"This is going to come down to where Zach Parise feels the best place for him to play is, " said Craig Button, former general manager of the Calgary Flames.

WSJ: Will Parise Cross the River?

"It just gives you a sense that they believe in the way we've been playing and they believe in our team, " forward Zach Parise said before the Wild played at San Jose.

WSJ: Busy Blue Jackets add Gaborik to nudge playoff run

In the case of Ponikarovsky, Lamoriello said the Devils this summer had an interest in re-signing him, but were waiting for other players perhaps former captain Zach Parise, who eventually left New Jersey for Minnesota to make decisions on their futures.

WSJ: Devils bring back Ponikarovsky in deal with Jets

Zach Parise, you never replace.

WSJ: A Wild Ending to the Zach Parise Saga

They put off the Kings' coronation by winning Game 4 at Staples Center on Wednesday, and on Saturday, they transformed what had been a one-sided series into one thick with drama, getting goals from Zach Parise and Bryce Salvador and 25 saves from goalie Martin Brodeur.

WSJ: Devils Beat Los Angeles Kings 2-1, Extending Stanley Cup Finals to Game 6

The histrionics near the end punctuated a dominant performance by the Devils that tied the series at 2. (Game 5 will be Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.) Zach Parise had two goals and an assist, and Bryce Salvador and Travis Zajac gave New Jersey a two-goal lead in the first period that felt insurmountable.

WSJ: Devils Level Rangers to Even It Up