Devils vs. Rangers: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The New Jersey Devils thought they had Game 5 won after taking an early 3-0 lead against the New York Rangers.

But that's why they play three periods. The Rangers fought their way back and tied the game, but a late goal with just under five minutes left in regulation from Ryan Carter (and an empty-netter from Zach Parise) gave the Devils a 5-3 win and 3-2 series lead.

Let's take a further look at this exciting game. 

Video Highlights

In the first period, Travis Zajac netted this impressive long-distance goal to put the Devils up by what looked like an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Henrik Lundqvist probably should have stopped this one, but the puck still found a way through.

Early in the second period, Ryan Callahan redirected a shot from Brandon Dubinsky past Martin Brodeur. Was it a kick or not? It was very close, I'll tell you that much.

Twitter Reaction

The Record's Tom Gulitti noted pregame about the bad blood between Brandon Dubinsky and the New Jersey Devils:

"

It will be interesting to see how Devils respond to Brandon Dubinsky's return. They're not particularly fond of him.

— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) May 23, 2012"

ESPN's Mike Mazzeo pointed out this nifty stat, which wasn't a good sign for the Rangers after Stephen Gionta got things started with a goal:

"

In this series the team that has scored the first goal has won every game #Devils #NYR

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) May 23, 2012"

When the Devils jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, ESPN Stats & Info provided Rangers fans with this terrible news:

"

#Elias says the Rangers fell down 0-3 in the 1st period twice this season. They lost both games.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 23, 2012"

The Broadway Hat found it pretty funny that Brodeur had a "small" part in New York's third goal:

"

LOL Brodeur put that puck in himself

— The Broadway Hat (@TheBroadwayHat) May 23, 2012"

Grades for Key Devils Players

Zach Parise: B+

Parise had an assist in the first period, and he added the empty-netter at the end of the game, but he could have done more.

The 27-year-old finished with a zero plus-minus rating despite having his hand in two of the goals. He'll have to be a little better in Game 6. 

Martin Brodeur: C

He was having a great game up until the third period. He had given up two goals, sure, but he was making saves and stopping the plays at the perfect time.

However, his bone-headed play in the third period that resulted in New York's third goal was absolutely unacceptable. It's amazing, because that play was so un-Brodeur. 

He finished with an 89.3 save percentage, and his team won, but it just doesn't make up for that play. 

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Brad Richards: B-

He got four shots on goal (although it should have been five after he blasted one at Henrik Lundqvist) and he had three takeaways, so it wasn't all that bad of a game for Richards.

Nonetheless, he finished with zero points and a minus-two, so he certainly could have been better.

Henrik Lundqvist: B

After a poor first period in which he gave up three goals (really, only one was bad), Lundqvist settled down considerably. 

Additionally, there wasn't much he could do about the final goal in the third period.

In the end, King Henrik did his job and finished with 12 saves for a 75.0 save percentage. Despite the loss and ugly numbers, he did just about everything he could.

Deciding Factor: Unwillingness to Give up

A lot of teams would have quit after giving up a 3-0 lead.

Not the New Jersey Devils.

They didn't hang their heads, and even though the Rangers were controlling the game and playing extremely well, the Devils continued to play hard to pull out this momentous Game 5 victory on the road.

Game MVP: Ryan Carter

He had the game-winning goal, he had two shots on goal, and he had a plus-two rating. For the limited time he spent on the ice, Carter was fantastic. 

He gave the Devils unexpected production, and that makes him the MVP of this game. 

What's Next: Game 6

The Devils come back for a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. The game takes place on Friday, May 25, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.