Canadian Press article
April 2002
by Ron Sudlow
Even the Vancouver Canucks can’t help but admire the inspiring play of Steve Yzerman.
While hampered by a sore right knee that’s encased in a brace, Yzerman has scored two power-play goals and set up three other scores to lead the Detroit Red Wings in their Stanley Cup playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks. That put the 37-year-old veteran at the top of NHL playoff scoring leaders going into Monday night’s games.
While Detroit trails the series 2-1, if the Wings need any inspiration to even the best-of-seven series in Tuesday night’s Game 4, they only have to look to their captain.
The Canucks are also impressed by Yzerman after arthroscopic surgery on the knee allowed him to return just before the Olympics but didn’t stop the pain.
“We all respect the way he plays the game and to play on one leg is very impressive,” said Vancouver captain Markus Naslund who wants to follow that example.
“I’ve got to pick my game up and I’m the first one to admit that. I’m not pleased with the way I’ve played the first three games and it’s time to turn it up.
