 Later years saw other stars such as Alexei Kovalev, Jaromir Jagr, Martin Rucinsky and Bobby Holik added, but in 2002–03 and 2003–04, the team again missed the playoffs.Blackburn started strongly in 2002–03, but burned out after 17 games.He then missed 2003–04 due to mononucleosis and a damaged nerve in his left shoulder.