Who says the elder statesmen can’t get it done? The Devils are proof that experience still counts for something. In their stirring 4-3 come from behind overtime win over the Ducks, their best players were Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias. Of course, Martin Brodeur was in net for another win. Make that three team leaders who sparked them to a good start on a pivotal three-game California trip that includes a Cup rematch at the Kings tonight and a visit to San Jose Saturday.

New Jersey earned their fourth win in the last five. They’re underway at Staples Center and are looking to avenge a 2-0 shutout home defeat on Nov. 15. Odd that they’d then ship out to Hollywood less than a week later and face the NHL’s hottest goalie Ben Scrivens. Seriously.

What stood out in the Devils’ biggest victory of the season Wednesday was their perseverance. With Anaheim sitting on a one-goal lead, they never stopped attacking. Even following a phantom trip on Marek Zidlicky, it was the shorthanded Devs who kept pushing. Eventually, they pulled Brodeur for an extra attacker. The tying goal came thanks to some great hustle from top faceoff man Travis Zajac. The subject of heavy criticism from Devil fans, the two-way pivot ironically played the hero scoring a bizarre OT winner. Before it got there, his keep allowed Elias to find Jagr in front for his team-leading eighth with 61 seconds left. A great set up and finish by the two Czechs, who will be representing their country at the Sochi Olympics.

To that point, Elias had three assists. He also had a key hand in power play goals from Zidlicky and rookie defenseman Eric Gelinas. But the Ducks got the next two off the sticks of Nick Bonino and captain Ryan Getzlaf to take a 3-2 lead into the third. Throughout, it was all Jersey. They got the first 11 shots. Prior to Jagr tying it, Brodeur made a big save off a chance created by the Ducks’ checking line. He only was forced to make three. But it allowed them to force extras.

In it, Zajac had the greatest of fortunes for the unassisted winner at 1:58. Following a Corey Perry turnover, Zajac came in on an odd-man rush. His shot attempt was deflected off Jonas Hiller. Defenseman Ben Lovejoy’s clear attempt banked in off Perry’s skate sending the Devils to an unlikely finish. It was Zajac’s third. A just reward for a hard working player.

The Devils are currently scoreless with the Kings halfway thru the first. Cory Schneider is in net and has made seven saves. Will his teammates finally give him some support?