Good intensity level right from the beginning and this provocated the 1st PP of the game that resulted in a goal for the Kings who moved the puck so Well that lead the McNabb snap shot from the blue line redirected into the net by Gaborik. Montreal tried to react but the LA defense has been caught unprepared and a Great combined play by Brown and Carter who scored in front of the net. LA got another PP with 5:35 left in the 1st period but they haven t able to estabilish the puck possession in the offensive zone due to a very good penalty killing by the Habs but the visitors continued to be outshooted 13-1 by the defending champs at the end of the 1st period. The Kings continued to be in control and Carter hit the goal post with a snap shot from the circle, right After it they got another PP, at the end of it Kopitar commited a tripping penalty but the Habs haven t been able to create scoring chances. LA continued to concede nothing to Montreal but with 4 minutes left in the 2nd period they have attent to capitalize the only distraction by the Kings defense scoring a goal with defenseman Gilbert then LA tried to regain the 2 goal lead with a Muzzin shot but Montreal tied the game with a Gallagher's goal who scored After a rebound in front of the net consequence of a Plekanec back hand shot from the circle. With a tie game at the beginning of the 3rd period the balance continued even on the ice where both teams played so tough and with 16 minutes left this let Nolan receive a penalty for instigation for his fight to Prust but again the Kings penalty killer made another good job. With 13 minutes left Pacioretty scored the game ahead goal from the goal crease very Well assisted by the 2nd assist of the night by Desharnais. The Kings rhythmym speeded up after fell behind in the score and with 1:35 left Eller commited an high sticking penalty to Daughty to give LA a key PP that resulted in Gaborik's game tying goal using a perfect Carter's screen in from of the goalie with just 0:45 left in the game and it essentially sent the game to the OT where the Kings had the better chances but Tokarski answered very well. The game went to shootout where LA won 3-2 thanks to the score of Gaborik, Carter and Kopitar.
The Kings have been in control for the majority of the game but the resilience and the opportunistic Canadiens' attitude came very close to give them a chance to win in 1 of the most difficult ice of the NHL, LA shown a great mental toughness getting back in a game where the most of teams wouldn't not so much because of talents but because of the particular situation where the mindset has been a key factor and also they had a disastrous record in OT/SO but this time they finished their job.
My 3 stars of the game are: 3 Desharnais, 2 Carter, 1 Gaborik.
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