Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Why Los Angeles Kings Must Close out Series in Game 6

The New Jersey Devils were on the brink of elimination after falling behind what looked like an insurmountable 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup finals series against the Los Angeles Kings.

But as this series continues, the Devils are getting stronger and on their way to a shot at a historic comeback after winning the last two games.

With Game 6 of the series rapidly approaching, it's abundantly clear the Kings can't allow this series to go another game.

Here's why.

Game 7 Pressure

If this series goes to a deciding Game 7, all the pressure will be on the Kings who would be on the verge of a historic collapse. That won't bode well for some of the younger players on their team.

Jonathan Quick, the Kings' goaltender, will have the task of shutting down a hot team in the most pressure-packed game of his young career. There's just no telling how he'll react under those circumstances, considering a Stanley Cup Game 7 is unknown territory.

New Jersey has plenty of veterans, namely their goalie Martin Brodeur, who have been in big games before and succeeded in them as well.

Experience between the pipes will be the biggest advantage the Devils have in a Game 7.

Going Back to Newark

It's funny to think that being the sixth seed would get a team home-ice advantage, but that's exactly what happened for the Devils. Granted, they were beneficiaries of circumstance and how the playoffs worked out, but that doesn't change the fact New Jersey has the home advantage in this series.

Game 7 in New Jersey would be wild. The crowd would be raucous, to say the least, considering they never expected this series to go back to Newark. Such an excited atmosphere will only add to the pressure that both teams feel.

However, being in their comfort zone, the Devils should feel much better than their opponents.

Popular belief is that home-ice doesn't make a difference in the NHL playoffs, but try telling that to the home team in Game 7. No scenario can be compared to such an event.

Momentum

New Jersey will have all the momentum in the world going into a Game 7.

Not only would the Devils be headed home, but they will do so having won their last three games of the series en route to tying the series up at three games apiece.

It's safe to say the wind will be out of the sails of the Kings, a team that has rarely faced adversity in these playoffs, having only lost two games before the Stanley Cup.

LA has lost two games in this series alone.

The Devils would have no problem going to a Game 7 and have been there already in these playoffs against the Florida Panthers. Obviously they have the confidence in knowing they won that game while their opponents have yet to face such a situation.

Conclusion

Your average hockey fan would love to see this series go seven. That is unless you live in Los Angeles. The Kings simply can't afford to go to a seventh game in this series because it could mean a disappointing end to what appeared to be a once special season.