Stanley Cup Finals 2012: Los Angeles Kings Need to Clinch at Home in Game 6

The Los Angeles Kings need to win Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at home against the New Jersey Devils. As good as they've been on the road during the playoffs, they can't afford to tempt fate by letting the series go back to New Jersey for a Game 7.

It's incredible how fast things can change in the playoffs. After going up 3-0 and looking primed for a clean sweep, the Kings allowed the feisty Devils back into the series. A loss at home in Game 6 could spell doom for the franchise that is oh so close to completing a Cinderella season.

The Kings weren't expected to make it this far in the first place, entering the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Then they made mincemeat out of their competition, compiling a playoff record of 12-2 on their way to the Finals.

Through five games in this series, they have stretched their playoff record to 15-4. Along the way, they tied a league record with 10 road victories, and I was sure they'd break the record in Game 5. The Devils proved to be too tough to be overcome at home, though, and now the best chance the Kings have to win their first Stanley Cup will be at home in Game 6.

Team's statistics are often irrelevant when reaching a pivotal Game 7, and these games are often won or lost through freak plays or penalties. The Kings can't allow the series to go back to New Jersey, or all they have worked for to get this far could circle the drain in a heartbeat.

The Devils have far too talented and veteran a group to allow them to continue their comeback. The Kings need to put them down on their home ice in the worst way, or they could end up being only the second team in Stanley Cup Finals history to lose a series after going up 3-0.

The time is now. They must win Game 6 at home.

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