Rangers vs. Devils NHL playoff Game 7 odds, props: Chris Kreider can set postseason record with another goal and victory

The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs concludes tonight from New Jersey as the Devils face the rival New York Rangers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference's first round. It's just the third Game 7 between the teams, with the Rangers winning the first two. This is the first time they will play one in New Jersey, however, with the Devils as -120 favorites at Caesars Sportsbook. The Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes await in Game 2.

The Devils and Rangers haven't played a Game 7 since their epic double-overtime thriller in the 1994 conference finals, won 2-1 by New York en route to a Stanley Cup win. The Rangers haven't won a title since. The Devils haven't won it all since 2003, but getting through the East got a little easier with record-setting Boston upset in Round 1 by Florida in the other half of the bracket. New Jersey is +700 at Caesars to win the East and New York is +750.

It will be reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in net for the Rangers vs. rookie Akira Schmid of the Devils. Shesterkin has surrendered two or fewer goals in five of six playoff starts this year. The Rangers (11-6 all-time) are 8-1 in their past nine Game 7s since 2012, including wins in all three road games in that span -- the most recent being a 6-2 victory at Carolina in the 2022 second round.

New York's Chris Kreider has 16 goals in potential elimination games, tied for the NHL record held by former Rangers captain Mark Messier. Kreider's five power-play goals vs. New Jersey are one shy of an NHL record in a single playoff series. He is +140 to score tonight. The Rangers are 20-8 in elimination games when Kreider is in the lineup. His total of seven Game 7 wins is one shy of the NHL record shared by Brad Richards (8-0), Ray Bourque (8-1), Justin Williams (8-1), Carl Hagelin (8-2), Ryan McDonagh (8-2) and Glenn Anderson (8-4).

Schmid took over for veteran Vitek Vanecek after the Devils lost the first two games at home. Schmid had been spectacular before allowing five goals on 29 shots in Saturday's 5-2 loss. New Jersey is 7-7 all-time in Game 7s and playing in its first since 2012.

In Game 7s, the team that scores first is 145-47 in NHL history.

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