As good as advertised: NY Rangers were impressed by LA Kings' resilience in Cup finals opener

New York Rangers left wing Benoit Pouliot, right, celebrates his goal with right wing Mats Zuccarello, of Norway, against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, of Sweden, top, blocks by the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Alain Vigneault reviewed only portions of the video from the New York Rangers' Stanley Cup finals opener before he sat down at their oceanside hotel to explain how it got away.

The coach had already formed a few impressions, and they made him even more wary of the Los Angeles Kings.

The Rangers realize they missed a golden chance to grab the opening game from the weary Kings, who were 72 hours removed from a grueling Western Conference finals victory over defending champion Chicago.

New York jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period, but was soon overwhelmed. The Kings tied it in the second, dominated the third and won early in overtime on Justin Williams' latest clutch goal.

Game 2 is Saturday.