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Patrik Elias News & Rumors

Admiration is mutual for Elias and Voracek
May 2
Courier-Post
 
"When Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was growing up and playing youth hockey in Kladno, Czech Republic, he had no shortage of local heroes to inspire his journey to the NHL. The most prominent role model was Jaromir Jagr, who has become Voracek's teammate and a mentor of sorts in Philadelphia. New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias was also near the top the list. Now in his 15th NHL season — all with the Devils — Elias has quietly been one of the league's most consistent performers over the course of his career. Elias hails from the town of Trebic. However, he got his start in the famous HC Kladno system, which produced both Jagr and Voracek among numerous prominent NHL and international"
In his 1,000th game, Devils' Patrik Elias rises to the occasion
January 7
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"No one was surprised. On the night Devils forward Patrik Elias played in his 1,000th career game, he also rose to the occasion by scoring a goal with two assists. "It was a great night for Patrik," coach Pete DeBoer said after the Devils' 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers tonight. "He's a great pro and in typical Elias fashion he played a great game on a big night." He scored the Devils' second goal and then set up what turned out to be the winner by Ilya Kovalchuk in the third period. "I was pretty excited to play this game. Even if it's your first NHL game I think the adrenalin is the same," Elias said. "I'm more calm than I was 16 years ago when I played my first one." But he remains"
Thousand and won for Elias
January 7
New York Post
 
"The Devils' Milestone Man celebrated his 1,000th game in appropriately grand fashion, prompting a prophesy for hockey's highest honor. "One day he's going to be in the Hall of Fame," teammate David Clarkson predicted after Patrik Elias led the Devils to a 5-2 triumph over the Panthers in Newark last night, notching a goal and two assists. Elias owns all the Devils' scoring records: 349 goals, 504 assists and 853 points in the regular season, and he has 40 goals, 77 assists and 117 points in the playoffs. It's a remarkable resume on a team that has had so many great players contributing to so much success. "It was a special night for me. I'm glad it worked out and we got a win. We needed"
Patrik Elias helps Devils beat Florida Panthers, 5-2, in his 1,000th career game
January 7
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Maybe Patrik Elias really can't be asked to put into proper perspective such an important milestone as playing in 1,000 NHL games. He's been carving his own place in Devils history since 1995, establishing himself as the franchise's all-time leader in points, goals, assists and power-play goals. But Devils coach Pete DeBoer and recently recalled center Steve Zalewski certainly can. "When I worked my first year in the NHL the biggest thing I couldn't believe was the grind of the league," DeBoer said. "The travel, the nightly battling. And I don't even put my equipment on. I stand behind the bench. So I'm amazed at guys with that type of longevity. And not just longevity, but playing at the"
Elias, Tallinder "getting better", but status for Friday's game still uncertain
December 21
Bergen Record
 
"Devils coach Pete DeBoer said center Patrik Elias (flu) and defenseman Henrik Tallinder (back spasms) are both feeling better, but he doesn't know yet whether either will be available for Friday's game against Washington. "I believe they're getting better," DeBoer said today. "The report I got this morning is they're both improving, but I won't be able to tell you whether we'll have them until probably tomorrow. We'll see how they are tomorrow.""
Devils' Elias ill, may miss Rangers game
December 20
New York Post
 
"Devils leading scorer Patrik Elias, who set the team's career goal-scoring record with his 348th Saturday in Montreal, sat out practice Monday because he was ill, the team said. His availability for Tuesday's visit to Newark by the Rangers, the first meeting between the rivals this season, is uncertain. Coach Pete DeBoer is also ill, a team spokesman said, although he handled practice on ice Monday."
Elias tops Devils' goal list
December 18
New York Post
 
"Now Patrik Elias owns all the Devils' major career scoring records: assists, points, and now the big one — goals. One night after Scott Niedermayer's No. 27 was hoisted to the rafters in Newark, Elias ensured that his No. 26 will be there, too. "When I think of Patrik Elias, I think New Jersey Devil," teammate Travis Zajac said after Elias scored twice, tying then breaking John MacLean's 14-year record with his 347th and 348th goals in last night's 5-3 victory over the coach-firing Canadiens. "It feels good. It's gone by quick. I remember my first one like it wasn't that long ago," Elias said."
Devils' Elias can still fill up the net
November 8
New York Post
 columnist Mark Everson
"Lesser sorts might stew, taken for granted. The Devils' all-time point-getter -- the same guy who was stripped of his captaincy and passed over when it became vacant again -- was evicted from left wing to accommodate two younger superstars. Instead of sulking over what could easily be viewed as snubs, Patrik Elias responded like the Devils' MVP, last season and so far this year. "He cares about the logo," Martin Brodeur said. "That's the reason he's still here after other guys have left and even some have come back." Sometime after New Year's, Elias stands to join only Ken Daneyko and Brodeur with 1,000 games as Devils."
Devils' Patrik Elias 35 games from 1,000; 11 goals shy of John MacLean mark
October 18
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Of all the memorabilia in his personal collection, the items which mean the most to Devils forward Patrik Elias are the stick and puck he used on March 17, 2009, to score his 702nd career point. That point made Elias the Devils' all-time scoring leader ahead of John MacLean. "Individually, it would be that puck and the stick from that game," Elias specified. "Otherwise what's most important to me are the Stanley Cup rings. Especially the first one.""
Devils' Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora score goals in 2-1 win over Rangers in preseason opener
September 22
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"It seemed like old times. Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias, former linemates, each scored a goal as the Devils defeated the Rangers, 2-1, in a preseason game tonight at the Times Union Center. Sykora's came at 11:34 of the first period. Elias won the game 45 seconds into overtime when he redirected a Zach Parise pass by goalie Cameron Talbot. "Like old times. Like 1995," Elias said. Sykora, trying to make the Devils, is unsigned and in camp on a tryout. He had a hat trick in Monday's scrimmage and started the exhibition games on the right foot. "I'm trying to make the team and Patty is just trying to get through training camp, I guess," Sykora joked."
Devils' Patrik Elias lost close friend Karel Rachunek in plane crash
September 8
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"When Patrik Elias heard the news about the devastating plane crash in Russia today that killed 43 people, including young prospect Alexander Vasyunov and former Devils defenseman Karel Rachunek, he felt a chill. During the NHL lockout in 2004-05, Elias played hockey in Russia and flew in planes similar to the one that crashed carrying the KHL Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team. "I was in Russia six years ago flying on those planes. This really got to me and my family," Elias told The Star-Ledger from his home in the Czech Republic. "I think it will become an issue there. At least get them checked. We flew a propeller plane when I was in Russia. You could see it was an old plane.""
Playing out the string will be 'strange' for Devils' Patrik Elias
March 28
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias played just one game during the 1995-96 season. It was his first in the NHL and came on Dec. 7, long before the Devils missed the playoffs in the spring of '96. So when the Devils play the final few games this season knowing they will not be going to the playoffs, it will really be the first time for the franchise's all-time scoring leader. "It's strange. This whole season is strange," Elias said today. "We still have to take a lot of positives out of the situation. All the young guys and everyone who battled back and put us in position to have a chance even with seven games left. We have to be proud of that. "The goal is to win Wednesday. Get ourselves ready and win a hockey"
Patrik Elias didn't appreciate NHL All-Star player draft
February 1
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias isn't a fan of the All-Star player draft. Selected by Team Staal with only five other players remaining, Elias said the process had a built-in insult factor for those who are bypassed until the end. "I didn't enjoy it (much). The fans and media enjoy it. Whoever is going last is going to hear it for a long time," Elias said today. "It's not right. The guys are top players and you don't want to put guys in that position." He was relieved not to be picked last. "Kind of," he said. Phil Kessel was the last pick and received a car for it. Elias said he would not have wanted to get a car for being last, although he was able to crack jokes during the draft. "One was when they called"
Despite current woes, Devils All-Star Patrik Elias eyes a winning season next year
January 30
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"In his own mind, this is how the announcement stating he had been selected to play in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game sounded to Devils forward Patrik Elias: Congratulations, you are the least terrible player on a truly awful team. At first, he was a reluctant All-Star because the Devils ranked last among the league's 30 teams. But his view has changed and Elias is determined to enjoy the game tonight at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. "Trust me. I'm okay with the way my season has been going, but the most important thing to me is winning, and that hasn't been the case for us," Elias explained. "You emphasize doing the best you can. I've done that even when the team is not doing well. The"
Elias: Kovalchuk working to become complete player
January 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"I had a minute with New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias during the All-Star player availability on Friday night before the draft. I asked him his view of how former Thrasher Ilya Kovalchuk has been adjusting to life on a new team and a new system. Here is what he said: "It's been a process," Elias said. "Not an easy process for us, for everyone, for him. The way the season started puts you in a tough position. He's dealing with it. Since we had a coaching change, like everyone else, he took it as a second life and a fresh start. He's been playing better. Jacques [Lemaire] has really been on him about playing a more complete game. He's been doing that. That's all you can ask."
Patrik Elias chagrined about All-Star status
January 13
Bergen Record
 
"Patrik Elias happily would have spent a simple weekend at home with his family. As the player selected to represent the Devils at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, N.C., however, Elias appreciates the honor, despite his team's dismal season. Elias, 34, has been one of the few bright spots in this dark 2010-11 campaign. He leads the Devils with 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) and is healthy again after an injury-plagued 2009-10, in which he missed 24 games while recovering from groin and hip surgeries, and a concussion. He still is a bit uncomfortable about being selected to the All-Star game because of the Devils' terrible season. They are last in the NHL with a 11-29-2 record and"
Patrik Elias says other players more worthy of All-Star selection
January 12
Bergen Record
 
"Although Patrik Elias didn't think he was deserving because of the Devils' poor record, he was named Tuesday as the team's representative to play in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 30 at RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. It will be the third All-Star game for Elias, who leads the Devils with 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 41 games. He also played in the All-Star game in 2000 and 2002, when the league used a North America vs. the World format. "When you look at the overall league, there are guys that are playing well," Elias said before he was picked. "They should let one of the younger guys go [from another team].""
Patrik Elias feels undeserving of All-Star selection
January 12
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"He may be the Devils' best player this season but Patrik Elias doesn't feel he should be participating in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 30 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. The NHL disagrees and Tuesday chose Elias as one of 36 additional players to complete the 42-man All-Star player pool, even though it is not mandatory that all 30 teams are represented. "It's just a weird situation," Elias said. "Do I feel good about my game? Yeah. Do I deserve to be one of the top 20 guys in the Eastern Conference? I don't think so. Just because of this team's results this season." The 11-29-2 Devils stand last overall. Elias, cited as the team's best player this season by coach Jacques Lemaire,"
Patrik Elias selected to represent Devils in 2011 NHL All-Star Game
January 11
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias was selected by the NHL today to participate in the NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Jan. 28. The veteran forward will be the Devils' only representative at the game. It is not mandatory that the league choose a player from each club, but that is usually the case. Elias is the Devils' leading scorer with 30 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 41 games."
Will Patrik Elias be picked today when NHL names 36 more All-Stars?
January 11
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias believes if any Devils player is selected to participate in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 28 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., it should be Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk is, after all, the $100 million marquee player fans like to see at these events. And if the league feels there is a need to send a player from each team, which is not written in the rules, Elias would choose Kovalchuk. In reality, there probably shouldn't be a representative for the last-place Devils. But when the NHL announces 36 additional players today to fill out the 2011 All-Star player pool, Elias could be chosen. Coach Jacques Lemaire maintains Elias has been the Devils' best player this season."
Patrik Elias calls this the strangest Devils season ever
January 4
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias, who may start Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Wild at center, called this season the strangest he's had in the NHL. He said being in last place at this point in the season is something he could never have envisioned. "No question. Especially when you always end up on top and are always among the top teams in the conference," Elias said."
Jacques Lemaire calls Patrik Elias Devils' best player this season
January 2
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Jacques Lemaire called Patrik Elias the Devils' best player this season. Elias explained that is because he is healthy after a difficult 2009-10 campaign that started with offseason hip and groin surgery and was then interrupted in January with a concussion. "I told him he's playing better than last year. He's working harder than last year," Lemaire said today. "Not only with me. With Johnny MacLean, too. He's the best player on this team so far from the start of the season to now." That's high praise. "It's always nice when you hear that," Elias said. "I know when I'm playing bad and playing well. When I'm doing things right and wrong. It's nice for the coach to say that. It's nice to"
Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac get stuck in blizzard
December 28
Bergen Record
 
"The weather outside was frightful and Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac really had no place to go once Elias' car got stuck in the snow on Route 280 west on Sunday night. So, that's where the two Devils forwards spent the night, until a tap on the window at 7 a.m. Monday woke them up and directed them to safety. Elias and Zajac are neighbors so, with a significant snowstorm laying siege to New Jersey, they carpooled to the Devils' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center. Travel was not easy with the blizzard dropping more than 2 feet of snow on the area. The announced attendance was 5,329, but the actual crowd was probably less than half of that because of the snow. Following"
Patrik Elias takes puck in upper lip; Jason Arnott offers to help
December 10
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"His upper lip already swollen, Patrik Elias tried to downplay the injury he suffered during today's morning skate at ScotiaBank Place. "It's alright. Don't make a big deal out of this," Elias said. Elias had to leave the skate early when defenseman Matt Corrente cleared a rebound and the bouncing puck hit the veteran winger in the lip. Elias suffered a cut and thought me might need some stitches inside. There were no doctors at the arena to stitch Elias up, but linemate Jason Arnott quickly offered to help. "I've seen it done a thousand times. I could do it," Arnott said. "Actually, I'd like to do it. I'll do it in a bow." Corrente said: "It was a rebound and I cleared the puck. He was"
Jamie Langenbrunner, Matt Corrente, Patrik Elias practice with Devils
November 30
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Devils were back on the ice today for practice at the AmeriHealth Pavlion. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner was back after a neck problem suffered when he crashed awkwardly into the boards. Share Tweet 2 Comments Center Jason Arnott and right winger David Clarkson are not practicing. Clarkson's absence is for personal reasons while Arnott has been ill for several days and did not attend the funeral for Pat Burns in Montreal on Monday."
Devils' Patrik Elias experiences 'the circle of life' in three days
November 29
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"As he prepared to join his Devils teammates today for a flight to Montreal to attend the funeral for Pat Burns, Patrik Elias spoke of the range of the wide range of emotions he's experienced over the past few days. On Saturday morning his wife, Petra, gave birth to their first child. Daughter Sophia Gabriella, five pounds, 12 ounces, was born 11 a.m. Today it is the funeral for his former coach. "I actually just thought about it," Elias said. "That's the circle of life. You're on top of the world and then you have to experience the opposite the next day. "It's real. That's the unfortunate cycle of life. It makes it more personal because you knew the person. It's tough." Plans were made to"
Elias goal sparks Devils
October 30
New York Post
 
"When Alexander Vasyunov found himself on a line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias in just his second NHL game, the young Russian simply hoped he wouldn't appear hopelessly out of place. He ended up getting a souvenir puck from a skid-snapping win for the Devils. Vasyunov earned his first career point while setting up Elias' tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and the Devils ended their three-game slide with a 2-1 victory over the Ducks last night. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner also scored and Martin Brodeur made 27 saves for the Devils, who had lost five of six while plummeting to the bottom of the NHL standings. After losing in the first two stops of their six-game trip, the"
Patrik Elias says leadership should be a group effort for Devils
October 19
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"As they work this week to end their poor start to the regular season, there is one area Devils veterans see as a strength: Leadership. Jamie Langenbrunner is the captain while Patrik Elias and Zach Parise each are alternate captains. "All you can do is say the right things and go out there and try to work hard," Elias said of the team's leadership. "Not every night are you going to feel perfect. You just have to work through it."
Patrik Elias eyes record
October 9
Bergen Record
 
"Left wing Patrik Elias had an assist Friday, but needs 33 goals this season to equal head coach John MacLean's Devils' record of 347. After an injury-plagued 2009-10 in which he was limited to only 58 games, Elias is healthy and happy to be reunited with center Jason Arnott. Though he scored only 19 goals last season, equaling or breaking MacLean's record this season appears to be a realistic goal. "It would be nice to get that [the goal record] and contribute, have fun," he said. "Individual goals - any time I just enjoy the season, they come with that. I don't worry about it. It would be nice to get those 33 goals." Elias broke MacLean's team record for points March 17, 2009 against"
Patrik Elias, Zach Parise will both keep 'A' as Devils' alternate captains
October 6
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Ilya Kovalchuk got the big contract, but he won't get an 'A' as one of the Devils' alternate captains. Coach John MacLean said today he would not change things. Jamie Langenbrunner will remain the team's captain while Patrik Elias and Zach Parise each will wear an 'A.' MacLean also indicated that Kovalchuk will be used up front of the power play, not on the point as he did last season for Jacques Lemaire. "(He's seen) no power play point time, but the puck has been in his hands a lot," MacLean said. "He's seen a lot of quarterback time as far as on the half wall. I think he looks good there. "I think if we can get our power play going early, that will be helpful for us." MacLean said that"
John MacLean affirms that Patrik Elias will play as left winger
September 15
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"John MacLean was unwilling to reveal his line combinations for the start of training camp this weekend. But as the Devils' new head coach prepared to take part in the team's annual alumni golf classic today at Upper Montclair Country Club, MacLean did say he considers Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias all left wingers. If that is the case, one of those very talented players would be a third-liner. "We'll see what positions we're going to put everybody in," MacLean said. "I think Patty's going to be a left winger, though." Will they be on three different lines? "Could be," MacLean said. "I'm not going to tell you one way or the other what I'm going to do right now. You can guess"
Patrik Elias says Tomas Kaberle would be a 'wonderful addition' to Devils
July 13
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias wasn't happy to see the Devils lose defenseman Paul Martin to free agency, but he has a suggestion on how to fill that hole. Tomas Kaberle. Elias would like to see the Devils trade for the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman. "Personally, I wouldn't be the only one to love to play with that guy," Elias said. "It's unbelievable how he controls the game. I think he'd be a wonderful addition to our team. "Toronto's been talking for three years that they want to trade him." In passing, Elias also said he wouldn't mind seeing former linemate Petr Sykora invited for a tryout at some point. Elias, Sykora and Jason Arnott once formed the Devils' A Line. "He should get a tryout. He needs"
Patrik Elias anxious to reunite with newly-acquired Jason Arnott
June 20
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"They made magic together as linemates and combined on the goal that clinched the Stanley Cup in 2000. Now that Jason Arnott is back with the Devils after today's trade with the Nashville Predators, Patrik Elias is anxious to reunite with his former linemate. "I left him a message this morning," Elias said. "I told him he'd better start working out. He's probably forgotten how quick I am." Along with Petr Sykora, they formed the Devils' A Line. Sykora's days in the NHL appear to be over, but Arnott is happy to be back with the Devils and Elias bel ieves he will give the team a much-needed boost. "I think it's great. I think Lou (Lamoriello) felt like we needed a big guy up front again,""
Zach Parise, Patrik Elias absent from Devils' Florida practice
April 7
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Ilya Kovalchuk, who has the opportunity to see his wife and children during the Devils' visit to Florida, was on the ice for Wednesday afternoon's practice. Patrik Elias and Zach Parise were apparently given the day off. Everyone else skated, including silent captain Jamie Langenbrunner, who was on a line with Kovalchuk and Dainius Zubrus."
Patrik Elias nominated
March 31
Bergen Record
 
"Devils forward Patrik Elias is the New Jersey chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association's nominee for the Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Elias, who will turn 34 on April 13, contracted hepatitis A while playing in Russia during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, causing him to miss the first half of the 2005-06 season while he recovered. After his bout with that potentially life-threatening disease, Elias became goodwill ambassador for UNICEF to help promote the importance of vaccinations for children and traveled to Belize in summer 2008. This season, Elias came back from off-season hip and groin surgeries and missed 10 games with a"
Patrik Elias centers Devils line with Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner
March 22
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"After a day off on Sunday, the Devils were back on the ice for Monday morning's practice at the Prudential Center. Ilya Kovalchuk, who had flown to Florida Sunday for the birth of a child, was back with the club and skating at left wing on a line with Travis Zajac and Brian Rolston. Patrik Elias centered for Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner while Rob Niedermayer was in the middle with wingers Dainius Zubrus and David Clarkson. Other lines were Jay Pandolfo-Rod Pelley-Andrew Peters, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond-Dean McAmmond-Vladimir Zharkov."
Patrik Elias pushes New Jersey Devils to a 5-2 win
March 18
New York Daily News
 
"This year, Patrik Elias got top billing. The Devils left wing scored a shorthanded goal and added an assist in the Devils' 5-2 victory over the Penguins Wednesday night. And, as he did last St. Patrick's Day, Elias tipped a leprechaun hat to the sold-out Prudential Center crowd afterward. But, unlike one year ago, when Elias became the franchise's all-time leading scorer on the same day Martin Brodeur won his NHL-record 552nd game, he wasn't pushed to the background. "It was a special night," Elias said. "Except the first 10 minutes, we controlled the game. We did a good job on (penalty kills) and five-on-five. I thought we recognized when we could pressure them and kinda sat back and"
Patrik Elias, Bryce Salvador take part in NJ Devils' morning skate
March 15
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Devils forward Patrik Elias and defenseman Bryce Salvador, who sat out Sunday's practice, took part in Monday's morning skate at the Prudential Center. They were among 13 players who took part in an optional skate."
Devils forward Patrik Elias: Jaromir Jagr could return to NHL
March 2
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias wouldn't be surprised to see Jaromir Jagr back in the NHL next season. "I think he'd love to," said Elias, who captained the Czech Republic's Olympic squad in Vancouver. "He certainly showed and proved that he still has it. He can be an effective player, no doubt about it." Elias said he did not watch Sunday's U.S.-Canada game for the gold medal. He couldn't. "Because you get knocked out and you don't want to see it. You always would love to see yourself in that position to have the opportunity," he explained. The Czech Republic lost to Finland in the quarterfinals and Elias had a great scoring chance when the game was scoreless in the third period. "I think that would have"
Patrik Elias practices with NJ Devils; Ilya Kovalchuk to rejoin club Monday
February 28
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Devils will have Patrik Elias on the ice for Sunday's 9:45 a.m. practice in San Jose, but fellow Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk won't rejoin the team until Monday. Instead of flying from Vancouver to California, Elias flew back home to New Jersey and accompanied the Devils on their Saturday flight to San Jose. Elias was captain of the Czech Republic Olympic hockey team. Kovalchuk, who was a member of Team Russia, will fly to San Jose and practice with the team Monday. Tommy Albelin, who was an assistant coach for Team Sweden, is already back with the Devils"
Moving Patrik Elias back to center got Ilya Kovalchuk and NJ Devils going
February 13
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias, who had been skating at right wing with Kovalchuk on the left side and Dainius Zubrus at center, was part of a signifcant line change by Lemaire at the start of the third period. Elias was moved to the middle while Jamie Langenbrunner took his spot at right wing. Zubrus was moved back to right wing with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. "Maybe I wasn't completely pleased with the way we were going," Lemaire said. "I wanted Zach to get more chances and I knew Zubie did well with that line. Sometimes a change makes things click." If the move was designed to get Zubrus with Parise and Zajac, the real payoff was with Elias feeding Kovalchuk on the winning goal. Elias has played"
Elias says head hits to NJ Devils teammate Anssi Salmela and himself show a lack of respect
February 10
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela is take off the ice on a stretcher Monday night.As Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela remained motionless on the ice Monday night, unconscious after a hit to the head from Flyers forward Jeff Carter, the boisterous Wachovia Center crowd fell silent. Watching the scene as Salmela remained face down on the ice until being taken off on a stretcher, Patrik Elias was sickened. "Especially when it happens so soon after (mine). It (stinks). Just seeing him there not moving. It's horrible," said Elias, who was knocked unconscious by a hit from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson on Jan. 16. Like Salmela, Elias was unconscious and suffered a concussion. He missed"
Patrik Elias returns to NJ Devils lineup for game against Rangers
February 7
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"First Ilya Kovalchuk. Now Patrik Elias. The Devils are beginning to look like a potential goal-scoring machine. Elias, who suffered a concussion on Jan. 16 in Denver when he was hit by Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson, was set to return to the Devils' lineup Saturday night against the Rangers at the Garden. "Patty will be playing," coach Jacques Lemaire said. "He's ready." Elias, who missed 10 games after being knocked unconscious from Wilson's shoulder hit to his chin, skated with a few other players Saturday morning. He was cleared by a neurologist Thursday. "I talked to him Thursday night. He just said, 'You're doing the right thing. Keep increasing the work load and everything and"
Patrik Elias returns
February 7
Bergen Record
 
"Forward Patrik Elias was back in the Devils' lineup Saturday after missing three weeks and 10 games with a concussion he sustained on Jan. 16 in Colorado. Although Elias had only one full practice, he did not look rusty and appeared to show some instant chemistry playing right wing on a line with new Devil Ilya Kovalchuk and Dainius Zubrus. "I felt all right skating-wise, energy-wise," he said. "Skating with the puck was fine." He set up Kovalchuk for a redirection in front that Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist gloved down just 1:33 into the game and assisted on Zubrus' goal in the third period."
Devils' Lemaire: Elias 'not ready'
February 6
New York Post
 
"The good news is Patrik Elias is close. The bad news is he's not close enough. For the first time since being knocked unconscious by Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson on Jan. 16 in Denver, Elias was back on the ice with his Devils teammates yesterday, skating for about 30 minutes of the Devils' 45-minute practice. After missing the past nine games, he said his conditioning isn't exactly where he'd like it to be, but he feels better and won't rule out playing tonight against the Maple Leafs in Newark. Unfortunately, coach Jacques Lemaire thinks differently. "Not ready," Lemaire said of how Elias looked in practice. "There's a process you have to go through before a guy comes back, and he's"
Report: Elias practices with Devils
February 5
New York Post
 
"Devils winger Patrik Elias practiced with the Devils today but is unlikely to return to the lineup for Friday's game, NJ.com reports. Elias, who suffered a concussion on a hit by the Avalanche's Ryan Wilson on Jan. 16, isn't ruling it out, though. The Czech Olympic captain said he would have to speak with the neurologist then convince coach Jacques Lemaire he should play. "I don't know. I think we're going to evaluate it tomorrow morning. We'll see. I think just day by day," Elias told writer Rich Chere today. "I was pleased with the first day. I felt really good for the first half hour. Then I lost my endurance and felt tired. That's why I stopped. I was just smart about it. "I still have"
Devils and Czechs Await Elias's Return
February 5
New York Times
 
"As birds in the rafters at Prudential Center heralded his arrival, Patrik Elias rejoined his teammates for practice Thursday morning - a positive development for the struggling Devils, as well as the Czech Republic national team. The Devils (35-18-2) have lost 7 of 10 games, including the Jan. 16 game in which Elias was knocked unconscious by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson. They were shut out in three of those losses and managed just a goal in three other defeats. The Devils have six games before the Olympic break, the first of which will be at home Friday against the same Toronto Maple Leafs that beat them by 3-0 on Tuesday. The return of Elias, 33, a skilled skater with 305"
Back from concussion, Patrik Elias practices with NJ Devils teammates
February 4
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Patrik Elias joined his teammates for practice Thursday morning at the Prudential Center. It was the veteran forward's first practice with the team since he was knocked unconscious by a hit from Ryan Wilson of the Avalanche on Jan. 16 in Denver. Elias skated at right wing on a line with left winger Brian Rolston and center Dainius Zubrus. He has missed nine games. Jamie Langenbrunner, who battled the flu the past two days, also practiced and was on the line with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. Coach Jacques Lemaire had Niclas Bergfors with Dean McAmmond and Rod Pelley. Jay Pandolfo skated with Rob Niedermayer and Vladimir Zharkov."
Patrik Elias could practice with NJ Devils Thursday; flu KOs Jamie Langenbrunner
February 4
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner was unable to play during the third period of Tuesday night's loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto, but it wasn't an injury that sidelined the right winger. It was the flu. "He got sick between periods," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "He had the flu. The flu is with a lot of our players, which is why we had a day off today." The Devils got a day off on Wednesday and will return to the ice for practice Thursday. It is possible that Patrik Elias, sidelined since suffering a concussion in Denver on Jan. 16, will practice with the team. "We'll see tomorrow whether he skates with the team or not," Lamoriello said. "It's a day-to-day thing.""