The New Jersey Devils were able to get one back against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period, pulling things level in the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals in New Jersey. With just over a minute left in the second period, New Jersey was able to get the equalizing goal off a rebound deflection. The next twenty minutes of hockey will be the most trying the Kings franchise has faced in almost twenty years.
Anton Volchenkov took the shot that got things going for New Jersey. His wrist shot from 55 feet out was stick saved by Jonathan Quick and up into the air. It bounced off the back of a Kings defender, and then off the shoulder/arm area of Patrik Elias and slowly into the net. Volchenkov gets credit for the goal, which in soccer may have been called an own goal. Elias as well as David Clarkson were given assists.
The crowd in New Jersey was on their feet over the goal, as their Devils snuck one in and the end of a period dominated by the Kings. The Kings will have to make a push for a late go ahead goal to pull out game one on the road.
For more on this one, check out Jewels from the Crown.