The Los Angeles Kings fell to the New Jersey Devils Thursday night 2-1 in a shootout at Prudential Center in Newark. The Kings scored less first, less than two minutes into the game, but were held scoreless for the next 63 minutes. After going 10-2 in shootouts last season, the Kings dropped their first such game in 2011-2012 as both Iyla Kovalchuk and Zach Parise scored in the shootout for New Jersey.
Devils' goalie Johan Hedberg stopped both Simon Gagne and Anze Kopitar, ending the game. The Kings were outshot on the night 37-27, including 12 shots to four in the third period. But Jonathan Quick saved 36 of 37 shots through overtime.
Gagne scored his first goal as a King, putting one past Martin Brodeur less than two minutes into the game, assisted by Justin Williams and Kopitar. Gagne signed a free agent deal with the Kings in July. Patrik Elias scored the equalizer at 13:03 of the first period, his first goal of the season.
The Kings travel next to Philadelphia to battle the Flyers on Saturday, before their home opener Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues at Staples Center.
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