New Jersey Devils head coach Peter DeBoer (C), assistant coach Dave Barr (R), center David Clarkson (upper L), left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (12), right wing Stephen Gionta (11) and center Ryan Carter (20) watch their game with the Ottawa Senators late in the third period of their NHL hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, April 12, 2013. It was their ninth loss in a row. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Toronto Maple Leafs' Leo Komarov (L) collides with New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto, March 4, 2013. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mark Stuart fights for control of the puck with New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) in the second period of their NHL hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, February 24, 2013. REUTERS/Adam Hunger (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

The Winnipeg Jets Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) celebrates after scoring the only goal of the game on Ottawa Senators goalie Ben Bishop (L) as the Senators Erik Karlsson looks on during the third period of their NHL hockey game at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, February 9, 2013. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

The Winnipeg Jets Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) scores the only goal of the game on Ottawa Senators goalie Ben Bishop during the third period of their NHL hockey game at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, February 9, 2013. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

The Winnipeg Jets Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) tries to get the puck past the Ottawa Senators goalie Ben Bishop during the second period of their NHL hockey game at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, February 9, 2013. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Florida Panthers' Mike Weaver (C) tries to block a shot by Winnipeg Jets' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg February 5, 2013. REUTERS/Fred Greenslade (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Tampa Bay Lightning's Teddy Purcell (R) celebrates his goal in front of Winnipeg Jets' Alexei Ponikarovsky during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Tampa, Florida February 1, 2013. REUTERS/Mike Carlson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Montreal Canadiens' Alexei Emelin (74) checks Winnipeg Jets' Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal, January 29, 2013. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Winnipeg Jets' Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) shoots the puck past New York Islanders' Travis Hamonic (3) during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg January 27, 2013. REUTERS/Fred Greenslade (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Los Angeles Kings' Dustin Penner (25), Jarret Stoll (28), and goalie Jonathan Quick (R) battle with New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd L) during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Newark, New Jersey, June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bruce Bennett/POOL (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

Los Angeles Kings left wing Dustin Penner (25) pulls the helmet off New Jersey Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) during a scuffle in the Los Angeles Kings goal mouth during Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Newark, New Jersey, June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bruce Bennett/POOL (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

New Jersey Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky's helmet rolls into the net as a scuffle breaks out between his team and the Los Angeles Kings in the goal mouth during the 3rd period in Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Newark, New Jersey, June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

New Jersey Devils Alexei Ponikarovsky (C) celebrates a goal by teammate Adam Henrique (not pictured) between Los Angeles Kings Willie Mitchell (L) and Slava Voynov (R) during the third period in Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Los Angeles, June 6, 2012. REUTERS/harry How/Pool (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

New Jersey Devils Adam Henrique (R) celebrates scoring against the Los Angeles Kings with teammates Alexei Ponikarovsky (L), Mark Fayne (2nd L) and David Clarkson (2nd R) during the third period in Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Los Angeles, June 6, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (L) makes a save on New Jersey Devils Alexei Ponikarovsky (C) as he is checked by Kings Justin Williams (R) during the second period in Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Los Angeles, June 6, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

Los Angeles Kings Alec Martinez (2nd R) scores the Kings first goal past New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (L), Bryce Salvador (2nd L) and Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Los Angeles, June 4, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)

New Jersey Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk (R) celebrates a goal as his teammate Alexei Ponikarovsky skates in front of him during a team practice before Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Devils and the Los Angeles Kings in Newark, New Jersey, June 1, 2012. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played June 2 in Newark. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Los Angeles Kings' Slava Voynov (R) checks New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky during the second period in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final in Newark, New Jersey, May 30, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils left wing Zach Parise and left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) take a break during practice for Game 1 of their NHL Stanley Cup Finals with the Los Angeles Kings in Newark, New Jersey, May 28, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky battles for the puck with New York Rangers' Marc Staal during the second period in Game 4 of their NHL Eastern Conference Final hockey playoff game in Newark, New Jersey, May 21, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) and New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist lie on the ice after colliding in the goal crease during the third period of Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals hockey playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 16, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' David Clarkson (R) celebrates with teammates Adam Henrique (L), Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd from L) and Bryce Salvador after scoring against the New York Rangers in the third period of Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals hockey playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 16, 2012. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) is checked along the boards by New York Rangers' Brian Boyle (22) during the first period of Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals hockey playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York, May 14, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) celebrates with teammate Andy Greene (L) after scoring the game winning goal as Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (R) and Wayne Simmonds react during overtime in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) celebrates with teammate goalie Martin Brodeur after scoring the winning goal on the Philadelphia Flyers during overtime in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (C) celebrates with teammate Andy Greene (6) and Travis Zajac (19) after scoring the winning goal as Philadelphia Flyers Wayne Simmonds (R) reacts during overtime in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (C) celebrates with teammate Andy Greene (6) after scoring the winning goal as Philadelphia Flyers Wayne Simmonds (R) reacts during overtime in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd L) celebrates with teammate Andy Greene (L) after scoring the winning goal on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (R) as Wayne Simmonds (C) follows the play during overtime in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) slides into Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov as a puck goes off the post during the third period in Game 3 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final playoff hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (hidden) is mobbed by teammates Zach Parise (L), Alexei Ponikarovsky (12), and David Clarkson (top right) after scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime to defeat the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final playoff hockey game in Sunrise, Florida April 26, 2012. REUTERS/Rhona Wise (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) celebrates teammate Adam Henrique's first period goal next to Florida Panthers defenseman Ed Jovanovski during Game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final playoff hockey game in Sunrise, Florida April 26, 2012. REUTERS/Rhona Wise (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd L) celebrates teammate Adam Henrique's first period goal against the Florida Panthers during Game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final playoff hockey game in Sunrise, Florida April 26, 2012. REUTERS/Rhona Wise (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' center Jacob Josefson (C) celebrates with New Jersey Devils' left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs' goalie James Reimer (R) in the second period of their NHL hockey game in Newark, New Jersey March 23, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Ottawa Senators' Jared Cowen (front) battles New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky for control of the puck during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Ottawa March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Chris Wattie (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils' Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd L) celebrates his goal with Bryce Salvador (L), Anton Volchenkov (C) and Steve Bernier in front of Toronto Maple Leafs' Phil Kessel (R) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Toronto, February 21, 2012. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) stops a shot by New Jersey Devils left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) in the first period of their NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York, February 7, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (2nd R) reaches to tap his glove with Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) as he is helped off the ice by teammate Alexei Ponikarovsky (12) after being knocked out of the game by Subban in the third period of their NHL hockey game in Newark, New Jersey, February 2, 2012. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

The Toronto Maple Leafs' Nikolai Kulemin (41) scores a third-period goal against Carolina Hurricanes' Cam Ward (L), Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) and Tim Gleason (top) as the Maple Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski (84) looks on during their NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina December 29, 2011. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Toronto Maple Leafs' Tim Connolly (2nd L) celebrates his game winning goal with teammates John-Michael Liles (L) and Joffrey Lupul behind Carolina Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky (2nd R) during in overtime of their NHL hockey game in Toronto December 13, 2011. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Carolina Hurricanes' Brandon Sutter (C) celebrates his third period goal against the Winnipeg Jets with Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) and Tim Gleason during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg December 9, 2011. REUTERS/Fred Greenslade (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Linesman Don Henderson is pushed into the Carolina Hurricanes bench by Hurricanes' Tuomo Ruutu (15), Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) and Winnipeg Jets' Tanner Glass (15) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg December 9, 2011. REUTERS/Fred Greenslade (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) and Edmonton Oilers' Sam Gagner battle for the puck during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton December 7, 2011. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Carolina Hurricanes' (L-R) Jamie McBain, Eric Staal and Alexei Ponikarovsky celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton December 7, 2011. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky celebrates his goal during the third period of their NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa November 27, 2011. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Ottawa Senators' Zenon Konopka and Jesse Winchester (18) fight with Carolina Hurricanes' Chad LaRose (59), Tim Gleason (6) and Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Ottawa November 27, 2011. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

The Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky is stopped short of the goal by Winnipeg Jets goaltender Chris Mason and teammates Mark Stuart (L) and Bryan Little during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina November 25, 2011. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Montreal Canadiens Travis Moen (L) celebrates after scoring a third period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes as Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) looks on during their NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina November 23, 2011. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (R) makes a save against Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky (23) guarded by Canadiens defenseman Yannick Weber (68) during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal, November 16, 2011. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Montreal Canadiens' Mike Cammalleri (R) battles for the puck with Carolina Hurricanes; Alexei Ponikarovsky during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal November 16, 2011. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

The Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) collides with the Ottawa Senators' Kick Foligno during the second periof of their NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina October 25, 2011. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson and teammate Filip Kuba (#17) stop the Carolina Hurricanes' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) and Tuomo Ruutu short of the goal during the first period their NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina October 25, 2011. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) checks San Jose Sharks' Scott Nichol into the boards during the first period in Game 4 of their NHL Western Conference quarter-final hockey game in Los Angeles, California April 21, 2011. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

San Jose Sharks defenseman Ian White (9) is hit to the ice by Los Angeles Kings left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky (27) and defenseman Matt Greene (2) in the first period during Game 1 of their NHL Western Conference quarter-final hockey playoff in San Jose, California April 14, 2011. REUTERS/Chad Ziemendorf (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (L) makes a stop with Los Angeles Kings Alexei Ponikarovsky in front of the net during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia March 31, 2011. REUTERS/Ben Nelms (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Edmonton Oilers' Theo Peckham (L) and Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky collide along the boards during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton March 29, 2011. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) tips a shot in front of Edmonton Oilers' goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton March 29, 2011. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New York Rangers' Marc Staal (L) checks Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) off his skates in the first period during their NHL hockey game in New York February 17, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

New York Rangers' Marc Staal (L) checks Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky (R) off his skates in the first period during their NHL hockey game in New York February 17, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) 

Los Angeles Kings' Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) is knocked to the ice by Edmonton Oilers' Ladislav Smid during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton February 2, 2011. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY)