So what side should you back? And where does the value lie? Visit , all from the advanced computer model on a red-hot 21-8 NHL run. After a stunning , the Devils failed to pull even in the series on Wednesday night in New Jersey. Instead, it was Tampa Bay getting back into the win column with a 3-1 win that pushed the Devils into a 3-1 series hole. As the series shifts back to Tampa, the Devils will need to bring everything they've got in order to stay alive. The Devils snuck in as the second wild card and are a "happy to be here" group after finishing last season as the worst team in the East. They've got plenty of young talent paving a bright future, but they've got their work cut out for them if they want to take down one of the league's most well-rounded squads in Tampa Bay. Here's everything you need to know to get you up to speed on the series heading into Game 4: How to watch TV: NBCSN, NBC CBC, TVA Sports, Network, SN Stream: (Try for free) Follow: (All times ET) * - If nece sary Game 1, Thursday, April 12: Game 2, Saturday, April 14: Game 3, Monday, April 16: Game 4, Wednesday, April 18: John Waggonerrse Jersey Game 5, Saturday, April 21: Devils at Lightning, 3 p.m. -- NBC, NBCSN, SN360, TVA Sports *Game 6, Monday, April 23: Lighting at Devils, TBD *Game 7, Wednesday, April 25: Devils at Lightning, TBD NHL Playoffs odds Here's a look at to advance , not to mention their odds to win not only their conference, but also the Stanley Cup. Matchup breakdown OFFENSE The Lightning had the league's most potent offense this year, finishing first in goals per game. They're led up front by , who hit the 100-point mark for the first time this season, and , but they've got a deep range of weapons and role players that can cause headaches for opposing defenses. Meanwhile, the Devils finished 15th in scoring and will rely heavily on the contributions of , whose 93 points this season were 41 more than the next guy on the Devils' stat sheet. (Rookie finished with 52.) Edge: Lightning DEFENSE The Devils' defense is small and doesn't exactly jump off a page. They've got a decent unit that prioritizes skill and hockey IQ over size and toughne s, but they lack an overly fearsome shutdown man or pairing. effectively became New Jersey's top defenseman following a trade in the first half. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has -- a towering Norris candidate -- midseason acquisition , and the solid as workhorses on the back end. Rookie has proven to be a promising offensive threat from the blue line as well. Edge: Lightning GOALTENDING Since taking over as starter for Corey Schneider, has been solid for New Jersey, though not overly impre sive. Meanwhile, Tampa's was phenomenal through the first three quarters of the season, posting a .927 save percentage through 52 games. The heavy workload seemed to take a toll on Vasilevskiy, who is in his first full season as a starter, and he posted a sub .900 save percentage through his final dozen starts. The Lightning need to hope he catches a second wind heading into the postseason. Edge: Lightning SPECIAL TEAMS Both teams rank in the league's top 10 for power-play conversion. The Lightning's 23.9 percent succe s ranks third among all teams, while the Devils' 21.4 percent conversion rate has them tied for the 10th spot. However, New Jersey holds a significant advantage over Tampa Bay while on the penalty kill, as the Devils' 81.8 percent kill rate was good enough for eighth in the league. Tampa's penalty-killing unit is their primary weakne s, as their 76.1 percent kill rate is tied for fourth-worst in the NHL. If the Devils can get to the power play at a decent rate, it could help them steal a game or two. Edge: New Jersey Lightning-Devils Pete Blackburn Cody Benjamin Kevin Skiver Blackburn: Tampa Bay just has too much star power and too much depth to be taken down by a Devils team that is still a few years (and significant pieces) away from being a true contender. The Lightning won't really get a true test until round two. Lightning in 5. Benjamin: New Jersey can leave this season feeling satisfied no matter what happens here, and that's a good thing, because even though Tampa Bay has slowed since its peak Presidents' Trophy push, the Lightning's top-line scoring talent will be far too much to handle. Lightning in 5. Skiver: The Lightning just have too much firepower for the Devils to really contest with. It's hard to imagine this series being particularly close, but the Devils put together a solid season to get behind for next year. Lightning in 4. Shaun Beyer Jersey