Theme game
The Rangers and Devils are back in Game 4 at MSG. The Devils played their best game of the series in Game 3, still needing overtime for their first win of the series. This bodes well for the Rangers, who have been good, but not at their best. The extra pass found its way back into their game, and it burned them out. Now, ensuring they get clear looking shots on the netminder is key, along with possibly getting back to the way they played in Game 1. If Game 2 was perfect, then Game 1 was fine.
This game actually meets the definition of the need to win for both teams. Naturally, the Devils don’t want to go down 3-1. The Rangers don’t want to give the Devils a leg up after taking over both in Newark last week. A 3-1 Series lead is crucial for the Rangers, if only to give them a little bit of protection. But these guys know they need a short leash, and they have to go for the throat tonight.
Devils lines
Ondrej Palat-Nico Hischier-Jesper Bratt
Eric Haula, Jack Hughes, Thomas Tatar
Timo Meyer, Michael McLeod, Dawson-Mercer
Nathan Bastian-Curtis Lazar-Jesper Bukvist
Jonas Seigenthaler Dougie Hamilton
Ryan Graves – John Marino
Kevin Bahl Damon Severson
Akira Schmid begins.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Patrick Kane
Artemy Panarin-Vincent Troshek-Vladimir Tarasenko
Alexis Lafrenière Philippe Shetel Second Capo
Tyler Mott, Barclay Goodrow, Jimmy Vesey
Ryan Lindgren, Adam Fox
Candy Miller Jacob Trueba
Nico Mikkola Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin starts at the start.
Crazy expectation: Shesterkin gets closure
Playtime is 7 p.m.
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Classified: Theme Game