2014 Year in Review: June Edition
By DJ Smith
Kings return to Stanley Cup glory
Jun 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (27) scores the game-winning goal past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the second overtime period in game five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Kings returned to their 2nd Stanley Cup since 2012 after beating the Chicago Blackhawks in a brutal seven game series, which saw an overtime goal by Alec Martinez be the difference maker in Game 7. The Rangers road to the Stanley Cup went through Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh before battling with the Montreal Candiens in the Eastern Conference final. After 6 games with the Habs the Rangers earned their first Stanley Cup final birth since they won the 1994 Stanley Cup. The first two games of the 2014 Stanley Cup kicked off in L.A where the Kings grabbed two overtime victories, in Game 1 the Kings Justin Williams scored in the first overtime session and in Game 2 it was Dustin Brown who scored in double overtime that got the Kings an early 2-0 series lead. The finals then moved to New York for two games and Kings goalie Jonathan Quick continued to amaze spectators as he posted a 30 save shutout in Game 3 that lead to a 3-0 win for the Kings and put themselves in a commanding series lead. The Rangers, nor Henrik Lundqvist, would go away quietely as the “King of New York” topped Quick’s Game 3 performance by saving 40 and keeping the Rangers alive as they beat the Kings 2-1 in Game 4. However as the series moved back to L.A the Kings were finally able to put the Rangers away. In double overtime it was postseason hero Alec Martinez that once again clinched the series win, this time his rebound goal clinched the Stanley Cup for the Kings as he cashed in on after a Kyle Clifford shot that beat Lundqvist. Justin Williams would go on and be awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as the MVP of the playoffs, and the Cup would once again make its way around Tinseltown for the summer.