The two teams, seemingly heading in opposite directions, open their seasons at the Prudential Center on Friday night.
That assured Kovalchuk, acquired in February from Atlanta, will go for his seventh consecutive 40-goal season with New Jersey.
Looking to create a formidable offensive unit, new coach John MacLean has moved Kovalchuk from left to right wing and placed him on the top line with Zach Parise(notes) and center Travis Zajac(notes).
If we’re going to work hard and work as a group, we’re going to be very successful.”
Also returning are captain Jamie Langenbrunner(notes) and Patrik Elias(notes) for a Devils team that finished 2009-10 with 103 points, good for second in the Eastern Conference. Martin Brodeur(notes) remains a constant as he starts his 18th straight season in goal for New Jersey (48-27-7).
The three-time Stanley Cup winner believes that New Jersey is poised to advance deeper into the playoffs this season.
The re-signing of Kovalchuk and the acquisitions of Anton Volchenkov(notes), Jason Arnott(notes) and Johan Hedberg(notes) came at a price. In order to stay under the salary cap, New Jersey will begin the season with the league-minimum 20 players on its roster.
The Devils remain among the league’s elite teams despite the roster constraints with 13 consecutive postseason berths. General manager Joe Nieuwendyk decided against offering contracts to franchise mainstays Marty Turco(notes) and Mike Modano(notes), who left for Chicago and Detroit, respectively. Nieuwendyk then added Blackhawks forward Adam Burish(notes) along with backup goaltender Andrew Raycroft(notes).
Coach Marc Crawford enters his second season behind the Dallas bench and will look to Brad Richards(notes) to again lead the team offensively. Loui Eriksson(notes) (71 points) and James Neal(notes) (55) could provide enough offensive support to push Dallas into the Western Conference playoffs.
The starting job belongs to Kari Lehtonen(notes), whom Dallas acquired from Atlanta at midseason.
New Jersey and Dallas split two meetings last season with each team winning on home ice.Watch Live Online Give it a try >>>
