New Jersey Devils win again to send Stanley Cup final back to Los Angeles

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils rose to the occasion again Saturday night, staving off elimination to defeat the Kings 2-1 in a wildly entertaining game and send the Stanley Cup final back to Los Angeles.

The Devils' second straight win cuts the Kings' lead to 3-2 going into Game 6 Monday at the Staples Center with Game 7, if needed, on Wednesday in Newark.

A second-period Bryce Salvador shot from the point that bounced in off a Los Angeles defenceman proved to be the difference, ending the Kings' record road win streak at 10 in this post-season.

It's the first time since 1945 that a team trailing 3-0 in the final has extended the series to six games, and only the third time in league history.

Both teams came into Game 5 loaded for bear and the contest was played in fifth gear with plenty of big hits and saves. It was a game where you looked away at your peril.

Captain Zach Parise scored the all-important first goal for New Jersey, taking advantage of a Jonathan Quick handling error in the first period.

Justin Williams replied for Los Angeles early in the second to make it 1-1.