It's do-or-die time for the New Jersey Devils. With the Devils' 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4, they are now down 3-1 in the series and are one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs. Thus, the Devils need to win Game 5 and onward from here to make it to the second round.
If the Devils hope to pick up a win in Game 5, they will need these three players to shine during the matchup.
Dougie Hamilton
A big game from Hamilton would be beneficial for the Devils. The right-shot defenseman has had his struggles this post-season, recording one assist and a minus-4 rating in four contests. Given his skill level, don't be surprised if he breaks the ice in Game 5.
Hamilton is capable of providing strong offense from the point when on his game, and he will look to deliver that in Game 5.
Jesper Bratt
Bratt is the Devils' top offensive weapon with Jack Hughes out, and they will need him to have a big game in a must-win Game 5 because of it. When playing at his best, he is a massive difference-maker, and the Devils will be looking for him to be just that.
In four playoff games this year for the Devils, Bratt has one goal and three points. Let's see if he can improve his numbers in Game 5 from here.
Jacob Markstrom
Markstrom has been one of the Devils' top players this post-season, but he did run into some trouble in Game 4. He allowed four goals on 28 shots in the contest, which equates to a .857 save percentage. However, his numbers for the playoffs are still strong even after his tough outing, as he has a .913 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average in four games.
If Markstrom bounces back and puts together a strong performance, it would certainly help the Devils' chances of winning Game 5.
Recent Devils News
Devils' Nico Hischier Shares Mindset For Must-Win Game 5
The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 by a 5-2 final score. With this, the <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen">Devils</a> now trail the Hurricanes 3-1 in the series and must win three straight games to keep their season alive.
Promising New Jersey Devils Prospect Signs AHL Deal
The Utica Comets<a href="https://x.com/UticaComets/status/1915783514793877548"> have announced</a> that they have signed forward Matyas Melovsky to a one-year, American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the 2025-26 season.