KINGS 2
DEVILS 1
LA leads 1-0
They had their chances. With the score tied at one, the New Jersey Devils dominated the third period of play against the LA Kings in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. They fore-checked extremely well, kept the Kings on their heels and were very aggressive with their shots on goal; yet it was not enough.
The Devils had two great chances to take the lead in this game. Two great chances to go up 2-1 and take a 1-0 series lead, ending the Kings long road winning streak.
Four minutes into the period, the Devils created a pile around Kings super star goalie Jonathan Quick, and Zach Parise had an open shot at the net, but Quick extended his hand the block the puck, and at the same time, bring down Parise with it. Parise then reached over and grabbed the puck with his hand, and shoved it into the goal. It was reviewed and the goal was taken away.
Six minutes later, Mark Fayne had a wide open shot at the back of the Kings goal, but his shot was wide right by just a foot. If he gave himself a second longer to set up he could have scored the goal. Instead he rushed the shot.
As for Martin Brodeur he did his part. Brodeur made 21 saves through regulation, including some incredible saves in the third period to preserve the tie.
However in overtime, the Kings took advantage of the Devils own aggression. New Jersey had front loaded their line inside the Kings blue line, thanks in part to multiple shots on Jonathan Quick. However, Jarret Stoll won the face off against Devils' Zach Pariese, and kicked the puck out to Anze Kopitar who skated right down the ice, unguarded, and scored on Brodeur in a one-on-one match-up to give the Kings the victory.
Los Angeles has won nine straight on the road in the playoffs.
New Jersey lost game one of a playoff series for the third straight series. They came back to win both of their series against Philadelphia and New York after losing game one.
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