IN 1994, after the captain of the Rangers guaranteed Game 6, the captain of the Devils was asked if he’d care to do the same for Game 7.

“I don’t go for things like that,” Scott Stevens said. “That’s not me.”

Leadership is what’s done on the ice, in the training room, during competitive practices. It’s setting a tone. It’s work ethic. It isn’t necessarily being on the back page. It’s what comes from the heart, not from the lips. It’s being able to back it all up.

And that – all that – is Scott Stevens.

We have a hockey immortal here, folks. One of the game’s greatest gladiators, one of its greatest defensemen, one of its greatest captains. There can be no debate about this. In the post-expansion era, there is Bobby Orr first, Stevens tied for second with anyone you care to mention, and that includes Larry Robinson, Denis Potvin and Raymond Bourque. All-time, there are Orr, Doug Harvey and Eddie Shore, and then Stevens and his exclusive group right there behind.

He keeps doing it, keeps rising to the occasion, keeps meeting the moment. Keeps doing it at age 39. Against Ottawa on Friday – one of the Devils’ great victories – he was unconquerable. You know all the talent on the Ottawa right side, all the young legs, all the speed and all the talent that was simply going to eat Stevens up? You know Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat and Daniel Alfredsson? No goals in Game 7; one goal in seven games, that scored by Havlat off a goalmouth scrum when Stevens was not on the ice.

When they all talk about the Devils’ experience, what they’re really talking about is Stevens. When they all talk about the Devils’ toughness and resolve, what they’re really talking about is Stevens. When they all talk about this decade’s run of excellence at the Meadowlands, what they are really talking about is Stevens.

That’s a guarantee.

*

Now nearly seven months after sustaining his second concussion within eight months, Mike Richter is still experiencing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome; still having bad days after good ones. And though the goaltender remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his career, it is increasingly doubtful he will be cleared by neurologist Dr. Karen Johnston.

Meanwhile, Slap Shots has learned that the organization sent Hartford prospect Pat Aufiero to see Dr. Johnston after the defenseman sustained three concussions – two mild, one significant – last season playing for the Wolf Pack. Aufiero, so highly regarded just three years ago – where have you gone, Maxim Galanov, Lee Sorochan and Wes Jarvis? – has been cleared for training camp, but his future is now extremely questionable.

*

When the correct CBA was negotiated in 1995, the league and the PA commenced discussions regarding the design and implementation of a post-career medical program for retired players. The discussions, which never came to fruition, were terminated unilaterally by the NHL within the last six months. Bob Goodenow has been telling players and agents alike that the league’s action is a major reason why he has refused to begin even preliminary talks with Gary Bettman even as a destructive lockout looms over the landscape.

How grown up of the NHLPA executive director.

*

Yes, but can LeBron James top this? Sergei Fedorov, a Motor City snoop reports, has just purchased a $650,000 Ferrari that can go 250 mph. Can’t wait to see him open it up on the Lodge Freeway.

Colorado GM Pierre Lacroix, we’re told, all but begged Patrick Roy to return and play one final season for him during a five-day excursion the two old friends took to Las Vegas in the wake of Colorado’s elimination by the Wild. It is believed that Lacroix intends to step down after this season to become Celine Dion’s manager.

The Flyers, looking for a goaltender, have some interest in Nikolai Khabibulin, whose future in Tampa is unclear after having been benched by John Tortorella in favor of John Grahame for Game 5 of the Devils series. And the Lightning – with former Philly operative Bill Barber a man of much influence in the organization – may be willing to take Roman Cechmanek. We could easily see an exchange of goaltenders taking place if the Flyers were to raise the ante with defense prospect Jeff Woywitka.

Meanwhile, we’re told that Bob Clarke has doubts whether he can sign Joni Pitkanen, selected in the fourth-overall slot the Flyers obtained from Tampa last year in exchange for Ruslan Fedotenko, the youngster asking for bonuses that if earned would bring his first-year pay to somewhere around $4M. Our source at the same time reports that the Flyers intend to offer pending unrestricted free agent Eric Desjardins a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $8M.

*

Finally, a personal indulgence if you please. My son, Jordan, graduates today from Cornell University. Every parent should be so blessed to have a child – now a man – like him.