Two teams that have scratched and clawed their way to the Final. 20 games for the Rangers. 21 games for the Kings. Comebacks by both teams. A few breaks and bounces for both teams.
For the Rangers to find themselves down 0-3 after slogging their way through 3 rounds of the playoffs, has to be a little different than when the Kings were in the same situation in the 1st round. Maybe the Kings weren't feeling it then(maybe they were), whereas the Rangers, after almost 2 months of playoff hockey, it may(or may not) physically, mentally, and emotionally weigh on them a bit more. Especially with the way they've gone down 0-3. Not holding leads, not scoring on the PP, etc.
The Kings have been in almost the same situation 2 years ago, only this time it's on the road. Last time they had a chance to end it in 4, they quickly found themselves in Game 6. The Kings have been up 2-0 on the Ducks, up 3-1 on the Hawks, and maybe played the two worst games by any team in the playoffs this year in Games 1 and 2 against the Sharks, and then lost in OT at home in Game 3. All 3 series went 7. The Kings know teams can come back. They've done it, and had it done to them.
It's clear what sits in front of both teams. The Kings can put an end to this thing. The Rangers can be the story and live for another day. We'll see how it goes.