Stanley Cup Final Recap

Stanley Cup Final

Arizona Coyotes - 1 @ New Jersey Devils - 3

• New Jersey leads series 1-0

The long layoff did nothing to slow the New Jersey Devils as they took Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Arizona Coyotes. 

After sweeping the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, the Devils sat idle as they awaited the outcome out west. Fortunately for them, idle hands ARE the Devils playthings. 

The Devils top line ran roughshod over the Coyotes, combining for 7 points and a factor in all 3 goals. Alexander Radulov led the way with three assists, Aleksander Barkov had 2 goals and Nik Ehlers chipped in with 2 assists. 

The teams combined for three goals in just under three minutes midway through the first period. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring, but that lead only held for 6 seconds as Vladimir Tarasenko won the draw at center ice and skated in unchecked and wired one past Markstrom. Barkov's first of the night would close out the scoring for the period and give the Devils the only lead they'd need for the rest of the game. 

The Coyotes could be forgiven for not being able to match the energy level of New Jersey in this one. After a grueling seven game set against Winnipeg, they had just a days rest before coming into the final. And while they'll make no excuses, they know they'll have to be much better in Game 2 and through the rest of the series if they're to give themselves a fighting chance against the second best team in the league during the regular season. 

THREE STARS

Aleksander Barkov (NJD): 2 goals (GWG), +1, 3 hits, 6 shots, 1 giveaway, 20:12 TOI
Alexander Radulov (NJD): 3 assists, +1, 1 hit, 1 shot, 20:02 TOI
Devon Toews (NJD): 1 hit, 3 shots, 1 blocked shot, 2 giveaways, 5 takeways, 23:40 TOI