Devils Even Series

Colorado vs. New Jersey
series

"That was the game we needed, and we got it," defenseman Scott Stevens said. "It's never over – not with this team."

The Devils dominated the game outshooting the Avalanche 35-12, but were trailing until midway through the third period.

"We've got to put this behind us right now," Colorado coach Bob Hartley said. "Now, it's a best-of-three and we still have home ice. We came here and got a split, and we have to look at the positive side."

The Devils played the final two periods without center Jason Arnott, who was taken to a hospital for tests after being struck on the left side of his head by a puck a few seconds into the game.

"This was the best game we've played in the playoffs," Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski said. "Now we've got to carry it over to Monday."

The Avalanche had a 2-1 lead when Patrick Roy, who had played a great game until then, fumbled the puck behind the net to Jay Pandolfo. He directed the puck to Scott Gomez, who banged it in the empty net for a game tying goal.

"It was a soft dump and I went outside and was going to throw it on my forehand, but nobody was there," Roy said. "I tried to bring it back and throw to Rob Blake, but it stayed at my feet. I wish I had a second chance, but you don't get a second chance out there."

Petr Sykora scored the winning goal with 2:37 to play on a great pass from Patrik Elias.