NHL

FOR OFFENSE, DEVILS HOP ON THE Z LINE

From A Line to Z, a decade later.

It’s been nearly 10 years since — in a fit of genius, inspiration and creativity — the media stuck the Devils’ threesome of Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora with the title “A Line.” Stuck is right, and stuck it did. Too bad.

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Now, in a similar eureka of mediocrity, it’s time to name Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner.

It has to be the Z Line. Tough luck, Langenbrunner.

“Don’t tell Jamie,” Zajac said.

“I don’t worry about stuff like that,” Langenbrunner said.

They deserve a better name, but all the other ideas have been even worse.

Now that they have lasted all season, and become the Devils’ undeniable top line, they need a moniker, and Z Line is better than nothing.

They have been special. Zajac has been sharing the league-lead in plus-minus ratio, blossoming into the center that is making fans forget Scott Gomez. Parise is a genuine candidate for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, chasing the Devils’ goal-scoring record. Langenbrunner has become “Zee” Captain, a clutch scorer and real leader, voted Players’ Player, after such a penalty-marred start to the season.

Zajac’s emergence has been the key.

“He had a good rookie year, but needed some consistency,” Langenbrunner said. “Last year was tough for him, and he started second-guessing himself. This year he came in and felt comfortable. Being the older guy on my line, I try to give the guys guidance when they need it.

“They’ve got me excited about playing again. I’d like to give them a little wisdom.”

Langenbrunner has been a clutch captain, and there aren’t any more doubts about his suitability on the line.

“From what I’ve noticed, he’s been moving his feet,” Parise said of Langenbrunner’s resurgence. “He brings that old veteran leadership Travis and I need. Sometimes we can get a little excited about things.

“And if things aren’t going so well, he’s pretty good at giving us a hit upside the head. He keeps you level-headed.”

Parise is their sheer talent, but it’s his effort and work rate that make his special. That and his first two strides.

The A Line’s members had 234 points in 2000-01, the Z Line 210 after 73 games.

Maybe some car company will give them Zs in a bit of promotion. Hah. These are the Devils, after all.

mark.everson@nypost.com