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| Justin Williams leads LA to Game 1 win over NY. Harry How/Getty Images |
Once again the Los Angeles Kings erased a two goal deficit and won a game in overtime. Justin Williams a hero in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against Chicago and worked his magic again last night. A turnover by New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi led to a pass from Mike Richards to Williams in the slot who buried the puck past Henrik Lundqvist blocker side at 4:36 of the extra session.
By: Sunil Sunderraj
The Rangers were off to the races in the first period utilizing their speed and quickness. A miscue by Drew Doughty led to a Benoit Pouliot breakaway who snapped a shot top shelf past Jonathan Quick at 13:21. New York would increase the lead to 2-0 shortly later as Carl Hagelin would win a foot race to the puck eventually shooting the puck off Kings defensemen Slava Voynov and into the net. Two goals in 1:42 for the Blueshirts.
Los Angeles Head coach Darryl Sutter shuffled his lines which worked perfectly as Kyle Clifford scored his first goal since December 11th against Toronto at 17:33 cutting New York’s lead to 2-1. Clifford elevated the puck past Henrik Lundqvist. Effort and tracking down the puck in the corner by Jeff Carter who tallied his 14th assist and 23rd point of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs was the key play. Los Angles established their physical presence outhitting the Rangers 23-9.
The Kings would get the equalizer at 13:24 of the second period as Drew Doughty took a nifty pass from Justin Williams and made a spectacular play by putting puck between his legs while maintaining control of the puck before going five hole on Lundqvist. Game 1 took on an edgier tone as Derrick Brassard leveled Kings Captain Dustin Brown along the boards and be assessed an two minute boarding call. Brown remained on the ice for a few minutes but got up and eventually returned to the game.
Los Angeles came out buzzing in the third period firing numerous shots on goal at Lundqvist. The Rangers were unable to muster a shot for the first 11:58 of the third period. Their last shot on goal coming with 15 seconds left in the second period. A fantastic opportunity on a 2 on 1 but a brilliant blocker save by Jonathan Quick on Martin St. Louis. With 1:36 remaining in the period Brian Boyle broke Dwight King’s in half earning him a two minute slashing penalty.
The last 30 seconds were end to end as Quick made a tremendous blocker save on a Carl Hagelin shorthanded breakaway. Back up the ice Kings on the rush as Jeff Carter swooped around the net and remarkably Hagelin was there diving on the play to kick the puck from going into the net. As the puck hung around the goal line Lundqvist used his blocker hand to swat puck away.
Game 2 is Saturday night at 7 p.m. from Staples Center on NBC. 