Round 2: New Jersey vs Tampa Bay

[Guyute]

Discuss it here

schedule:

1 Thu., April 24 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7 p.m.
2 Sat., April 26 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 3 p.m.
3 Mon., April 28 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
4 Wed., April 30 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
*5 Fri., May 2 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7 p.m.
*6 Sun., May 4 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 3:30 p.m.
*7 Tue., May 6 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:30 p.m.

[Guyute]

Discuss it here

schedule:

1 Thu., April 24 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7 p.m.
2 Sat., April 26 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 3 p.m.
3 Mon., April 28 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
4 Wed., April 30 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
*5 Fri., May 2 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7 p.m.
*6 Sun., May 4 New Jersey at Tampa Bay 3:30 p.m.
*7 Tue., May 6 Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:30 p.m.

[Guyute]

I'm really not sure who I'm pulling for in this one. probably neither I guess... just looking for a good series.

I think jersey will take it. more depth, a guy named marty, and langenbrunner has been on fire lately.

should be a good matchup tho, similar teams.

[Guyute]

I'm really not sure who I'm pulling for in this one. probably neither I guess... just looking for a good series.

I think jersey will take it. more depth, a guy named marty, and langenbrunner has been on fire lately.

should be a good matchup tho, similar teams.

[Night Train]

My prediction is Jersey in 5, but I'll be rooting like heck for Tampa

[Night Train]

My prediction is Jersey in 5, but I'll be rooting like heck for Tampa

[talkingcanes]

no doubts for me in this one.......Go Devils :evil:

[talkingcanes]

no doubts for me in this one.......Go Devils :evil:

[hyena]

i'm pulling for tampa bay. and the other marty. ;) i'd like to see a southeast div team make it another round. plus i don't like new jersey, save for a few players.

i believe the devils will win in 6 but you never know. i think it will be a good series.

GO BOLTS!

[hyena]

i'm pulling for tampa bay. and the other marty. ;) i'd like to see a southeast div team make it another round. plus i don't like new jersey, save for a few players.

i believe the devils will win in 6 but you never know. i think it will be a good series.

GO BOLTS!

[Shell]

I'm pulling for Tampa too, but I like the Devils so either way will be OK.. I think NJ will probably take it.

Brylin will be back for NJ:

Brylin returning to Devils' lineup from broken wrist
Copyright © 2003 AP MegaSports
By TOM CANAVAN, Associated Press

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (April 23, 2003 9:25 a.m. EDT) - Sergei Brylin will be back in the New Jersey Devils' lineup Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It is the forward's first game since Feb. 5, when he broke his wrist in a game against the Washington Capitals. Brylin had surgery, then couldn't do anything for nearly two months because doctors were afraid of infection.

He missed the last 30 games of the regular season and the first-round playoff victory over Boston.

"I just wanted to play this year," said Brylin, a member of the Devils' Stanley Cup champions in 1995 and 2000. "I put a lot of hard work and effort into my rehab and tried to push myself as hard as I could."

He's one of those little cogs that make the Devils tough to beat. He plays on a checking line, kills penalties and can score a big goal when needed. He had a goal and an assist in New Jersey's championship-clinching game against Detroit in 1995.

"Sergei has been a key part of our team over the years - the unsung hero," defenseman Ken Daneyko said. "We've managed to get this far with him being injured, so to bring in a guy who can play at both ends of the rink is a spark for us. He's a playoff-type player who can only help if he's healthy."

Brylin said he felt fine after practice Tuesday.

"After missing 11 weeks, the only way to find out is to go out and try it," Brylin said.

It was not immediately clear whose place he would take Thursday. Turner Stevenson played well in Brylin's spot on a line with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo.

"He's fast. He's smart. He checks well and contributes on offense," said Madden, whose line will probably be assigned to shut down the Lightning top line of Vincent Lecavalier, Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis. "That's what makes my job easier. Sergei does it as well as I do. It's great having two guys on the same line like that."

Brylin has also skated with Scott Gomez and Patrik Elias this season, but Brian Gionta and that pair played well together late in the season. The other option would be to put Brylin on the fourth line, taking one of the wing spots now played by Grant Marshall or Jim McKenzie.

Brylin said his wrist is still a little stiff and not as strong as he would like.

"But it feels better and better every day," Brylin said. "A week ago I wasn't able to do this and that."

[Shell]

I'm pulling for Tampa too, but I like the Devils so either way will be OK.. I think NJ will probably take it.

Brylin will be back for NJ:

Brylin returning to Devils' lineup from broken wrist
Copyright © 2003 AP MegaSports
By TOM CANAVAN, Associated Press

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (April 23, 2003 9:25 a.m. EDT) - Sergei Brylin will be back in the New Jersey Devils' lineup Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It is the forward's first game since Feb. 5, when he broke his wrist in a game against the Washington Capitals. Brylin had surgery, then couldn't do anything for nearly two months because doctors were afraid of infection.

He missed the last 30 games of the regular season and the first-round playoff victory over Boston.

"I just wanted to play this year," said Brylin, a member of the Devils' Stanley Cup champions in 1995 and 2000. "I put a lot of hard work and effort into my rehab and tried to push myself as hard as I could."

He's one of those little cogs that make the Devils tough to beat. He plays on a checking line, kills penalties and can score a big goal when needed. He had a goal and an assist in New Jersey's championship-clinching game against Detroit in 1995.

"Sergei has been a key part of our team over the years - the unsung hero," defenseman Ken Daneyko said. "We've managed to get this far with him being injured, so to bring in a guy who can play at both ends of the rink is a spark for us. He's a playoff-type player who can only help if he's healthy."

Brylin said he felt fine after practice Tuesday.

"After missing 11 weeks, the only way to find out is to go out and try it," Brylin said.

It was not immediately clear whose place he would take Thursday. Turner Stevenson played well in Brylin's spot on a line with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo.

"He's fast. He's smart. He checks well and contributes on offense," said Madden, whose line will probably be assigned to shut down the Lightning top line of Vincent Lecavalier, Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis. "That's what makes my job easier. Sergei does it as well as I do. It's great having two guys on the same line like that."

Brylin has also skated with Scott Gomez and Patrik Elias this season, but Brian Gionta and that pair played well together late in the season. The other option would be to put Brylin on the fourth line, taking one of the wing spots now played by Grant Marshall or Jim McKenzie.

Brylin said his wrist is still a little stiff and not as strong as he would like.

"But it feels better and better every day," Brylin said. "A week ago I wasn't able to do this and that."

[StormShaman]

Bolts all the way, bay-bee!

MIDGET POWER! ;)

[StormShaman]

Bolts all the way, bay-bee!

MIDGET POWER! ;)

[lvscolencanes]

Bolts in 7 - Tough series I believe, but I think/hope Bolts will pull this one off!! :D

[lvscolencanes]

Bolts in 7 - Tough series I believe, but I think/hope Bolts will pull this one off!! :D

[crazy4canes]

I'll have to pull for the Bolts in this one too. They have their work cut out for them, though. Little St. Louis better bring his A++ game. :eek2:

[crazy4canes]

I'll have to pull for the Bolts in this one too. They have their work cut out for them, though. Little St. Louis better bring his A++ game. :eek2:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have to say that I think this will be the "premiere" matchup in the entire playoffs...

I have to go with TB also...sorry Marty! :roll: ...it's ok..you won't be a Devil for long anyway!! :evil: **laughs evil..cause I know the "plan" will soon spring into action!! ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have to say that I think this will be the "premiere" matchup in the entire playoffs...

I have to go with TB also...sorry Marty! :roll: ...it's ok..you won't be a Devil for long anyway!! :evil: **laughs evil..cause I know the "plan" will soon spring into action!! ;)

[FireStorm]

sorry Marty! :roll: ...it's ok..you won't be a Devil for long anyway!! :evil: **laughs evil..cause I know the "plan" will soon spring into action!! ;)

So long as its after the Devils finish their season :evil:

Lets go Devils!!

[FireStorm]

sorry Marty! :roll: ...it's ok..you won't be a Devil for long anyway!! :evil: **laughs evil..cause I know the "plan" will soon spring into action!! ;)

So long as its after the Devils finish their season :evil:

Lets go Devils!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I don't know who to pick here!! Or anywhere else in the 2nd round to be honest. My 1st round picks were so easy....now it's much harder. See there is some value to the Leafs, the Wings and the Bruins! ;)

I think NJ will probably take it but I've been pretty impressed with Tampa Bay. Someone on ESPN last night (Barry probably) called them a one line team. I don't know....I think Andreychuk, Richards, Prospal and a couple of their defensemen might have something to say about that. And Khabibulin has looked pretty good.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I don't know who to pick here!! Or anywhere else in the 2nd round to be honest. My 1st round picks were so easy....now it's much harder. See there is some value to the Leafs, the Wings and the Bruins! ;)

I think NJ will probably take it but I've been pretty impressed with Tampa Bay. Someone on ESPN last night (Barry probably) called them a one line team. I don't know....I think Andreychuk, Richards, Prospal and a couple of their defensemen might have something to say about that. And Khabibulin has looked pretty good.

[talkingcanes]

did good old Barry not also call the Avs a one line team and say there was major rebuilding to be done. hope he didn't break a hip jumping off the badwagon:roll:

at least TB is in good company.

[talkingcanes]

did good old Barry not also call the Avs a one line team and say there was major rebuilding to be done. hope he didn't break a hip jumping off the badwagon:roll:

at least TB is in good company.

[MoBigRed]

Gotta go for the Bolts.

Stevenson, White, Stevens, Daneyko, McKenzie... gak. I'd be pulling against the Canes if they had such a lineup!

Gonna be a close one, though... but i'm gonna go with the Bolts as well.

Hey, cool... i typed 'Bolts' twice (now thrice), and not once did i accidentally type 'Blots'.

[MoBigRed]

Gotta go for the Bolts.

Stevenson, White, Stevens, Daneyko, McKenzie... gak. I'd be pulling against the Canes if they had such a lineup!

Gonna be a close one, though... but i'm gonna go with the Bolts as well.

Hey, cool... i typed 'Bolts' twice (now thrice), and not once did i accidentally type 'Blots'.

[Alicia]

did good old Barry not also call the Avs a one line team and say there was major rebuilding to be done. hope he didn't break a hip jumping off the badwagon:roll:

at least TB is in good company.

Yes, he did TC.

Much as I hate to say it, Devs in 6.

[Alicia]

did good old Barry not also call the Avs a one line team and say there was major rebuilding to be done. hope he didn't break a hip jumping off the badwagon:roll:

at least TB is in good company.

Yes, he did TC.

Much as I hate to say it, Devs in 6.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I was wrong in my earlier prediction of the Bolts demise, but the Devils should win this one.

Oh, and I wanted to agree with the Melrose comments above. He went from saying the Avs are the greatest, to their need for a major overhaul in a few hours time! I guess his exact words were "they need to look hard about where more scoring is going to come from besides Forsberg and Sakic" What a hoot that guy is. :D

[Cool Hand Luke]

I was wrong in my earlier prediction of the Bolts demise, but the Devils should win this one.

Oh, and I wanted to agree with the Melrose comments above. He went from saying the Avs are the greatest, to their need for a major overhaul in a few hours time! I guess his exact words were "they need to look hard about where more scoring is going to come from besides Forsberg and Sakic" What a hoot that guy is. :D

[Turbulence]

Devils in 6. This series will be all about Tampa Bay's fight to score on Brodeur and the Devils' great defense. I predict many a low scoring game in this series... Devs will get enough offense to squeak by....but that's all they'll need. Bolts won't be able to score a ton unless Brodeur falls apart like he did in the Bruins' 5-1 win, but they'll steal two goals because of New Jersey's difficulty in scoring.

I am pulling for the upset, though. Go Bolts!

[Turbulence]

Devils in 6. This series will be all about Tampa Bay's fight to score on Brodeur and the Devils' great defense. I predict many a low scoring game in this series... Devs will get enough offense to squeak by....but that's all they'll need. Bolts won't be able to score a ton unless Brodeur falls apart like he did in the Bruins' 5-1 win, but they'll steal two goals because of New Jersey's difficulty in scoring.

I am pulling for the upset, though. Go Bolts!

[raleighcanesfan]

(AP) By Raleighcanesfan

Scott Stevens will take out Martin St. Louis in Game One of their Eastern Conference Semifinals Game.

[raleighcanesfan]

(AP) By Raleighcanesfan

Scott Stevens will take out Martin St. Louis in Game One of their Eastern Conference Semifinals Game.

[Turbulence]

Vice versa, rcf, vice versa! :p

Hey, I can hope. Shane Willis has never been the same player since his Stevens Concussion...

[Turbulence]

Vice versa, rcf, vice versa! :p

Hey, I can hope. Shane Willis has never been the same player since his Stevens Concussion...

[raleighcanesfan]

That's what I'm talking about...You think Stevens (as much as I hate him) hasn't already put him on his list...You know he'll be out for that line. If he shuts him down, he shuts the Lightning down.

[raleighcanesfan]

That's what I'm talking about...You think Stevens (as much as I hate him) hasn't already put him on his list...You know he'll be out for that line. If he shuts him down, he shuts the Lightning down.

[talkingcanes]

one of the ESPN'ers (can't remember which one) commented on the fact that the TB players needed to be very sure to keep their heads up carrying the puck when Stevens was on the ice

[talkingcanes]

one of the ESPN'ers (can't remember which one) commented on the fact that the TB players needed to be very sure to keep their heads up carrying the puck when Stevens was on the ice

[RIO]

I'm cheering for Tampa Bay, but I'm conflicted over my loyalties to Broduer. I am a sad, sad conflicted person. I cry a lot. I am alone. SO very alone.


Go Tampa Bay! Go Marty! :spin:

[RIO]

I'm cheering for Tampa Bay, but I'm conflicted over my loyalties to Broduer. I am a sad, sad conflicted person. I cry a lot. I am alone. SO very alone.


Go Tampa Bay! Go Marty! :spin:

[nccanes]

From Fox Sports....

Poor Devils feel so alone ;)

Burns says no one wants Devils to beat Lightning
BY TOM CANAVAN
Associated Press
Apr. 23, 2003 6:47 p.m.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—
Pat Burns has seen plenty of teams make an unexpected run at the Stanley Cup, and the New Jersey Devils' coach doesn't want a repeat of last season.
A year ago it was the Carolina Hurricanes. They stunned the Devils in the first round and won the Eastern Conference final before losing the Cup to the Detroit Red Wings.

"Everyone was pumped to play Carolina," center Scott Gomez said Wednesday after the Devils practiced at the Continental Airlines Arena. "Everyone wanted Carolina. Guess who got them, and they stuck it to us."

Six games into the playoffs, the Devils were through, which was something no one expected from a team that won the Cup in 2000 and came within a game of repeating the following year.

That's why Burns is making sure the Devils are paying particular attention to Game 1 of their conference semifinal with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

The Lightning are one of the surprising teams this year. They won the Southeast Division when no one expected it, and they came back from an 0-2 deficit to beat Washington in six games in the opening round.

"Nobody wants to see us win, except our fans," Burns said. "They would like to see Tampa win, that's the normal feeling of everybody. `Hey lets see, these guys win. They are the Cinderella team.' You see it every year. People want to see those upsets."

Burns wants the Devils to go into the best-of-seven series with the idea they are the underdogs.

The regular-season should have given the Devils some respect for Tampa Bay. The teams went 1-1-2.

"We're the underdog, and rightfully so," Tampa coach John Tortorella countered. "Jersey has been, throughout the whole year, one of the best teams in the league. But we need to use it to our benefit. I still think people don't really feel we're legit. And even the team we just beat, they don't think we're legit."

The Lightning have one of the best lines in the playoffs with Vincent Lecavalier, Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis, who combined for 11 goals in the first round against Washington.

Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin also gives Tampa Bay one of the NHL's top goaltenders, someone who can compete with the Devils' Martin Brodeur.

Brodeur allowed only three goals in the Devils' four postseason wins over Boston. He gave up eight in the five-game series.

"Marty's got a lot of experience," Lightning captain and former Devils player Dave Andreychuk. "He thrives on these kinds of situations. He's a guy who wants more shots. He doesn't get a lot, but we're just going to have to get to him as best we can."

St. Louis, who had the series clincher in Game 6 against Washington, said the Lightning have gained plenty of confidence.

"I think we've grown as a team already in the playoffs," he said. "You have to learn fast. We've done that. I think everybody around here realizes what we have to do to win a series because we've won one now."

Veteran Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko agrees.

"We know how good they are," Daneyko said. "They have a great goaltender and we're not taking anything for granted. We're not making them underdogs. We know how good they are. They are as talented, if not more talented than we are."

[nccanes]

From Fox Sports....

Poor Devils feel so alone ;)

Burns says no one wants Devils to beat Lightning
BY TOM CANAVAN
Associated Press
Apr. 23, 2003 6:47 p.m.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—
Pat Burns has seen plenty of teams make an unexpected run at the Stanley Cup, and the New Jersey Devils' coach doesn't want a repeat of last season.
A year ago it was the Carolina Hurricanes. They stunned the Devils in the first round and won the Eastern Conference final before losing the Cup to the Detroit Red Wings.

"Everyone was pumped to play Carolina," center Scott Gomez said Wednesday after the Devils practiced at the Continental Airlines Arena. "Everyone wanted Carolina. Guess who got them, and they stuck it to us."

Six games into the playoffs, the Devils were through, which was something no one expected from a team that won the Cup in 2000 and came within a game of repeating the following year.

That's why Burns is making sure the Devils are paying particular attention to Game 1 of their conference semifinal with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

The Lightning are one of the surprising teams this year. They won the Southeast Division when no one expected it, and they came back from an 0-2 deficit to beat Washington in six games in the opening round.

"Nobody wants to see us win, except our fans," Burns said. "They would like to see Tampa win, that's the normal feeling of everybody. `Hey lets see, these guys win. They are the Cinderella team.' You see it every year. People want to see those upsets."

Burns wants the Devils to go into the best-of-seven series with the idea they are the underdogs.

The regular-season should have given the Devils some respect for Tampa Bay. The teams went 1-1-2.

"We're the underdog, and rightfully so," Tampa coach John Tortorella countered. "Jersey has been, throughout the whole year, one of the best teams in the league. But we need to use it to our benefit. I still think people don't really feel we're legit. And even the team we just beat, they don't think we're legit."

The Lightning have one of the best lines in the playoffs with Vincent Lecavalier, Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis, who combined for 11 goals in the first round against Washington.

Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin also gives Tampa Bay one of the NHL's top goaltenders, someone who can compete with the Devils' Martin Brodeur.

Brodeur allowed only three goals in the Devils' four postseason wins over Boston. He gave up eight in the five-game series.

"Marty's got a lot of experience," Lightning captain and former Devils player Dave Andreychuk. "He thrives on these kinds of situations. He's a guy who wants more shots. He doesn't get a lot, but we're just going to have to get to him as best we can."

St. Louis, who had the series clincher in Game 6 against Washington, said the Lightning have gained plenty of confidence.

"I think we've grown as a team already in the playoffs," he said. "You have to learn fast. We've done that. I think everybody around here realizes what we have to do to win a series because we've won one now."

Veteran Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko agrees.

"We know how good they are," Daneyko said. "They have a great goaltender and we're not taking anything for granted. We're not making them underdogs. We know how good they are. They are as talented, if not more talented than we are."

[hyena]

i love how now everybody wants to be the underdog. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif WOO HOO i can't wait for this series to start!

[hyena]

i love how now everybody wants to be the underdog. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif WOO HOO i can't wait for this series to start!

[nccanes]

i love how now everybody wants to be the underdog. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif WOO HOO i can't wait for this series to start!

Unfortunately for the Bolts, the Devils don't sound like they'll be fooled or lulled into complacency this time around....

[nccanes]

i love how now everybody wants to be the underdog. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif WOO HOO i can't wait for this series to start!

Unfortunately for the Bolts, the Devils don't sound like they'll be fooled or lulled into complacency this time around....

[StormShaman]

Quite honestly, any team from the SE Division not named the Washington Jagrs really is an underdog, simply because of the division we play in. Until a SE Division team wins the Cup and is a consistent playoff performer, we'll always have that stigma.

[StormShaman]

Quite honestly, any team from the SE Division not named the Washington Jagrs really is an underdog, simply because of the division we play in. Until a SE Division team wins the Cup and is a consistent playoff performer, we'll always have that stigma.

[Shell]

I think Washingtonm would be called an underdog as well. (I don't think anyone is calling Jagr Cinderella though ;))

[Shell]

I think Washingtonm would be called an underdog as well. (I don't think anyone is calling Jagr Cinderella though ;))

[StormShaman]

Nah--Washington has Jagr, so they're expected to actually do well.

Too bad Jagr's such a selfish little locker-room cancer. I'd actually be scared of him if he was actually interested in winning.

[StormShaman]

Nah--Washington has Jagr, so they're expected to actually do well.

Too bad Jagr's such a selfish little locker-room cancer. I'd actually be scared of him if he was actually interested in winning.

[talkingcanes]

I think the Devils learned last year not to take an opponent lightly. To their credit, they admit they wanted to play us and got taken to the cleaners. I happen to think we'd have beaten them anyway, but unfortunately for TB, I think the Devils will be very ready.

Go Devils.

[talkingcanes]

I think the Devils learned last year not to take an opponent lightly. To their credit, they admit they wanted to play us and got taken to the cleaners. I happen to think we'd have beaten them anyway, but unfortunately for TB, I think the Devils will be very ready.

Go Devils.

[Guyute]

the Devs will definitely be ready. If tampa beats them, it will not be because they were taking the bolts too lightly.

[Guyute]

the Devs will definitely be ready. If tampa beats them, it will not be because they were taking the bolts too lightly.

[nccanes]

I love this article for whatever reason....


Stevens forces Devils' foes to change strategy
Thursday, April 24, 2003


BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff

During the Devils' back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2000 and 2001, one image above all others seemed to define the team's success and that was defenseman Scott Stevens flattening an opposing forward with a crushing hit as they crossed the blue line or went into the corners.

There was Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference finals, Carolina's Shane Willis and Ron Francis in the opening round the following year and a succession of others before opposing teams decided it wasn't worth invading Stevens' territory.


Now, as the Devils open their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the inexperienced Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Continental Airlines Arena, the question is being raised: Can Stevens still deliver the kind of explosive hits that can change the course of a playoff series?

"I thought he had a great series against the Bruins," center John Madden said of the Devils' captain. "People might say it wasn't a Scott Stevens series because he didn't lay out any guys. But he had a couple of good hits, including one beauty on Mike Knuble. After the first two games, the Bruins did a lot of dumping and chasing instead of skating the puck in.

"I think he has forced teams to change their strategy in the past and I think he'll do it in the future. You take an awful big risk coming across the blue line with your head down. Tampa Bay might not like to dump and chase. They like to skate it in. Well, don't be zigging coming across the blue line when he's zagging."

A case can be made that the Bruins kept Joe Thornton away from Stevens and the middle of the ice in the first round, perhaps significantly hurting their big line's effectiveness.

Devils coach Pat Burns said he has no doubt that Stevens can still change the course of a playoff series with his physical play.

"Oh yeah," Burns said. "You know why? Because they know it on the other side. You can see them looking at Scotty. They're thinking, 'Maybe we should attack the other side.' He's an impact player."

Stevens, who is 39 years old, will be dealing with Tampa Bay's top line of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Vaclav Prospal.

"Tampa is very good on the rush," Stevens said. "That's not an easy team to stand up against, especially that line. They've got a lot of speed, a lot of puck control. I think they're good at carrying it in. They like to score on the rush. A lot of their goals come on the rush.

"Obviously, I want to play physical and take the body as much as I can. Teams know that, but the last time I hit Lecavalier he wanted to play physical back. He's not a small guy. If I can get that line to play physical, all the better for us. They've scored 90 percent of their goals."

Getting into a physical battle with Stevens, even in his 21st season, is usually unwise. But should bigger, younger, faster players take that gamble against a warrior like Stevens, who can't go on forever?

"Maybe Boston's big line didn't drive hard enough for the size they had," defenseman Ken Daneyko said.

"Tampa Bay is totally different. St. Louis will bring speed and his dipsy doodle. Plus, he has grit. But the thing with Scotty is you have to be careful and more aware. A lot of players have found that out. He's wreaked damage throughout his playoff career."

Asked if he still has that capability, Stevens smiled.

"You don't have to worry about that," he said. "I just got done playing against three big guys.

"I'd like to think I'm better. You get better and smarter with age and experience. Playing physical is a matter of being smart. If the hit is not there, it's not beneficial to our hockey team for me to be running around."

But if the hit is there, Stevens won't bypass the opportunity. He has changed the course of many playoff series before.

Three things to look for in Game 1:

1. The Devils haven't played in a week. The Lightning are fresh off the Washington series, which could give them a jump.

2. Nikolai Khabibulin vs. Martin Brodeur. A goalie matchup worth the ridiculous price of playoff tickets.

3. Is Sergei Brylin ready to return from a fractured hand? He's the kind of player who can give the Devils a lift.

Copyright 2003 The Star-Ledger.


I'm soooo looking forward to this one tonight! And I still don't know who I'm pulling for, lol! :crazy:

[nccanes]

I love this article for whatever reason....


Stevens forces Devils' foes to change strategy
Thursday, April 24, 2003


BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff

During the Devils' back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2000 and 2001, one image above all others seemed to define the team's success and that was defenseman Scott Stevens flattening an opposing forward with a crushing hit as they crossed the blue line or went into the corners.

There was Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference finals, Carolina's Shane Willis and Ron Francis in the opening round the following year and a succession of others before opposing teams decided it wasn't worth invading Stevens' territory.


Now, as the Devils open their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the inexperienced Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Continental Airlines Arena, the question is being raised: Can Stevens still deliver the kind of explosive hits that can change the course of a playoff series?

"I thought he had a great series against the Bruins," center John Madden said of the Devils' captain. "People might say it wasn't a Scott Stevens series because he didn't lay out any guys. But he had a couple of good hits, including one beauty on Mike Knuble. After the first two games, the Bruins did a lot of dumping and chasing instead of skating the puck in.

"I think he has forced teams to change their strategy in the past and I think he'll do it in the future. You take an awful big risk coming across the blue line with your head down. Tampa Bay might not like to dump and chase. They like to skate it in. Well, don't be zigging coming across the blue line when he's zagging."

A case can be made that the Bruins kept Joe Thornton away from Stevens and the middle of the ice in the first round, perhaps significantly hurting their big line's effectiveness.

Devils coach Pat Burns said he has no doubt that Stevens can still change the course of a playoff series with his physical play.

"Oh yeah," Burns said. "You know why? Because they know it on the other side. You can see them looking at Scotty. They're thinking, 'Maybe we should attack the other side.' He's an impact player."

Stevens, who is 39 years old, will be dealing with Tampa Bay's top line of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Vaclav Prospal.

"Tampa is very good on the rush," Stevens said. "That's not an easy team to stand up against, especially that line. They've got a lot of speed, a lot of puck control. I think they're good at carrying it in. They like to score on the rush. A lot of their goals come on the rush.

"Obviously, I want to play physical and take the body as much as I can. Teams know that, but the last time I hit Lecavalier he wanted to play physical back. He's not a small guy. If I can get that line to play physical, all the better for us. They've scored 90 percent of their goals."

Getting into a physical battle with Stevens, even in his 21st season, is usually unwise. But should bigger, younger, faster players take that gamble against a warrior like Stevens, who can't go on forever?

"Maybe Boston's big line didn't drive hard enough for the size they had," defenseman Ken Daneyko said.

"Tampa Bay is totally different. St. Louis will bring speed and his dipsy doodle. Plus, he has grit. But the thing with Scotty is you have to be careful and more aware. A lot of players have found that out. He's wreaked damage throughout his playoff career."

Asked if he still has that capability, Stevens smiled.

"You don't have to worry about that," he said. "I just got done playing against three big guys.

"I'd like to think I'm better. You get better and smarter with age and experience. Playing physical is a matter of being smart. If the hit is not there, it's not beneficial to our hockey team for me to be running around."

But if the hit is there, Stevens won't bypass the opportunity. He has changed the course of many playoff series before.

Three things to look for in Game 1:

1. The Devils haven't played in a week. The Lightning are fresh off the Washington series, which could give them a jump.

2. Nikolai Khabibulin vs. Martin Brodeur. A goalie matchup worth the ridiculous price of playoff tickets.

3. Is Sergei Brylin ready to return from a fractured hand? He's the kind of player who can give the Devils a lift.

Copyright 2003 The Star-Ledger.


I'm soooo looking forward to this one tonight! And I still don't know who I'm pulling for, lol! :crazy:

[crazy4canes]

I still hate Stevens for what he did to Shane and Ronnie. Poor Shane will never be the same. I wish just once I could see Stevens crumple to the ice like jello. Dirty, rotten bastahd. :mad: Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:

[crazy4canes]

I still hate Stevens for what he did to Shane and Ronnie. Poor Shane will never be the same. I wish just once I could see Stevens crumple to the ice like jello. Dirty, rotten bastahd. :mad: Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:

[StormShaman]

I hate the guy too--but it was FAR more enjoyable (to me) seeing Erik Cole make the guy his personal ***** last season than it will ever be to see him get the smack laid down on him.

But then, I'm evil and really appreciate a good taunting. ;)

[StormShaman]

I hate the guy too--but it was FAR more enjoyable (to me) seeing Erik Cole make the guy his personal ***** last season than it will ever be to see him get the smack laid down on him.

But then, I'm evil and really appreciate a good taunting. ;)

[crazy4canes]

I hate the guy too--but it was FAR more enjoyable (to me) seeing Erik Cole make the guy his personal ***** last season than it will ever be to see him get the smack laid down on him.

But then, I'm evil and really appreciate a good taunting. ;)

Yep, that was sweet. http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/lachen48.gif Ahhhhh...memories. :evil:

[crazy4canes]

I hate the guy too--but it was FAR more enjoyable (to me) seeing Erik Cole make the guy his personal ***** last season than it will ever be to see him get the smack laid down on him.

But then, I'm evil and really appreciate a good taunting. ;)

Yep, that was sweet. http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/lachen48.gif Ahhhhh...memories. :evil:

[StormShaman]

Oh, and we can't forget during the regular season when Batesy nailed him in the noogies with a slapper.

Painful, but amusing in a very twisted way.

[StormShaman]

Oh, and we can't forget during the regular season when Batesy nailed him in the noogies with a slapper.

Painful, but amusing in a very twisted way.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I hope the Devils get it. I don't wanna see any other team out of the Southeast succeed other then the Canes. And I think the Devils have the best chance of stopping a Western Conference team in the SCF.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I hope the Devils get it. I don't wanna see any other team out of the Southeast succeed other then the Canes. And I think the Devils have the best chance of stopping a Western Conference team in the SCF.

[MoBigRed]

Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:


That would be a first, wouldn't it?

[MoBigRed]

Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:


That would be a first, wouldn't it?

[crazy4canes]

Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:


That would be a first, wouldn't it?

Yep. Guess we better not hold our breath, huh? ;)

[crazy4canes]

Maybe Dingman will make his big arse useful in this series. :evil:


That would be a first, wouldn't it?

Yep. Guess we better not hold our breath, huh? ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Devils take the first game 3-0. Hope they aren't just gonna massacre the Bolts....that would be sad to see. Plus I picked the Devs in 6, not 4. ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Devils take the first game 3-0. Hope they aren't just gonna massacre the Bolts....that would be sad to see. Plus I picked the Devs in 6, not 4. ;)

[Stormbringer]

:eek: I get ze sick feeling that I should have had my bracket support ze Devils instead of ze Lightning. :sick:

Oh well...kudos to Brody, if keeps up the fine goaltending, he'll be a shoo-in for a Vezina. Though, Giguere is giving him a run for the money...

[Stormbringer]

:eek: I get ze sick feeling that I should have had my bracket support ze Devils instead of ze Lightning. :sick:

Oh well...kudos to Brody, if keeps up the fine goaltending, he'll be a shoo-in for a Vezina. Though, Giguere is giving him a run for the money...

[Alicia]

Plus I picked the Devs in 6, not 4. ;)

Me too, SHC!

[Alicia]

Plus I picked the Devs in 6, not 4. ;)

Me too, SHC!

[RIO]

This is a very exciting match-up. :) I could happy with either outcomes. TB or the Devs for the win. I'm good for it.

Marty looked great out there tonight! :smoke: I'm hoping the Lightning will feel the shame of being owned, and come out fighting in the game. Let's make this a real contest, guys!!

[RIO]

This is a very exciting match-up. :) I could happy with either outcomes. TB or the Devs for the win. I'm good for it.

Marty looked great out there tonight! :smoke: I'm hoping the Lightning will feel the shame of being owned, and come out fighting in the game. Let's make this a real contest, guys!!

[hyena]

*sigh* brodeur is awesome. the bolts looked slow and the dev's D just tore them up. i barely saw TLT at all... ;) oh well. GO BOLTS!

[hyena]

*sigh* brodeur is awesome. the bolts looked slow and the dev's D just tore them up. i barely saw TLT at all... ;) oh well. GO BOLTS!

[nccanes]

*sigh* brodeur is awesome. the bolts looked slow and the dev's D just tore them up. i barely saw TLT at all... ;) oh well. GO BOLTS!

Yeah, I was in and out of this game (but getting it on the TWC DVR in case I missed something), but I know at the end the announcers were saying how little he had the puck... :sad:

(TLT = Marty St. Louis ;))

[nccanes]

*sigh* brodeur is awesome. the bolts looked slow and the dev's D just tore them up. i barely saw TLT at all... ;) oh well. GO BOLTS!

Yeah, I was in and out of this game (but getting it on the TWC DVR in case I missed something), but I know at the end the announcers were saying how little he had the puck... :sad:

(TLT = Marty St. Louis ;))

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree about the Bolts looking slow..it seemed like they were off and were one step behind the Devils in every way..what a disappointment! :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree about the Bolts looking slow..it seemed like they were off and were one step behind the Devils in every way..what a disappointment! :roll:

[talkingcanes]

I want the Devils to win this series, but I want the games to be better than that one. Maybe Saturday will reward us with great games. and of course they both start at 3:00 Grrrrrr. I hate having to choose if they are both good games.

[talkingcanes]

I want the Devils to win this series, but I want the games to be better than that one. Maybe Saturday will reward us with great games. and of course they both start at 3:00 Grrrrrr. I hate having to choose if they are both good games.

[crazy4canes]

Grrrr. Time for the Bolts to make adjustments. They better if they expect to win a game in this series. :mad:

[crazy4canes]

Grrrr. Time for the Bolts to make adjustments. They better if they expect to win a game in this series. :mad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Grrrr. Time for the Bolts to make adjustments. They better if they expect to win a game in this series. :mad:

True crazy....it looked like some of the Bolts had never played in a hockey game before...Even the "L.T." seemed to be out of it...I was watching his face in some of the face offs and he just seemed to stare...no concentration!! :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Grrrr. Time for the Bolts to make adjustments. They better if they expect to win a game in this series. :mad:

True crazy....it looked like some of the Bolts had never played in a hockey game before...Even the "L.T." seemed to be out of it...I was watching his face in some of the face offs and he just seemed to stare...no concentration!! :roll:

[nccanes]

Attendance was only 15,568. Amazing.

Looks like they only had 1 sellout so far - Game 5 of the first round.

No wonder the place sounded like a morgue in the first period. :eek:

[nccanes]

Attendance was only 15,568. Amazing.

Looks like they only had 1 sellout so far - Game 5 of the first round.

No wonder the place sounded like a morgue in the first period. :eek:

[Guyute]

pretty poor game from the Bolts. but, they're going to have issues putting St.Louis and Lecavalier on the same line. there's a depth problem that will stop this team from going much further this season. maybe next year.

I don't expect the Bolts to win this series (though, as a flyers fan, I'd rather play the bolts than the devs. not that I'm looking ahead. :crazy: lol)... but I do expect to see some decent games.

no biggie though, 1st game, Bolts were probably a little tired. it's actually how I expect the flyers to look.

game 2 should be much better. (I hope)

[Guyute]

pretty poor game from the Bolts. but, they're going to have issues putting St.Louis and Lecavalier on the same line. there's a depth problem that will stop this team from going much further this season. maybe next year.

I don't expect the Bolts to win this series (though, as a flyers fan, I'd rather play the bolts than the devs. not that I'm looking ahead. :crazy: lol)... but I do expect to see some decent games.

no biggie though, 1st game, Bolts were probably a little tired. it's actually how I expect the flyers to look.

game 2 should be much better. (I hope)

[Shell]

well, Devils shut us out 4-0 during the playoffs last year and that didn't matter in the long run.. go TB go!

[Shell]

well, Devils shut us out 4-0 during the playoffs last year and that didn't matter in the long run.. go TB go!

[Guyute]

oh, also meant to say that the Bolts did lose to the Caps 3-0 in the 1st game of that series. ;)

[Guyute]

oh, also meant to say that the Bolts did lose to the Caps 3-0 in the 1st game of that series. ;)

[Turbulence]

Chris Dingman! Whoo! 1-0 Bolts.
I keep thinking he'll get a big hat trick sometime...
Eat Mor Devulz.

[Turbulence]

Chris Dingman! Whoo! 1-0 Bolts.
I keep thinking he'll get a big hat trick sometime...
Eat Mor Devulz.

[hyena]

wow -- TB strikes first. and dingman, of all people! :D go bolts!!

[hyena]

wow -- TB strikes first. and dingman, of all people! :D go bolts!!

[hyena]

YEAH!!!! TLT shorthanded gives the bolts the lead back! :D :D :spin:

[hyena]

YEAH!!!! TLT shorthanded gives the bolts the lead back! :D :D :spin:

[hyena]

ho hum, another OT. :beatup: go bolts!!

[hyena]

ho hum, another OT. :beatup: go bolts!!

[hyena]

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/rant.gif #$%!!#%$& devils! :mad:

[hyena]

http://www.electrichyena.com/other/rant.gif #$%!!#%$& devils! :mad:

[Alicia]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

[Alicia]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

[Jeff O Rocks]

When I saw Khabibulin lose that puck in OT, I KNEW they would score...the rebound was out of his reach and the whole side of the net was wide open.......dammit!!!!!! :mad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

When I saw Khabibulin lose that puck in OT, I KNEW they would score...the rebound was out of his reach and the whole side of the net was wide open.......dammit!!!!!! :mad:

[Shell]

wow, Marty, that has to make it harder to concentrate!

Brodeur's home problems make tabloid
Canadian Press
4/26/2003

MONTREAL (CP) - Martin Brodeur says he won't be distracted even if details of his marital problems have been splashed on the front page of a weekly crime magazine.

The cover story in this week's French-language tabloid Photo Police promised “the whole truth” about a Quebec goaltender, which it didn't name, having an affair with his sister-in-law and being asked for $9 million in alimony by his wife.

Brodeur acknowledged to Le Journal de Montreal in a story published Saturday that he and his wife Melanie have been separated since Christmas, although he denied some of the other information in the Photo Police story.

The issue apparently hasn't affected his play.

Brodeur posted shutouts in New Jersey's final first-round playoff game against Boston and in the Devils' series-opening 3-0 win over Tampa Bay this week.

“I have a job to do,” Brodeur said. “People close to me have been watching to see how I would handle it.

“Even if there are important things happening in my life, I have a huge responsibility toward the Devils, who are paying me $8 million per season. I have to be the best goaltender possible for them.”

It has not always been easy, he added.

“Women are also capable of being mean,” he said. “When she calls me two hours before a game to say “Tonight, I'm going out with a guy,' it's not easy to concentrate, especially when I know the guy.

“But let's say I know what she's trying to do.”

Brodeur did not deny having an affair with his sister-in-law, although he said she had already separated from her husband at the time.

But he denied other details of the story, including that his wife surprised the lovers at an Ottawa hotel and that his wife was asking for $9 million.

“None of that is true,” he said.

Brodeur said he and his wife have not yet decided whether to make the split permanent.

“In life, things happen for different reasons,” he said. “For a time, things weren't working out.

“I made a mistake and now I have to live with it.”

It was curious that the story appeared in Photo Police, which deals mostly with crime.

Brodeur has never been accused of being violent or breaking any laws.

“I have no control over things like that,” said Brodeur. “Maybe somebody wanted to make a little money selling the information.”

[Shell]

wow, Marty, that has to make it harder to concentrate!

Brodeur's home problems make tabloid
Canadian Press
4/26/2003

MONTREAL (CP) - Martin Brodeur says he won't be distracted even if details of his marital problems have been splashed on the front page of a weekly crime magazine.

The cover story in this week's French-language tabloid Photo Police promised “the whole truth” about a Quebec goaltender, which it didn't name, having an affair with his sister-in-law and being asked for $9 million in alimony by his wife.

Brodeur acknowledged to Le Journal de Montreal in a story published Saturday that he and his wife Melanie have been separated since Christmas, although he denied some of the other information in the Photo Police story.

The issue apparently hasn't affected his play.

Brodeur posted shutouts in New Jersey's final first-round playoff game against Boston and in the Devils' series-opening 3-0 win over Tampa Bay this week.

“I have a job to do,” Brodeur said. “People close to me have been watching to see how I would handle it.

“Even if there are important things happening in my life, I have a huge responsibility toward the Devils, who are paying me $8 million per season. I have to be the best goaltender possible for them.”

It has not always been easy, he added.

“Women are also capable of being mean,” he said. “When she calls me two hours before a game to say “Tonight, I'm going out with a guy,' it's not easy to concentrate, especially when I know the guy.

“But let's say I know what she's trying to do.”

Brodeur did not deny having an affair with his sister-in-law, although he said she had already separated from her husband at the time.

But he denied other details of the story, including that his wife surprised the lovers at an Ottawa hotel and that his wife was asking for $9 million.

“None of that is true,” he said.

Brodeur said he and his wife have not yet decided whether to make the split permanent.

“In life, things happen for different reasons,” he said. “For a time, things weren't working out.

“I made a mistake and now I have to live with it.”

It was curious that the story appeared in Photo Police, which deals mostly with crime.

Brodeur has never been accused of being violent or breaking any laws.

“I have no control over things like that,” said Brodeur. “Maybe somebody wanted to make a little money selling the information.”

[raleighcanesfan]

Well...we always need a little Jerry Springer in the playoffs...Amazing that doesn't effect his concentratioN!

[raleighcanesfan]

Well...we always need a little Jerry Springer in the playoffs...Amazing that doesn't effect his concentratioN!

[tommy]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

[tommy]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

[Alicia]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

I just meant I have them winning this series in 6! ;)

[Alicia]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

I just meant I have them winning this series in 6! ;)

[tommy]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

I just meant I have them winning this series in 6! ;)

Thanks for clearin that up ;).
You KNOW they're going all the way. :D

[tommy]

Wow, that was over quick! Dang NJ, slow down, you're gonna mess up my bracket! :eek:

no way, keep going... I have them winning the Cup!

I just meant I have them winning this series in 6! ;)

Thanks for clearin that up ;).
You KNOW they're going all the way. :D

[hyena]

WAH HAHA! what a sweeeet pass from richards to st. louis to make it 2-0. go LT ;) ! GO BOLTS!!! :D :D

[hyena]

WAH HAHA! what a sweeeet pass from richards to st. louis to make it 2-0. go LT ;) ! GO BOLTS!!! :D :D

[folgersnyourcup]

WOW! TAMPA BAY LEADS 3-0 IN THE FIRST PERIOD!

[folgersnyourcup]

WOW! TAMPA BAY LEADS 3-0 IN THE FIRST PERIOD!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Marty (Brodeur) looks so upset. Poor guy. Tampa looks like a new team! Who knows....maybe they can give NJ a run for their money!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Marty (Brodeur) looks so upset. Poor guy. Tampa looks like a new team! Who knows....maybe they can give NJ a run for their money!

[StormShaman]

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! !!!!!!

*cough* Sorry, had a flashback to last April. Carry on. :)

[StormShaman]

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! !!!!!!

*cough* Sorry, had a flashback to last April. Carry on. :)

[tommy]

As soon as Stevens heads to the lockerroom, BOOM, Tampa is on fire. But the ESPN guys were right... There's a ton of hockey left to play.

[tommy]

As soon as Stevens heads to the lockerroom, BOOM, Tampa is on fire. But the ESPN guys were right... There's a ton of hockey left to play.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And it would now be 3-2 TB. WOW! Devils are sorta mounting a come-back. :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And it would now be 3-2 TB. WOW! Devils are sorta mounting a come-back. :crazy:

[Turbulence]

Whatta comeback for the Devils...hope it doesn't last. The Bolts seem to be falling apart as of late....they gotta contain John Madden. Fun game to watch...


Eat Mor Devulz

[Turbulence]

Whatta comeback for the Devils...hope it doesn't last. The Bolts seem to be falling apart as of late....they gotta contain John Madden. Fun game to watch...


Eat Mor Devulz

[Canesluver]

I guess it looks like NJ finally woke up.

This period feels completely different from the 1st. I also have to keep reminding myself to breathe. . . . :D

[Canesluver]

I guess it looks like NJ finally woke up.

This period feels completely different from the 1st. I also have to keep reminding myself to breathe. . . . :D

[talkingcanes]

John Madden is one determined Devil.

Go Devils :evil:

[talkingcanes]

John Madden is one determined Devil.

Go Devils :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And now it's 3-3....unless the video review guys are TOTAL idiots!

EDIT: And for once they aren't idiots.

Someone said that they have taken Stevens to the hospital and that the puck hit him in the ear. Wonder what kind of injury he might have.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And now it's 3-3....unless the video review guys are TOTAL idiots!

EDIT: And for once they aren't idiots.

Someone said that they have taken Stevens to the hospital and that the puck hit him in the ear. Wonder what kind of injury he might have.

[talkingcanes]

If it goes to the 3rd tied, it'll be interesting to see which goalie holds together. they've each had one tough period. of course, Brodeur hasn't had much to do inn the 2nd.

[talkingcanes]

If it goes to the 3rd tied, it'll be interesting to see which goalie holds together. they've each had one tough period. of course, Brodeur hasn't had much to do inn the 2nd.

[Canesluver]

I think Stevens was fairly well sliced open.
I don't think I've ever seen them actually scraping blood off the ice like that before.

[Canesluver]

I think Stevens was fairly well sliced open.
I don't think I've ever seen them actually scraping blood off the ice like that before.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think Stevens was fairly well sliced open.
I don't think I've ever seen them actually scraping blood off the ice like that before.

You think it was just more bleeding and stiches than they could deal with in the locker room or do you think they are afraid something else is going on? I hate him when he plays us but I still hope he's OK.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think Stevens was fairly well sliced open.
I don't think I've ever seen them actually scraping blood off the ice like that before.

You think it was just more bleeding and stiches than they could deal with in the locker room or do you think they are afraid something else is going on? I hate him when he plays us but I still hope he's OK.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I know....i hope he'll be ok. i'd never wish a bad injury on anyone like that. poor guy....

[1Irbegirlforever]

I know....i hope he'll be ok. i'd never wish a bad injury on anyone like that. poor guy....

[hyena]

grr. NJ turned it up in the 2nd and the bolts played like ass. khabibulin looked bad on those first two goals. :mad: come on bolts!

[hyena]

grr. NJ turned it up in the 2nd and the bolts played like ass. khabibulin looked bad on those first two goals. :mad: come on bolts!

[talkingcanes]

if it hit him in the ear, I guess there could be middle and inner ear concerns. hopefully he just needed more stitches, etc than they wanted to do in the locker room.

I always feel so bad for their wives, mothers, and families when something like that happens. it must be scary. like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.

[talkingcanes]

if it hit him in the ear, I guess there could be middle and inner ear concerns. hopefully he just needed more stitches, etc than they wanted to do in the locker room.

I always feel so bad for their wives, mothers, and families when something like that happens. it must be scary. like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.

[Canesluver]

You think it was just more bleeding and stiches than they could deal with in the locker room or do you think they are afraid something else is going on?

Maybe some concussion-like symptoms? That'd be my guess.
(I like to boo him too, but hope he'll bounce back)

[Canesluver]

You think it was just more bleeding and stiches than they could deal with in the locker room or do you think they are afraid something else is going on?

Maybe some concussion-like symptoms? That'd be my guess.
(I like to boo him too, but hope he'll bounce back)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.
That had to be AWFUL!!! I hope the family is more in the loop than we are! If I'm watching my hubbie slam into a penalty box door or a puck slam into him someone better let me know what's up or I'll be on a rampage! I'm sure they have someone to deal with the family....I hope anyway.

It's anybody's third!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.
That had to be AWFUL!!! I hope the family is more in the loop than we are! If I'm watching my hubbie slam into a penalty box door or a puck slam into him someone better let me know what's up or I'll be on a rampage! I'm sure they have someone to deal with the family....I hope anyway.

It's anybody's third!

[Canesluver]

So, the 1st period belonged to Tampa.
The 2nd period belonged to NJ.
3rd period? Will go to whoever's hungrier, and if that turns out NOT to be Tampa, then I see this as NJ's series to lose.

Sure hope the Tampa fans keep turning up the volumn to help their team. TB needs this win.

[Canesluver]

So, the 1st period belonged to Tampa.
The 2nd period belonged to NJ.
3rd period? Will go to whoever's hungrier, and if that turns out NOT to be Tampa, then I see this as NJ's series to lose.

Sure hope the Tampa fans keep turning up the volumn to help their team. TB needs this win.

[talkingcanes]

like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.
That had to be AWFUL!!! I hope the family is more in the loop than we are! If I'm watching my hubbie slam into a penalty box door or a puck slam into him someone better let me know what's up or I'll be on a rampage! I'm sure they have someone to deal with the family....I hope anyway.

It's anybody's third!


I remember reading in the N&O that someone from the Canes called her from the hospital to tell her about the injury and that he would be fine after some recovery time. someone from the staff stayed with him in the hospital. but it would be so difficult until he got home to really believe them.

[talkingcanes]

like poor Barb Wesley when Glen hit that penalty box door in an away game.
That had to be AWFUL!!! I hope the family is more in the loop than we are! If I'm watching my hubbie slam into a penalty box door or a puck slam into him someone better let me know what's up or I'll be on a rampage! I'm sure they have someone to deal with the family....I hope anyway.

It's anybody's third!


I remember reading in the N&O that someone from the Canes called her from the hospital to tell her about the injury and that he would be fine after some recovery time. someone from the staff stayed with him in the hospital. but it would be so difficult until he got home to really believe them.

[nccanes]

I remember reading in the N&O that someone from the Canes called her from the hospital to tell her about the injury and that he would be fine after some recovery time. someone from the staff stayed with him in the hospital. but it would be so difficult until he got home to really believe them.

Okay, this is a little OT (sorry mods), but I remember years ago that someone's wife/girlfriend was hit with a puck in the stands and THEY had to be taken to the hospital. Talk about distracting for the player. I'm thinking it was either Janet Jones or Carol Alt - someone who was a famous wife/girlfriend. Yeah, it was Janet Jones (Mrs. Gretzky).

Okay, game on. Go LT!

[nccanes]

I remember reading in the N&O that someone from the Canes called her from the hospital to tell her about the injury and that he would be fine after some recovery time. someone from the staff stayed with him in the hospital. but it would be so difficult until he got home to really believe them.

Okay, this is a little OT (sorry mods), but I remember years ago that someone's wife/girlfriend was hit with a puck in the stands and THEY had to be taken to the hospital. Talk about distracting for the player. I'm thinking it was either Janet Jones or Carol Alt - someone who was a famous wife/girlfriend. Yeah, it was Janet Jones (Mrs. Gretzky).

Okay, game on. Go LT!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

4-3 TB!!! Buy was Burns POed!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

4-3 TB!!! Buy was Burns POed!!!

[Canesluver]

Whooop!
Yeah-- it looked like Burns was about to hemorage!! :D

[Canesluver]

Whooop!
Yeah-- it looked like Burns was about to hemorage!! :D

[Canesluver]

TB Wins!! Yipppeee!!

Hey, Burns!! Get off the ice, ya sore loser!!!! Luh-hoose-ER!!!

[Canesluver]

TB Wins!! Yipppeee!!

Hey, Burns!! Get off the ice, ya sore loser!!!! Luh-hoose-ER!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Good for TB....after all I picked Jersey in 6 not 4! ;)

Glad to see them win. They are not gonna give up, that is for sure. If they win I won't be devestated at all.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Good for TB....after all I picked Jersey in 6 not 4! ;)

Glad to see them win. They are not gonna give up, that is for sure. If they win I won't be devestated at all.

[hyena]

whew. the bolts survive despite the crappy penalty with less than 2 minutes to go. i'm sorry but burns looked like a whiner extrordinaire.

go bolts!! :D

[hyena]

whew. the bolts survive despite the crappy penalty with less than 2 minutes to go. i'm sorry but burns looked like a whiner extrordinaire.

go bolts!! :D

[Alicia]

You know, I hope you guys don't get mad at me for this, but I could care less about this series. I picked NJ to win in 6 and had the game on, but just can't get into this one like the other three. I don't even know why...
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/k/dontknow.gif

[Alicia]

You know, I hope you guys don't get mad at me for this, but I could care less about this series. I picked NJ to win in 6 and had the game on, but just can't get into this one like the other three. I don't even know why...
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/k/dontknow.gif

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, I hope you guys don't get mad at me for this, but I could care less about this series. I picked NJ to win in 6 and had the game on, but just can't get into this one like the other three. I don't even know why...
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/k/dontknow.gif

It's the one I care least about, definitely. I like a little something about both teams but don't love either of them. This whole round is a little less meaningful to me since all the teams I hate got eliminated first round....but I'm not complaining!! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, I hope you guys don't get mad at me for this, but I could care less about this series. I picked NJ to win in 6 and had the game on, but just can't get into this one like the other three. I don't even know why...
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/k/dontknow.gif

It's the one I care least about, definitely. I like a little something about both teams but don't love either of them. This whole round is a little less meaningful to me since all the teams I hate got eliminated first round....but I'm not complaining!! :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am happy for TB...I can't pull for New Jersey in this series because of all the pain that Scott Stevens has caused... Shane Willis and Ronnie..when I watch that footage of the hits..especially Ronnie..him coming up gushing blood and having to be helped off the ice...I can't stand it... :mad:

But whoever wins the Cup is ok with me...with NJ being at the bottom...I said once the Wings and the Leafs were gone, I could relax about it! ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am happy for TB...I can't pull for New Jersey in this series because of all the pain that Scott Stevens has caused... Shane Willis and Ronnie..when I watch that footage of the hits..especially Ronnie..him coming up gushing blood and having to be helped off the ice...I can't stand it... :mad:

But whoever wins the Cup is ok with me...with NJ being at the bottom...I said once the Wings and the Leafs were gone, I could relax about it! ;)

[hyena]

but I could care less about this series.
It's the one I care least about, definitely.
well, okay, how about i pull for the bolts enough for both of you then? ;)

[hyena]

but I could care less about this series.
It's the one I care least about, definitely.
well, okay, how about i pull for the bolts enough for both of you then? ;)

[crazy4canes]

i'm sorry but burns looked like a whiner extrordinaire.



Nothing like seeing a grown man throw a temper tantrum like a 2-year-old to make you chuckle. His fit at the end of the game put a smile on my face. Loved it. :evil:

Even though I hate Scott Stevens with a burning passion, I do hope he's okay. That shot to the face/head/ear/whatever looked nasty. :eek2: :sad:

[crazy4canes]

i'm sorry but burns looked like a whiner extrordinaire.



Nothing like seeing a grown man throw a temper tantrum like a 2-year-old to make you chuckle. His fit at the end of the game put a smile on my face. Loved it. :evil:

Even though I hate Scott Stevens with a burning passion, I do hope he's okay. That shot to the face/head/ear/whatever looked nasty. :eek2: :sad:

[Guyute]

This is the least interesting series for me too, but I watch it to see how the Flyers next opponent is playing. :evil:

I heard several times that Stevens was sent to the hospital to be stitched and x-rayed. I'm sure there are concerns about inner ear dmg...
or, it could've hit him on the top of the ear, which would've meant it hit the side of his skull pretty hard.
in any case, it was very ugly, and I hope he's ok.

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak. Boy I bet he caught some hell between 2 & 3 for that. Not the kind of play you want your captain (or anyone, but certainly not your cap'n) making in a playoff game, being up 3-0, and down in the series 0-2. DUMB DUMB DUMB.

I just hope this is a decent series. I don't normally like seeing sweeps (aside from Ducks/Wings. lol).... the more hockey the better :beatup:

oh, almost forgot to comment on Burns. LOL
what a punk. he tried playing games with his line that was out there... and when the ref wouldn't let him change his 4th forward to a Dman, he went apesh.t. Guess what Pat... put the guys you want out there, and that won't happen!!! *bird*

[Guyute]

This is the least interesting series for me too, but I watch it to see how the Flyers next opponent is playing. :evil:

I heard several times that Stevens was sent to the hospital to be stitched and x-rayed. I'm sure there are concerns about inner ear dmg...
or, it could've hit him on the top of the ear, which would've meant it hit the side of his skull pretty hard.
in any case, it was very ugly, and I hope he's ok.

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak. Boy I bet he caught some hell between 2 & 3 for that. Not the kind of play you want your captain (or anyone, but certainly not your cap'n) making in a playoff game, being up 3-0, and down in the series 0-2. DUMB DUMB DUMB.

I just hope this is a decent series. I don't normally like seeing sweeps (aside from Ducks/Wings. lol).... the more hockey the better :beatup:

oh, almost forgot to comment on Burns. LOL
what a punk. he tried playing games with his line that was out there... and when the ref wouldn't let him change his 4th forward to a Dman, he went apesh.t. Guess what Pat... put the guys you want out there, and that won't happen!!! *bird*

[hyena]

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak
wasn't lecavalier the one that took the stupid slashing penalty?

[hyena]

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak
wasn't lecavalier the one that took the stupid slashing penalty?

[nccanes]

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak
wasn't lecavalier the one that took the stupid slashing penalty?

It was Hyena. I was out of the room for the goal and used my nifty-cool TWC DVR to rewind and watch the penalty and subsequent goal.

[nccanes]

Mr. Captain on the bolts is damn lucky he popped the game winner. after all, he was the one that took that *ridiculously* bad penalty to start the Dev's 3 unanswered goal streak
wasn't lecavalier the one that took the stupid slashing penalty?

It was Hyena. I was out of the room for the goal and used my nifty-cool TWC DVR to rewind and watch the penalty and subsequent goal.

[Guyute]

huh... could've been. it was just as we got home from volleyball...
I was pretty beaten, and my vison might've been somewhat blurry. :crazy:

[Guyute]

huh... could've been. it was just as we got home from volleyball...
I was pretty beaten, and my vison might've been somewhat blurry. :crazy:

[JaroFan]

I am happy for TB...I can't pull for New Jersey in this series because of all the pain that Scott Stevens has caused... Shane Willis and Ronnie..when I watch that footage of the hits..especially Ronnie..him coming up gushing blood and having to be helped off the ice...I can't stand it... :mad:

But whoever wins the Cup is ok with me...with NJ being at the bottom...I said once the Wings and the Leafs were gone, I could relax about it! ;)

I'm with you. I was there when he hit Ronnie and that sight of him going to his knees, coming up and going back down will never leave me. And then Stevens being so classy as he was getting booed to motion with his hands like "come on, come on" to the crowd. I could never root for them.

[JaroFan]

I am happy for TB...I can't pull for New Jersey in this series because of all the pain that Scott Stevens has caused... Shane Willis and Ronnie..when I watch that footage of the hits..especially Ronnie..him coming up gushing blood and having to be helped off the ice...I can't stand it... :mad:

But whoever wins the Cup is ok with me...with NJ being at the bottom...I said once the Wings and the Leafs were gone, I could relax about it! ;)

I'm with you. I was there when he hit Ronnie and that sight of him going to his knees, coming up and going back down will never leave me. And then Stevens being so classy as he was getting booed to motion with his hands like "come on, come on" to the crowd. I could never root for them.

[Shell]

wel, personally, I can't be too mad about the hit on Francis because it was a clean hit. The dirty career ending hit on Shane Willis however, is another story.

The Devils are now saying that Kubina hit Stevens on purpose...


Devils suffer a loss that Burns



Tuesday, April 29, 2003


BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff

TAMPA, Fla. -- Shaken by the sight of captain Scott Stevens leaving the game bleeding profusely after being hit in his left ear by an errant shot, the Devils believe the Tampa Bay Lightning found an unspeakable way to get back into a second-round playoff series that has suddenly turned very ugly.

Goaltender Martin Brodeur was among those who felt Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina's first-period slap shot that hit Stevens in the head was done purposely in an effort to injure the Devils' workhorse defenseman.


Stevens, who needed nearly 20 stitches to close a gash in his ear and was taken to a local hospital for X-rays that did not show a skull fracture, missed all but 77 seconds of the Devils' 4-3 loss in Game 3 last night at the St. Pete Times Forum. His status is uncertain for what promises to be a bitter showdown tomorrow night. The Devils lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.

"You want me to answer honestly? I don't know who dumps the puck that high or that wide," Brodeur said. "Scotty wasn't in the way and (Kubina) wasn't trying to shoot. You either dump it in the corner or wrap it around the glass hard like that. You don't dump it in that hard. When you take a slap shot like that, that's weird."

Kubina said he didn't do it on purpose.

"I feel bad for what happened, but it was an accident," he said. "I can't believe anyone would think I did it on purpose."

Even weirder was the way the Devils felt the game was stolen away by referee Marc Joannnette, who kicked defenseman Colin White off the ice just before Dave Andreychuk scored the winning goal for the Lightning at 6:08 of the third period. Joannette apparently thought Devils' coach Pat Burns was trying to pull a fast one with an illegal player change, but by sending White to the bench, it left New Jersey with four forwards and only one defenseman.

"(Joannette) kicked a player off the ice who was already on the ice," Burns said. "I don't think I would've put four forwards and one defenseman on the ice in a 3-3 tie. He told White to get off and it was the wrong call. If he was going to kick someone off, it should have been (Joe) Nieuwendyk. I wouldn't have had a problem with that.

"But after all these years in the league would I be that stupid to put four forwards and one defenseman on in a 3-3 tie? I might be halfway stupid, but not that stupid. It was the wrong call. Whitey was already out there. We never made a defensive change."

NHL supervisor of officials Dave Newell, who received an earful from Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello after the game, tried to explain what happened.

"In talking to the officials, all night long the referee who is conducting the line changes goes to the bench and makes eye contact with the visiting coach, 'Do you want to change?'" Newell said. "In this case it was yes. He gives (Burns) five seconds, and they figured they gave him more than five seconds, and (Burns) put four players on the ice.

"Now their time is up and (Joannette) goes to the home team. They make a change. Now we have five New Jersey players in the end zone and here comes Colin White and the referee says, 'That's a late change. You've had your time and you can't make another change.'"

But the Devils insisted White had been on the ice all along.

"Maybe he'll watch it on tape and see what a mistake he made," White said. "I told him I was on the ice the shift before. I was on the ice the whole time. He said: 'No you weren't.' He took the matter into his own hands."

John Madden said Joannatte's call was unthinkable.

"I wasn't told by my coach, I was told by the referee that's the way he wanted us to play," Madden said. "I really want to thank him for that. I guess he just felt it was time for us to play with four forwards and one defenseman. He never explained it to me. He only speaks to the French guys."

After the puck was dropped, Madden hit the right post at 5:57 before the Lightning turned the play up ice and scored.

"(Ben) Clymer took a shot wide and it missed my blocker," Brodeur said. "He chipped it to Andreychuk coming down the slot. He bobbled it a little and it made me move sooner than I wanted. It went between my blocker and pads."

After losing Stevens less than two minutes after the opening faceoff, the Devils fell behind, 3-0, before the period was out.

Clearly stunned, the Devils found themselves short-handed as Patrik Elias was sent off for tripping Andreychuk at 2:48. With a delayed high-sticking penalty being called against Scott Niedermayer, the Lightning refused to let the Devils touch the puck to stop play. Winger Vaclav Prospal centered the puck from the right side and it deflected off White and into the net at 4:19 for the power-play goal.

Both teams were at even strength when Martin St. Louis made it 2-0 by scoring his seventh goal of the playoffs.

The Lightning struck again at the 16:16 mark. Fredrik Modin took a seemingly impossible sharp-angle shot from outside and below the right faceoff circle and the puck somehow beat Brodeur on his far stick side.

A slashing penalty by Vincent Lecavalier led to a Madden power-play goal that started the Devils' comeback in the second period.

Less than a minute later, the Devils pulled to within one on a Grant Marshall back-hander before Jeff Friesen tied the game at 15:06 with the help of a video review.

After the loss, the Devils were still angry about Kubina.

"That didn't look smart to me," Ken Daneyko said. "I guess it wasn't (intentional) but, you know, I wonder sometimes. I certainly hope that guy didn't do it on purpose because if he did, that's ridiculous."

[Shell]

wel, personally, I can't be too mad about the hit on Francis because it was a clean hit. The dirty career ending hit on Shane Willis however, is another story.

The Devils are now saying that Kubina hit Stevens on purpose...


Devils suffer a loss that Burns



Tuesday, April 29, 2003


BY RICH CHERE
Star-Ledger Staff

TAMPA, Fla. -- Shaken by the sight of captain Scott Stevens leaving the game bleeding profusely after being hit in his left ear by an errant shot, the Devils believe the Tampa Bay Lightning found an unspeakable way to get back into a second-round playoff series that has suddenly turned very ugly.

Goaltender Martin Brodeur was among those who felt Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina's first-period slap shot that hit Stevens in the head was done purposely in an effort to injure the Devils' workhorse defenseman.


Stevens, who needed nearly 20 stitches to close a gash in his ear and was taken to a local hospital for X-rays that did not show a skull fracture, missed all but 77 seconds of the Devils' 4-3 loss in Game 3 last night at the St. Pete Times Forum. His status is uncertain for what promises to be a bitter showdown tomorrow night. The Devils lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.

"You want me to answer honestly? I don't know who dumps the puck that high or that wide," Brodeur said. "Scotty wasn't in the way and (Kubina) wasn't trying to shoot. You either dump it in the corner or wrap it around the glass hard like that. You don't dump it in that hard. When you take a slap shot like that, that's weird."

Kubina said he didn't do it on purpose.

"I feel bad for what happened, but it was an accident," he said. "I can't believe anyone would think I did it on purpose."

Even weirder was the way the Devils felt the game was stolen away by referee Marc Joannnette, who kicked defenseman Colin White off the ice just before Dave Andreychuk scored the winning goal for the Lightning at 6:08 of the third period. Joannette apparently thought Devils' coach Pat Burns was trying to pull a fast one with an illegal player change, but by sending White to the bench, it left New Jersey with four forwards and only one defenseman.

"(Joannette) kicked a player off the ice who was already on the ice," Burns said. "I don't think I would've put four forwards and one defenseman on the ice in a 3-3 tie. He told White to get off and it was the wrong call. If he was going to kick someone off, it should have been (Joe) Nieuwendyk. I wouldn't have had a problem with that.

"But after all these years in the league would I be that stupid to put four forwards and one defenseman on in a 3-3 tie? I might be halfway stupid, but not that stupid. It was the wrong call. Whitey was already out there. We never made a defensive change."

NHL supervisor of officials Dave Newell, who received an earful from Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello after the game, tried to explain what happened.

"In talking to the officials, all night long the referee who is conducting the line changes goes to the bench and makes eye contact with the visiting coach, 'Do you want to change?'" Newell said. "In this case it was yes. He gives (Burns) five seconds, and they figured they gave him more than five seconds, and (Burns) put four players on the ice.

"Now their time is up and (Joannette) goes to the home team. They make a change. Now we have five New Jersey players in the end zone and here comes Colin White and the referee says, 'That's a late change. You've had your time and you can't make another change.'"

But the Devils insisted White had been on the ice all along.

"Maybe he'll watch it on tape and see what a mistake he made," White said. "I told him I was on the ice the shift before. I was on the ice the whole time. He said: 'No you weren't.' He took the matter into his own hands."

John Madden said Joannatte's call was unthinkable.

"I wasn't told by my coach, I was told by the referee that's the way he wanted us to play," Madden said. "I really want to thank him for that. I guess he just felt it was time for us to play with four forwards and one defenseman. He never explained it to me. He only speaks to the French guys."

After the puck was dropped, Madden hit the right post at 5:57 before the Lightning turned the play up ice and scored.

"(Ben) Clymer took a shot wide and it missed my blocker," Brodeur said. "He chipped it to Andreychuk coming down the slot. He bobbled it a little and it made me move sooner than I wanted. It went between my blocker and pads."

After losing Stevens less than two minutes after the opening faceoff, the Devils fell behind, 3-0, before the period was out.

Clearly stunned, the Devils found themselves short-handed as Patrik Elias was sent off for tripping Andreychuk at 2:48. With a delayed high-sticking penalty being called against Scott Niedermayer, the Lightning refused to let the Devils touch the puck to stop play. Winger Vaclav Prospal centered the puck from the right side and it deflected off White and into the net at 4:19 for the power-play goal.

Both teams were at even strength when Martin St. Louis made it 2-0 by scoring his seventh goal of the playoffs.

The Lightning struck again at the 16:16 mark. Fredrik Modin took a seemingly impossible sharp-angle shot from outside and below the right faceoff circle and the puck somehow beat Brodeur on his far stick side.

A slashing penalty by Vincent Lecavalier led to a Madden power-play goal that started the Devils' comeback in the second period.

Less than a minute later, the Devils pulled to within one on a Grant Marshall back-hander before Jeff Friesen tied the game at 15:06 with the help of a video review.

After the loss, the Devils were still angry about Kubina.

"That didn't look smart to me," Ken Daneyko said. "I guess it wasn't (intentional) but, you know, I wonder sometimes. I certainly hope that guy didn't do it on purpose because if he did, that's ridiculous."

[Shell]

oh, and a Stevens update..

Stevens unsure about Game 4
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
BY RICH CHERE AND BRIDGET WENTWORTH
Star-Ledger Staff

TAMPA, Fla. -- Devils captain Scott Stevens, who needed approximately 20 stitches to close a gash to his left ear after being hit with a puck shot by Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina, said last night he wasn't sure whether he would be able to play in Game 4 against the Lightning tomorrow night.

"I really don't know," a soft-spoken Stevens said two hours after the Devils' 4-3 loss in Game 3.

Although X-rays on Stevens' head were negative, there is concern as to whether the veteran defenseman suffered a concussion.

"I'm all right," he said. "Not too bad."

Stevens has missed only one playoff game in his NHL career. That was in 1988, as a member of the Washington Capitals.

Stevens suffered what was believed to have been a concussion from a Bryan Smolinski hit during Game 3 of the Devils' 1995 opening-round series against the Boston Bruins on May 10 of that year, but he did not miss a game

[Shell]

oh, and a Stevens update..

Stevens unsure about Game 4
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
BY RICH CHERE AND BRIDGET WENTWORTH
Star-Ledger Staff

TAMPA, Fla. -- Devils captain Scott Stevens, who needed approximately 20 stitches to close a gash to his left ear after being hit with a puck shot by Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina, said last night he wasn't sure whether he would be able to play in Game 4 against the Lightning tomorrow night.

"I really don't know," a soft-spoken Stevens said two hours after the Devils' 4-3 loss in Game 3.

Although X-rays on Stevens' head were negative, there is concern as to whether the veteran defenseman suffered a concussion.

"I'm all right," he said. "Not too bad."

Stevens has missed only one playoff game in his NHL career. That was in 1988, as a member of the Washington Capitals.

Stevens suffered what was believed to have been a concussion from a Bryan Smolinski hit during Game 3 of the Devils' 1995 opening-round series against the Boston Bruins on May 10 of that year, but he did not miss a game

[Guyute]

yeah, I'm sure he fired a slapper directly at the head of a player, intending on busting his skull. :roll:

[Guyute]

yeah, I'm sure he fired a slapper directly at the head of a player, intending on busting his skull. :roll:

[tommy]

Even with all the history with Stevens, you hate to see stuff like that happen... 20 stitches near the ear has got to suck.

I personally think it's stupid to say that he intentionally hit Stevens with the slapshot, though. That's ridiculous.

Devils in 5, though. Thatwas a great comeback, too bad they lost.

[tommy]

Even with all the history with Stevens, you hate to see stuff like that happen... 20 stitches near the ear has got to suck.

I personally think it's stupid to say that he intentionally hit Stevens with the slapshot, though. That's ridiculous.

Devils in 5, though. Thatwas a great comeback, too bad they lost.

[crazy4canes]

How on earth could they think a guy would aim at another player's head with intent to injure? Are they crazy? That's ridiculous. :mad:

[crazy4canes]

How on earth could they think a guy would aim at another player's head with intent to injure? Are they crazy? That's ridiculous. :mad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

How on earth could they think a guy would aim at another player's head with intent to injure? Are they crazy? That's ridiculous. :mad:

I totally agree...how could you aim a slapshot and expect to connect with the players moving around so quickly??? ..plus the risk of hurting one of your own teammates or someone else... They are just pissed cause it happened and because TB won this one!! :mad: Screw the Devils...go Tampa Bay...even more now!! :mad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

How on earth could they think a guy would aim at another player's head with intent to injure? Are they crazy? That's ridiculous. :mad:

I totally agree...how could you aim a slapshot and expect to connect with the players moving around so quickly??? ..plus the risk of hurting one of your own teammates or someone else... They are just pissed cause it happened and because TB won this one!! :mad: Screw the Devils...go Tampa Bay...even more now!! :mad:

[raleighcanesfan]

Question: If it's anyone else but Stevens, would they say it was intentional? Stevens, just reaping the rewards of his style of play, IMHO.

[raleighcanesfan]

Question: If it's anyone else but Stevens, would they say it was intentional? Stevens, just reaping the rewards of his style of play, IMHO.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Question: If it's anyone else but Stevens, would they say it was intentional? Stevens, just reaping the rewards of his style of play, IMHO.

Good question rcf....they know he is dirty so why shouldn't he be "a marked man" in their opinion, right?? :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Question: If it's anyone else but Stevens, would they say it was intentional? Stevens, just reaping the rewards of his style of play, IMHO.

Good question rcf....they know he is dirty so why shouldn't he be "a marked man" in their opinion, right?? :roll:

[hyena]

stevens dirty? nawwwwww. as one of the commentators said, "he's just a competitive guy." :roll:

i can't believe they think kubina aimed at him intentionally. who knows, maybe this will fire TB up. :D

[nccanes]

stevens dirty? nawwwwww. as one of the commentators said, "he's just a competitive guy." :roll:

i can't believe they think kubina aimed at him intentionally. who knows, maybe this will fire TB up. :D

Maybe I'm misremembering, but is Stevens really considered "dirty"? I thought I remembered the Canes talking about him not being dirty after the 2001 playoffs stuff. Don't get me wrong, I still chuckle when people boo him, but I never really thought he was considered anything more than a really tough player to face that hit hard, but clean.

[crazy4canes]

My opinion is that Stevens is borderline. He throws clean hits (usually) but apparently doesn't realize his own strength. Many players have seen stars after trying to get past him in the neutral zone. :eek2:

[Jeff O Rocks]

The hit he delivered on Shane Willis (as Shell mentioned above) pretty much ended his career as he knew it...to my knowledge, he can't see out of one eye because of Stevens! :mad:

[crazy4canes]

The hit he delivered on Shane Willis (as Shell mentioned above) pretty much ended his career as he knew it...to my knowledge, he can't see out of one eye because of Stevens! :mad:

I'll never forget that hit. Not ever. :cry: And yeah, Willis will be stuck in the minors now, thanks to that mf'er.

[Guyute]

Stevens walks the line, imo. Most times he hits clean... just catches people sliding across the blue line or neutral zone, with their head down, and WHACK! Which makes him a great asset. Teams do NOT go near that guy without watching him... hence, watching everything else a bit less.

But, he does throw some very very cheapies now and then. I've seen many of them over his career. :mad:

[nccanes]

The hit he delivered on Shane Willis (as Shell mentioned above) pretty much ended his career as he knew it...to my knowledge, he can't see out of one eye because of Stevens! :mad:

I'll never forget that hit. Not ever. :cry: And yeah, Willis will be stuck in the minors now, thanks to that mf'er.

Okay, I'm being terrible about going OT in this thread, but remember Willis also got nice concussion (following the Stevens hit) in the Fall of '01, from an elbow from Bryan Marchment.

[crazy4canes]

The hit he delivered on Shane Willis (as Shell mentioned above) pretty much ended his career as he knew it...to my knowledge, he can't see out of one eye because of Stevens! :mad:

I'll never forget that hit. Not ever. :cry: And yeah, Willis will be stuck in the minors now, thanks to that mf'er.

Okay, I'm being terrible about going OT in this thread, but remember Willis also got nice concussion (following the Stevens hit) in the Fall of '01, from an elbow from Bryan Marchment.

I remember. I guess I shouldn't blame Stevens entirely.
Marchment, pfft, now HE'S a dirty bastahd. Anyway, back on topic...

Go Bolts! :D

[JaroFan]

I have a question because, too be honest, I was a beginner fan during the 2001 playoffs. Wasn't Shane's hit with like 7 seconds left and hadn't NJ pretty much blown us out that game? My information is probably wrong, so someone who remembers, please tell me!



Edited: I just went & looked it up...11 seconds left and a 2-0 lead. Oh well. I also found this in the article:

Everything started for Stevens, it seems, six years ago in the Stanley Cup finals, when he made a devastating hit on Detroit's Slava Kozlov. The Red Wings went wild on the bench, screaming, cursing and shaking sticks in the direction of Stevens. Kozlov was down and the walls were crumbling down around the Red Wings.

Stevens skated slowly past the Detroit bench and mouthed the words the Maple Leafs fear will be directed at them in this Eastern Conference semifinals series:

"You're next."

[talkingcanes]

Stevens skated slowly past the Detroit bench and mouthed the words the Maple Leafs fear will be directed at them in this Eastern Conference semifinals series:

"You're next."

think maybe he was messing with their heads? I am not a big fan of Stevens, but I think he is far from the dirtiest player in the league. IMO Brian Marchment is much worse which is one reason I am thrilled the Avs are on the golf course.

[JaroFan]

I agree he's not the dirtiest. I get bothered by the way he lowered himself when our crowd was booing him to kind of mock us. I think some other players would have ignored it & gone on.

[Shell]

well, other than his age, I'd be thrilled to have him on our team. He definitely gets into the oppositions head. He's a smart player and I think for the most part clean.. He's a huge asset to his team.

"I think losing Scotty definitely hurt us," Devils' coach Pat Burns said. "I don't think playing-wise. I think morale-wise to see him, the gladiator that he is come off the ice like that, affected the guys."

Then his teammates went on to call him Superman and what not.

The man has only missed 1 playoff game in his over 20 year career (95-96 being the only year his team didn't go to the playoffs!). I have heard he is an incredible, generous, charitable man off the ice. I have respect for him... though I can't help but to boo him for fun sometimes ;)

[nccanes]

Speaking of Shane....

4/27....Tampa Bay recalled forwards Martin Cibak, Sheldon Keefe and Shane Willis from Springfield to practice with the team.

[Turbulence]

Good to hear Willis is, at very least, still considered one of Tampa's top prospects. Hope he gets a shot at getting into a game...

[VandyCane]

well, other than his age, I'd be thrilled to have him on our team. He definitely gets into the oppositions head. He's a smart player and I think for the most part clean.. He's a huge asset to his team.

That's exactly what I tell my husband. I was at the arena during the Francis hit. It was a tough hit but definitely legal. It's a similar thing with Sean Hill. When Sean decks someone, I love it. Other teams and fans can't stand him. Sean hits legally, he is just tough as nails. If Stevens were a Cane we might say he was 'misunderstood.'

[JaroFan]

I know his hits are legal & he doesn't do anything dirty, I just can't help but not like him. Like I said before it wasn't so much his hit but the way he reacted to the crowd's boos.

[talkingcanes]

I think his reaction to the crowd is a function of his on ice personality and that fact that he's been in the league 20 years and is still a burr under the saddle. He's got to just relish that!

[Shell]

Posted 4/29/2003 8:42 PM

Kubina denies he intentionally hit Stevens with puck
By Fred Goodall, The Associated Press
TAMPA — Pavel Kubina slumped to the seat in his locker with a puzzled look on his face. The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman said on Tuesday that he's stunned by suggestions by some New Jersey players that he may have intentionally shot the puck into the face of Devils captain Scott Stevens during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Kubina's slap shot from just inside the blue line sailed high, striking Stevens flush on the side of the face. It opened a cut that required 15 stitches near his left ear Monday night when the Lightning won 4-3 to trim New Jersey's lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1.

"I can't believe that somebody would I say I would do something like that on purpose," Kubina said after practice. "I was shooting at the net. I apologized to him. You never want to see anyone go down like that."

Stevens was helped off the ice just 1:17 into the game and didn't return. He was taken to a hospital for precautionary X-rays, then spent the night at the team hotel.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said the 39-year-old defenseman didn't have a concussion and that his status for the remainder of the series is day-to-day. Game 4 is Wednesday night, and New Jersey coach Pat Burns would not speculate on whether Stevens will play.

"We're not here to talk about Scott Stevens," Burns said. "Next question."

Burns also dodged questions about whether he felt Kubina was shooting at the net or at Stevens.

"I don't know," he said. "You'll have to ask the player."

Kubina insisted he was trying to get off a shot at goaltender Martin Brodeur before leaving the ice for a shift change. He said the puck bounced on his stick at the last instant and took off.

Some New Jersey players questioned Kubina's intent because of where he was on the ice and the fact that it happened so early in a game the Lightning desperately needed to win to avoid falling behind 3-0 in the series.

"I hope he didn't do it on purpose," said Brodeur, who nevertheless added that he thought Kubina skated away with a smirk on his face.

Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella angrily denied that the shot was deliberate.

"Don't even bring that to me," Tortorella said. "It's just ridiculous."

Kubina also took exception to the suggestion that he appeared to take delight in watching Stevens drop to the ice in a pool of blood.

"It's unbelievable," Kubina said, adding that he hopes to talk with Stevens after the series is over. "I'm disappointed because I never want to hurt anybody on the other team. ... Scott Stevens has never done anything to me. Why would I want to do that?"

Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko was one who questioned Kubina's intent Monday night. On Tuesday, he said emotions were high right after the game and that he was merely saying he hoped it wasn't intentional.

Kubina's teammates defended the fifth-year pro.

"I don't even want to talk about it," said Lightning defenseman Brad Lukowich, who will be sidelined five-to-six weeks after breaking his right hand during the second period Monday night. "I thought it was the most absurd thing I ever heard."

Like Burns, New Jersey players were hesitant to predict whether Stevens, who has appeared in more games in which his team has won than any player in NHL history, will play Wednesday night. The series returns to New Jersey for Game 5 Friday night.

"If it was any other kind of injury, I might say yes. But to take a 80 mph slap shot in the head is serious. ... If there's a guy who can do it, it would be him," Daneyko said.

"You don't replace a guy like Scott Stevens," Brodeur said. "You're just, hopefully, able to fill a hole and other guys will pick it up."

Kubina, who said he talked with a New Jersey trainer who told him Stevens is OK, is pulling for a speedy recovery.

"I would be happy to see him in the lineup," Kubina said.

[Shell]

Poor Kubina, he must feel awful/.. I really think it was a mistake, and if so, I hope they don't get in his head over it.. he'll already be there.

and this is an impressive stat!
"Stevens, who has appeared in more games in which his team has won than any player in NHL history..."

[nccanes]

Poor Kubina, he must feel awful/.. I really think it was a mistake, and if so, I hope they don't get in his head over it.. he'll already be there.



The Tampa boards are saying that if Kubina had that sort of accuracy, they sure wish he'd put it in the net more often (3 goals on the year or something).

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, I think that is just a touch of whining from NJ. :roll:

[MoBigRed]

Not that Scott Stevens has ever intentionally injured anyone, of course...

[Jeff O Rocks]

All this pointing of the finger already pisses me off..but the fact it is Scott "I will kill your grandma for the puck" Stevens involved, it makes me even more angry :mad: :mad: ...NJ is just trying to mess with his head and the whole team..hopefully as someone already mentioned, the anger over this will pump them up and they will kick some Devil arse big time!! GO BOLTS!! :spin:

[MoBigRed]

All this pointing of the finger already pisses me off..but the fact it is Scott "I will kill your grandma for the puck" Stevens involved, it makes me even more angry :mad: :mad: ...NJ is just trying to mess with his head and the whole team..hopefully as someone already mentioned, the anger over this will pump them up and they will kick some Devil arse big time!! GO BOLTS!! :spin:


What she said.

Poor Twitch. Could have been worse though, i suppose. He could have been hit in the jewels...

[folgersnyourcup]

All these stupid threats by Devils players.... their "I hope it wasn't intentional" crap. Whatever..... I hate, hate, hate, HATE, Scott Stevens but something like that really could have killed him and there is no way Kubina or any other Lightning player wanted to see that happen just to get back in the series. I definitely don't think where the shot went was intentional and though I hope the Bolts win this series I would like to see them do it with Stevens back in the lineup. I hope he'll be back for game 5 if he's not back tonight!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OK...I see Scott Stevens and his face isn't even bruised up. I'm not saying he wasn't injured pretty badly but come on! He looks fine. All this whining was totally un-necessary. Jersey has sucked most of the sympathy I had towards them in this series out of me with this crap.

GO BOLTS!!!

[Shell]

wow, did that look easy :eek:

[Shell]

excellent shift by Cullimore to tie it up!! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And that would be 1-1. :spin:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Levy keeps calling the Tampa Bay player Andre "Wah". I really thought his last name was actually pronounced Roy...do any of you guys know?

[talkingcanes]

I've been wondering when Elias would find the net.

[nccanes]

Levy keeps calling the Tampa Bay player Andre "Wah". I really thought his last name was actually pronounced Roy...do any of you guys know?

I've always heard it "wah" for Andre, SHC. Brad Richards on the other hand is "Rich-ards", not "Ree-shard" or anything.

[StormShaman]

Poor Twitch. Could have been worse though, i suppose. He could have been hit in the jewels...

...again.

[nccanes]

OK...I see Scott Stevens and his face isn't even bruised up. I'm not saying he wasn't injured pretty badly but come on! He looks fine. All this whining was totally un-necessary. Jersey has sucked most of the sympathy I had towards them in this series out of me with this crap.

GO BOLTS!!!

Here's a photo of the helmet with the ear protection in....

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030430/capt.1051743429devils_lightning_tpa101.jpg