Dreger: Flyers' Stevens deserves credit
John Stevens
Darren Dreger
10/19/2007 6:59:24 PM
At the start of the season Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Stevens was considered by some to be as likely a candidate for ''first fired'' as Bob Hartley.
Hartley earned that dubious distinction earlier this week, let go from a team that virtually did nothing in the off-season to better their chances.
Conversely, the Philadelphia Flyers invested heavily in the unrestricted free agent market to augment strength in youth and the superb goaltending supplied thus far by Martin Biron.
But, John Stevens deserves his share of the credit for the Flyers quick start and an example of his ability to lead this team was delivered after the first period of Thursday's game versus the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils out shot the Flyers 15-2 in the first period and Philadelphia escaped the frame unscathed only through the heroics of Biron.
Stevens was steamed and confronted his players in the intermission with a reminder of how successful New Jersey has been in the past in feeding off their opposition's frustration. He announced he's tired of hearing about New Jersey's dominance and challenged his players by saying this is our time to get noticed.
The Flyers responded with 3 goals in the second period en route to a 4-0 win.
John Stevens, described as a demanding coach who counts on his veterans to lead with their experience, showed his ability to take control, and his team responded.
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