New Jersey Devils – Philadelphia Flyers: a red-hot scrap for a playoff spot! 
We’re set for a game that could get seriously wild on the ice. New Jersey now skates with nothing to lose, which usually means they’ll take stupid risks, while the Philadelphia Flyers are still chasing the playoffs and have to attack every puck like it owes them money.
That should add up to goals. The real question is whether the visitors can finish their chances and prove they’re the hungrier side tonight.
New Jersey, all flair going forward and holes everywhere else 
Sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with 83 points and a -16 goal difference (218-234), the Devils have been a stop-start mess all season, capable of looking brilliant one night and ordinary the next. They can shut out Montreal (3-0) or wallop Washington (7-3), then turn round and fall apart, like they did in a 4-1 loss to the Rangers.
One thing’s clear: games involving New Jersey usually bring entertainment. The total has gone over 4.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 outings. And while the attack has been firing at home, with at least 3 goals scored in 9 of their last 10 home games, the back line remains a proper headache for the staff, conceding 3.4 goals on average lately.
Philadelphia Flyers on a mission 
The Philadelphia Flyers currently hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the East with 90 points and a -3 goal difference (228-231). Every shift matters now if they want to lock down that place. They head into this one full of confidence after two strong wins: a commanding 4-1 victory over the Islanders, then an epic overtime scrap against Boston, won 2-1 OT.
Right now, the Flyers’ mentality looks spot on, even if the wobble hasn’t gone away completely, as shown by earlier defeats to Washington (4-6) and Detroit (2-4). They play open hockey, which leaves them exposed at the back at times, but it also makes them dangerous. They’re in no mood to sit back; mistakes aren’t an option, so they’re leaning hard into the attack, and it’s starting to pay off. Now they’ve got to keep that edge if they want to stay in the top eight.
NHL prediction New Jersey Devils vs Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers over 2.5 goals
All signs point to the nets shaking. For the Flyers, the must-win nature of this game should keep the pressure on New Jersey’s goal all night. Historically, too, the Flyers have often found the answer against this opponent, scoring at least three goals in six of the last eight meetings.
Add in the home defence’s nerves, with the Devils conceding 3.4 goals on average in recent home games, and the Flyers look well placed to deliver going forward. With the visitors desperate and New Jersey leaking chances all over the place, this could turn into a Flyers scoring show. Backing Philadelphia Flyers to score at least 3 goals (team over 2.5) looks like the cleanest play on the board.
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