It streaked across the skies of 2000 and 2001 like a comet, did the Devils’ “A Line” of Patrik Elias, Jason Arnott and Petr Sykora that was as perfect a union of size, speed, creativity and defensive responsibility as any NHL combination over the last quarter-century.

But the comet burned out in a hurry after leading the Devils to the 2000 Stanley Cup and the 2001 Finals they never should have lost but did in seven games to the Avalanche. Soon center Arnott was gone to Dallas and right wing Sykora was gone to Anaheim and only left wing Elias remained in Lou Lamoriello’s clubhouse.

“I thought it was going to last for a long, long time,” Sykora, who registered 19 goals and 39 points in 48 playoff games for the Devils in those two tournaments, said yesterday. “I truly believe that if we would have stayed together we would have been even better than were for that short time; maybe we should still be together, I don’t know.

“But I don’t look back. All I care about is helping the Rangers beat the Devils in this series and win the Stanley Cup.”

Sykora, rescued this January by Glen Sather when the Rangers GM acquired him from the Mighty Ducks, has to be a significant contributor if the Blueshirts are going to beat the Devils in the first-round playoff series that commences tomorrow afternoon at the Meadowlands. The Rangers need him to be what he was in New Jersey: a big-time, big-game goal-scorer.

“I’ve always liked the challenge of playing big games,” said Sykora, who has 59 points (26-33) in 84 playoff games, second among Rangers to Jaromir Jagr (67-87-154 in 146 games). “The higher stakes make me a better player.”

Sykora recorded 16 goals and 31 points in 40 games for the Rangers, but had one goal and one assist in the final 10 games. That immediately followed an eight-game stretch in which he scored seven goals with three assists.

“The end wasn’t good, but I’m confident,” said Sykora, who has been bothered by a sore groin much of the year. “I know how to prepare for playoff games.”

Sykora is a sniper who can score from 30 feet. The Rangers need him to bring pace to the game and move his feet to jump into holes and win loose pucks.

“Petr is going to have to provide scoring, or at the very least has to get the puck to the net,” Tom Renney said. “Petr is an opportunist who can pull the trigger.”

Sykora said he does not know exactly why Lamoriello pulled the trigger on the July 6, 2002 deal that sent him to Anaheim for Jeff Friesen. It is believed the GM (and now head coach) began conceiving a trade when a foot injury kept Sykora out of the first and fifth games of the 2002 six-game first-round playoff loss to Carolina.

“Only Lou knows, but I have never missed a playoff game that I could have played,” Sykora said. “I take pride in playing. I would never miss a playoff game.”

Sykora faced the Devils with Anaheim in the 2003 Finals. Tomorrow, he does it again, playing against Elias, the lone remaining survivor of the “A Line.”

“Yes, but do you know what? The three of us are all unrestricted [free agents] this summer,” Sykora said. “So you never know.”

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SCHEDULE

Game 1

Saturday

Rangers at Devils 3 p.m., NBC WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 2

Monday

Rangers at Devils 7 p.m., MSG FSN New York WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 3

Wednesday

Devils at Rangers 7 p.m., MSG FSN New York WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 4

Saturday, April 29

Devils at Rangers 3 p.m., NBC WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 5*

Sunday, April 30,

Rangers at Devils 6 p.m., NBC WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 6*

Tuesday, May 2,

Devils at Rangers 7 p.m., MSG FSN New York WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

Game 7*

Thursday, May 4,

Rangers at Devils 7:30 p.m., MSG FSN New York WFAN (660) ESPN (1050)

* – if necessary