There was a major security breach tonight at the Continental Airlines Arena.

Something very large and extremely dangerous found its way into the building, virtually unnoticed.

And it may have cost the Devils the Stanley Cup.

Tony Siragusa was here.

The Ravens' mammoth defensive lineman was spotted moving quickly through the concourse during the second intermission. I approached carefully.

"How did you find me here?" Siragusa whispered.

What I thought: "You're about as subtle as a Zamboni without a muffler, Goose. What kind of question is that?"

What I said: "You're hard to miss."

Siragusa nodded and smiled knowingly.

So what if he's from Florham Park? So what if he's allegedly a Devils fan? No way Siragusa should have been let anywhere near the Meadowlands after what he did to the Giants in the Super Bowl. That particular East Rutherford contingent did get on the board, but just barely and way too late. And now look what's happened. Siragusa shows up and the Devils get shut out, leaving the good people of this state to suffer through Game 7 on Saturday.

This man has been known to be associated with other groups that snatch victory at the last moment. Just this morning, he could be found at the White House with President George W. Bush. "I like him," Siragusa said with a grunt. "I voted for him." And now look what's happened. Bush beckoned New Jersey governor Christine Whitman to D.C., leaving the good people of this state to suffer through a bridge and tunnel toll hike.

Siragusa was last seen fleeing the scene in a black ribbed shirt, black slacks and black leather shoes. He was accompanied by a shorter man going by the name of Wayne Chrebet.

Continental Airlines Arena officials refused comment.

Eric Adelson is covering the NHL playoffs for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at eric.adelson@espnmag.com.