TORONTO – The Devils are reduced to praying their flu-ridden captain will be able to play on his own “Scott Stevens Day” next Saturday.
The Eastern Conference’s top vote-getting All-Star defenseman is trying avoid developing the pneumonia that ran through his household in recent weeks, The Post has learned.
Described yesterday as very sick, Stevens remained in New Jersey, missing his second straight game while the Devils sought to snap their two-game losing streak here against the Maple Leafs last night. Stevens sat out Friday’s 4-1 loss to Tampa Friday at the Meadowlands, a game in which the remaining Devils’ defense was exposed as vulnerable.
Stevens has been a horse for the Devils, rarely missing a game due to injury or illness. He sat out one game earlier this season to attend the funeral of a family member. He is almost certain to sit out Tuesday’s visit by Ottawa.
Washington visits Saturday afternoon, when the Devils will honor Stevens for becoming the NHL’s all-time leading defenseman in games played (1,636).
The 39-year-old Norris Trophy candidate outpolled No. 2 teammate Scott Niedermayer, the East’s two starters on defense for the Feb. 8 All-Star Game. It is presumed he’ll be healthy by then.
Last spring, Stevens did not miss a playoff game despite being hit by a shot on the left ear in a second-round game against Tampa. Hospitalized that night, Stevens returned the next game and scored a goal that seemed to ignite the Devils’ Stanley Cup aspirations.
Stevens’ absence also comes at a time when the captain-less team is still trying to deal with Pat Burns’ questioning of the hearts of the Stanley Cup champs.
There was only momentary fire in the Devils Friday in their first chance to show Burns what he wanted when he said Wednesday that he was “going to have to check their hearts, check their heads.” And that short burst of drive was likely fueled more by Ken Daneyko Night at the Meadowlands than their coach’s bluster.
It didn’t last long, either. They scored in the first 1:28 and never again. Some claimed they were unaware of Burns’ apparent doubt of the team that brought him his first Cup. Others admitted being affected.
“It’s human nature. If someone attacks your heart, it bothers you,” said stalwart John Madden. “