Ep 1. Game 1: Kings vs. Devils

The Stanley Cup Finals season of 2012 begins with an exciting match-up between the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils. For the Kings, this marks their second time in the finals in three years, while the Devils are returning to the finals for the first time since 2003. The two teams appear evenly matched on paper, each boasting excellent goaltending and a balanced offense.

The first period of Game 1 starts off fast-paced, with both teams displaying their strong forechecking abilities. The Kings gain an early advantage with several quality scoring chances, but can't seem to beat Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur. New Jersey eventually settles down and begins to find their rhythm, putting pressure on Kings' goalie Jonathan Quick and generating a handful of dangerous scoring opportunities. However, neither team is able to find the back of the net, and the period ends in a scoreless tie.

The second period brings more of the same, with both teams playing solid defense and battling for every inch of ice. The Kings begin to dominate possession and generate more quality scoring chances, but Brodeur continues to stand tall. New Jersey's penalty-kill unit, one of the best in the league, is tested several times but manages to hold the Kings scoreless. The score remains tied 0-0 as the period comes to a close.

In the third period, the Kings continue to apply pressure, but once again are unable to solve Brodeur. The Devils, sensing an opportunity, begin to push back and generate some chances of their own. With just under 10 minutes remaining in the period, New Jersey's Ryan Carter takes a tripping penalty, giving the Kings a crucial power play. Los Angeles takes advantage of the man advantage, as forward Anze Kopitar beats Brodeur with a wrist shot to give the Kings a 1-0 lead.

The Devils continue to fight, but Quick is up to the challenge, making several big saves to preserve the Kings' lead. With time winding down, New Jersey pulls Brodeur for an extra attacker in an attempt to tie the game. However, the Kings' defense holds strong, and a late empty-net goal by Kings' captain Dustin Brown seals the victory for Los Angeles. The final score is 2-0 in favor of the Kings.

Overall, Game 1 is a well-played, tightly contested affair that showcases the strengths of both teams. The Kings' dominance in possession and solid penalty killing are balanced by the Devils' strong goaltending and tenacious defense. Ultimately, it is the Kings' power play and Quick's outstanding performance in net that propel them to victory in the first game of the series. As both teams leave the ice, it is clear that this series will be a hard-fought battle to the end.