The Philadelphia Flyers, who won just 22 games and had the worst record in the NHL last season, roared back into the postseason with a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

"It feels great. It feels unbelievable," Flyers coach John Stevens told reporters after Philadelphia clinched its playoff spot with one game remaining in the regular season.

"We obviously left it to the very end but to see the joy on the faces of these guys, I think they battled hard.

"We obviously had some ups and downs, but, man what a great accomplishment for this group."

The Flyers were without key forward Daniel Briere, who is out with a knee injury, and Stevens said he felt it was just the latest example of his team's character this season.

"I've said along that the character of this team is extremely strong," he said. "I think there is a bond and affection with this group that continues to grow."

Martin Biron made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season and was backed up by goals from R.J. Umberger in the first period and from Scottie Upshall and Joffrey Lupul just 37 seconds apart in the third period.

New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur made 33 saves and his coach Brent Sutter said he had kept them in the game until the third period.

"The bottom line is that if it weren't for Marty, it would have been 10-0," said Sutter. "It was disappointing as far as I'm concerned in our commitment tonight."

Philadelphia, who are in eighth spot in the Eastern Conference still have a chance to move up with a win in their final game on Sunday against Pittsburgh, and are intent on showing they can keep on going.

"We are a good team. We have great guys here and we can be very dangerous in the playoffs," said Umberger.

The Devils are ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference and need a point in their game against the New York Rangers on Sunday to keep the spot and home ice advantage in the first round.

Reuters