NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise scored shootout goals Thursday, lifting the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 decision over Los Angeles.
New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur, in his 19th NHL season, stopped 10-of-11 shots in the opening period before leaving the contest. He took a slap shot to the shoulder and briefly stayed in the game, but eventually headed off the ice complaining of soreness.
Johan Hedberg replaced Brodeur and made 16 saves in regulation and overtime before stopping the only two shootout attempts he saw.
Patrik Elias scored in regulation for the Devils and Simon Gagne produced the only Los Angeles score. Those two goals both came in the game's first 14 minutes.
The Kings were playing their first game in North America after splitting a pair of contests in Europe. Jonathan Quick stopped 36 shots for the Kings.
Los Angeles had won its previous three meetings with the Devils.
