New Jersey Devils vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions March 20th 2025

Both Playoff Chases in Focus as Devils, Flames Meet

The New Jersey Devils (37-26-6, 80 points) host the Calgary Flames (31-25-11, 73 points) on Thursday night in a game with major playoff implications for both teams. With the Stanley Cup playoffs looming, the Devils are looking to solidify their hold on third place in the Metropolitan Division, while the Flames are fighting tooth and nail to stay alive in the Western Conference wild-card race.

The Devils have been in excellent form, winning four of their last five games and holding an eight-point cushion over the New York Rangers for third place in the Metropolitan Division. With four weeks remaining in the regular season, every point counts.

“We’re in playoff hockey mode right now,” said Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon. “We need every point we can. We’re seeing how the standings change every night. This is a team, Calgary, that had a big win in New York. They’re fighting for their lives in their own playoff race.”

The Devils enter the matchup fresh off a gritty 2-1 road victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, beginning a critical three-game homestand.

Flames Look to Maintain Momentum After Rebound Win

The Flames, meanwhile, are coming off a crucial 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday, which helped halt a three-game winless streak (0-2-1). That performance came on the heels of a demoralizing 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs the night before.

“It’s character. Just everybody doing whatever it took to win,” said Flames forward Nazem Kadri. “Blocking shots, scoring timely goals. It would have been easy to fold, but we showed some great character and played one of our best games of the year.”

Coach Ryan Huska echoed Kadri’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s commitment to executing their game plan despite a rocky start.

“I think the complete game, that’s one of the best we’ve played all year,” Huska said. “We gave one up early, which is never a good thing, but I just felt like the guys were committed to doing things the right way.”

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History and Rivalry: Tempers May Flare

The last meeting between these two teams saw the Flames secure a 3-0 win in Calgary back in November. During that game, Flames forward Ryan Lomberg broke the jaw of Devils forward Nate Bastian in a fight, adding a layer of tension to Thursday’s clash.

“What happened last game will not be forgotten,” said Devils forward Paul Cotter. “But at the end of the day, we’re pushing to stay in a playoff spot and put ourselves in a better position. It is a bit of a balance.”

Goaltending Duel: Markstrom Faces His Old Team

New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Jacob Markstrom will start against his former team. The goaltender was acquired from Calgary during the summer and will look to prove his value in a high-stakes game.

The Flames will rely on Dan Vladar, who has been solid in recent games despite the team’s overall inconsistency.

Key Players to Watch

• New Jersey Devils:
  • Jack Hughes (30 goals, 38 assists) – The engine of the Devils’ offense.
  • Dougie Hamilton (19 goals, 36 assists) – A crucial two-way defenseman with power-play potential.
• Calgary Flames:
  • Nazem Kadri (25 goals, 31 assists) – A clutch performer in tight games.
  • Tyler Toffoli (29 goals, 28 assists) – Leading goal scorer and playmaker.

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Betting Insights and Playoff Picture

• The Devils are looking to build on their momentum to secure a strong playoff position in the Metropolitan Division.
• The Flames are clawing to catch up with the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.
• Stanley Cup Odds and NHL Conference Winner Odds are constantly shifting as both teams fight for postseason spots.

For the latest game odds, expert analysis, and betting insights, visit our Picks and Odds Page, guided by our Expert Betting Guide.

Final Thoughts

Both teams know what’s at stake in this crucial matchup. Will the Devils tighten their grip on a playoff berth, or can the Flames muster another gutsy performance to keep their hopes alive? Expect a playoff-like atmosphere and no shortage of intensity as these two squads battle for vital points.