The series began with a 4-1 win in Game 1 for the Kings but the Canadiens countered with four straight victories to capture their 24th Stanley Cup.
This year the Los Angeles Kings look poised to be in the finals again, but it is unknown if they can successfully accomplish something they could not with Wayne Gretzky.
Comparing the Kings this year with the Kings in 1993 playoffs, captain Luc Robitaille probably had more offensive skill and finish than captain Dustin Brown today. However, Brown plays the game that every head coach would demand from his players—hard fore-check, and full effort on every shift. Brown has been rewarded for his tenacity throughout the playoffs with complementary players in Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.
The question arises: Who will hoist the Stanley Cup? (Assuming the Kings defeat the Eastern finals representatives in the finals).
By tradition, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would hand over the Stanley Cup to the captain of the team, Dustin Brown in this case. Afterwards, Brown will deliver the silver mug to a second player.
My prediction is that Anze Kopitar will be the second Kings player to touch the Stanley Cup, followed by Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Justin Williams in that order.
Anze Kopitar has been a phenomenal force all playoffs as Dustin Brown's center, and the two complemented each other perfectly so far.
After Kopitar, they will recognize their Conn Smythe candidate goalie Jonathan Quick for all that he has done for the Kings to be lift...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
