Kings claim Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final with 3-2 OT win

Justin Williams' postseason heroics aren't limited to Game 7s.

At 4:36 of overtime, Dan Girardi's nightmarish turnover quickly found the tape of Williams, who lifted a pinpoint shot over Henrik Lundqvist's shoulder and under the bar, lifting the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. 

The game seemed to require complete chaos in order to find stability. Off the jump, Los Angeles' defensive corps were, well, jumpy, and it resulted in an early deficit. After Drew Doughty committed a cardinal beer-league sin at his own blue line leading to Benoit Pouliot's breakaway marker, Carl Hagelin treated Slava Voynov like a top, sending him twisting into his own crease, and eventually pushing an own-goal behind Jonathan Quick. 

But before the Kings were able to truly settle in, they found themselves even at two. Jeff Carter and Kyle Clifford were rewarded for their unruly forecheck with a rather lucky bounce past Henrik Lundqvist. Then Doughty chose a high-percentage option with his next foray into the offensive zone, scoring a majestic equalizer six minutes into the second. 

The Kings seized control in the third period, skating to a 20-3 shot advantage, but needed a game-saving glove stop from Quick in a frantic final minute to thwart Hagelin's second shorthanded chance of the night and set the stage for Williams' strike. 

[Courtesy: NHL.com]

Game 2 is slated for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. 

Star Performer

The Kings wouldn't have won without the efforts of Quick and Williams, but neither of them had their best outings of the postseason. Hagelin did. 

The speedster was fascinatingly dynamic as he tormented the Kings' power play and claimed the two best chances of Los Angeles' four opportunities. Here's his first-period goal that pushed New York's lead to two. 

[Courtesy: NHL.com]

Turning Point

In a less-than perfect segue, the turning point in the game came at Hagelin's expense. He sprinted past Doughty for another shorthanded breakaway with under a minute to play, but Quick preserved overtime with this tremendous glove stop.  

[Courtesy: NHL.com]

Highlight Reel

It was hardly a performance worthy of Norris, Smythe, or even Stanley, but Doughty salvaged a nervy outing with this tremendous game-tying goal. 

[Courtesy: NHL.com]

Quote of the Night

Hardly a coach willing to fawn over his players, Darryl Sutter offered the overtime hero glowing praise, by his standards at least. 

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Kings 3, Rangers 2 (OT) (Kings lead series 1-0)
Game 2: Saturday, June 7 - 7 p.m. ET
Game 3: Monday, June 9 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Wednesday, June 11 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Friday, June 13 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Monday, June 16 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Wednesday, June 18 - 8 p.m. ET