June 23, 1998

"Paul, do you have any questions for the Cup?" David Letterman asked.

Bandleader Paul Shaffer didn't, maybe because the Stanley Cup had been on "The Late Show with David Letterman" before.

But Monday night was the first time it was escorted to the CBS show in New York by Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman.

Letterman chatted with Yzerman for several minutes. And he wanted to know more about the Wings' success: "What's the deal on this Scotty Bowman? Is this guy a genius or something?"

Yzerman: "That's a good question."

Letterman: "Hey, they don't give these shows to chimps, you know."

Yzerman: "He's just an older guy who's coached a long time. He's a fiery guy."

Letterman also asked Yzerman about the team's January trip to the White House.

"The police escort from the airport was great," Yzerman said. "We all felt like James Bond. It was the highlight of the trip. Meeting President Clinton was nice, too. (Laughter.) I'm Canadian, you know."

Last year, Brendan Shanahan took the Cup to meet Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show," and Mike Vernon appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," but now it's Yzerman's turn.

Today, Stevie and Stanley visit Regis and Kathie Lee (9 a.m., Channel 7 in Detroit).