The Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Colorado Avalanche lost a Stanley Cup finals game to the Devils two years ago when goalie Patrick Roy wandered from the net and couldn't get back to defend a shot.

This time, a misplay equally as implausible by their own star goaltender, Martin Brodeur, has tightened up a series the Devils seemed to have in their control.

Brodeur gave up an improbable goal to Anaheim's Sandis Ozolinsh from near center ice in Game 3 on Saturday night because he couldn't make a simple stick save. He lost his stick, then couldn't retrieve it in time to make the save.

Because of a mistake Brodeur can't recall making before, the Devils' lead over the Mighty Ducks has been trimmed from a comfortable 2-0 to a more-precarious 2-1 going into Game 4 here tonight.

The Ozolinsh goal didn't win the game, but it gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead - and gave them the momentum back - following Patrik Elias' tying goal a minute earlier. Ruslan Salei eventually won it for the Ducks 3-2 with an overtime one-timer off Adam Oates' faceoff win.

Brodeur couldn't help but laugh about his blunder, which came after seven periods of near-perfect goaltending by the likely winner of the Vezina Trophy.

Brodeur dropped his stick near the left edge of the crease as Ozolinsh shot the puck on net from beyond the blue line, then watched helplessly as the shot trickled off his stick, through his pads and into the net.

"They were laughing at me," Brodeur said of the other players on the ice. "You didn't think it was funny? I thought it was funny. It's definitely not fun to get scored on like that, but it's something you can't control."

His first thought when it happened? "This is unbelievable," he said. "But it's important you forget these things. We're still 2-1."

LOCAL FAN GATHERING: Fans are invited to Mt. Lookout Cinema Grill and watch the AHL Cincinnati Mighty Ducks' parent club, Anaheim - play New Jersey tonight. The watch party begins at 7 p.m.

Seating is limited.

Tickets are $5 for entrance. The fee includes a buffet dinner, soft drinks, plus two free admissions to a future Mt. Lookout Cinema Grill movie. All proceeds go toward the Hematology Clinic at Children's Hospital on behalf of Casey McAlister, 3, son of WCKY-AM (1360) radio host Lance McAlister.

DUCKS ADD PAIR: Centers Igor Pohanks and Joel Stepp agreed terms on three-year entry level contracts and are expected to begin next season with Anaheim's AHL affiliate in Cincinnati.

STANLEY CUP FINALS (Best-of-7)

New Jersey vs. Anaheim

Tuesday, May 27

New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0

Thursday, May 29

New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0

Saturday, May 31

Anaheim 3, New Jersey 2, OT, New Jersey leads series 2-1

Monday, June 2

New Jersey at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 5

Anaheim at New Jersey, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 7

New Jersey at Anaheim, 8 p.m., if necessary

Monday, June 9

Anaheim at New Jersey, 8 p.m., if necessary