For the first time in nearly 45 years
The LA Kings are Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history. By defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in Game 6, the Los Angeles Kings can hoist the cup for the first time in nearly 45 years.
The LA Kings, behind the stellar goaltending of Jonathan Quick, the Conn Symthe trophy recipient for the NHL postseason MVP, managed to dash the hopes of three-time-Cup-winner Martin Brodeur and the Devils as they win the series 4-2.
It was an impressive playoff run for the LA Kings as they become the first eighth-seeded team to win the Stanley Cup in the NHL’s storied history. The LA Kings defeated the Western Conference’s three top-seeded teams in convincing fashion, tying the second-fastest run to a championship in Stanley Cup history. Dustin Brown became only the second American-born captain to win the Stanley Cup, tying Anze Kopitar, the first Slovenian-born Cup winner, for the postseason scoring lead with 20 points.
With a three goal lead after the first period, a victory for the LA Kings was nearly assured but the game remained competitive until the end, despite, at one point, three Devils in the locker room after being ejected and an equal amount in the penalty box. Martin Brodeur stopped 19 shots in the Devils loss, as they become just the third team to force a Game 6 after falling to 0-3 in the finals.
The LA Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick allowed just seven goals in the six games against the Devils. “You get that four-goal lead, you know, it’s hard for it not to creep into your head a little bit,” Quick said. “That’s when you take a big, deep breath, relax a little bit, and know it’s going to happen.”
Quick became just the third American-born Conn Smythe winner, setting NHL records for save percentage (.946) and goals-against average (1.41) among goaltenders who played at least 15 playoff games.
The LA Kings became the first team to win the Stanley Cup at home in five years.
The LA Kings joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1967. At last, the franchise’s deserving players will be able to kiss the Stanley Cup as they hold it high above their heads for all to see, giving patient Kings fans an event to remember for all time.
