LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Game 6 is only a few minutes away now and the excitement on the streets is growing. Here in California, the home team fans are hopeful the Kings can finally put this one away. The Kings lead the series against the New Jersey Devils 3-2.
Following the pre-game interviews, it appears that the line-ups will be very similar to the last game. Both Coaches Daryl Sutter and Peter DeBoer are confident with the status quo. That means another hard hitting, close game will be needed for a decision. If the Kings should win though, this city will be rocking.
When it comes to Devils goaltender Marty Brodeur, he’s playing fabulously for a 40 year-old.
“He’s playing with a lot of confidence and he’s giving us a chance obviously to win,” said teammate Patrik Elias. “The way he approaches the game now, this playoffs, this season, it’s as good as any years. You can see that focus that he has.”
Photo by Jack Lima
The Devils know they must continue to keep their current level of play at this high level, or risk being sent home, with nothing to show for their hard efforts. Adam Henrique said, “We want to keep playing. Obviously our backs are against the wall in those situations. Everybody has stepped up their game, we believe in ourselves and the guys in the room.” “We want to keep playing. Through the playoffs, all the team has gotten stronger, I think, every round, as each series has gone deeper.” The Devils know they are just one game away from elimination, and they are feeling confident with the momentum from the last two wins. But like Adam Henrique said, “We have to stay levelheaded, calm, go out there tonight and play our game.” Coach Sutter says he’s confident with Jonathan Quick in the Kings net. He has done a great job of keeping the puck out of the net. Despite only 31 career playoff games, compared to 204 for Brodeur, Quick has been resilient.
Photo by Jack Lima
*Anze Kopitar feels good about the Kings lead in the series now, but obviously wants to put this one away in front of the home crowd. “If somebody would have told us that we were going to go up 3-2 going home to have the chance to close it out, I think everybody would sign that paper. It’s just a matter of going out there and getting it done,” said Kopitar.
Mike Richards acknowledges getting this deep into the playoffs, only one or two games from hoisting the coveted cup, is not easy.
“It’s the Stanley Cup Final. If it was easy, everybody would have the cup. It’s not easy. It’s one of the toughest things you’re going to have to go through. At the same time, if you work for it, it’s going to be rewarding,” said Richards.
Both teams are finishing up their mid-day routine, and no doubt preparing their mindset for a physical game 6. It’s anyone’s series still, and no team should be counted out, not yet.
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com
