Back on Oct. 23, The Post predicted this unwelcome move would have to be made. It comes to pass this afternoon when Larry Robinson breaks up the “A” Line.

Robinson is expected to shift Petr Sykora to right wing for Scott Gomez and Sergei Nemchinov, and put Andreas Salomonsson with Jason Arnott and Patrik Elias.

“I’m kind of proud of what we’ve done as a line and I feel I’ve been a big part of it,” said Sykora, picking his words carefully and insisting, “No, I’m not [emotionally] hurt,” while his entire demeanor screamed otherwise.

The “A” Line has been one of the league’s longest-running and most productive threesomes since formed Feb. 6, 1999, by Robbie Ftorek. They have combined for 98 goals and 238 points, with a total plus-104 rating since then. The trio has been separated before, but only for short duration, and mostly because they’d refuse to dump the puck, preferring to make plays.

This time, however, their breakup has a different root: the loss of Alexander Mogilny and thus, the loss of scoring from Gomez’ line.

The “A” Line has accounted for 23 of the Devils’ 45 goals this season, including 20 of 29 at home, where they begin this weekend’s Matinees of Truth. Losers of two straight, the Devils face the Flyers this afternoon and the Avalanche tomorrow.

“I want to see if we can spread some scoring around,” Robinson said. “This line’s been together three or four years now. We’ll see a little different look, see if we can get Sykora on track. “