For the first time this season, the Devils have lost three regulation games in a row.
The New Jersey Devils suffered a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, falling 0-3-0 to start their west coast trip.
The first period was scoreless despite action on both sides. The Devils tallied 15 shots on goals to the Kings’ nine, and both netminders had to be sharp early to keep the game stalemated at 0-0.
Just over seven minutes into the middle frame, the Kings got on the board first as Andre Lee scored his first career NHL goal, beating Jake Allen off a long feed from Jordan Spence.
After heavy pressure and ample scoring opportunities, Timo Meier seemingly tied the game up, but a successful coach’s challenge for goaltender interference kept the Devils down one.
The Devils had a final opportunity to get within one as Phillip Danault took a hooking call. Although the power play did not score, the Devils had two shots and generated heavy offensive pressure on Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper with the period winding down.
The Devils entered the third, looking to carry on their momentum.
Allen was the difference maker.
A few grade-A opportunities were stopped by a sprawling Allen, who fended off the early frenzy of shots from the King’s offense, as they fired six shots in two minutes.
The Devils continued their heavy push for the equalizer, but a bouncing pass sent to Quinton Byfield beat Allen five-hole for a 2-0 lead with under eight minutes remaining in the final frame.
Adrian Kempe netted a final goal almost immediately as the Devils pulled Allen for the extra attacker, earning a 3-0 victory for the Kings, and marking the sixth time the Devils have been shut out this season.
The Devils will get a much-needed two-day break after coming off the end of back-to-back games before facing off against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, Jan. 4. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.
