2014 Stanley Cup Finals facts for kids
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The 2014 Stanley Cup Finals was the exciting championship series for the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2013–14 season. It was a best-of-seven playoff, meaning the first team to win four games would take home the famous Stanley Cup.
In this thrilling series, the Western Conference champions, the Los Angeles Kings, faced off against the Eastern Conference champions, the New York Rangers. The Kings ended up winning the series four games to one, earning their second Stanley Cup championship in the team's history.
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What is the Stanley Cup Finals?
The Stanley Cup Finals is the final round of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs. It's where the top team from the Eastern Conference plays against the top team from the Western Conference. The winner gets to hoist the Stanley Cup, one of the oldest and most famous trophies in sports.
The Teams: Kings vs. Rangers
The 2014 Finals brought together two strong teams. The Los Angeles Kings had a fantastic season, showing great teamwork and skill to reach the championship. They were known for their tough defense and powerful offense.
On the other side, the New York Rangers also had an impressive journey. They fought hard through their playoff rounds to earn their spot in the Finals. Both teams were ready to give it their all for the chance to win the Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Many talented players took part in the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals. Here are a few who made a big impact:
Los Angeles Kings Stars
- Justin Williams: He was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the series. Williams scored important goals and was a key player for the Kings throughout the playoffs.
- Dustin Brown: As the captain of the Kings, Brown led his team with strong play and leadership. He helped guide them to their second championship.
- Jonathan Quick: The Kings' goalie, Quick, made many incredible saves. His strong performance in net was crucial for the team's success.
- Alec Martinez: Martinez scored the winning goal in overtime of Game 5, which clinched the Stanley Cup for the Kings!
New York Rangers Stars
- Henrik Lundqvist: Known as "King Henrik," Lundqvist was the Rangers' star goalie. He made many amazing saves and kept his team in the games, even when facing a lot of shots.
- Brad Richards: Richards was an experienced player who served as an alternate captain for the Rangers. He provided important leadership and offense for the team.
How the Series Unfolded
The series was played from June 4 to June 13, 2014. The first two games were held in Los Angeles, and then the series moved to New York for Games 3 and 4. Game 5, the final game, was back in Los Angeles.
The Kings started strong, winning the first two games in overtime. This showed how close and exciting the games were! The Rangers fought back, winning Game 4 in New York. However, the Kings ultimately proved too strong, winning Game 5 in double overtime to secure the championship. It was a thrilling end to an unforgettable series!
Images for kids
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Dustin Brown scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 2.
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Henrik Lundqvist stopped 40 of 41 shots in Game 4.
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Alec Martinez scored the Stanley Cup-clinching overtime goal in Game 5.
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Dustin Brown captained the Kings to their second championship in franchise history, and their second championship in three seasons
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Brad Richards served as the Rangers de facto team captain during the playoffs, following the departure of Ryan Callahan at the trade deadline.