Devils vs. Rangers: Why New Jersey Has the Edge for Remainder of Series

The Game 4 win to even the series was enormous for New Jersey. The Devils got a big 4-1 victory and despite a back-and-forth series with New York, the Rangers aren't the ones with the edge.

One of the biggest advantages for New Jersey right now is discipline. The Rangers can't seem to keep their cool, whereas the Devils have remained poised thus far, and it showed in Game 4.

Along with discipline, there are some other areas that also give New Jersey the edge. And although the Eastern Conference finals is knotted up, the Devils are in control.

Production

For the third straight game of the series, the Devils won the puck-drop battle. Winning faceoffs 33-30, New Jersey gave themselves three extra possessions to work with, and it allowed for more production.

The Devils took more shots (30-29) and were more efficient, courtesy of winning the turnover ratio (zero to minus-four). New Jersey had 10 giveaways and takeaways, but New York gave the puck away eight times to just four takeaways.

This was partially responsible for the Devils' 2-0 lead after the first period. A lead which they never looked back on as the overall production came together.

Puck Movement

New Jersey's four goals in Game 4 was their most of the series and more than the combined goals scored in Games 1-3 (they managed just three and were shut out twice).

Remaining in rhythm throughout the game, however, was impressive, because there were two assists for each of the Devils' four goals from eight different players all together.

Talk about getting everyone involved and limiting the Rangers' chances at isolating one particular player; even goalie Martin Brodeur was one of those eight players with an assist. This kind of chemistry for such a fast-paced game is exciting, as it transitions well when a team plays with consistent discipline.

Discipline

Moving the puck around so well is one part of how well disciplined New Jersey was in Game 4. Another area has been more consistent throughout this series, and that's simply keeping cool.

Through Games 1 and 2, the Devils had just 16 penalty minutes, but the Rangers were only at 14 minutes. So, suffice to say, it was a smart game being played by each team heading into Game 3.

That, however, was when the Devils helped themselves in the long run, as New York has logged 55 penalty minutes the past two contests compared to just 27 by New Jersey. Regardless of the scoring impact for the Devils, having the extra players to remain stellar on defense paid off in Game 4.

Provided New Jersey can maintain their discipline of sharing the puck and the general game plan, there won't be any room for penalties to put the Devils at a disadvantage. We will then get to see the purity of the New Jersey defense dominate on another level.