For the second time in three years, the Los Angeles Kings are back in the Stanley Cup Final. In 2012, they took down the New Jersey Devils in six games to capture the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup championship; this year, they face another East Coast foe in the New York Rangers.
Some are saying that New York will be an easy task for the Kings, given that LA has already knocked out the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. This, however, will not be the case, as the Kings need to do several things right to be crowned champions once again.
Take Advantage of Home Ice
The Kings will open up the series with two games at Staples Center, which is something that they are definitely not used to. In fact, last year's Conference Semi Final series against the Sharks was the only series in which Los Angeles had home-ice advantage in over a decade up until now.
Losing one of the first two games at home will not be detrimental to the Kings as they have proven time and time again that they are capable of rallying to overcome any adversity, but letting the Rangers steal one in front of the Los Angeles crowd could indeed be very costly.
Find a Way to Score
Unlike in previous years, offense has not been an issue for this year's Kings. New York, however, does not make it easy on anyone else's offense.
It starts but does not end with Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. New York has an advantage in goal over anybody boasting the best goalie in the world, but the Ranger defense has been incredible so far this postseason. Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Klein have made names for themselves with spectacular defensive play this spring, and the Kings will feel frustration by seeing so many of their shots blocked by Rangers.
Will Los Angeles be able to put the puck in the net enough to win, or will King Henrik truly become the King of the Kings?
Get Consistent Goaltending from Jonathan Quick
One of the biggest reasons for Los Angeles's miracle Stanley Cup run in 2012 was the play of goaltender Jonathan Quick: the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy for Playoff MVP that spring. Unlike two years ago, Quick has been a little shaky this postseason.
Sure, much of the inconsistent play from Quick came in the team's first three playoff games against the San Jose Sharks before he rallied and helped his team rattle off four consecutive wins, but he still has yet to show the side we saw in 2012. He was also inconsistent in the previous series against the Chicago Blackhawks, although Chicago is a team he has always struggled with throughout his career.
Still, there is no room for excuses in the Stanley Cup Final, especially when Henrik Lundqvist is in net on the opposite end of the ice.