Rangers vs. Devils prediction and odds for NHL playoffs Game 5

The New York Rangers got off to what seemed like an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the Battle of the Hudson against the New Jersey Devils, but the Devils got their revenge in Game 3 and Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.

Now, the series returns across the river for a pivotal Game 5 at the Prudential Center.

Can the Devils win three straight against their Metropolitan Division rival?

Let’s dive into the odds for the game and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Rangers vs. Devils odds, puck line, and total

Rangers vs. Devils prediction and pick

The key for the Devils for the rest of the series is to stay out of the penalty box. If they can do that, they are live to advance to the next round of the NHL Playoffs.

New Jersey has largely outplayed New York during 5-on-5 play. When you look at expected goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 action, the Devils outperform the Rangers by a mark of 2.84-2.09. They also average 5.82 more high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, a significant margin in their favor.

The Devils may have also found their goaltender of the future in Akira Schmid. They turned to the 22-year old in Game 3 and he’s stood on his head in the two games since. He has allowed only two goals on 59 shots through his first two playoff games.

Despite how the first two games in New Jersey went, I like the Devils to be the first home team to win a game this series tonight.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.