Hall of Fame Nominees will know Thursday whether they have made the ultimate Hockey shrine in Toronto. Four lucky players will get the call…but who will they be??
There is one player I would obviously like to see get the call on his first nod…and that would be Scott Stevens.
Scott Stevens — 3 time Stanley Cup winner.
Stevens is obviously a no-brainer…..he changed his game twice in his career…once in the late 80’s and then again in the early 90’s as a Devil when Jacques Lemaire came to town. He has played the most games amongst defensemen and his 908 points are extremely solid for a guy pegged as mostly a defensive player. His ferocious hits are the stuff of legend…..TSN even had a top ten video tribute to Stevens after he retired. His intensity in the playoffs…the leveling of Lindros in 2000 changed that Game 7….along with his play against Dallas in the finals earned him the Conn Smythe. The goal against Pittsburgh in that game 2 of the 95 playoffs after the own goal that tied it. There were so many clutch moments
All the all-star appearances, the cups, even the Conn Smythe does reveal one glaring oversight….no Norris Trophies…how this happened is honestly a shot against the NHL in general but none of that matters now. A first ballot Hall of Fame election would humble the great Stevens…he even admits it. I remember going to the retirement night and how honored he felt. Hey Scotty, I felt honored watching you for 13 seasons….you were the greatest defenseman I ever saw lace up the skates…period!
Though there has been no official announcement…it appears Thursday…that Stevens will join Messier, Francis, and Macinnis in this year’s Hall of Fame class….talk about a foursome that could start most dream teams…..wow!
Good luck Scott…I hope you get that call Thursday.
