A playoff against New Jersey would mean no Cup for Philly

An early playoff matchup with the New Jersey Devils would mean an early exit for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Each with one game remaining, the Flyers, New York Rangers, or Buffalo Sabres will end up facing the surging Devils, winner of 10 in a row.

Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey are all battling for the Atlantic Division tite. The Rangers currently lead by one point and hold third place in the Eastern Conference, while the Flyers and Devils are one point behind and tied for fifth place in the Conference.

A win by the Rangers on Tuesday against Ottawa would give them the division tite. But the odds seem to be in the Devils favor. They play Montreal in their final game, while the Flyers play the New York Islanders.

Should it work out that the Flyers have to play the Devils early, New Jersey would hold a big advantage. They have beaten the Flyers twice in the last four days, outscoring them 9-2.

If the Flyers have any hope of advancing far into the playoffs, they must avoid New Jersey, who owns them. Not to mention, they are the hottest team in the league and have Martin Brodeur in net.

Philadelphia must begin to play more consistent hockey if they have any hopes of winning the Stanley Cup.