The New Jersey Devils used two late goals to snap a tie and pick up a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils own a 3-2 series lead and head back to New Jersey for Game 6.
Ryan Carter got the puck in front of the net with just over five minutes to play in the game and knocked it past Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. It was his third goal of the playoffs. Zach Parise found an empty net with less than a minute to play for his seventh goal of the playoffs this year.
The Devils took a 3-0 lead before the game was 10 minutes old on goals by Stephen Gionta, Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac. The Rangers got within 3-1 late in the period on a goal by Brandon Prust.
New York came alive in the second period, pushing their way around the offensive zone. Ryan Callahan tipped in a shot just 32 seconds into the second period to get the Rangers within 3-2. New York dominated play in the period, getting 11 shots to New Jersey's five, but could not get the equalizer.
The Rangers got even just 17 seconds into the final period on a goal by Marian Gaborik. The Rangers controlled play for much of the period until Carter's stunning score gave New Jersey its winning margin with 4:24 to play.
Martin Brodeur stopped 25 shots for New Jersey. Lundqvist faced only 16 shots, saving 12, for New York.
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night at 8 p.m. in New Jersey. The Devils will be looking to close out the series and head to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Los Angeles Kings.
For more on the Rangers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.