The 2012 Stanley Cup Finals started on Wednesday night in Newark, NJ. The New Jersey Devils hosted the Los Angeles Kings in the opening game of the series. Fans packed to the rafters inside the Prudential Center were treated to an exciting game, but left feeling disappointed when an overtime goal gave Los Angeles a 2-1 win and one-game lead in the series.
New Jersey brought the same pressure-filled forecheck that served them so well against the New York Rangers, after a slow start to the game. The Devils controlled the offensive zone, and it seemed like just a matter of time before they sealed the deal.
Ilya Kovalchuk missed the net twice in overtime. Los Angeles battled to get the puck out of their zone. Finally, just over eight minutes into the extra frame, Justin Williams fed it out to a wide open Anze Kopitar, who skated in and scored on Martin Brodeur for the game-winner.
The series continues on Saturday night in Newark. Los Angeles' win erases an early home ice advantage for the Devils, who need to even the series in Game 2 before heading to the West Coast.
SB Nation New York has a host of previews and analysis for your in our Stanley Cup Finals StoryStream. You can find more entertaining reading on the SB Nation NHL Hub Page. For the Devils perspective, check In Lou We Trust. For the Kings perspective, visit Jewels From The Crown.