CityGuy

A PATH Series next week isn't settled yet, but it's likely enough to be crossing Devils' minds, even as they complete their road schedule against the Flyers here tonight.

"We're ready to play whomever, but it would be nice to make up for the games we didn't win (0-4-3 so far) during the season by beating them in the playoffs," Mike Mottau said.

In what could be a playoff preview, the Rangers and Devils meet in Sunday afternoon's season finale in Newark, the Devils' last chance to put an end to the Rangers' stranglehold on them this year.

Martin Brodeur admits the Rangers' dominance matters, at least until the second season starts.

"It's a big deal for everyone until you play. Then it becomes a chance to redeem yourself," Brodeur said. "Deep down, it would be a big challenge for us. Great motivation, do or die against your biggest rival. And a really tough series."

There were four Tunnel Series before the Devils left the Meadowlands for Newark. The Devils fell in seven to the Rangers in 1992 (first round) and 1994 (semis), and in five in 1997 (second round). They didn't meet again until 2006, when the Devils ended that Ranger jinx emphatically, with a first-round sweep.

"It takes a lot out of you. We swept them [in 2006] and had a big letdown, and got beaten by Carolina," Brodeur recalled.