Game 1 is in the books and the Los Angeles Kings are out to an early series lead against the New York Rangers. The victory occurred in predictable fashion with the Kings again digging themselves out of a hole to be rescued by Justin Williams.

The Rangers raced out to a 2-0 first period advantage before Kyle Clifford cut the lead in half two minutes before the break. A Drew Doughty equalizer early in the second period would complete the regulation scoring as the shots remained close after two periods.

However, the Rangers’ slim 22-21 advantage in that category would be erased as Los Angeles flexed their offensive muscles in the third. The Kings were unable to take advantage of two New York penalties, but outshot the visitors by a 20-3 margin.

It was as much a dominant offensive display from the Kings as it was an electric goaltending display from Henrik Lundqvist. The sensational Swede turned aside all 20 shots in the third frame as he kept the New Yorkers in the contest.

While the Rangers appeared to have regrouped for the overtime, it was a costly turnover from defenseman Dan Girardi that provided Williams with his golden goal opportunity. He made no mistake after receiving a pass from Mike Richards, slotting a wrister past Lundqvist’s right shoulder for the winner.

While Williams has made a career out of scoring clutch Game 7 goals, the Kings certainly appreciated the Game 1 heroics. In 2012, the Kings won Game 1 in overtime as well on a goal assisted by, wait for it…….Justin Williams. It’s more of a coincidence than a sign of things to come. Game 2 is on Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST.

The game provided a glimpse into what we can expect from each team, save for the lopsided shot disparity in the third period. New York showed that they can absolutely skate with the Kings, and can weather the storm when Los Angeles starts buzzing with the puck.

Jonathan Quick brought his A-game to the party, stopping 25 of 27 shots. He made several key saves after surrendering the first two goals. Quick was active in net, controlling the enormous rebounds that crippled him in the Western Conference Finals. He was sharp when he needed to be particularly in the third period. Though he only needed to make three stops, the third, on a Carl Hagelin breakaway, was a glove save that saved the game for the hosts.

After a rough series against the defending Stanley Cup champs, Quick looks like he may have found the form that won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012. Meanwhile the Kings continue to defy conventional wisdom by coming back to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, again.

For the Rangers there has to be some frustration. The two goals they managed to score came under odd circumstances: a shorthanded goal and on a bad turnover. They went 0-3 on the power play and were outmatched in almost every significant offensive category.

The first two periods showed us that New York is every bit as good as Los Angeles, while the third period reminded us how enigmatic that they can be. With so much talent on the roster, the Rangers almost can’t seem to get out of their own way at times.

The huge shot (dis)advantage in the third period had as much to do with a lack of aggressiveness as much as it did the Kings’ ability to control the puck. If there was a positive takeaway for the Rangers in the Game 1 loss it is to realize how close they were to winning it.

The way this postseason has unfolded so far, it should have surprised absolutely no one that the first game of the championship series would go into overtime. It most certainly won’t be the last time we see extra hockey in this series.

Here’s to hoping for at least six more games just like the first one.