Quote:
Originally Posted by McRanger
Was Scott Stevens not a number one defenseman for the last decade of his career? He led the Devils to 3 cups in 9 years and never topped 31 points. Or are there exceptions to your rule?
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There are exceptions to every rule.
And really, comparing Staal to Stevens? Seriously?
Stevens had a base from which to draw a conclusion that he was legit enough in the offensive zone to be game planned against when he had the puck. He had ESTABLISHED himself as a #1 before doing the right thing for the team and his teammates.
Staal has never topped 29 points, Stevens career high was 78 points before he allowed Neidermayer to step into the role of offensive catalyst.
Stevens stepped into the supporting role of #2 defenceman on the Devils top pairing with Neids and guess what happened? Well, you mentioned it yourself.
3 cups in 9 years and Neids was every bit as responsible as was Stevens.