GoWings1905

The Kings certainly earned it. Fun team to watch play and they prevented Chicago from winning it all most importantly. However, that's two in three years so it's gonna be harder rooting for them going forward. Seeing the Stanley Cup is easily the coolest moment in sports. Hockey is the best.

I like Spezza quite a bit, but I don't see a fit at all for the Wings. They have plenty of depth up the middle. The need is a top-six winger ideally with some size that can score goals. Besides, I'm not willing to part with the assets it will take to acquire Spezza. The Ducks, Blues or Predators seem to be mentioned the most in regards to trading for Spezza.

I think it was quite sarcastic. People were saying the Bruins couldn't handle the Wings speed before that series started.

The Kings are a juggernaut. Thank God they beat the Blackhawks because the WCF is essentially looking like the cup final.

One goal in 23 games is an awfully long time to not be any form of a guy.

Who else? That dude isn't clutch or anything.

I hate that call in Game 1 of the SCF with two minutes left. The refs see a broken stick and it's always automatic.

I love Drew Doughty. So fun to watch.

The Kings rally from 2-0 defecits routinely well.

I am genuinely excited for this series. It will be nice to watch the final without having to root so intensely against one team like previous years. I thought one or both of Boston and Chicago would be playing in this. I want the Rangers to win, but I won't be upset if the Kings do either. I really like Lundqvist and McDonagh especially though. After the WCF, I was pretty convinced that the winner of that series would ultimately be the champion for sure, but I could see the Rangers pulling it off. The Kings have played three consecutive seven game series already and might have somewhat of a letdown coming off Chicago, plus Lundqvist is easily the superior goalie with the way Quick has been playing. That being said, I find it tough to pick against LA as they always find a way to get it done. So, Kings in seven (of course) and Kopitar wins the Conn Smythe.

To be fair, it does take approximately 17 years to get through the minors in the Red Wings organization. I don't think Almquist has as much of a case, as say Tatar or Nyquist did, but the writing is pretty much on the wall for Almquist in Detroit going forward.

There's no way Almquist is better than Smith. Maybe Kindl or Lashoff, but if that was the case, then Almquist probably would have gotten more of a shot throughout the season. I don't personally have anything against Almquist, though it's pretty evident by now the Red Wings don't view him as part of the team going forward. Especially with Ouellet, Sproul, Backman and Marchenko all knocking on the door. I like Almquist's ability to move the puck and offensive potential, but it takes more than that to stick against the best forwards in the world.

I agree completely. He's a doofus and awkward on television, but he knows a ton about hockey. I can appreciate what Pierre brings to a telecast far more than fan boy Edzo. He's just a cheerleader on national broadcasts.

KINGS! That was the loudest I ever cheered for a goal not scored by the Red Wings. What a series. I honestly want the Rangers to win it all now, but the main mission of no Blackhawks, Penguins, or Bruins is accomplished. I hope Edzo cries himself to sleep for the next four months and all of their fans do too.

No kidding. This is one of the most exciting playoff series I can ever recall. The Rangers have Lundqvist to keep the final maybe somewhat respectable, but it just feels like these are the two best teams and the winner is going to be the champion.

Gaborik! It's a shame one of these teams is going to lose this series. Unless that team is Chicago; then oh well.

You know the state of NHL officiating is poor when Dan O'Halloran is selected for a Game 7 in the conference finals. Should have just teamed him up with Brad Watson while they were at it.

Exactly. Which is the complete opposite of how the Kings have typically won previous years.

That's such a weak call on Williams. 2-0 Hawks and this is why you have to eliminate them before it gets to this.

Damn it. As much as I absolutely despise the Blackhawks, they know how to win games when it matters. Have to give them credit because the Kings had all the momentum up 3-1 in the series and 3-2 late in an elimination game on their home ice. Fitting this series is going seven games. These are two excellent teams and this feels like the Stanley Cup Final, which is why Chicago can't win because there's no way the Rangers beat them. The Kings won't be overwhelmed by the situation having won two Game 7's on the road already in the playoffs at least. Just seems like a huge blown opportunity not finishing off Chicago tonight at home.

3-2 Kings! Doughty is unbelievable. Please finish these idiots off.

Nyquist, Tatar, Jurco is close. Plus Weiss possibly, Mantha is coming. The Wings have cap space too. It's not just about Franzen this season, but the likely steeper decline to follow in years to come. Lose the buyout after this summer and then you are just stuck with Franzen.

The Red Wings do, or are very close to that point forward wise.

For a team without the winged wheel on its uniform.

Damn, you just knew Chicago wasn't going to get eliminated without putting up a fight. This series is far from over. Hopefully the Kings can wrap it up Friday now.