2014 NHL Playoff Schedule, Standings, & Results: Kings Defeat Rangers, Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
The Stanley Cup Finals have not been the exciting and dramatic series most fans were hoping for.
In Game 3, the Kings dominated the Rangers by three goals to take a 3-0 series lead. Jonathan Quick was perfect stopping all 32 shots the Rangers threw at him. More than half of those shots came in the second period alone. Amazingly, the Kings could only get two shots in the third period, but still did not allow a goal.
The Rangers lack of offense has been highly noticeable. The team hasn't scored a single third period goal in any of the three games or any of the three overtimes played. In Game 1 and Game 2, the Rangers held a two goal advantage, but surrendered the lead and lost both games. Henrick Lundqvist was pulled with more than four minutes left in the game out of desperation with the team down by three goals, but the move had no effect.
In 2012, the Kings took a 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup against the New Jersey Devils. They did go on to win the Stanley Cup; however they also allowed the Devils to win Game 4 and Game 5 and creep back in the series. This would be Quick's second Cup victory and possibly his second Conn Smythe award. Quick has certainly earned the award, yet again.
It's extremely unlikely the Rangers will come back to win this series. There's only been one instance in NHL history when a team was down 0-3 and rallied back to win four straight games to win the Cup -- and that was in 1942 when the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings. Sweeps are very uncommon in the NHL compared to other sports leagues. If the Kings go on to win Game 4 this would be the first sweep since the '98 Finals.
The Kings success couldn't come at a better time with the Lakers and Clippers watching the NBA Finals from home. Somebody has to fill the Staples Center. Game 4 begins Wednesday night at 8:00 EDT at Madison Square Garden.
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