Mr. Game Seven came through in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final, as Justin Williams scored from the slot at 4:36 of overtime to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers.

After producing an impressive onslaught of 20 shots in the third period, there was only so much that Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist could do. After standing on his head with magnificent save after magnificent save, one of the most reliable defenders in the National Hockey League took away any control Lundqvist had.

With 40 saves under the Swedish goaltender’s belt, defenseman Dan Girardi slipped on a clear attempt in the defensive zone, giving the Kings a 3-on-1 opportunity, which Williams capitalized on. All alone in front of the “King” in the slot, the man known for coming through in big games went top-stick shoulder side to end an intense game one.

Much like Los Angeles did in their clinching victory of the Western Conference Final over the Chicago Blackhawks, the Kings fell behind 2-0 early.

Falling victim to the speed of the Rangers, the Kings could only watch as winger Carl Hagelin silenced the Staples Center crowd with a short-handed goal at 15:03 of the first period. The Blueshirts would not see the scoreboard again.

It took a player that hasn’t touched the back of the net since 2013 to turn the tide for the home team, as Kyle Clifford gained inside position outside the crease for a quick top shelf put away to kill the New York momentum.

From then on, the Kings gained a step, neutralizing the speed advantage that coach Alaign Vigneault’s team brings to the table. Once All-World defenseman Drew Doughty evened the tally early in the second period, the Kings continually controlled the puck for the rest of the game, dominating a third period that was saved by the play of the Rangers net minder.

Fast forwarding past a whole lot of end-to-end hockey in which defensemen from both sides played aggressively in the offensive zone, the Kings held a power play as time ticked down in regulation. It looked like it may be the Rangers night as Hagelin recovered from a breakaway attempt of his own to break up a centering pass in front of an open net, allowing Lundqvist to recover.

As analysts pondered the upcoming “free” hockey, it was not the case of a team on the back foot, odd considering the Rangers managed only three opportunities in the third period to Los Angeles’ 20. New York gave fans hope that despite the loss, they could compete for more than 60 minutes with the favored Kings.

History shows that the Rangers have faced a similar situation, dropping game one of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final by a 3-2 decision in overtime. How did that end? Lord Stanley’s cup came back to New York.

Former Ranger Marian Gaborik drew a lot of attention, drawing a penalty on the guilty party in overtime, Girardi, aggressively skating through the neutral zone all evening to challenge Lundqvist. Three shots on goal reminded the Blueshirts that their former teammate did score 41 goals with them, always a threat to put the puck in the net.

After the game, Lundqvist made sure everybody knew that it takes four to take home the cup.

“It’s disappointing,” the goalie said. “At the same time it’s just one game,” Lundqvist said.

The Kings look to extend their lead on home ice, while the Rangers seek an equalizer in game two on Saturday night.

54 of 69 game one winners have gone on to take home the championship. Those who have won the first two games? 41 of 44.

It’s safe to say Saturday will be a huge game.