While he wants to be known for more than just a concussion-provider, Devils defenseman Scott Stevens admits he enjoys being the villain in opposing arenas. And he’s looking forward to hearing the boos and the taunting when the Eastern Conference semifinals shifts to Toronto for Game 3.
“I’m glad people notice me and I’m glad that they don’t like me because that means I’m doing something right,” Stevens, the Devils’ captain, said yesterday after the team practiced at the Meadowlands. “When [the booing] stops that’s when I’m going to retire.”
That probably won’t be coming any time soon, as Stevens continues to deliver the fiercest checks in the league. In the first-round series victory over the Hurricanes, Stevens, 37, put devastating hits on Shane Willis and Ron Francis in Games 2 and 3, respectively. Both of the Hurricane players suffered concussions and neither returned to the series.
Of course, there was Stevens’ hit on Eric Lindros in last year’s playoffs, which caused the Flyer star to suffer his sixth career concussion. So heading into Game 1 tomorrow night at the Meadowlands, Stevens said the Leafs, who were pounded by Stevens in last year’s playoffs, should brace themselves.
“There’s going to be no surprises this year,” Stevens said. “They saw me last year. They’ve seen the playoffs this year. So that team’s going to be ready. I’m sure everybody expects [big hits] and is going to be looking for that. If it’s there, it’s there.”
As for Leafs coach and general manager Pat Quinn, who called Stevens a “dirty player” before last year’s playoff meeting, Stevens said, “Whatever Pat says, that’s fine. I’m not going to say a word. I’m just going to play.”
The Leafs remain haunted by Game 6 against the Devils last year when they were held to just six shots in the 3-0 loss that ended the series.
Stevens, for one, said the Leafs should be humiliated. “If you’re not upset and embarrassed there has to be something wrong,” he said.
There’s speculation that Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph has a hand injury because he wasn’t using a stick for much of the recent practices.
“I hope he plays the whole series without a stick,” Devils coach Larry Robinson joked.