2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Review: (P3) Los Angeles Kings vs. (M2) New York Rangers

Series Summary

Thinks look to be going the Rangers way in Game1, as goals by Benoit Pouliot and Carl Hagelin in the second half of the first gave New York a 2-0 lead. Kyle Clifford would score late in the period to cut the lead to one. Drew Doughty's goal in the second would tie the game up. While the Kings dominated the third period, Henrik Lundqvist proved to be solid. Lundqvist stopped 20 shots in the third to preserve the tie and force overtime. In overtime, Dan Girardi would slip and flub a breakout pass. Mike Richards would pick off the pass and dish it to Justin Williams, who would bury the attempt to give the Kings the win and series lead. In Game 2, the Rangers once again would build up a 2-0 lead in the first. Jarrett Stoll broke the shutout just over a minute into the second. Martin St. Louis would score midway though the period put the Rangers buck up by 2. Willie Mitchell would score a few minutes later to reduce the lead, but it didn't last long, as Derick Brassard would strike seconds later to once again give the Rangers a 2-goal lead. For the second straight game, the Kings would control play in the third, and this time it paid off. Dwight King would get credit with a goal early in the third that could have been called back due to goalie interference. Marian Gaborik would score minutes later to tie the game. A period and a half of overtime was needed to settle this game. Dustin Brown would tip a Mitchell point shot, beating Lundqvist and winning the game for the Kings. Game 3 started slowly, with both teams combining for 9 shots in the first. Jeff Carter would score a horn-beating goal to give the Kings a 1-0 lead after one period. Jake Muzzin and Mike Richards would add goals in the second to extend the Kings lead. While the Rangers would pour it on in the second and third, Jonathan Quick would stand tall. Quick stopped 32 shots in the shutout effort, as the Kings win 3-0 and take a 3-0 series lead. While the Kings had the puck early on in Game 4, it was the Ranger who would be first on the board. Pouliot would tip in a shot 7 minutes into the game to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. New York would extend the lead in the second, as St. Louis would crash the net and put home a rebound. Things look to have turned the Kings way shortly after, as a Girardi stick break lead to Brown going in on a breakaway and scoring. While the Kings would pressure the rest of the way, Lundqvist (with the help from a bit of snow) would stop the Kings from getting the tying goal. The Rangers would take Game 4, winning their first game of the series. Game 5 saw "Mr. Game 7" score 6 minutes in, as Williams swat home a rebound to give the Kings the lead. The second period saw the Rangers special teams find the net. Kreider would score first, tipping in a shot on the powerplay to tie the game. With under a minute left in the period and playing shorthanded, Brian Boyle blasted a shot past Quick to give the Rangers the lead. Gaborik would tie the game in the third by jamming home a rebound on the powerplay. The rest of regulation and one overtime proved to not be enough (despite multiple shots that hit the post). Late in the second overtime, the Kings would break out on a 3-on-2. While Toffoli's shot was stopped, the rebound went straight to Alec Martinez, who had no problem burying it. Martinec goal would win the game for the Kings and give them their second Cup in 3 years. The Kings beat the Rangers in 5 games to win the Stanley Cup.

Games

New York Rangers 2
Los Angeles Kings 3 (OT)

New York Rangers 4
Los Angeles Kings 5 (2OT)

Los Angeles Kings 3
New York Rangers 0

Los Angeles Kings 1
New York Rangers 2

New York Rangers 2
Los Angeles Kings 3 (OT)

Three (Plus One) Thoughts on the Series

1. Girardi couldn't dig a big enough hole to hide in after this series. He was brutal.
2. It's pretty amazing that the Kings won the first 2 games without having lead for a second.
3. Should have known LA was going to lose Game 4, you could see it in Doughty's eyes.
4. Congrats to the Detroit Red Wings for being this year's ultimate loser.

Picture of the Series

The Kings didn't sweep hard enough on this one.



(Image via Puck Daddy)

Highlight of the Series

Doughty's goal in Game 1 was pretty good.

Playoff Predictions Results

Brad: 11-4
MDK: 9-6

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Review: (C3) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (P3) Los Angeles Kings

Series Summary

Game 1 started with low shot counts by both teams. Brandon Saad would get credited with the opening goal, tipping in a Nick Leddy point shot to give the Blackhawks the lead. The Kings would dominate the second, ultimately tying the game up  minutes into the period. The Blackhawks would retaliate though, as Duncan Keith beat Jonathan Quick to put the Blackhawks ahead. Jonathan Toews would add an insurance goal in the third, as the Blackhawks take the 1-0 series lead. Just like in Game 1, Chicago would open the scoring in Game 2. Leddy would roof a backhand over Quick to give Chicago the lead. Ben Smith would score early in the second to extend the Blackhawks lead. Justin Williams would break the shutout late in the period as the puck bounced off him and slid into the net. The third period was all Kings. A 5-goal period was more than enough for the Kings to come back and win the game. Chicago's special teams would once again open the scoring, as Toews scored shorthanded 5 minutes into Game 3. Slava Voynov would tie the game just under a minute later. Toews would get his second of the game minutes later, as the Blackhawks end the first up a goal. While Chicago had the shot advantage in the second, it was Los Angeles who found the back of the net. Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli would beat Corey Crawford to give the Kings the lead heading into the third period. Drew Doughty would score midway through the third to put the Kings up 2. Patrick Sharp would tip in a shot with seconds left in the game, but it was too little too late. The Kings would take the series lead. Game 4 saw the Kings dominate the scoreboard in the first. Goals by Jake Muzzin, Marian Gaborik, and Dustin Brown would give the Kings a 3-0 lead after one period. Drew Doughty would score midway through the second to extend the Kings lead. Brandon Saad would score minutes later to break the shutout and get the Blackhawks on the board. Bryan Bickell would add one more for the Blackhawks, but that was as close as they would get. The Kings would add an empty netter, icing the game and pushing the Blackhawks to the brink of elimination. Chicago would strike early in Game 5, as Brent Seabrook and Johnny Oduya scored under 4 minutes in to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead. Jarret Stoll would cut the lead midway though the period, but Saad would restore Chicago's lead soon after. Gaborik would again pull the Kings with one 2 minutes later. After a goal-filled first, the second period would be a bit more subdued. Goals by Brown and Tanner Pearson would put the Kings ahead. Ben Smith would score early in the third to tie the game. While both teams had chances, neither could end the game in the third or after one overtime period. In double overtime, Saad would find an open Michal Handzus, who proceeded to beat Quick with a backhand shot. Chicago would stay alive for another game after that goal. Game 6 didn't start out as high scoring, as only Dwight King would find the back of the net in the first, giving the Kings the lead. Kane and Smith would strike early in the second to give the Blackhawks the lead. Goals by Doughty and Alec Martinez in the first half of the third gave the Kings the lead again. The second half of the period would belong to Kane. First, Kane would dish a backhand pass to Keith, who would find the back of the net to tie the game. Kane would score the winner with under four minutes left, beating Quick on a distanced shot. The Blackhawks would beat the Kings again, and forced a Game 7. Chicago would kick off the scoring in Game 7, as Saad and Toews scored to give them a 2-0 lead. The Kings would tie it later in the period thanks to Carter and Williams. The tie only lasted seconds though, as Patrick Sharp scored to restore the Blackhawks' lead. Tyler Toffoli would score midway though the second to tie the game up once again. And once again, it was Sharp who would put the Blackhawks up one late in the period. Gaborik would tie the game in the third, which would eventually lead to overtime. It didn't take too long for a winning goal. A Martinez point shot would be deflected and lob over Crawford and into the net. The Kings would win Game 7 and move on to the Stanley Cup Final. The Kings eliminate the Blackhawks in 7 games.

Games

Los Angeles Kings 1
Chicago Blackhawks 3

Los Angeles Kings 6
Chicago Blackhawks 2

Chicago Blackhawks 3
Los Angeles Kings 4

Chicago Blackhawks 2
Los Angeles Kings 5

Los Angeles Kings 4
Chicago Blackhawks 5 (2OT)

Chicago Blackhawks 4
Los Angeles Kings 3

Los Angeles Kings 5 (OT)
Chicago Blackhawks 4

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Dustin Brown goes in for the kill against Marian Hossa, and ends up being killed (metaphorically).
2. The Stanley Cup should be awarded to the winner of this series. My god what a series.
3. Game 4 was the last NHL game TSN will air for at least the next 12 years. Hockey broadcasting just died a little.

Picture of the Series

Quick: "I was bad this series."
Crawford: "Not as bad as I was."

(Image via senshot.com)

Highlight of the Series

There have been so many highlights that can justifiably be put here. So I'm going to throw a curveball, and have an off-ice highlight. The most Sutter press conference that Sutter ever Sutter'd.

2014 NHL Playoff Predictions: Stanley Cup Final

Stanley Cup Final

Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Rangers

Brad: Los Angeles Kings

At this point its hard not to pick the Kings. They have survived all their is in the West, playing the maximum amount of games (21) against arguably 3 of the top teams in the conference (Kings excluded). The Kings are the better possession team and can ice a better lineup. The only question is in goal. Lundqvist will no doubt be solid for the Rangers and will give them a chance. Quick is coming off a bad series against Chicago and will have to step it up if LA wants to keep the score low - and known Sutter, they want it low. If Quick can perform up to Lundqvist's standards, them this series is over...uh...what's the word...fast? But until then this series may be another long one for both teams. Kings in six. 

MDK: Los Angeles Kings

For the Broadway (Rangers) vs. Hollywood (Kings) Stanley Cup Final match-up, I'll be cheering for Hollywood. I pick them because I feel that they have strong defence, Jonathan Quick has gotten better from the start of the playoffs, and I believe they have great lines. The only threat the Rangers have is Lundqvist. He has performed incredible against the Penguins and Habs. When I think of it, this series reminds of me of the Calgary Flames vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup Final. In New York you got Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards (they played for Tampa Bay in 2004) and in L.A. you got Robyn Regehr and Darryl Sutter (they were part of Calgary in 2004). So to me, this is a rematch 10 years in the making. So come on city of angles, beat the big apple in this academy award winning series. Kings in six.

After Round 3

Brad: 10-4
MDK: 8-6

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Review: (A3) Montreal Canadiens vs. (M2) New York Rangers

Series Summary

Game 1 started off in New York's favour, as goals by Martin St. Louis and Mats Zuccarello scored to put the Rangers up 2-0. It would get worst for the Habs in the second. Chris Kreider would fall on a breakaway and crash into Habs goalie Carey Price. While Price managed to finish the period, he would be replaced in the third and eventually ruled out for the rest of the series. The Habs would get on the board in the second thanks to Rene Bourque. The Rangers would finish the period with 2 quick goals. It only got worst for the Habs in the third, as penalty trouble early in the period saw them concede 3 powerplay goals. A shorthanded goal later in the period was all the Habs could muster, as they got blown out 7-2 but the Rangers. With Dustin Tokarski taking the reigns in net for Game 2, the Habs would come out flying. Max Pacioretty scored 6 minutes in to get the Habs a 1-0 lead. That didn't last long, as Ryan McDonagh scored 20 seconds later to tie the game. Rick Nash would score late in the period to give New York the lead. St. Louis would score in the second to extend the Rangers lead. Despite the Habs best efforts in the third, Henrik Lundqvist would shut the door, as the Rangers would win, and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 was all New York early, as they put up 14 shots in the first period. Only Carl Hagelin found the back of the net though, as Tokarski kept the Habs in it. Montreal would show a bit more life in the second, and would tie the game up thanks to an Andrei Markov shot. It took until late in the third, but Daniel Briere would give the Habs their first lead of the game. The Rangers pressed late in regulation, and it would pay off. Kreider tipped a shot that would bounce off Alexei Emelin and into the Habs net. In overtime, it was the Habs who received the lucky bounce. A Tomas Plekanec shot would be stopped by Lundqvist, but the rebound bounced off Alex Galchenyuk and into the net. The Habs would take Game 3 and cut the Rangers series lead in half. New York would open the scoring in Game 4, as Hagelin would score shorthanded 7 minutes into the first. Montreal would tie the game up in the second, as Francis Bouillon shot one over Lundqvist's shoulder. Derick Brassard would score late in the period to regain the Rangers lead. It took all of 2 minutes into the third for the Habs to tie it up, as P.K. Subban scored on the powerplay. The Rangers would eventually win the game in overtime. St. Louis found himself alone after a defensive miscue from the Habs and shot it over Tokarski for the game-winner. Montreal would strike early in Game 5, as Galchenyuk scored on the powerplay within the first 2 minutes. Derek Stepan would even the game up midway through the first before Plekanec scored to give the Habs the lead (again). Thinks got crazy in the second, but it was a slow build up. Pacioretty scored just under 4 minutes in, then Rene Bourque scored 3 minutes later to give the Habs a 4-1 lead. Lundqvist would get pulled in favour of Cam Talbot after that goal. Rick Nash would get one back for the Rangers midway through the period. Stepan and Kreider would score in a 2-minute span to tie the game. The tie didn't last long, as Bourque scored to put the Habs in front (again). Bourque would complete his hat trick in the third, as the Habs go on to win a wild one 7-4. The Rangers looked to put the Habs away in Game 6, but couldn't beat Tokarski early on. It took a while, but the Rangers would finally score, as Dominic Moore snuck one past Tokarski late in the second period. The Habs needed a goal in the third, but looked disorganized thoughout the period. The Rangers had little trouble keeping up the pressure and keeping the lead. Lundqvist would record the shutout as New York wins to move on to the Stanley Cup Final. The Rangers eliminate the Habs in 6 games.

Games

New York Rangers 7
Montreal Canadiens 2

New York Rangers 3
Montreal Canadiens 1

Montreal Canadiens 3 (OT)
New York Rangers 2

Montreal Canadiens 2
New York Rangers 3 (OT)

New York Rangers 4
Montreal Canadiens 7

Montreal Canadiens 0
New York Rangers 1

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Really don't want to say too much about the Kreider-Price incident. It was an accident, but thinking about it making my blood boil since it potentially cost the Habs the series.
2. Purst Hit: Not necessarily dirty, but definitely late. Moore hit: Not necessarily late, but definitely dirty. Two games for each seems fair.
3. I can't recap all the bulls**t that happened in this series, so I'll defer to the great Sean McIndoe (aka Down Goes Brown) for all incident-related analysis (in this series and past).

Picture of the Series

It was about this moment that the Habs chances of winning this series went out the window.

(Image via Canoe Sports)

Highlight of the Series

All the love to Dustin Tokarski, as he carried the Habs in Price's absence. Here is one (of many) save(s) on St. Louis.