Stanley Cup Playoffs: Kings Prevail in Overtime Against Blues, Take Series Lead

Slava Voynov nailed a breakaway game-winning goal for the Los Angeles Kings to win 3-2 and take a series lead by the same margin against the St. Louis Blues. The Kings win despite a much more aggressive Blues' squad at home and giving up a last-minute goal in regulation.

Voynov scored his second goal of the series, taking an assist by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar, at the eight-minute mark in overtime. It's the second overtime game of the series, and all five games have been decided by one goal.

St. Louis took 11 more shots and outhit Los Angeles 41-30 throughout the game. That's the biggest shot differential since Game 1 and the biggest hit differential of the series. LA's 30 hits were the lowest output between the two squads in the series.

Kings' goalie Jonathan Quick went 30-31 in saves, giving up a third goal to Alex Steen in this series until defenseman Alex Pietrangelo scored a goal with 45 seconds to go. It was Pietrangelo's first goal of the series; he scored five goals in the regular season. His last goal was scored March 7 against the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Blues outshot the Kings in every period during regulation, taking four or more shots on goal in each. St. Louis held a 9-3 SOG advantage in the third period and finally broke through to tie the game. The Kings outshot the Blues 7-4 in overtime.

Jeff Carter scored the Kings' first two goals, both in the first minute of the second and third periods. His second goal was the only goal scored on a power play. Mike Richards recorded an assist on both goals.

This was the third straight game in the Scottrade Center that featured a last-minute goal in regulation in this playoff series alone. Los Angeles forced an overtime in Game 1, and St. Louis connected on the winning goal in Game 2.

Game 6 is back at the Staples Center on Friday. Coverage begins nationally at 10 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

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