After what was a dominating run by an eighth-seeded team, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in Game 6 to take home their first ever Stanley Cup.
It took 45 years, but the Kings completed their quest for the NHL title Monday after scoring early goals on a power play. Along the way, the Kings compiled a 10-1 record on the road in the playoffs, began every series with a 3-0 series lead and now they have their first Stanley Cup.
The Kings became just the second eighth-seeded team to make it to the Finals and the first to win it all. It is the second time a California team has won the cup; the Anaheim Ducks won it five years ago.
It was a remarkable showing for a team that had to take on the top seeds in the Western Conference and came out on top. For the Kings and the city of Los Angeles, this title has been a long time coming and finally, it has happened.
The Conn Smythe Trophy went to Jonathan Quick, the goalie who set NHL records for save percentage (.946) and goals-against average (1.41) among goalies who played at least 15 postseason game. An award well-deserved for Quick and the Kings.
By: Brandon Williams Member of the Football Writers Association of America