Revisiting the LA Kings’ 2014 Stanley Cup Run

The LA Kings have a storied history filled with memories and moments we will never forget. What is one that sticks out that all Kings fans will remember? How about the Stanley Cup run of 2014, including one memorable series with the rival San Jose Sharks?

This was the year the Kings could not be stopped. Regardless of how many times they were behind, they always came back and won the series. The most talked about series happened in the first round and it would be a series for the ages as the Kings would only be the fourth team (1952 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders, and 2010 Philadelphia Flyers) to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series.

The series started off with games one and two in San Jose, and the Kings lost both by scores of 6-3 and 7-2. The San Jose Sharks would take a 3-0 series lead by defeating Los Angeles 4-3 in overtime at the Staples Center.

Then things shifted in a big way.

The Kings would rattle off four straight wins. A 6-3 stifling at Staples Center, a 3-0 shutout in San Jose, a 4-1 win back in Los Angeles, and the series clincher, winning 5-1 back in San Jose.

Dustin Brown and Tanner Pearson would score empty net goals to seal the deal. Jonathan Quick was a huge part of the series turning around. He allowed 16 goals in the first three games, then allowed just five goals in the four remaining games.

LA would then go on to face the Anaheim Ducks and win the series in seven games.

After beating their cross-town rivals, they faced the Chicago Blackhawks in an exhilarating Western Conference Final, winning the series 4-3, which set up a Stanley Cup finals matchup between the Kings and New York Rangers.

The Kings would have a much easier time in the Final, winning the series and the Cup by four games to one.

Anze Kopitar led all playoff scorers by scoring five goals and 21 assists for 26 points, and Justin Williams was named the Conn Smythe trophy winner.

The Kings would have the top four scorers in the playoffs, Kopitar with 26 points, Jeff Carter with 25, Williams with 25, and Marian Gaborik with 22. Jonathan Quick led the league with 16 wins, tied for shutouts with 2, and had four penalty minutes.