Tonight, the 2012 Los Angeles Kings captured the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup (they were founded February 9, 1966). The only other time the Los Angeles Kings were close to winning the Stanley Cup was in 1993. The Montreal Canadiens won that year and are the last Canadian team to do so.

This group of Kings players became winners in fine fashion, greater than I even envisioned; recording a mark of 16-4 in the playoffs. These Los Angeles Kings became the first, eighth place team to win the Cup, beating the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, and New Jersey Devils along the way. For me, this was one of the most incredible Stanley Cup runs of my life.

Tonight, was a game that turned around on a brutal boarding penalty – both in timing and result – by Devils forward Steve Bernier on Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi, bloodying the Los Angeles veteran with a hit from behind at the end boards at 10:10 of the first period.

The hit – arriving moments after a non-call on Kings forward Jarret Stoll for a hit from behind on the Devils’ Steven Gionta near the benches – resulted in a five-minute powerplay for the Kings. The Kings entered the game with the third-worst power play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (10.6 percent). However, they struck three times on that major penalty powerplay, burying the Devils early in the game. I’m sure a lot of Devils fans were ticked off with the call.

The Los Angeles Kings clinched the 2012 Stanley Cup Championship with a 6-1 victory over the Jersey Devils in Game 6. Not surprisingly, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Congratulations, to everybody in the Los Angeles Kings organization, the fans, the players, and the city.

The Los Angeles Kings 2012 Stanley Cup win featured some incredible and unforgettable hockey! Congratulations, again on achieving the ultimate dream. Enjoy the party!

[Photo: Bridget Samuels].