If you’re the Los Angeles Kings and faced with a one-on-one situation -- just your forward and the opposing goaltender -- in overtime during the Stanley Cup Finals, one guy on your team would be the unanimous choice.
VIDEO: Anze Kopitar’s OT Goal Gives Kings 1-0 Series Lead In Stanley Cup Finals
His name is Anze Kopitar, and that's exactly the situation he found himself in Wednesday night in Game 1. He beat Martin Brodeur with a forehand shot to end the game and put Los Angeles one step closer to the Stanley Cup.
Justin Williams made the play along the wall. The Devils got a bit aggressive along the wall with both Dainius Zubrus and Bryce Salvador overcommitting a bit, leaving Kopitar all alone to receive a gorgeous pass from Williams.
Devils coach Pete DeBoer said after the game that he doesn’t apologize for playing that aggressive brand of hockey -- “We’re in it to win the hockey game,” he said -- and he shouldn’t, because it’s that style that allowed them to reach these Cup Finals. But at least for one night, it hurt them.
Stick with SB Nation’s dedicated NHL hub for full Stanley Cup finals coverage. For more on the New Jersey Devils, check out Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For more on the Los Angeles Kings, check out Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles .
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