Goalie Jonathan Quick and winger Jeff Carter celebrate the Kings' win in Game 3. Photo: Los Angeles Kings.

They can only cram so many people, of course, into Staples Center for Game 4 today between the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings, with the puck dropping about 5:15 p.m.. But I’m guessing that interest in this afternoon’s game will draw a big crowd to L.A. Live and the surrounding area as it could be the last game of the 2011-12 season for both teams.

If that happens — and it’s a big ‘if’ and really shouldn’t be discussed further at the risk of angering the Hockey Gods — one of the teams will earn a trophy.

Which is all a long way of saying: Take Metro Rail to the big game tonight. The Blue Line and Expo Line both stop two blocks from Staples Center (the Pico Station) and the Red/Purple Line subway at 7th and Figueroa, where you can transfer to the Blue or Expo lines or enjoy an easy stroll to Staples.

For those new to the Metro Rail system, here’s the skinny:

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•The new Expo Line runs from the La Cienega/Jefferson station to 7th/Metro Center at the intersection of Figueroa and 7th streets, with a stop at Pico — two short blocks from L.A. Live and Staples Center. There is free parking available at the Metro garage at La Cienega/Jefferson, as well as many paid parking options at Exposition Park. Timetable and parking info

•The Red Line subway runs from North Hollywood to Union Station. There is free parking at the North Hollywood station, Universal City station and numerous paid parking lots around stations in Hollywood. There is also paid parking at Union Station — it’s $6 for the day. Timetable and parking info.

•The Orange Line busway runs between Warner Center and the North Hollywood Red Line station and has free parking in several lots. Timetable and parking info

•The Blue Line runs between downtown Long Beach and 7th/Metro Center at 7th and Figueroa, with a stop at Pico, two short blocks from L.A. and Staples Center. There are free parking lots along the route, as well as paid parking in downtown Long Beach. Timetable and parking info

•The Green Line runs between Redondo Beach and Norwalk and offers transfers to the Blue Line. There is also free parking at several lots at stations. Timetable and parking info

•The Gold Line runs to Union Station from both Pasadena and East Los Angeles. There are several free parking lots or garages along the route, as well as street parking and paid parking in downtown Pasadena. Timetable and parking info.

•Metrolink and Amtrak trains serve Union Station, with connections to the Red/Purple Line subway to reach downtown L.A. destinations. Metrolink has service on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino and Orange County lines on Sundays. Metrolink schedules and Amtrak.com

A single ride on Metro Rail is $1.50; tickets are available at ticket vending machines at all rail stations. If you need to transfer, the best choice is a day pass for $5, also available at all ticket vending machines. Fares can also be stored on electronic TAP cards, which cost $2 and are available at all ticket machines.

On the go and need rail and bus arrival/departure times from your current location? Try Metro’s new app for smartphones. Android version and iPhone version