Stevens' legend grows

Gutsy performance by Devils' captain key to Game 4

It has been eons since offense carried the day in the NHL. Now the focus is on defense and goaltending, especially in the postseason.

But no matter the era, one constant remains: Devils defenseman Scott Stevens defining his career year after year with elevated play in the playoffs.

Struck in the left ear by a slap shot in Game 3, all Stevens did Wednesday was return to the lineup and lead New Jersey to victory in Game 4. And he did it in his typical Stevens fashion -- by letting his actions speak louder than any words.

The Devils' captain came out and played his usual physical game. Just watching him with his business-as-usual approach -- with 15 stitches in his ear -- seemed to spark his team. Stevens himself was not perfect. He turned the puck over a couple of times deep in his zone. But his teammates played an inspired game, with their captain at the center of it all.

On the other side of the ledger, the Lightning lacked an emotional spark, not that they should have needed one. Back in the series by virtue of their Game 3 triumph, the young Lightning squad should have been flying. Well, they weren't. The early jump belonged to Devils center Scott Gomez. He scored the first goal of the game and set up Patrik Elias for his first goal of the playoffs. With a 2-1 advantage after the first period, the Devils went to work at what they do best -- shutting down their opponent.

And they were masterful. They were diligent as ever, keeping the puck out of the middle of the ice. Sure, Martin Brodeur made the handful of necessary critical saves, but the Lightning forwards generated little in the way of sustained pressure. With New Jersey's forwards so committed to keeping the one-goal lead intact, they seldom ventured forward to generate scoring chances of their own. Any bid they did get was in patented Devils fastion -- perfect defensive positioning resulting in a turnover and a quick counterattack.

The game fittingly ended with a power-play goal by none other than Stevens. His presence in the lineup meant so much to his team and his goal gave New Jersey a two-goal cushion. That lead was certainly insurmountable, given the Devils' mindset and the Lightning's quizzical lack of fire.

Three Stars

First Star: Stevens is one for the ages.

Second Star: Gomez is playing with loads of confidence and it was on full display in this game, with his creative passing game in top form.

Third Star: Joe Nieuwendyk epitomized the Devils' commitment to the details in getting the job done and securing a 3-1 series lead.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason and is also broadcasting games for NHL Radio.

 

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