Congratulations to the Kings on winning their second Stanley Cup in three years. They outlasted the Rangers thanks to unlikely hero Alec Martinez scoring at 14:43 of double overtime sending the Kings to a thrilling 3-2 win in Game 5 at Staples Center. He was able to steer home a Tyler Toffoli rebound in front past Henrik Lundqvist for the Cup clincher.

I don’t really remember a lot about this game. I spent the night watching it with coworkers at a great bar full of Rangers fans cheering on the boys. The scene was epic with plenty of “Let’s Go Rangers” and “Hen-rik” chants for an entire offseason. It’s hard to believe it’s really over. It was such an awesome run. I couldn’t be more proud of our players. They gave everything against a better team and made them earn it.

It was a series few figured would be close. All we heard is how the Kings would roll over them. But that wasn’t the case. It was a five-game series in name only with three games needing sudden death including a pair won by LA in double OT. They won all three games in extras and ultimately won the series. The difference was their uncanny ability to climb from behind and find a way to win despite not playing with the lead in four of five games. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more resilient team who won the Cup. They’re a worthy champion. Kudos to them.

Tonight isn’t about sulking and wondering what could’ve been. It’s rather about appreciating what our team accomplished. They didn’t have enough left in the tank to pull it off. But it wasn’t for lack of effort. Many teams don’t ever reach this point. Even in defeat, they are winners. This is the proudest I’ve ever been as a passionate Rangers fan who bleeds True Blue and got to witness memorable moments I’ll never forget. Congrats to them on a great season.

In the end, they came up a little short. Maybe if they’d been able to play stronger from in front, it’s a different fairy tale. It’s sports. Ultimately, only one team wins each year. I’m so glad our team was on the other side. They did themselves proud and the city rallied around them. You’ll never see me utter one negative word about this team. I could say so much more but am just out of words. Maybe some other time.