It's basically do-or-die for the New Jersey Devils on Monday night.
After losing both games at home, the Devils now face the daunting proposition of having to win Game 3 on the road against the red-hot Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals.
While being down 2-0 in a series is never good, New Jersey can hang its hat on the fact they've lost two overtime games. The Devils have only been a few bounces of the puck away from wins. However, time is running out for them to make something happen in the Finals.
"You have two 2‑1 overtime games. Shots are relatively even. Scoring chances are relatively even through two games. I mean, we could be in a different situation. We're not. You have to give L.A. credit for finding a way to win those two games," said New Jersey coach Peter DeBoer. "We know we can play with them and we feel we have another level to go to here."
Give the Kings all the credit in the world for being one of the hottest teams in Stanley Cup playoff history. They became the first team to win 10 straight road games in a single postseason with Jeff Carter's overtime winner on Saturday evening in Game Two.
Jonathan Quick has been brilliant in the first two games and will need to be again with New Jersey absolutely desperate for a victory. The American goaltender has only allowed two goals in as many games, looking solid throughout both affairs. In fact, he's yet to be beaten clean with a straight shot.
Martin Brodeur has perhaps been even more incredible considering the difficulty of shots he's faced, but hasn't had the goal support to find a win.
He needs the stars on his side to show up. Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, Patrik Elias and David Clarkson have all combined so far for zero points. It's simply not good enough on a team trying to win a Stanley Cup.
TV: NBC Sports Network
Time: 8 p.m. ET
For more on the Stanley Cup Finals and the Devils, please be sure to check out our blog In Lou We Trust and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.