Four players, each of whom’s NHL career spanned three decades, will deservedly take a place alongside the game’s immortals in Toronto this week: Steve Yzerman, Luc Robitaille, Brett Hull, and Brian Leetch. Each man left his name on Lord Stanley’s Cup and authored countless indelible memories for hockey fans from L.A. to New York. Additionally, the game of hockey could not ask for four more honorable or classy gentlemen as community ambassadors. The following are my top memories of each legend:
Leetch : Simply put, Leetch must be counted among the top four skating defensemen to ever lace ‘em up (Orr, Lidstrom, Bourque - not bad company). The 1994 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Brian got the Blueshirts on the board with an electric goal against the Canucks early in Game 7. For those who remember, the ‘94 Cup final was arguably the most passionate playoff series ever played. E-V-E-R.
Yzerman : “Stevie Y” scored the most amazing goal against the St. Louis Blues in a mid-90’s playoff game. Of the many thankless things he did night in and night out to make him one of the great leaders to ever play, this is the most memorable. It’s STILL the best shot I’ve ever seen.
Robitaille : Not to take anything away from this him, but candidly speaking it’s virtually impossible to mention this guy’s name without INSTANTLY thinking of Wayne Gretzky. Luc could put the puck in the net (he did it around 700 times), but also he rode shutgun for “The Great One” in his prime.
Hull : I’m pretty sure Hull himself would tell you that he wishes more of the goals he scored were of the playoff variety. But, he did score one pretty important goal (albeit controversial) on Hasek in 1999.
And an honorbale mention to Lou Lamoriello as well; an exceptional architect. The former Providence College visionary is one of the greatest organizational builders to ever hold a GM seat. Bar none.
