Devils' Delight: New Jersey Takes Game 4, Avoids Sweep

Adam Henrique Continues Clutch Stanley Cup Playoffs Performance

Just about all of the hockey world was prepared for the Kings' Stanley Cup celebration to begin Wednesday night, but rookie Adam Henrique continued the trend of scoring when his team needs it the most.

Stanley Cup Finals, Game 5: Simon Gagne's Resurgence Excites Kings Fans

The Los Angeles Kings may not be celebrating a Stanley Cup just yet, but even after their 3-1 loss at the hands of the New Jersey Devils in Game 4, there's still plenty for Los Angeles to be excited about.

The play of their fourth line in Game 4 was phenomenal, and although it may have taken a game for him to get going after returning from injury, Simon Gagne had a great game that should earn him a greater role come Game 5 on Saturday night. Via Kings blog Jewels From The Crown:

There were many positives in this game if you're the Kings, the most exciting of which is the resurrection of Simon Gagne. Gagne was a force in this one and looked closer to being back to his old self. Look for him to remain in the lineup in New Jersey and possibly seeing a bump in playing time. Another positive is that they once again were able to dominate possession. If they keep throwing this type of game out there, it is going to be extremely hard for the Devils to get back in this series.

Stick with SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub for full Stanley Cup finals coverage. For more on the New Jersey Devils, check out Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For more on the Los Angeles Kings, check out Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.

Dream Deferred: Los Angeles Kings Must Wait For The Stanley Cup

Should Kings fans be worried now that they've finally lost and face another potential nail-biter on New Jersey's home ice? Yes and no. But mostly no.

Porn Star Distracts Devils Coach

Stanley Cup Finals 2012: New Jersey Devils Stave Off Elimination, Force Game 5

The Los Angeles Kings have taken 3-0 leads in all four series they've played in these 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but they've swept only one series. Maybe it's weakness with it all on the line in front of the home crowd in Game 4, or maybe it's the will of the opposing team, but it's the same deal in these Stanley Cup Finals.

Adam Henrique's beautiful top-shelf shot was the game-winner, helped along by Patrik Elias' goal at the 7:56 mark of the third period and Ilya Kovalchuk's empty-net tally in the final minute of the game as the Devils won, 3-1.

Just 1:03 after Elias opened the scoring, Drew Doughty scored a power play goal to even the score. It really seemed at that point like it may have been L.A.'s night as they yet again got another break, but Martin Brodeur continued another great game and the Kings missed several scoring chances down the stretch with which they could've closed this thing out.

As a result, we're headed back to New Jersey for another do-or-die game Saturday night. The Kings haven't played beyond a Game 5 all playoffs long. Will they head back to Los Angeles on Sunday with hangovers or with a Game 6 in front of them?

Adam Henrique Breaks Tie, Devils Lead 2-1 Late In 3rd

Adam Henrique has been clutch for the Devils all playoffs long. He's ended two series with overtime goals, and late in the third period of a do-or-die Game 4, a beautiful shot over the shoulder of Jonathan Quick has broken a 1-1 tie.

The play was made by David Clarkson. He did a great job of staying onside and evading the Kings defenseman at the blueline, and the great vision to find Henrique across the ice was followed by a pinpoint pass. There wasn't much Los Angeles could have done about this one, especially once the puck got down low on Henrique's stick.

Jonathan Quick is human if you're able to get these sorts of chances, you know.

Zach Parise Suffers Apparent Ankle Injury, Doesn't Miss Shift

There might only be 5:56 left in the Devils’ season, but if Zach Parise, who just limped to the bench after a collision along the wall with Jarret Stoll, isn’t able to play through the remainder of the game, New Jersey might not have a prayer.

… scratch that. Parise didn’t miss a shift. Because It’s The Cup and all.

Kings, Devils Trade Goals 1 Minute Apart In 3rd Period

The Devils haven't had a bounce go their way seemingly all series, but 7:56 into the third period of a do-or-die Game 4, there she is.

A rebound popped out onto Patrik Elias' stick, and yeah, Jonathan Quick was bumped a little bit, but nevertheless, Elias was right there for the rebound. He's had a rough playoffs thus far, but what a time for the big goal.

Unfortunately for the Devils, though, the lead was short-lived. Just one minute after the Elias goal, following a questionable call that went against Devils forward David Clarkson, Drew Doughty flipped one through traffic that beat Martin Brodeur through the five-hole.

Kings fans can complain about the potential goaltender interference on the Elias goal. Devils fans can complain about the weak boarding call against Clarkson. At the end of it all, we're right back where we started: All tied up with less than 10 minutes to go in Game 4.

Kings 4th Line With Another Great Chance; Marty Brodeur With Another Great Save

Simon Gagne has missed a ton of hockey this season, but in just his second game back since December, he’s made a hell of an impact. He’s been in on at least three solid scoring chances and he’s paced the Kings' fourth line on at least two breakaway attempts. He set up Trevor Lewis on this 2-on-1 attempt that Martin Brodeur just barely stopped.

Lewis deked to Brodeur’s blocker side, the Devils goaltender got his stick on it, and the puck slid along Brodeur’s arm to his body. Should have been a safe outcome for New Jersey, but then the puck just. barely. slid wide of the goal post on Brodeur’s glove-hand side.

Still 0-0, somehow.

The Stanley Cup Is In The Building

We mentioned earlier that the Stanley Cup doesn’t enter the building unless there is a very clear chance of it being won. Well, we’re in the third period and the Kings are just a goal away from finishing this thing off, so yes, here comes the Cup.

This Game Isn't Boring, So Stop Complaining

You know, there’s a lot of talk on the Internets tonight about how Game 4 has been sort of boring. I’m not sure boring is the right word.

Uneventful? Yes. A little bit dull on the offensive side of the puck? Yes.

But in all, this game has been pretty entertaining. It’s 0-0 entering the third period of an elimination game, and it’s certainly easy to complain when the teams go back and forth without scoring chances for a long stretch of time in the second period. And when the Devils go without a shot for what seems like an entire period.

But scoring chances alone aren’t what makes hockey interesting. Both goaltenders are playing phenomenal hockey, puck battles are complete with the intensity that you’d expect from a Stanley Cup Finals game, and you know what? When the teams do get scoring chances, they’ve been of the ridiculously fun variety.

Stop complaining. The Cup can be won tonight.

Drew Doughty: Show Off

Drew Doughty has had an amazing playoff run and an amazing Finals. In this potential clincher, it's apparent he's really just showing off at this point:

Martin Brodeur Robs Simon Gagne

Simon Gagne with the best chance of the evening. Martin Brodeur with the best save of the evening.

Still 0-0.

Uneventful Game 4 Might Play Right Into Devils' Hands

Another power play, another missed chance.

That’s not a statement exclusive to either the Kings or the Devils. It applies to both teams in this game, and we’re not going to lie: This Game 4 hasn’t been the most offensively entertaining contest. It’s been pretty sloppy and pretty uneventful for the most part, but in a lot of ways, that may play into the Devils' hands.

The Devils aren’t finishing their chances; that’s nothing new in this series. But the Kings aren’t either, and they really aren’t challenging Martin Brodeur consistently. In stretches they are, yes, but for the most part, Los Angeles has been rather tame in the offensive end of the ice.

With the trouble the Devils are having scoring, their only chance might be a mediocre game from the Kings. So far ...

Martin Brodeur Successfully Holds Back Kings' Charge

The Kings are coming. Boy, are they coming.

Their fourth line has generated several great chances in their last few shifts, with Simon Gagne in particular just missing on two different attempts. Martin Brodeur has been a bit lucky, but he's also been very good. Stops like this shoulder save on a great look from the Kings are the only reason this game is still scoreless.

KNBC Sports Anchor Tried To Get Games 3 And 4 On NBC In Los Angeles

Fred Roggin has been the sports anchor for NBC-owned-and-operated KNBC -- meaning parent company NBC actually runs the affiliate -- out of Los Angeles since 1980. He has also been NBC's boxing host for the Summer Olympics and their curling host for the Winter Olympics, so one would imagine he has some pull at the network.

According to SportsByBrooks, Roggin tried to use some of that pull to get Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup finals broadcast on his station. Wednesday night's Game 4 could see the Kings clinch their first Stanley Cup.

Fred Roggin told KSPN-AM he tried for 3 wks to get NBC to air Stanley Cup Games 3/4, relegated to NBCSN, on LA local KNBC Ch 4. No dice.

— SPORTSbyBROOKS (@SPORTSbyBROOKS) June 7, 2012

Denying #2 NBC affiliate request to air Kings Stanley Cup clincher - fronted by influential Roggin - wouldve been unthinkable pre-Comcast.

— SPORTSbyBROOKS (@SPORTSbyBROOKS) June 7, 2012

Roggin at KNBC in LA since Original Six + hockey guy + wields biz influence beyond typical sports guy. Game on in LA if Ebersol still there.

— SPORTSbyBROOKS (@SPORTSbyBROOKS) June 7, 2012

It's worth noting that former NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol never had control over NBC Sports Network (formerly known as Versus) in the past, meaning that Roggin would've had to convince both the affiliate and Versus' owner, Comcast, to air the game.

That all said, NBC might want to reconsider how they balance the games of the Stanley Cup finals, or perhaps allow affiliates in local markets (like KNBC and WNBC in New York) the opportunity to simulcast games. Hockey is so parochial that it might be worth pre-empting original programming. I plan to go into some of this in a little more detail tomorrow on Puck the Media.

Stanley Cup Finals 2012: Devils, Kings Play Relatively Even 1st Period

It certainly felt like the Devils had a little more jump in that first period, but the Kings still came out on top in terms of shot attempts.

According to Robert over at Jewels From The Crown, the Kings out-attempted the Devils 13 to 10 at even strength in the first period. In total, the Devils had 17 shot attempts to the Kings' 21, so it’s not as if the Devils really took advantage of their two full power-play attempts in the first period.

Overall, it was a pretty even period, but the post has been the only thing that’s kept Los Angeles off the board so far. The Devils have a bit of penalty time to kill off early in the second period, but it appears as though they’ll need to pick it up a bit overall on special teams to stay in this game. Then again, as the clock winds down in the second and third periods of an elimination game, special teams might become less of a factor. We’ll see.

Staples Center Horn Guy Gets A Little Excited

A wee bit trigger happy at Staples Center, it seems. This puck definitely didn't go in the net, but that pretty red light still came on and gave Martin Brodeur a little bit of a spotlight shower -- as an aside, that seems like it could be distracting when the puck is still in play, no? -- and the horn still went off momentarily.

Definitely off the glove-side post. Not that we can blame the horn guy/light guy/whoever for being a bit excited tonight. It's not like the Kings have been waiting 45 years for this or anything.

Still 0-0 after 20 minutes of play, by the way.

Radio Host Suggests Devils Take 'Major Run' At Jonathan Quick

Listen, Jonathan Quick is really good at hockey. He's the reason the Kings are in the playoffs. He's a big part of the reason the Kings have gone up 3-0 in every single series this postseason, and he's a major reason the Devils face elimination tonight while Los Angeles prepares for celebration.

In a lot of ways, an injury to Quick might be the only way the Devils actually have a chance at winning one game in these finals, let alone four straight. But ... no, man.

Call it cheating, call it cheap..but I would take a major run at Quick right now. Two minutes...well worth it! #BecauseItsTheCup

— Dustin Nielson (@nielson1260) June 7, 2012

Ugh.

CBC's 'California Dreamin' Montage Airs Before Stanley Cup Finals Game 4

CBC hits it out of the park again.

Jarret Stoll Gets A Hooking Penalty For ... Some Reason

This isn’t really a penalty, but Jarret Stoll stil wound up in the box for it.

Maybe the officials got a little confused because of that little stutter Travis Zajac made, which wasn’t Stoll's fault at all. Nevertheless, the Kings were able to kill the power play, which has basically become par for the course in this series. New Jersey’s 0-for-13 on the power play, but they’re heading back for their 14th chance thanks to call against Dustin Brown.

Zach Parise Penalty Isn't The Start New Jersey Wanted

Welp, that's not the start the Devils wanted. Just when it looked as though they could generate some offensive pressure with an early offensive zone faceoff, a turnover off that draw and a penalty taken on the ensuing rush the other way put them down a man.

It was an easy call for the ref here on Devils captain Zach Parise:

The Kings went 2-for-2 on the power play in Game 3, but the Devils were able to kill this one off thanks to a solid glove save by Martin Brodeur.

They've Been Waiting Since The Late 1960s For This In Los Angeles ...

… and it shows.

Kings Fans Can Hear Local TV Call Inside Staples Center During Game 4

Local television broadcasters don’t get the opportunity to call the Stanley Cup finals. For Bob Miller, who’s been calling Kings games on television in Los Angeles since 1973, that doesn’t seem all that fair.

But there's good news for Miller, his partner Jim Fox (who’s been around since 1990) and Kings fans who love the local broadcast crew. Should the Kings win the Cup in Game 4, fans inside Staples Center will be able to hear the call (as well as the entire game) from them on 620 AM.

That feed won’t be available unless you’re inside the building, but the Kings plan on releasing it on DVD, on their website and all of that good stuff after the fact. Good for them.

Devils Can't Change Game Plan In Game 4

Keith Jones says that the Devils need to play "a completely different game" against the Kings on Wednesday night in order to send the Stanley Cup finals back to New Jersey for a Game 5. That doesn’t seem right at all.

The Devils have played quite well in the first three games of this series. In fact, aside from a lapse in the middle of Game 1 and during the third period in Game 3, you could even argue that they’ve been the better of the two teams in the series.

They’ve controlled the puck. They’ve taken their shots. They’ve had their scoring chances. In all, they’ve just missed too many prime opportunities and run into one of the best goaltenders in the game in the midst of one of the best playoff performances we’ve ever seen.

The Devils can’t really play much better than they have, and that’s whats so frustrating for them as they face this 0-3 deficit. If they play a different game than they have in the first three, they’re probably going to find themselves facing the end of the road sooner than later in Game 4.

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New Jersey Devils To Make Several Lineup Changes For Stanley Cup Finals Game 4

With their backs against the wall in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the New Jersey Devils will make a number of lineup changes in what could be the last game of the 2011-12 NHL season.

Head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed that forward Petr Sykora would return to the lineup in Game 4 and that defenseman Henrik Tallinder, who looks like Dr. House, would return as well. Sykora has been a healthy scratch since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers while Tallinder has been out since mid-January with a blood clot.

Peter Harrold will come out of the lineup on defense while Jacob Josefson will sit for Sykora. Tallinder believes his experience will help him come back from the injury quickly.

"I've had my fair share of injuries in coming back, Tallinder said. "Not in the playoffs, but during regular season. I mean, that's how I have to approach this game, just like I've approached other games I've been coming back, or other injuries I'm coming back from. I just have to go through with my experience."

Stick with SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub for full Stanley Cup finals coverage. For more on the New Jersey Devils, check out Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For more on the Los Angeles Kings, check out Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.

There's A Giant Stanley Cup Next To The Hollywood Sign

Stanley Cup Finals 2012: A Guide To Beating Jonathan Quick

The Devils need to find ways to get pucks past Jonathan Quick if they hope to survive Game 4. We suggest a few ways the potential Conn Smythe winner could be broken down by looking at his play from earlier in the postseason.

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