Los Angeles, CA

The New Jersey Devils spoiled an expected celebration from fans at Staples Center and in Los Angeles Wednesday night with Adam Henrique delivering the eventual winner with 4:31 to play en route to a 3-1 win over the Kings in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

It gives hope to the Devils, who sent the series back to New Jersey, where Game 5 will be played Saturday night in Newark.

Martin Brodeur was also stellar, as the 40-year-old netminder made 21 saves to pick up his first victory of the series.

The Devils, who became only the sixth in 26 teams in finals history to avoid a sweep after falling behind 3-0 in the series, took its first lead of the series at 7:56 of the third courtesy of Patrick Elias, who snapped a scoreless tie.

Elias notched his fifth goal of the playoffs and first of the series when he scored off a rebound with 12:04 left in the third frame.

Drew Doughty quickly countered, scoring the lone goal of the game four seconds later for the Kings, who are seeking their first Stanley Cup championship in the 45-year history of the franchise.

Calder Trophy finalist Henrique then launched from the left circle, scoring on the first clean shot to beat Jonathan Quick in this series, helping New Jersey stave off elimination.

It was the fourth goal in this postseason, and the third game-winner for the 22-year-old rookie from Buford, Ont. Henrique tallied the series-clinching goal in overtime in the opening round against Florida and the conference finals against New York.

Ilya Kovalchuk sealed the win by recording an empty-net goal with 20 seconds left for his first goal of the series.

Quick finished with 21 saves for the Kings, but lost nearly 139 shutout minutes after Elias' goal.

The Kings' three setbacks in the playoffs have come in Game 4 at home with a chance to sweep.

Though the Devils have never been swept in a playoff series since coming to New Jersey in 1982, the Devils have a daunting task as only three teams have climbed out of a 3-0 hole to win a series.

They will also have to find a way to neutralize a road-tested Kings team, who have won all of their 10 road games in the playoffs.

Twitter: @ihavenet

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