It is rare and sacred that I identify and feel comfortable with a wager on the side and total for a standalone Game 7.
After a historic night of upsets on Sunday, how can this one deliver? Let's bet this one and find out.
Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Header links are to numberFire's betting model for each game. All NHL betting odds and totals come from FanDuel Sportsbook.
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
Rangers ML (-102)
Under 5.5 (-138)
In a Game 7 environment, I can't take the kids.
New Jersey is the talented new kid on the block in the Eastern Conference, but this is the first win-or-go-home scenario for this core, and it's a lot to ask when the Rangers' key guys have been there and done that.
There's a mathematical reason for the Rags, too. Not only did they outskate New Jersey at home in expected goals (3.99 to 3.79) last time out, but there really isn't a more tangible advantage than the "hot goalie" in May, and New York has it.
Igor Shesterkin leads the entire NHL in GSAx per game (1.30) during the playoffs. Oddly enough, Akira Schmid (0.94) of the Devils is second. Schmid helped rescue New Jersey from a 2-0 deficit, but the more proven veteran is outshining all netminders at present.
I've got to back that guy as a slight underdog, but the general quality goaltending in this series is also likely the reason there's a "Pros vs. Joes" split on this under. Despite receiving just 39% of tickets, 56% of the money is on this side.
A low-scoring, Shesterkin-led win for the Rangers is my forecast, but I can't wait to find out who faces the Hurricanes.