Jaromir-Jagr-John-Munson.JPG

Devils winger Jaromir Jagr has 14 points in 18 games.

(John Munson/The Star-Ledger)

Why does Devils winger Jaromir Jagr stand alone near the boards while teammates are lined up along the blue line in the middle of the ice during national anthems?

No reason other than superstition.

"I've done it for 20 years," Jagr told me. "I don't want to change it now. It's just for good luck. I'm very superstitious."

Jagr, of course, wears No. 68 to honor the "Prague Spring" rebellion that took place in Czechoslovakia in 1968. His grandfather, jailed by Soviets troops invading Czechoslovakia in '68 as a response to the Prague Spring rebellion, also died while in prison that year. He had refused to work on his farm for free.

* * *

The Devils, who host the Los Angeles Kings at Prudential Center Friday night practiced at AmeriHealth Pavilion.

Patrik Elias practiced after being sidelined with back spasms. Stephen Gionta (right ankle) also practiced. Elias missed six games while Gionta, who crashed into the boards feet-first in Toronto, missed two games.

Defensemen Anton Volchenkov (lower body) and Jon Merrill (facial lacerations) did not practice. Bryce Salvador (fractured foot) and Ryane Clowe (head) remain sidelined.

Lines:

Dainius Zubrus-Travis Zajac-Jaromir Jagr

Damien Brunner-Patrik Elias-Michael Ryder

Adam Henrique-Andrei Loktionov-Steve Bernier

Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Cam Janssen

Mattias Tedenby-Jacob Josefson

Defense:

Andy Greene-Marek Zidlicky

Eric Gelinas-Adam Larsson

Peter Harrold-Mark Fayne

Goalies:

Martin Brodeur

Cory Schneider

* * *

Patrik Elias says he hopes to play against Kings. Pete DeBoer says decision will be made Friday.

Elias had an MRI on his back but doctors think it was just back spams that lingered.

Cory Schneider will start against Kings.

Anton Volchenkov will not play vs. L.A.

Pete DeBoer on Volchenkov: "He's not ready to skate."