NHL Playoffs Round 1: No. 2 New Jersey vs. No. 7 Philadelphia

No. 2 New Jersey vs. No. 7 Philadelphia

Records: Devils 48-27-7, Flyers 41-35-6

Power Play: Devils 18.7% (11th), Flyers 21.4% (third).

Penalty Killing: Devils 82.8% (13th), Flyers 83.0% (11th).

Leading scorers: Devils: Ilya Kovalchuk 41-44—85. Flyers: Mike Richards 31-31—62.

Outlook: Kovalchuk averaged a point per game after the Devils acquired him from Atlanta, producing 10 goals and 26 points in 26 games. Martin Brodeur won his fifth Jennings trophy as the Devils allowed the fewest goals in the NHL, 191. The Flyers did their best to give away their playoff spot but won a shootout over the Rangers in their season finale to make it. They’ve been a huge disappointment, and not just because they can’t solve their eternal goaltending question.

Pick: Devils in six.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday at New Jersey, 4:30 p.m.

Friday at New Jersey, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday at Philadelphia, 3 p.m.

April 20 at Philadelphia, 4:30 p.m.

April 22 at New Jersey, 4 p.m.-x

April 25 at Philadelphia, TBD-x

April 27 at New Jersey, 4:30 p.m.-x

x-if necessary; all times Pacific