Got That L.A. Feeling?

Jeff Carter's goal wasn't all that spectacular, but it certainly put the Los Angeles Kings into the driver's seat as they head home to Staples Center for Games Three and Four. The Devils had their chances, but they couldn't get a second past Jonathan Quick despite Quick being down and out on a number of plays. The Los Angeles Kings find themselves halfway to hoisting the Stanley Cup after a pair of overtime wins in Newark.

The Devils were certainly shooting for the blocker side on Quick, as Glenn Healy pointed out ad nauseum on CBC, and their one goal came as a result of a deflection that got through on the blocker side. The one thing that I noticed about Quick that could help the Devils is that he is extremely low in his net anytime there is traffic in front of it. Perhaps the Devils will work on tipping the puck upward rather than down with traffic in front? The high tip that Carter pulled off was effective as well, but it went downwards and was almost stopped by Quick. But the change in direction on any shot seems to be the best way to beat Quick right now.

All I know is that Kovalchuk, Elias, Parise, and Zajac really need to get going in Los Angeles if they hope to return to Newark with at least a win. If not, there could be new kings of the sporting scene in Los Angeles, and one large silver trophy that will get paraded around town.

If the Kings continue to get contributions from their stars - Richards, Carter, Kopitar, Brown, and Doughty - the above image could be seen a lot more over the next two games.

And if you're a Devils fan, you don't want to see Dean Lombardi's face or Ron Hextall's face for a while.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!