On Wednesday May 28, 2014, the Los Angeles Kings took on the Chicago Blackhawks in game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Going into the game, the Kings led the Blackhawks in the series with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. However, the Kings now lead the series with 3 wins and 2 losses. The Blackhawks ended up defeating the Kings in double overtime and game 5 came to an end with a final score of 5-4 in favor of the Blackhawks.

  Within the first few minutes of the game, the Kings were already down with a score of 0-2. “The Blackhawks came out really strong in the beginning and out played [the Kings], but [the Kings] rallied back and played really well,” said Ms. Haney. The Kings’ strong offense quickly put them back on the board. By the end of the second period, the Kings had a lead of 4-3; the Kings’ lead did not last long however. In the third quarter the Blackhawks scored the equalizer.

  Neither team scored before regulation time was over, so the game had to go into overtime. “To go to overtime means that you are on the same level as the other team,” said Hashaam Younis (11). Both the Kings and the Blackhawks are very strong teams and Wednesday’s game was not easy for either team. “The first overtime was amazing. It was so fast pace and fun to watch, but a minute into the second overtime Chicago scored,” commented Haney. Nathan Litman (11) added, “[he] thought it was heart wrenching” to see the Kings lose in double overtime.

  The Western Conference Finals is the best out of 7 total games. The first team to win 4 games will win the Western Conference Finals and advance to the Stanley Cup to play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Kings still lead the Blackhawks 3-2 in the series. The Kings still have two more chances to claim the Western championship title and advance to the Stanley Cup. Game 6 will take place Friday May 30 at the Staples Center.