The Devils' "A" Line will not be judged on preseason statistics. Coach Larry Robinson is well aware of what Jason Arnott, Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias can do.
Although the team's top line was scoreless in the Devils' 4-3 victory over the Islanders last night before a crowd of 6,542 at Continental Airlines Arena, Robinson said it was not surprising because it was their preseason debut.
"I never care about statistics. What I look for more is how they're creating," Robinson said. "I thought Scotty Gomez looked a lot better and this was the second game for him. If (the 'A' Line) is playing the way they're capable, the statistics will come."
Of that Sykora has no doubt. The right winger predicts the line will be even better than in seasons past.
"The last couple of years somebody was always out during the first 20 games. We didn't start playing our best hockey until 30 or 40 games into the season," Sykora said. "It was a problem because we always had somebody missing in camp. When you're late, you're out of shape. Last year, I was the one who was out of shape.
"Personally, I'm really excited about this season. I really have a good feeling. I think the line is going to be even better this year. I'm sure Patty will be playing his best hockey because he's up for the deal he's been wanting for a long time."
Much of Sykora' optimism stems from his $6.8 million salary arbitration award in August. He will earn $4.4 million this season, which represents a 389 percent raise over lasy year's $675,000.
"I'm so much more relaxed. Finally, I'm very happy," Sykora said on the eve of his sixth NHL season. "The last three years I was waiting for this (pay increase). I'm also finally going to be in shape. The last few years I was sick (tonsillitis) or hurt (groin) in training camp. I wasn't physically fit. Now, I'm in shape and our line is playing together from the beginning for the first time."
There are some who wonder whether the money will go to Sykora's head. He is still just 24.
"He's fine. I would be worried a little bit, too, but it makes it easier for us. Sykie is focused," said Elias, who will be grossly underpaid this season at $750,000. "He got what he wanted and he's ready to help us win."
General manager Lou Lamoriello predicted Sykora won't feel added pressure from his big contract.
"I don't think so. I might have thought that if I hadn't seen his maturity at the end of last season," Lamoriello said. "Petr is competing against himself to be the best he can be. Every player should do that. What I anticipate is him picking up from where he left off. I thought his last game (Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalance) was one of his best in the way he competed, even though we lost.
"He has been given some natural talents and I feel he wants to explore them, to get his abilities to the highest level, whereas in the past he didn't know how. Or he was immature and things happened that shouldn't have happened. We tried to push him and, at times, he might not have understood that pushing. Now he realizes why we did it."