Stanley Cup Finals 2012: Kings Show Potential to Sweep Devils

The Los Angeles Kings have had an astounding run in the playoffs. They are only the second eighth-seeded team to ever make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Their postseason record is an unbelievable 13-2. They are undefeated on the road and in overtime.

The Kings defeated the first-seeded and President’s Trophy Vancouver Canucks and the third-seeded Phoenix Coyotes in five games and swept the second-seeded St. Louis Blues.

Based on how they played in Game 1, the Kings may be en route to sweeping the New Jersey Devils and securing the franchise’s first ever Stanley Cup.

The most consistent star for the Kings has been netminder Jonathan Quick.

He’s made unbelievable save after unbelievable save, by providing his team with a solid backing. His two shutouts in this year’s playoffs have also been integral in breaking the three teams they’ve trampled on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Los Angeles’ forecheck proved to be devastating for the Devils. They were unyielding and unswerving when it came to forcing turnovers in the Devils’ offensive zone. The first goal of the series came off a play set up by Jordan Nolan’s forechecking behind the Devils’ net.

Another strong feature of the Kings’ play was their puck movement.

They generated a handful of odd-man rushes, yielding some scoring chances. On more than one occasion, the Kings forwards found themselves behind the Devils’ defenders.

Of course, the highlight of the Kings’ puck movement was when Justin Williams fed the puck up ice to Anze Kopitar, who then scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway.

All in all, the Kings simply outplayed the Devils. If Quick can continue to turn away the big-scoring chances and the Kings skaters can play hard and score goals, the Kings could certainly win the Cup.

Michael Prunka is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist. To stay up to date with his WWE and NHL commentary, you can like his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter.