Stanley Cup 2012: Keys to a Los Angeles Kings Victory in Game 1

The Los Angeles Kings ripped through the NHL's Western Conference, but a feisty and capable New Jersey Devils squad still stands between them and Lord Stanley's Cup.

Like the Kings, the Devils are entering the Stanley Cup Final with a hot goaltender, some high scoring wingers and a dramatic overtime victory immediately in their rear-view mirror.

They certainly won't be an easy out, and I'm expecting them to take Los Angeles at least to six games, a feat that none of L.A.'s Western Conference foes could accomplish.

That being said, I love the Kings' chances. They're playing out of their minds right now, and as lame as it sounds, it seems as though they're destined to win the Cup.

They can also do themselves a favor by completing the following keys and seizing their fourth-straight 1-0 series lead.

Score on Power Plays

In the mold of last year's Boston Bruins, the Kings have improbably made it this far despite being terrible on power plays.

They've scored just six power-play goals on 74 opportunities (8.1 percent), second worst of all teams that made the postseason. At home, the Kings are inexplicably bad, posting a hideous power-play percentage of 3.1.

Obviously, this hasn't limited them too much, as they've romped to a 12-2 playoff record.

Still, the Kings would help their own cause by capitalizing on a few more power plays.

Dominate the Middle

The Kings have been destroying teams, in large part thanks to the efforts of centers Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards and Jarret Stoll.

All three have led their lines brilliantly, performing well at both ends of the ice and delivering clutch plays when necessary.

Kopitar and Richards have been particularly dominant offensively, combining for 10 goals and 16 assists in 14 playoff games.

If they can overwhelm New Jersey centers Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique, the Kings will likely cruise to the victory.

Win the Goalie Matchup

It's no secret that Jonathan Quick is on fire.

He's allowed just 22 goals on 406 attempts, giving him a ridiculous save percentage of 94.6. He's also recorded two shutouts and allowed two or more goals in just seven games this postseason.

Of course, his New Jersey counterpart isn't easily beaten.

Martin Brodeur has entered his 40s, but he's still a legitimate player between the pipes. He's already dispatched Henrik Lundqvist in the playoffs, and he's stepped up in the Devils' closeout games.

This could be the toughest test of Quick's young career, but if he outduels Brodeur, the Kings will continue their dominance.