Stevens Refuses to Hide Behind New Game Face

There are compelling stories all around the NHL this season, and then there is the one about Kevin Stevens of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The date was May 14, 1993, Game 7 of the Patrick Division final against the New York Islanders. Stevens took a hard check and fell face-first onto the ice, unconscious, his sinus bone and nose broken.

One day later, doctors had to peal back the skin of his face down to his chin to perform the required surgery. They also inserted a metal plate into his forehead.

It was the middle of August before doctors let him skate again.

Stevens, who scored a career-best 55 goals last season, couldn’t wait to play again. Others could. The Penguins still cringe every time Stevens goes into the corners or mixes it up with a defenseman in front of the net. They admire Stevens’ guts, but it doesn’t mean they like watching him in such physical situations.

“I have to play the way I play,” said Stevens, who scored two goals to help the Penguins to a 5-4 victory Sunday over the Mighty Ducks at Anaheim Arena.

For example, four minutes into the Penguins’ game at San Jose the other night, Stevens got into a fight and was ejected. He received two instigator penalties, a fighting major, a game misconduct and a gross misconduct penalty--sure signs he’s not running scared.

“That wasn’t much fun,” he said of missing most of the game.

Marty McSorley, the former King, understands Stevens’ desire to play as if nothing had happened.

“For me, I think you have to drop the puck again and go right at it,” McSorley said.

Pittsburgh Coach Ed Johnston just shrugged.

“Kevin plays hard all the time,” he said. “He won’t change his way of playing. He’s starting to play like the guy we all know. He’s starting to get his wind and the puck is starting to go in (the net) for him.”

Stevens had two goals against the Kings on Saturday night to go with two Sunday against the Ducks.

His wrist shot that beat Duck goalie Guy Hebert at the 3:55 mark of the third period gave the Penguins the lead for good and was his eighth goal this season.

“I’m anxious to keep it going,” he said. “It was pretty tough the first seven games. I had only one goal, but I’m starting to feel pretty good now.”