Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: What the Devils Must Do to Force Game 7

The New Jersey Devils looked like they were toast after Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final found them down 3-0 in the series. Since then, they've won two straight games. With one more victory in Los Angeles against the Kings, the Devils can force a deciding Game 7 back in New Jersey.

If they manage to pull off the improbable comeback to win the series, the Devils will become only the second team in league history to come back from being down three games to none in the Stanley Cup Final, according to ProHockeyTalk.com. The only other team to do it was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who beat the Brooklyn Americans after losing their first three games.

The Devils are hoping to break the 70-year drought, but it won't be easy. Here's what they will need to do in order to overcome the Kings and history itself.

Convert Power-Play Opportunities

The Devils failed to convert on their first 15 power-play opportunities in this series, according to the New York Times. It wasn't until Game 5 that Zach Parise finally broke that trend by scoring in the waning moments of the team's 16th power play of the series. 

Jonathan Quick has continued his exceptional postseason run, and he is allowing less than one-and-a-half goals per game in this series. If the Devils hope to continue winning, they must take advantage of their opportunities to score when they have the advantage in numbers on the ice.

Score the Game's First Goal

So far in this series, the team that scores first has won every game.

Both goalkeepers are playing stellar hockey right now. Goals are being bought at premium prices, and therefore, it's imperative for the Devils to get Game 6 going with an early goal.

If the Kings score first, the already-raucous crowd will become downright ravenous for their first Stanley Cup in team history, and their energy will spur the Kings to victory.

Weather the Early Storm

Speaking of the crowd, they will be on their feet and ready to celebrate from the opening faceoff. Their enthusiasm will inevitably energize the Kings early on, and there's a chance this contest ends up being over before the first period ends if they get off to a hot start.

Every athlete knows that playing in front of the home crowd when they are enthusiastic is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. The Kings will be pumped up to get the series finished at home, and the players will come out to start the game as if their hair was on fire.

If the Devils can manage to weather the early storm, score first and take advantage of their power-play opportunities, they have an excellent chance to win their third game in a row to take the series back to New Jersey for a decisive Game 7.

Follow @JesseReed78