Devils vs. Flyers: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The sixth-seeded New Jersey Devils are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals, as they skated to their fourth straight win over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 5 by the score of 3-1. 

This is their first trip to the conference finals since their Stanley Cup-winning season of 2003. 

Philadelphia sprung out to a 1-0 lead, but quickly unraveled. The Flyers posed little threat, as their top offensive player, Claude Giroux, was forced to watch from the bench while serving a one-game suspension for his hit to the head on Dainius Zubrus in Game 4. 

Tweets of the Night

It's time for Devils fans to crank up the excitement meter another notch, and I think it's safe to assume this fan tweeted a sentiment shared by many:

"

We want the cup !!!! Bye bye Philly ! Off to the conference finals ! Devils hockey ! @shims11

— Daniel Isaac (@dannydavid) May 9, 2012"

Greater Media's—and apparent Philadelphia sports historian—Steve Vassalotti is showing some signs of post-traumatic sports disorder:

"

Did we get transported into '90's? Broduer and #Devils own Flyers and the #Phillies stink. Scott Stevens come off bench to crush a Flyer?

— Steve Vassalotti (@SteveVass975) May 9, 2012"

Scoring the first goal is so overrated. At least if the game involves the Devils. NBC's Liam McHugh tweeted this tidbit:

"

Devils could become 2nd NHL team to win 4 straight games in 1 postseason while allowing 1st goal in each game. @NHLonNBCSports elias

"

"— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) May 9, 2012"

Must-See Highlight of the Night

It's going to be a long offseason for Flyers fans, and an even longer one for goalie Ilya Bryzgalov because this is a terrible way to give up the goal that ultimately knocked the Flyers out of the playoffs. 

This goal put the Devils up, 2-1. 

Grades for Key Devils Players

Martin Brodeur: A

Brodeur allowed the one early goal and was a wall after that. I think it just takes him a hot minute to get the old body warmed up.

The guy is playing like it's 1999. It's fun to watch. 

Ilya Kovalchuk: A

Kovalchuk was outstanding tonight. He controlled the flow and was an integral part of the attack all game. 

He assisted on the Devils' first goal and scored the third. 

Grades for Key Flyers Players

Ilya Bryzgalov: D-

See above video.

His play in that clip is inexcusable. That was a hack, rookie mistake. Bryzgalov needed to be better than that in this game, and he wasn't. He allowed three goals on 30 shots.

Not a good way to go out. 

Danny Briere: B

It's not Briere's fault the Flyers lost, but he didn't come up with the transcendent performance they needed from him with Giroux on the bench. 

He did have an assist on Philadelphia's lone goal. 

Deciding Factor: Goalkeeping 

As you might have gathered from the grades, there was a huge disparity in goaltending. The Devils only had two more shots on goal than the Flyers, and they won by two.

That's not a good ratio. 

Game MVP: Martin Brodeur

Just a few days after his 40th birthday, Brodeur stopped 27-of-28 shots and led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Not to shabby for an old man. 

What's Next

The Flyers enter the long, dark, reflective time known as the offseason.

Meanwhile, the Devils will sit back and watch the Rangers and Capitals beat each other up for the right to meet them in the conference finals.