The Los Angeles Kings begin their defense of the Stanley Cup

Kopitar's Overtime Goal Wins Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final for LA Kings

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is Saturday, June 2, in New Jersey

Thursday, May 31, 2012  |  Updated 7:14 AM PDT
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Jarret Stoll recaps the Kings' Game 1 victory over New Jersey in the Stanley Cup Final and looks at where the team needs to improve. Fred Roggin reports from Newark, N.J.

Jarret Stoll recaps the Kings' Game 1 victory over New Jersey in the Stanley Cup Final and looks at where the team needs to improve. Fred Roggin reports from Newark, N.J.

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Anze Kopitar scored a spectacular goal on a breakaway with 11:47 left in overtime Wednesday night and the Los Angeles Kings beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Game 1 Analysis: LA Kings Clean Up the Mess

Kopitar faked a backhand shot, put the puck on his forehand and beat a prone Martin Brodeur.

Los Angeles has won all nine of its road games in the playoffs, an NHL record. The Kings are now one win shy of the NHL record for postseason road victories.

More importantly, they are three wins away from the franchise's first NHL title. They have won 11 consecutive road playoff games dating back to last season.

Colin Fraser scored in the first period for the Kings, the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference who beat the top three teams to get to their first Stanley Cup Finals since 1993.

Anton Volchenkov tied it late in the second period for New Jersey, the East's sixth seed.

Kopitar took a pass by Justin Williams from along the left wing boards and skated in alone on Brodeur. As soon as he rifled the puck into the net, he raised his hands and banged himself into the boards, facing the crowd off to Brodeur's right.

The veteran goaltender dejectedly skated off to the locker room as the rest of the Kings piled on Kopitar.

Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick finished with 17 saves in what was a relatively easy night.

Brodeur had 23 saves as the Devils lost in overtime for just the second time this postseason; they have won four times. LA is 3-0 in overtime this spring.

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Posted May 30, 2012
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