Tonight Is More Of A Game Seven Then Ever

Tonight, the Los Angeles Kings will host the New Jersey Devils in game six of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Kings were all but putting a nail in the coffin up 3-0 in the series when the Devils stormed back to take two games. Now, it's a 3-2 series and will come down to the wire to crown this years Stanley Cup Champion. However, I see this game not as game six, but really as game seven. Whoever wins this game tonight, I think, will become the Stanley Cup Champion. 

The Kings, of course, only being one win away, can win it tonight in their own building. If they do, they will become the first eight seeded playoff team to ever win the Stanley Cup. They are already the second eight seed ever to make it this far into the playoffs. Back in 2006, the Chris Pronger led Edmonton Oilers went seven games with the Carolina Hurricanes, losing a close series. They were the only other eight team to make it with the Kings to this point in the playoffs. 

For the Devils, it is do or die. They must come up with another win for a shot at the Stanley Cup. They have played well these past two games controlling the play and getting better chances on Jonathon Quick. They have also capitalized on some plays that Quick that would be considered somewhat "weak." If the Devils can keep up the pressure and force the Kings to turn the puck over, they may just find themselves headed home with a chance to win the Cup on their home ice in game seven. 

In my mind, if the Devils somehow find a way to win tonight, they will go home and win game seven. In that case, I believe the winner comes from this game tonight. If the Kings can come out strong and get an early lead, I think they will beat the Devils and hoist the Cup tonight in Los Angeles. I believe they will come out very strong and ready to play. The Devils will try to counter that. If the Kings come out with some fire, the Devils will just have to outlast the attack. I don't think there is a certain way to stop it besides making sure the defensive zone is covered and making good breakout passes. When in the offensive zone, the Devils have to keep shooting on Quick while getting screens and tips like they have the past two games. 

If the Kings score first, especially in the early going, I think they will take the game. With the crowd on their side and the Devils on the edge of the cliff, scoring first would jolt them. However, the Devils have done a nice job of keeping the Kings off the board in the early going and will counter with some offense of their own. If the Devils score first, I don't expect the game to be over at any point especially with the game in Los Angeles. It is a very interesting matchup and I'm interested to see who is going to bring the offensive attack early and try to get an early lead. 

Either way, buckle up friends. This is going to be a great hockey game. My prediction is the Kings will win a 3-2 game in regulation. It won't be easy by any means for both teams. However, with the crowd buzzing all night and the Kings having so many top-notch names on the roster, I think they will finally get the win they need tonight to win it all. Like I said though, if they Devils do somehow pull another stunning game off tonight, I expect them to win the Cup at home on their ice Wednesday night. Whatever happens, the fans are in for a treat tonight. Enjoy!