With the induction of some of the NHL's greatest stars into the Hockey Hall of Fame tonight, I couldn't help but review my favorite memories of these players and builders. Notable would be the 2001-2002 Detroit Red Wings team which included three of these hall entrants.
Brett Hull: The Golden Brett, personally I had a poster of him because of my GT racer for years up on my wall. I was also a large supporter of the renown Brett Hull Hockey '93. As for hockey moments, his 1999 goal against the Bufallo Sabres was a picture that I will never forget (nor will any Buffalo fan). Brett Hull was one of the greatest goal scorers the game has seen, possibly the best one time slap shot in the history. The fact that Brett was a 6th round pick in the 1984 entry draft still boggles the mind, after he had scored 105 goals in 57 games in the BCHL.
His greatest season: 1990-1991: 86-45-131, Hart and Lester B. Pearson trophies.
Luc Robitaille: Lucky Luc will be remembered for his delicio commercial with Martin Brodeur, his multiple TV appearances (D2, Bones etc..check out IMDB lol) and most of all his 9th round selection in the 1984 draft. Robitaille should remain one of the more underrated players of all time as he spent most of his years in Los Angeles and only won one Stanley Cup as a Red Wing in 2002.
His greatest season: 1992-1993: 63-62-125 and 22pts in 24 playoff games.
Steve Yzerman: The ultimate captain, I will remember Yzerman for being one of the best leaders in hockey and being one of the only all-time franchise guys, along with Mario Lemieux, Jean Belliveau and Mike Modano. I will remember him for having the much talked about bionic knee after he tore both his MCL and ACL and came back to play. Yzerman will be a name renown in Canadian hockey history for years to come, even if our 2010 team falls flat on it's face.
His greatest season: 1988-1989: 65-90-155 and a Lester B. Pearson trophy.
Brian Leetch: The greatest texan, in hockey terms (although he grew up in Connecticut). Leetch will be remembered for his time with the Rangers and his 1994 Conn Smythe Trophy. He was part of a 13 year run that saw the James Norris Trophy awarded to only 4 players, Leetch, Chris Chellios, Ray Bourque and Paul Coffey. Leetch will mostly be remember for being the only American born player to win the Conn Smythe trophy.
His greatest season: 1991-1992: 22-80-102 and a James Norris trophy.
Lou Lamoriello: One of the more interesting NHL general managers, Lamoriello has built a successful team year after year in New Jersey. He is one of the few General Managers that has entered the realm of NHL decision makers without having been a player or an integral part of a team previous to his being named president in 1987. Since then he has brought his Devils to the playoffs in 18 of 20 seasons and is in line to do this again this year.
His greatest season: Having an average winning % over .500 for 2o years consecutively.
