Low penalty minutes, but still a `war’

There was plenty of physical play in Game 1, especially later in the game, but it remained remarkably penalty-free, with only three minors called. The teams went the final 26-plus minute of regulation, plus all of overtime, without a penalty. The New Jersey Devils, as the game progressed, seemed to become increasingly aggressive, and Darryl Sutter said the Kings would be mindful of the Devils’ aggressive nature and attempt to improve their own game in that area, while playing smart.

SUTTER: “You know, as the game went on last game, they certainly did (hit more). So, that’s not going to be a surprise. That’s both teams’ personality. You’re trying to do it between the whistles, without doing anything that becomes 5-on-4 or 4-on-4. They’ve got a big, strong, fast group up front. So that’s what they’re going to try to do. That’s what we’re going to try and do.’’

Devils coach Peter DeBoer was asked if the seeming lack of “animosity’’ between the two teams, and between players who rarely face each other, contributed to the low penalty-minute total.

DEBOER: “I would doubt you’re going to see any fighting. I think both teams’ discipline is at a premium. We’re both good 5-on-5 teams. I don’t think either of us wants to get into a specialty-team game. You’re not going to see any of that stuff. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not a war at ice level for ice and puck battles and space. As you saw by the head count the other night, it was 70‑something hits, which is a high, high number.’’