Scott Stevens- Concussion Causer

After a career of successfully dealing concussions to his opponents, Scott Stevens was forced to retire after suffering post-concussion syndrome. Stevens was hit in the head by a puck during the 2003 NHL playoffs, en route to his third Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils. Scott Stevens’ impact on the NHL can simply be defined by his ability to destroy opponents through bone rattling hits (just ask Paul Kariya or Eric Lindros). To the surprise of few, Stevens originally wanted to become a football player. However, Stevens fell in love with the game of hockey which led him to becoming great NHL defensemen. Even though Stevens’ career was ended by a concussion, his impact on the game will always be for providing concussions.

During the 1999-2000 Eastern Conference Final series with the Philadelphia Flyers, Stevens would send Eric Lindros to the doctor with a levelling hit. Lindros was never the same after suffering this hit, leading to his decline. Although this hit was clean; it was a reminder to many, that any player was one hit away from being concussed at the hands of Scott Stevens (or should I say shoulder).

Controversy struck Stevens once again during the 2002-2003 Stanley Cup Finals series with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Stevens would destroy Paul Kariya with a menacing hit that would knock him out cold. However, Kariya would return and finish the game leaving Stevens unpunished for what could be viewed as a dirty hit. Even though Kariya finished the game, similar to Lindros his career was never the same after being hit by Stevens.