Scott Stevens had the reputation of a tough-minded defenseman unafraid to make a big hit. The physical approach placed Stevens among the top 14 NHL all-time penalty minutes leaders, but also is one of the reasons he's in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The new Wild assistant coach won't expect his blue line to be heavy hitters like he once was, but he intends to remove any lingering perception that the Wild defense can be soft at times.
Stevens said Tuesday while being introduced to the media at Xcel Energy Center that the physical mindset is something you don't learn. But he added that, "You have to be able to use your body and be able to protect the puck and protect yourself. Yes, if you can make a hit, that's important. But it's kind of in your DNA if you're a hitter. For me, sticks are very important; sticks on the puck and using your body the right way to protect pucks. So hopefully we can bring those things to the young defense here."
JASON GONZALEZ
