The New Jersey Devils didn't bring anything surprising to the table in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Los Angeles Kings players said on Thursday (via Pro Hockey Talk).
Anze Kopitar, who scored the game-winning goal in Game 1's overtime period, said "We've been watching some video. There were no huge surprises out there. They played hard. They have some skilled forwards that have some size too. They come in on the forecheck pretty hard. Everytime we're in our zone we want to make sure we make strong plays and get the hell out of there."
Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, who stopped all but one of New Jersey's shots on Wednesday, said "I think we had a pretty good understanding of what they'd bring to the table to be honest. They're great on the forecheck, they create a lot of speed in the neutral zone. Those are two of the biggest areas we have to take away to have success."
What can the Devils do to mix up their gameplan before Game 2 of the series? Perhaps, find a way to use Ilya Kovalchuk as a decoy. The winger who has 18 points and seven goals in the playoffs is understandably being keyed on by the Kings, says Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty. "He's got a lot of speed and I'm aware of that. He likes to get open and take that shot. So my main objective is to not giving him a lot of room, not give him those open areas and I want to play him hard and do everything I can to take him out of the series."
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.