We'll hear the phrase multiple times tonight: "The Cup is in the building." But will the Stanley Cup really be inside Staples Center at the start of Game 4? No, it won't.

Via the Canadian Press:

Pritchard and fellow Hockey Hall of Fame employee Craig Campbell usually watch the first period of a potential Cup-clinching game at a nearby hotel before making their way to the arena.

In the event the Devils take an early lead in Game 4, "we wouldn't come in the arena, but we'd be at the rink," according to Pritchard.

Pritchard used the 2011 Finals as an example. When the Vancouver Canucks had the opportunity to win the Cup in Game 6 at TD Garden, the Cup remained outside the building. As it turned out, the Bruins blew out Vancouver to force Game 7, and the Cup never found its way into TD Garden until the Bruins were celebrating days later after their Game 7 victory.

If we get to the third period and it's a tie hockey game, the Cup will indeed be in the building. But if the Devils have control of this thing early? We'll see you in Newark, Stanley.

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