Kings Vs. Blues, Game 3: L.A. Takes 3-0 Series Lead

Kings Vs. Blues, Game 3: New Cup Favorite L.A. Dominates Again

There are a lot of flawed teams left in the playoffs, but Darryl Sutter's Kings are not one of them.

Kings Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: L.A. Wins 4-2, Takes 3-0 Series Lead

On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Kings hosted the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Kings had entered the series as heavy underdogs, but are once again on the verge of toppling the favorites and advancing. After Thursday's 4-2 victory, the Kings are now up 3-0 and on the verge of a sweep.

The Blues looked overmatched right from the beginning and were only able to be as close as a 1-1 tie for 40 seconds in the second period.

The Kings took a 3-1 lead into the final period of regulation. Chris Stewart scored his second goal of the game at 4:35 in the third period to cut the Kings' lead to 3-2, but Drew Doughty got his first goal of the postseason at 8:12 to effectively seal the deal.

Jonathan Quick was once again clutch in the net for Los Angeles, saving 18 of 20 shots on goal.

For more on the Kings, head to Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stick with SB Nation's NHL hub.

Kings Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: L.A. Leads 3-1 After 2nd Period

The Los Angeles Kings are hosting the St. Louis Blues at the Staples Center on Thursday night. After two periods, the Kings have jumped out to a commanding lead and are closing in on their second straight upset in the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. After the second period, the Kings lead 3-1 and are one period away from taking a 3-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

The Kings had a 1-0 lead heading into the second period, but Chris Stewart tied things up for the Blues at just 1:13 in. A scant 40 seconds later, the Kings reclaimed the lead when Dwight King scored.

At 10:29, Mike Richards scored his third goal of the postseason on a power play to give the Kings a 3-1 lead that they carried into the second intermission.

For more on the Kings, head to Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stick with SB Nation's NHL hub.

Kings Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: L.A. Leads 1-0 After 1st Period

The Los Angeles Kings are hosting the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night in the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. The Kings are loving their time on home ice and hope to go up 3-0 in their best-of-seven series with a win. At the first intermission, the Kings are ahead by a score of 1-0.

The Kings were able to open the scoring in the first period, as Justin Williams scored his second goal of the postseason at 13:33 with assists by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar.

If the Kings can hold on for the win, they will have an opportunity to complete the sweep and clinch a spot in the conference finals while on home ice.

For more on the Kings, head to Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stick with SB Nation's NHL hub.

Alex Pietrangelo Injury: Blues Defenseman To Play In Game 3

St. Louis Blues' defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will return for the club's Game 3 matchup against the LA Kings.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Kings Vs. Blues Game 3: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The Kings look to go up 3-0 at home on the second-seeded Blues.