The Los Angeles Kings lead the New Jersey Devils 4-1 after two periods on Monday to leave them on the brink of clinching the National Hockey League team's first Stanley Cup.
Leading 3-0 after the first period, the Kings kept their foot on the Devils' throats when Jeff Carter scored his second goal of the game just 90 seconds in to the middle frame.
Los Angeles had a chance to add to their lead when Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador was handed a four-minute penalty for high-sticking but New Jersey killed off the man-advantage.
With hopes of forcing a decisive seventh game slipping away, New Jersey's frustrations started to surface in an ill-tempered second period that included 10-minute misconduct penalties for Ryan Carter and David Clarkson.
But despite the penalties, New Jersey managed to get on the scoreboard, Adam Henrique spoiling Jonathan Quick's shutout bid when the rookie forward banged home a rebound from a goalmouth scramble with just over a minute to play in the period.
The Kings, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, took full advantage of a first-period game misconduct penalty given to Steve Bernier for slamming Rob Scuderi into the boards, leaving the defenseman with blood pouring from his mouth.
On the ensuing powerplay, the Kings scored three goals less than four minutes apart, with captain Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter and Trevor Lewis all finding the back of the net to break the game open.
New Jersey's best chance during the opening period's final minute came when Patrik Elias rang his shot off the goalpost.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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