One vowel separates rest from rust, and one can follow the other in hockey, as well as in the dictionary. For some players, a little rest goes a long way. Scott Stevens may be a prime example.
The Devils do not win the 2000 Stanley Cup without a Conn Smythe performance from their captain and a repeat will require a reprise, even if someone else gets that playoff MVP trophy.
By sitting out for rest Monday, Stevens gave up his quest for a perfect attendance star in hopes of bigger game later. He had a big game immediately.
“One of those nights,” was how Stevens described his plus-5 evening in a 6-4 triumph in Washington Tuesday. “I felt good, I guess. Obviously a little fresher.”
The 37-year-old Devil captain has had a recent history of being less effective in the second game of back-to-backs, and with his ice time and responsibilities, it could hardly be otherwise for a mortal. An occasional pass seems dictated.
Likewise, it may be utterly normal for Martin Brodeur to feel rusty from sitting out 4-in-10 after sitting out only 4-in-59. Brodeur is hoping to play the final two games of the season to hone his edge, one he admits is a trifle dull.
Like Brodeur, Stevens does not like to sit out, especially when healthy enough to play. He had wanted to play every game this season, but gave up that minor goal in hopes it will help keep him fresh.
“After the game against the Rangers, I said to Larry [Robinson], ‘It’s up to you if you want to sit me out a game or two,'” Stevens said.
“It kind of makes sense, especially when playing back-to-back this time of year.”
His plus-5 evening on a wild night in downtown Washington pulled the Devil captain within one of plus-40. Stevens holds the Devil record at plus-53 in 1993-94, and Patrik Elias stands at plus-42 this season. Only Ken Daneyko and Sasha Goc, now on the farm, have posted plus-5 games for New Jersey this season, both in the 9-0 rout in Pittsburgh Oct. 28.
Forty is a common thread in this Devil season. Brodeur tied the NHL record with his third 40-victory season, joining Terry Sawchuk and Jacques Plante Tuesday, Alexander Mogilny became the first Devil since 1991-92 to score 40 goals, and Elias is threatening to do a triple, two short of his 40th goal to go along with 54 assists and his plus-42 mark.
Stevens would like to crack plus-40 as well.
“That’s a good round number, isn’t it?” Stevens asked. “That’s what Alex says.”
