Kings Win Game 1

Ok, now that my heart rate has finally returned to normal, I can write about Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, and what a game it was.

First off, there were more missed chances and strange bounces in this game than in any other game I've watched this postseason. Even the Devils goal was an oddity. After looking at the replays multiple times, it sure looks like the puck glanced off of Voynov's shoulder and past Quick. Whatever happened, it was a strange play and it tied the game. The first goal of the series was a clean one though. Fraser snapped a quick shot past Brodeur and the Kings were out to a 1-0 lead. LA had plenty more opportunities, but after that Brodeur was locked in. I thought for sure the Kings were going to score on at least 2 chances, but it just didn't happen. Both goaltenders carried their teams into the 3rd period with the score tied.

The 3rd period was very different from the first two. The Devils looked like they were on a mission, and nothing was going to stop them. Somehow the Kings survived. After looking fairly dominant in the first 2 periods, they looked tired in the 3rd. Luckily Quick was able to come up with some HUGE saves and the bounces went LA's way. I was so sure the Kings were going to give up a goal, but they didn't and forced OT.

Then, sure enough, in overtime, the Devils continued pouring on the offense. But Quick stood strong, as did Brodeur when the Kings got their chances. All of sudden though, on a broken play, and thanks to a strong behind the back pass, Anze Kopitar found himself with the puck and only Brodeur between him and the goal. He put those quick hands to work, deked Marty out of his pads, and slipped the puck under his leg and into the goal. Game over. Nothing against Brodeur, the guy has had an amazing career, but Kopitar made him look bad. It was a gorgeous goal, and one that could really give the Kings a lot of momentum.

The Kings confidence should be very high after winning yet another road playoff game. They still haven't lost away from the Staples Center in the playoffs, and Game 1 proved they aren't slowing down now. While it wasn't the prettiest of wins, it was a win nonetheless, and that's what matter. Quite a few analysts thought the week-long layoff was going to be a problem for the Kings, and to be honest, it looked like it was in the 3rd period. But they fought back and survived long enough to get the game winner. Hopefully they won't be as nervous on Saturday when the puck drops for Game 2, and they'll play all three periods in dominant fashion.

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Kings Take 2-0 Lead Over Coyotes

The LA Kings are road warriors. They beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 Tuesday night to once again take a 2-0 lead in the series. They have won all 7 of their road playoff games, which ties an NHL record.

Other than Jeff Carter's hat trick, which pretty much makes every Kings fan out there forget the name Jack Johnson, the story of the game was the penalties by Phoenix. Shane Doan was ejected for boarding Trevor Lewis, and although the hit was nasty, it was mostly because of the timing. So I don't think he should or will be suspended. Martin Hanzal is another story though. He absolutely crushed Dustin Brown who was completely defenseless. Somehow Brown was unhurt, but Hanzal was tossed and should be suspended at least 1 game.

The other Phoenix player who I think should face discipline is goaltender Mike Smith. He hacked the back of Brown's knee with his stick when Brown wasn't even in the crease. He was given a minor penalty, and somehow the refs gave Brown an embellishment penalty, but the league needs to do something. I'm all for protecting the goalies, but plays like that can cause permanent damage to a player. It was completely uncalled for and Smith should be sat down for Game 3 by the league.

I know I sound like a total homer in this post. But I promise you I live physical hockey. The thing I hate are the cheap shots. Both Hanzal and Smith took cheap shots on Kings players that very easily could've ended their playoffs. It's totally understandable that these guys were playing frustrated and wanted to send a message. But the NHL can't let these kind of plays go unpunished.

Going back to the Kings, they really are playing well. Quick is incredible right now, Kopitar seems to always be in the right place at the right time, and Brown is filling his role as captain. Game 3 in LA is on Thursday followed by Game 4 on Sunday, which I will be at!!!

UPDATE- The NHL has handed Hanzal a 1 game suspension for his hit but Mike Smith has not received any additional punishment.

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