Rangers. It's also the same thing we've seen from the Kings time and time again over these playoffs.
#LAKings are the first team in Stanley Cup Final history to take a 2-0 series lead without ever having a lead in playing time
— Sportsnet Ticker (@SportsnetTicker) June 8, 2014Credit New York where you can though. They have really forced the Kings to play faster and make decisions on a ramped up pace. Their speed continues to press on LA defenders in their own zone. Matt Greene was exposed for his lack of speed SEVERAL times tonight, and with Robyn Regehr healthy it wouldn't be surprising to see a swap made for Game 3.
Quick was certainly not on his A-game tonight, but he came up with a few quality saves when the team needed them late in the game and in overtime. The same could be said of Lundqvist, who despite having a high GAA made several fantastic saves. Especially early on in the contest.
Maybe more important than the storyline of the Kings being up 2-0, because by all intents and purposes that is what you could expect, it's the way it has happened.
This is absolutely a gut shot to the New York Rangers. A quote from The Wire comes to mind here,
Missed. Opportunities.
The Rangers had the Kings on the ropes in both Games 1 and 2 and failed to get out of LA with a precious victory heading back home. Not only does this change the mental scope of things, it changes the statistical scope as well.
Teams that win Game 2 have gone on to win the #StanleyCup 74.3% of the time since the Final went to the best-of-7 format in 1939 (55-of-74)
— Matt Brown (@mbrownSN590) June 8, 2014In fact, only 5 teams have ever rallied from 2-0 down to come back and win the series.
That killer instinct has not been there for the Rangers, who have played two grotesque third periods in back to back games. Both efforts have cost them dearly. The Kings truly are like cockroaches, and if you have your chance to bury them you best take it. Just ask Chicago and San Jose. If I were a Rangers follower I would really be question my team's ability to hold a lead and play with a lead. The wide open style of Vigneault has been excellent in terms of creating offense but it has left the Rangers exposed to counter attacks and odd man rushes on many occasions. Doesn't this sound eerily like the Vancouver Canucks though?
I thought it would be hard to top the Blackhawks series, but this one is shaping up beautifully.
It has scoring, hitting, chippiness, and this game wasn't without classic NHL controversy either. Goalie interference here? You make the call.
I certainly think that the Rangers have a case here.
Then again the Kings had a case on the sell job by Rick Nash. It all evens out in the long haul.
While expecting the Kings to head to NYR with a 2-0 series lead was relatively realistic, mentally this has to be one of the most draining set of opening games in a Finals in a long time. Can the Rangers reset? Does anyone really believe that they can win 4 games before the Kings can win 2?
I don't know about you guys but I think this has the makings of a short series. Game 3 will be incredibly important from the Rangers standpoint. With a quick turnaround, Game 3 will be on Monday night at MSG.
Also...Justin Williams for the Conn Smythe. Calling it.
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