The Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes have to hang tight until the Eastern Conference semifinals end, but that waiting period got cut way down Tuesday night. Avoiding a huge rally by the Philadelphia Flyers, the New Jersey Devils hung on two win their series 4-1 and became the first team to punch their ticket to the eastern finals.

It wouldn’t have been a shocker to see the series end in five, but for New Jersey to be the one advancing is just another curious twist to one of the craziest postseasons we’ve seen. The Flyers were heavy favorites to win the east after torturing the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, but seemed way out of sync this series.

The Devils went about their business, frustrating Philadelphia goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov the entire series. Several Flyers went to the penalty box slinging equipment. New Jersey’s 3-1 win in Game 5 was capped off with a goal scored when Bryzgalov was trying to clear the puck.

What’s more is Ilya Kovalchuck seems to be just fine after a shaky start to the series where he was out of sync in Game 1, and missed all of Game 2. He’s scored twice since then, including a scorching slap shot in the series clincher. It was his fifth goal of the postseason.

The Devils have now won more games in a single playoff since 2003, when they won the whole thing. Eastern Conference Futures Oddsnow have the them a 10/3 favorite to win the Stanley Cup, which is tied for best odds with the New Rangers. New York could still be eliminated, though, leading 3-2 against the Washington Capitals in their semifinal series.

“I’ve never been this far,” New Jersey’s first-year captain Zach Parise said. “It’s a good feeling. But we’re only halfway there. It’s only going to get harder.”

Although NHL Betting Lines won’t be set until the New York Rangers/Washington Capitals series wraps up, it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate New Jersey in the conference finals.