Leetch, Lamoriello elected to Hall of Fame, join Yzerman, Hull, Robitaille

June 23, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It was an exciting day for two local icons. Earlier today, Ranger defenseman Brian Leetch and Devil GM Lou Lamoriello both got the call from Toronto that they were elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame- joining a memorable class which includes Red Wing lifer Steve Yzerman, third all-time leading goalscorer Brett Hull and the all-time finisher among NHL left wings, Luc Robitaille.

One of the strongest classes in league history rivals the 2007 class of Mark Messier, Scott Stevens, Ron Francis, Al MacInnis and Jim Gregory. Indeed, the November 9 official enshrinement up in Toronto will be one to behold. All five new members won Stanley Cups combining for 10 (Yzerman-3, Hull-2, Leetch-1, Robitaille-1, Lamoriello-3). It’s safe to say each knew what it took to be an ultimate winner. In less than five months, they’ll deservedly receive the highest honor, paying tribute to outstanding careers.

For Leetch, he’ll become the first ever American-born defenseman to be inducted. Selected by the Rangers ninth overall in the 1986 NHL Draft, Leetch quickly developed into one of the best players at his position, scoring 23 goals and 71 points in his first full season to take home the Calder Trophy for top rookie in 1988-89. A few years later in 1991-92, the Ranger defenseman topped the century mark, posting a career high 102 points (22 goals, 80 assists). He became just the fifth NHL blueliner to total 100-or-more in a season and not surprisingly, took home the Norris Trophy for league’s top defenseman.

Despite such a remarkable feat, he always be best remembered for his Conn Smythe performance in which he tallied 34 points (11-23-34, +19 in 23 GP)- dominating the 1993-94 playoffs to help break a 54-year drought with the Rangers finally winning the franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup. It came as no shock that such an elite player elevated his level- saving some of his best when things got tight by scoring the opening goal in the deciding 3-2 Game Seven win over the Canucks. To this day, Leetch remains the only American-born player to win playoff MVP.

“Unlike the (Red) Wings when Steve (Yzerman) was there or the Devils when Lou (Lamoriello) was there, this was our one shot at it,” Leetch expressed to Ranger site writer Jim Cerny in a feature story. “We never got back to the Finals, we never won another Cup with that group. So it’s a single season that sticks out in a lot of people’s minds in the New York area.”

Added long-time rival Lamoriello, who will appropriately join Leetch in the HHOF as a builder:

“It was no surprise because he was the catalyst of that Rangers team. We could not contain him.”

While ’94 shall always hold a special place in Garden Faithful hearts, as someone who sits up in the blueseats, I think we can all agree how priviledged we really were to see such a special athlete donn our Ranger red, white and blue colors. In 17 seasons spent on Broadway, the former Boston College product appeared in 1,129 games going on to become the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (741) and ranks only behind Rod Gilbert (1,021 Pts) in team scoring with 981 points (240-741-981).

Leetch also won a second Norris following a brilliant 1996-97 season in which he amassed 78 points (20-58-78, +31 in 82 GP). The club would go onto defeat the Panthers and upset the Devils before running into a bigger Flyer team, who ousted them in a five-game Eastern Conference Final.

Though the club never had anymore success following that surprising run, No.2 continued to patrol the blueline logging big minutes while producing. Unfortunately, they never had the right mix to remain competitive wasting Leetch’s twilight years along with Cup teammate Mike Richter.

However, it wasn’t just NHL success that Leetch had but he also performed well on the international scene, taking part in three Olympics including a silver medal in the 2002 Winter Games at Salt Lake in which Team USA fell to a loaded Team Canada that included future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur.

Perhaps the most memorable tournament for Leetch and Richter was the 1996 World Cup in which the Ranger dynamic duo played an integral part in USA taking gold over Canada in a memorable best-of-three series. It was former teammate Tony Amonte, who provided the heroics with his goal holding up thanks to some outstanding goaltending from Richter. Leetch captained a talented squad that included Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk along with HOF ‘mate Hull.

“Brett and I were part of a group old enough to remember 1980 and were spurred on to represent the United States,” recalled Leetch, who no doubt meant the “Miracle on Ice” U.S. squad that stunned the hockey world, upsetting Russia and Finland to capture Olympic Gold at Lake Placid, NY in 1980. “The NHL was actually second in my mind. I knew there were a bunch of college kids looking like they were having a lot of fun, and I wanted to have a chance at that.”

Fitting that both USA legends will go in together along with Yzerman, Robitaille and Lamoriello. When he finally got the call from Toronto while on the road, Leetch expressed how much it meant to join such exclusive company.

“I am humbled and excited by this honor, particularly for me it is difficult to think of myself as a member of the Hall of Fame. … It’s a pretty overwhelming day to say the least. It’s something I am very humbled by and very proud of.”

Though he finished an 18-year career with Original Sixes Toronto and Boston, Leetch will forever be remembered as True Blue. His No.2 was retired by the club on Jan. 24, 2008. In 1,205 games, he totaled 247 goals and 781 assists for 1,028 points. In his last ever postseason appearance with the Leafs following a deadline trade on Mar.3, 2004 that netted former No.1 pick Lauri Korpikoski, Leetch tallied eight assists. In 95 total playoff contests, he finished with 28 goals and 69 assists for 97 points, averaging better than a point-per-game.

Now, he’ll take his place among NHL greats. Joining him will be Devil architect Lamoriello, who in over 40 years of hockey has gone from Providence to becoming one of the greatest executives in league history- turning a once struggling franchise into one of the most respected in the NHL.

Under his guidance, the Devils have won three Stanley Cups (1995, 2000, 2003) and this past season, won their eighth Atlantic Division. Most impressive is that the eight division crowns have come over the past 12 seasons, excluding the forgettable 2004-05 lockout.

Perhaps the most gratifying was the franchise’s remarkable comeback to claim the division in 2005-06 by squeaking past bitter rivals the Rangers and Flyers. The first half saw the club struggle under former Cup winning coach Larry Robinson, who eventually resigned citing “health issues.”

It was Lamoriello, who came down from above to guide the team back into the playoff race. Risking his reputation, he proved that he had a good read on his club, elevating then rookie Zach Parise to the top line with American linemates Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. With Patrik Elias struggling due to hepatitis, he was shifted to center a line with Jamie Langenbrunner. The changes worked sparking the Devils to a dramatic turnaround. Amazingly enough, a league record 11-game win streak to end the season propelled them over the Flyers and Rangers into first on the final day. That included a magical third period comeback win over the Canadiens with Langenbrunner providing the heroics.

They’d sweep the Rangers in dominant fashion, helping offset a bitter past that saw the club eliminated by their close Hudson rival three times. Though they’d fall in the next round to eventual Cup winner Carolina, it was considered a good season due to the amazing turnaround, cementing Lou’s reputation. Predictably, he took no solace in defeating the club’s closest rival but in a book Beyond The Crease Brodeur released, the goalie explained how much it meant to the Team President/GM.

Now, Lamoriello finally takes his place in Toronto.

“This award is completely unexpected,” he said in a statement. “Over my career I have been fortunate to have been associated with great players and coaches, and this award recognizes their contributions to my career.“

Also part of a remarkable class is all-time Red Wing Yzerman, who became one of the youngest captains in league history when he took over the ‘C’ in 1986-87 as a 21 year-old. Under his leadership, a once laughingstock missed the playoffs only twice in 22 years. In fact, the Red Wings’ current streak of 18 consecutive postseasons are the most with the Devils’ 12 placing second.

Not only did Detroit develop into an elite franchise winning three Stanley Cups under Stevie Y’s leadership but No.19 never donned another NHL sweater. A rare oddity today where so often in sports, you see athletes leave for greener pastures. But not Yzerman, who went onto score the eighth most goals (692) with his 1,755 points placing sixth on the all-time scoring list.

Yzerman was part of the last NHL team to repeat. Something the current Red Wings fell just short of doing in falling to the Penguins. Following their sweep of the Capitals, the Detroit captain was named Conn Smythe winner by totaling 24 points (6-18-24, +10 in 22 GP). Still, it’s his heroic effort on basically one leg during the Wings’ Cup win in 2002 over Carolina that is well remembered. Somehow, despite the injury, the Red Wing leader was out there producing 23 points (6-17-23 in 23 GP) as the team won its third championship in six years. Amazing leadership shown by a true warrior in every sense.

“It is a tremendous honour to receive this news,” Yzerman said of entering the HHOF. “I want to thank the Selection Committee for recognizing my contributions — I truly had chills down my spine when I got the news.“

Yzerman’s joined by former ’02 Cup teammates Hull and Robitaille- two of the best finishers to ever play in the league. The son of legend Bobby Hull, Brett created his own legacy by scoring the third most goals (741) all-time trailing only Wayne Gretzky (894) and Gordie Howe (891). Most of those came as a member of the Blues following a 1988 trade from Calgary. Over the next decade, The Golden Brett tormented opposing goalies with his blistering shot scoring 527 including a jaw dropping 86 in 1990-91 that won him the Hart Trophy as league MVP. In fact, he hit 70-or-more in three straight seasons (1989-90 thru 1990-91) totaling 228.

In a current era where reaching 50 is considered great unless you’re named Alex Ovechkin, it’s hard to believe Hull once scored 50-or-better five seasons in a row from ’89-90 thru ’93-94. Despite some gaudy numbers with St. Louis, he never won Lord Stanley departing for Dallas where he scored the most controversial goal in Cup lore, beating Buffalo with his toe in the crease to lift the 1998-99 Stars to championship status. For three seasons, he was a constant threat for Dallas including a solid 2000 postseason in which he netted a playoff best 24 points (11-13-24 in 23 GP) at age 35. That included his triple overtime winner forcing Game Six against New Jersey before Jason Arnott lifted the Devils to the Cup.

Hull then joined up with Yzerman and Robitaille to form a great trio of Hall of Fame scorers with it commencing in a Stanley Cup (2001-02). At 41 following the lockout, Brett left the Motor City to play for his Dad’s former WHA franchise in Phoenix. But after just five games in which he had one assist, Hull realized that the new NHL had passed him by and tearfully retired. He finished his 19-year career playing in 1,269 games totaling 1,391 points (741-650-1391).

On finally taking his place among peers:

”It is hard to put into words what this means to me; especially since I’m joining my father in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Simply getting to the NHL was a challenge for me, and I would like to thank all of my supporters who made many sacrifices on my behalf.“

Rounding out this elite class is Robitaille, who after not being taken until the ninth round in 1984 by the Kings wound up as the all-time leading scoring left wing, netting 668 goals (10th all-time) with his 1,431 points placing 20th ahead of none other than Hull.

Lucky Luc surprised many by claiming the Calder Trophy after a great rookie season scoring 45 goals and 84 points in 1986-87. It was just a hint of what was to come. Teaming with Gretzky, Robitaille scored 40-or-more eight consecutive seasons in his first Kings’ stint including 63 in 1992-93 along with 125 points, garnering First All-Star honors a fifth time.

The Kings traded Robitaille during the summer of ’94 to the Pens for Rick Tocchet. Following one season in Pittsburgh, he was dealt to the Rangers along with Ulf Samuelsson for Petr Nedved and Sergei Zubov. Though he never duplicated the LA success, Robitaille was still a solid contributor in two campaigns including 11 points (4-7-11, +7 in 15 GP) during the Blueshirts’ run to the Conference Finals in 1997.

Lucky Luc would wind up back in Hollywood traded for Kevin Stevens. In familiar settings, he rediscovered his scoring touch notching 35-or-more three straight years (1998-99 thru 2000-01) for 92 markers before signing with Detroit where he finally won a Cup. Following a fourth straight 30-goal season, he tallied nine points (4-5-9, +4 in 23 GP) during the Wings’ run to Lord Stanley. After one more year in Hockey Town, he went back home playing two more seasons with LA before graduating to a management role to this day.

“My goal was always just to play in the NHL and I never dreamed of anything beyond that,” Robitaille indicated. “To be honoured in the same room as The Rocket, Guy Lafleur and Wayne Gretzky is a tremendous honour.“

Congratulations to the entire upcoming 2009 class!