One Win From The Cup.

Going into game three one thing was certain, The New Jersey Devils had to win.

It didn't matter how many goals they scored or how much they won by. New Jersey just had to find a way to win the game or else they would be facing certain elimination.

In the 1st period of game three the Devils had a jump in their skates similar to game two where they had quality scoring chances. Much like game two New Jersey was unable to get any pucks past goaltender Jonathan Quick.

Watching this game unfold it felt like whoever scored the first goal was going to win game three. Cue Los Angeles defenseman Alec Martinez.

Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur argued the play should have been whistled dead because he had the puck covered. Referee Dan O'Halloran never lost sight of the puck allowing the play to continue. The end result a 1-0 lead for the Kings.

While I felt the first goal was important the next goal was just as critical. If New Jersey got it we have a tie game and the possibility of overtime playing out like it did in the first two games.

If Los Angeles scores then it's a two goal lead and they are in complete control of the game. Cue Kings forward Anze Kopitar.

Just think, The Minnesota Wild passed on Kopitar for Benoit Pouliot.

Now I know a two goal lead is referred to as the most dangerous lead in hockey. However with the way Los Angeles has played the last two months this game was all but wrapped up. The only thing missing was an insurance goal. Cue Kings forward Jeff Carter.

Seeing Carter succeed in the finals has to drive fans in Philadelphia and Columbus nuts.

Well on their way to victory Los Angeles would add another power play goal by Justin Williams to make it 4-0.

I honestly thought New Jersey would put up a better fight in this series. While they had a chance to win both games in Newark the Devils have been outplayed by the Kings throughout all three games.

At this point the only question isn't whose going to win the cup, it's how many games will it take. History favors the Kings. Being up 3-0 I don't see anyway Los Angeles loses this series.

This is the fourth series this post-season where the Kings have had a 3-0 lead. Two of those series have went five games while one went four. If that trend holds this series should be over no later than Saturday.

Whether this series ends in a sweep or New Jersey forces a game five remains to be seen but there is one thing I know for sure.

On Wednesday night the cup will be in the building.