2003 New Jersey Devils

Four words -- defending Stanley Cup champions -- that New Jersey understands so well. One glance at their 1995-96 season should remind the Devils that this year is no time to sit pretty, that's for sure.

Having won 3 Cups in nine years, their 2003-2004 lineup isn't talent-packed but is willing to work. Can they make 4 Cups in a decade? Click here to find New Jersey Devils tickets.

Last year, the Devils' resurgence to the top of the NHL was remarkable because key elements of their roster were reconsidered after succumbing to the Avalanche in the 2001 Stanley Cup finals. Popular scoring-line players Jason Arnott, Bobby Holik and Petr Sykora were optioned as the team went for a faster forward core.

The key to this season's success will be (in no particular order) Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer -- though John Madden, Brian Rafalski and Patrik Elias will also be instrumental.

Brodeur and the top four defensemen should be as good as ever, even the aging Stevens. Up front, Madden and Elias could play for any team. They will miss Joe Nieuwendyk at center, and the other scorers - Jamie Langenbrunner, Jeff Friesen, Scott Gomez -- have had somewhat on-and-off careers. If any combination of them should slump, the Devils could be in trouble come playoff time.

"I think you enjoy everything immediately," CEO Lou Lamoriello said. "But then you have to put it behind you because you know it's not going to help you in September. Nobody is going to know what you did last year. You kind of allow yourself to get complacent if you sit around thinking about your success too much. But when winning gets old, it's time to get on the beach with a cigar."