Penalty killing:
Detroit 85.7% (6th)
Los Angeles 81.1% (24th)
 

"It's unbelievable," said Ian Laperriere. "The real deal is the playoffs."

The win completes the Kings' stunning comeback as they won four straight games to win the series 4-2.

"We had a tough start in Detroit. We were very disappointed to start like we did. It was frustrating," Deadmarsh said. "We made a nice comeback and we were able to win four straight, which was pretty unbelievable."

Detroit lost in the first round for the first time since 1994, when they were upset by San Jose.

"You're just in shock," said Detroit's Darren McCarty. "In the first two games, we were like world beaters and then it all fell apart. Professionally, it is the worst feeling you can have."

Deadmarsh scored the game-winner on a rebound after Jozef Stumpel, who had a goal and two assists, fired a wrist shot at Detroit goalie Chris Osgood.

"It was definitely a nice rebound," Deadmarsh said. "I just drove the net, Stumpy took the shot and it came right on my stick. You always dream of that. You drive the net over and over, hoping it comes out the way it did. I was in the right place at the right time."

It was the first series win for the Kings since 1993.