It took two overtimes and numerous heart-stopping chances, but the Los Angeles Kings are the 2014 Stanley Cup Champions.
Tyler Toffoli threw a shot on net and the rebound off Henrik Lundqvist came right to defenseman Alec Martinez who made no mistake as he put it into the back of the net to give the Kings their second Stanley Cup in three seasons.
The Rangers, who were hoping to stave off elimination once again, put up a valiant effort in Game 5 but couldn’t keep the City of Angels from celebrating with the Cup on home ice.
The Kings were led by their big-game players in regulation as they got goals from Justin Williams and Marion Gaborik. Chris Kreider and Brian Boyle scored second period goals for the Rangers.
Williams, who led the NHL in playoff scoring, won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
After falling behind 3-0 to the San Jose Sharks in the first round, the Kings roared back and defeated the Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Los Angeles stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the series, but the Rangers escaped in Game 4 to send the series back to California.
With a possible Game 6 looming back in the Big Apple, Martinez finished off the Rangers’ slim hopes with his overtime game-winner.
Follow Pucks of a Feather on Twitter.
Like Pucks of a Feather on Facebook.