Kings reach Stanley Cup finals with OT win over Hawks

Chicago: The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in overtime on Sunday to book a Stanley Cup finals showdown with the New York Rangers.

Alec Martinez scored 5:47 into overtime to lift the Kings to victory and a four-games-to-three triumph over the reigning NHL champions Chicago in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals. Martinez`s shot from the left point hit Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy and got past goaltender Corey Crawford. The Kings became the first team in NHL history to win three game-sevens on the road in one post-season. They had to dig deep, falling behind three times before finally pulling off the victory to reach the NHL`s championship series for the second time in three seasons. The Kings will host the Rangers in game one of the Stanley Cup finals on Wednesday. Marian Gaborik scored his 12th goal of the playoffs with 7:17 left in the third period to knot the score at 4-4 and force overtime. Justin Williams and Tyler Toffoli scored a goal with an assist apiece for the Kings, who had led the series 3-1 only for the Blackhawks to force the decisive game seven. Jeff Carter scored his ninth playoff goal in the first period for Los Angeles to help the Kings claw back from an early 2-0 deficit. The Kings also got 37 saves from goalie Jonathan Quick. Patrick Sharp scored two goals for Chicago, Brandon Saad had a goal and an assist and Jonathan Toews also scored for the Blackhawks. Chicago`s exit leaves the Detroit Red Wings as the last team to win back-to-back NHL titles, in 1997 and 1998.