Kings one win from grabbing Stanley Cup

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Published time: June 05, 2012 08:17
Edited time: June 05, 2012 12:17

What they failed to do with Wayne Gretzky more than two decades ago, seems within reach now. The Los Angeles Kings are on the brink of clinching their first NHL title after thrashing the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves to claim his third shutout in this year’s playoffs, and Slovenian star Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist as the Western Conference surprise champion Kings moved one win away from finishing arguably the most spectacular playoff run in league history.

Alec Martinez scored the opening goal for the Kings, and Jeff Carter and Justin Williams added late power-play goals.

As often in the post-season games, the Kings’ play was easy and fail-safe at the same time. The last-seeded side in the West survived a solid performance early in the game by the Devils, who had a number of good opportunities to take the lead, and then converted their chances before finally locking their game.

Los Angeles improved to 15-2 in the postseason and jumped to a 3-0 lead in its fourth straight series – the first such constancy in NHL history.

Game Four is scheduled for Wednesday night at Staples Center as the Kings are now one step away from an unprecedented triumph.