Game 4 of this Eastern Conference series is set to get underway with the New York Rangers hosting the New Jersey Devils.
After two straight commanding 5-1 victories to open this series, New York dropped its playoff home opener 2-1 in overtime on Saturday.
Will the Rangers enact their revenge on home ice? Or can the Devils pull off the road upset once again to even up this opening round? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Devils vs. Rangers on Monday, April 24.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 odds
Devils vs Rangers series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 5 | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils | +220 | N/A | +750 | +400 |
| Rangers | -280 | +235 | +230 | +450 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of April 23.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 predictions
The evergreen approach of the New York Rangers relying on goaltending and special teams has continued through the first three games of this series. The Rangers rank 13th in goals for per 60 minutes and seventh in goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five since the Christmas break.
However, they sit just 22nd in xGF/60 and 23rd in xGA/60 at five-on-five during that same stretch. Regression is expected with those disparities, which started to occur as the regular season concluded and New York went just 3-5 over its final eight games.
The Rangers’ underwhelming play at even strength has continued into the postseason, with only six of their 11 goals coming at five-on-five over the first three games. In fact, New York ranks just 14th in xGF/60 at five-on-five among the 16 playoff teams thus far.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are due for positive regression. New Jersey ranked third in xGF/60 and ninth in xGA/60 at five-on-five during the regular season, ranking 19 and six spots ahead of the Devils in those categories, respectively.
And after dropping the first two games of this opening-round series, New Jersey made a goaltending switch and went with rookie Akira Schmid, who put on a brilliant display in Game 3. Schmid stopped 35 of 36 shots for a stellar .972 save percentage and 0.85 goals-against average during his first career playoff start. That emergence from the 22-year-old isn't too shocking following his strong regular-season results. Schmid put together a 9-5-2 record with a .922 SV% and 2.13 GAA over 18 appearances in the crease.
Perhaps the change in goaltending is exactly the kick this group needed after dropping two straight games to begin the opening round. That could spark yet another upset victory for New Jersey.
My best bet: Devils ML (+130 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Devils vs Rangers Game 4 moneyline analysis
New York’s Igor Shesterkin is by far the biggest concern when backing the Devils. Once again, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner put together a dominant regular-season campaign.
Shesterkin produced a 37-13-8 record with a .916 SV% and 2.48 GAA over 58 starts. His strong play has more than continued during the postseason, with Shesterkin going 2-1 with a .949 SV% and 1.26 GAA across the first three games.
However, regression isn't out of the question for the Russian netminder, especially with his track record against New Jersey's high-powered offense. Shesterkin went 1-3-1 with a .890 SV% and 3.84 GAA over his five previous starts against the Devils prior to the postseason.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 Over/Under analysis
Lean toward the Under in this contest, but I wouldn't feel too confident. Shesterkin continues to serve as a top-tier goaltender, and nothing suggests that will change.
Across the ice, Schmid earned the right to start once again in Game 4 following his brilliant Game 3 performance. His strong outing is a continuation of a superb regular season, and massive regression is probably unlikely based on his underlying metrics.
Schmid ranks fourth among playoff goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes at five-on-five after his Game 3 performance. However, that's a small sample size, so we must proceed with caution.
Devils vs Rangers betting trend to know
The Devils are 13-3 in their last 16 games after scoring two goals or fewer in their previous outing. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Rangers.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Monday, April 24, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
