Stevens checks with timing, granite physique

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2004 | by Kevin Allen

When it was revealed recently that New Jersey Devils defenseman Scott Stevens had post-concussion syndrome, the prevailing wisdom was to wonder who had discovered the Kryptonite.

While Stevens might not quite be Superman, he has helped set the standard for indestructibility over his 22 NHL seasons.

Stevens has played 94% of his team's games during his career -- more remarkable given he has always played as if he were Ray Lewis on skates. He's generally regarded as the NHL's hardest-hitting, most proficient body-checker.

"You can't envision a more perfect player to draft on to your franchise than Scott Stevens," says Nashville Predators general manager David Poile, who was general manager in Washington when Stevens came up with the Capitals as an 18-year-old....