from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

“We are trying to win one game, whether we are up 3-1, down 3-1, 2-2, no matter what the series is, that doesn’t change what we are trying to do the next game,” said Kings’ goaltender Jonathan Quick, who outplayed his Blackhawks’ counterpart, Corey Crawford once again.

Ultimately, it was goaltending plus a decisive edge in the special teams’ game that won it for the Kings – along with a healthy dose of Drew Doughty. Doughty has a chance to clinch two important awards in these playoffs, one official, one not. His presence at both ends of the ice, so good defensively, so important offensively, makes Doughty the current Conn Smythe favorite as the most valuable player in the West.

Moreover, with his bold talk between games and his willingness to embrace the spotlight have also made Doughty the series MVT – most valuable talker. On the morning of the game, for example, when everyone else was tap dancing around what may or may not happen, Doughty boldly called Game 4 a “must win” for the Kings, on the grounds that if they lost, “it puts them right back in the series and gives them a bit of momentum. If we win, we’re going back to Chicago up 3-1 and that’s the place we want to be. If we want to win this series, I think we have to win this game.”

Call it a prophecy fulfilled or a mission accomplished.

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