Newark, NJ – The Los Angeles Kings hold a 1-0 lead over the New Jersey Devils after the second period in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Prudential Center.
New Jersey looked to immediately establish its forecheck after the game's opening faceoff and the early pressure around the Los Angeles crease led to Kings defenseman Matt Greene cross-checking Ryan Carter. Moments before the penalty, Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick turned away Stephen Gionta's left- circle drive.
The best opportunity on the power play belonged to the Kings, with New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur repelling a right-wing bid from Trevor Lewis on a shorthanded 2-on-1 rush.
Defenseman Drew Doughty skated end-to-end and beat Brodeur to the blocker side with a wrister from the right circle at the 7:49 mark of the first period, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 lead.
Seven seconds after the goal, the Devils went back on a power play when Kings blueliner Willie Mitchell was whistled for cross-checking. Quick made a left arm save on Patrik Elias on the ensuing man-advantage to preserve the lead.
The teams traded early chances in a scoreless second period. New Jersey rookie Adam Henrique created a turnover in the Los Angeles zone and it led to a quality opportunity in the slot by defenseman Anton Volchenkov at 2:13.
Shortly after Quick's brilliant stop, Brodeur snagged a high shot by winger Justin Williams on an odd-man rush.
Los Angeles received its first power play after a strong shift in the Devils' end. Rearguard Andy Greene tripped Jeff Carter, but like the Kings in the first period, New Jersey wound up with a prime scoring chance. Driving hard to the net, captain Zach Parise tipped a left-wing feed from Travis Zajac wide of the right post.
Quick has stopped all 20 shots he has faced through 40 minutes, while Brodeur made 14 saves.
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