Kings Capitalize in Double Overtime

You had to know that the game plan for the New York Rangers was to get that lead and then not let it slip. Of course, getting that lead against the Los Angeles Kings, let alone holding onto it, was going to be a struggle in Game Two, but that's why these teams are in these Stanley Cup Finals... because they want that struggle.

It was another slow start for the Kings on Saturday night, giving the Rangers that opportunity they wanted to level this series.  The Rangers made the most of the 1st period, outshooting the Kings, 10-9, and more importantly, outscoring them, 2-0.  Where have we seen this story before?

Sure, the Kings had one back before the end of the opening period in Game One, but scoring within the first two minutes of the 2nd period would have to work, as Jarret Stoll got the Kings back in the game.  The middle frame was somewhat of a wash, however, as the Rangers again outshot the Kings, 12-11, but the scoreline was more level, as they drew the frame, 2-2, and the Rangers went into the 3rd period with a 4-2 lead.

Did someone mention that the Kings are a 3rd period team in these playoffs?  Facing a split with the Rangers, before they head to New York for Game Three, the Kings did what they do best and that is stay resilient.

Before the 8-minute mark of the 3rd, the Kings found a way to tie up the game at 4-4, thanks to Dwight King and Marian Gaborik goals.  Surprisingly, after the Kings tied the game up, they were not able to find any immediate momentum into a win, as both teams locked down into 'don't lose the game' mode and it was a pretty tight game into overtime.

Overtime was a tight period, as neither team gave up much for chances, although eyebrows were raised on a couple of chances on either side, but shots were only 8-6 for the Rangers and there was no decision in the extra frame, which meant we had to sit through another intermission and into a 2nd overtime period.

In the 2nd overtime period, it was the momentum push we were all expecting from the Los Angeles Kings after the 4-4 goal, as they brought the pressure against the Rangers and they were rewarded for their hard work, as Dustin Brown expertly deflected a Willie Mitchell point shot past Henrik Lundqivst and the Kings were able to take full advantage of home-ice, taking Game Two with a 5-4 double overtime win, now leading the series 2-0.

We won't have to wait long for Game Three, as Sunday is a travel day, heading to the East Coast for a Monday night face-off at Madison Square Gardens.

Justin Williams was the points leader in Game Two, as he finished the game with 3 assists.  Williams already has 6 points in these Cup Finals, through two games, absolutely living up to whatever nickname the CBC broadcasters want to give him.  Also having a notable game in the hockey pool for the Kings were Jonathan Quick, Dustin Brown and Dwight King, as they each came away with 2 points each.  For the Rangers, there was Derrick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello and Ryan McDonagh, each picking up a goal and an assist in the loss.

There was a shift in the money positions in the standings, as Corey M. took back that point he lost in the audit, taking the lead, by virtue of the tie-breaker, over Travis G..  Both teams finished Game Two with 252 points, but Corey has a 2-goal advantage in the tie-break.

Gus M.'s first team picked up a couple extra points and moved past Wes M.'s team for 3rd place, as they sit with 250 & 249 points, respectively.  Neither of these two are out of the conversation for the big money either.

Gus' second team and Dale B.'s team are both sitting with 245 points and both have the maximum number of players, trying to stay within striking range.  Dale leads the top six teams with 10 points in the Finals, but he'll need a big push in these next two games to make up those missing 4 points.

Burc B. still sits atop of the Cup Finals standings with 12 points through two games, but his team continues to sit in 13th place, not moving at all from the end of Game One.