3 reasons why the New Jersey Devils lost 3-0 to Los Angeles Kings 

The New Jersey Devils began the new year on the wrong foot, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

The loss dropped the Devils to 24-14-3, while the Kings continued their impressive season by improving to 22-10-5. It was also their second consecutive loss on their California road trip as they were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks after Ryan Strome scored late in regulation at Honda Center on Tuesday.

Neither team found the back of the net in the opening 20 minutes of play; the game remained scoreless until just before the midway point of the second period when Andre Lee scored his first goal of the season; also the first goal of his NHL career.

In the third period, the Kings got goals from Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe; the latter of which was scored with goaltender Jake Allen on the bench for an extra attacker.

Allen finished the game with 21 saves, while Darcy Kuemper stopped all 33 attempts from the Devils.

3 reasons why the New Jersey Devils lost 3-0 to Los Angeles Kings

#1. The Devils were unable to breach goaltender Darcy Kuemper

The Devils had a respectable shot total, finishing with 33 attempts on Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

Nico Hischier and Eric Haula each fired three shots on Kuemper, while star Jack Hughes had five attempts to no avail.

#2. Timo Meier's would-be tying goal was disallowed

The Devils appeared to have scored the game-tying goal in the second period thanks to Timo Meier, but his tally was disallowed after the Kings used their coach's challenge for goaltender interference.

Goaltender interference calls in recent years have divided opinions and Devils fans feel slighted by Wednesday's call that cost them the game-tying goal and the chance at a different outcome.

#3. The Devils couldn't stop the Kings' dominance on home ice

The Los Angeles Kings have the best home record in the National Hockey League, and their win over the Devils improved their record at Crypto.com Arena to 13-2-1.

Not only are the Kings nearly unstoppable on home ice, but they also smother and suffocate their opposition with their stingy defense and improved goaltending.

The Devils found that out the hard way on Wednesday, becoming the latest victim of the Kings in their home venue.