Devils battle back

Goaltender Roy contributed to New Jersey's equaliser

Colorado 2-3 New Jersey
(Best-of-seven series level at 2-2)

Petr Sykora scored in the third period to give New Jersey Devils an inspired victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

The Devils were forced to twice come back from a goal down despite thoroughly outplaying their opponents - the win ties the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final series at 2-2.

New Jersey also got goals from Patrik Elias and Scott Gomez and coach Larry Robinson celebrated a perfect 50th birthday.

"It was a game we needed and we got the job done," said New Jersey captain Scott Stevens.

It's now a best out of three and we still have the home-ice advantage

  Bob Hartley, Colorado coach

After New Jersey lost Game Three, Robinson challenged his team to work harder for 60 minutes and play with more hunger and intensity than they had been showing.

Goaltender Patrick Roy had to deal with 35 shots with New Jersey fighting hard, even after Rob Blake and Chris Drury had given Colorado leads of 1-0 and 2-1.

"We had our composure and played hard. We got behind but we kept coming," Stevens said.

Roy performed heroics for most of the game, but eight minutes into the third, he went behind his net after a puck and misplayed it.

It allowed Jay Pandolfo to put the puck in front and Gomez beat Colorado's Chris Dingman for an easy tap in to an empty net for a 2-2 tie.

New Jersey won despite playing almost the entire game without Elias and Sykora's regular centre, Jason Arnott, who was hit in the head with the puck in the first period.

Game Five is on Monday at Colorado, but the Devils ensured another game back in New Jersey with Saturday's huge victory.

"It's now a best out of three and we still have the home-ice advantage," said Colorado coach Bob Hartley.

"You have to look at the positives."