Perhaps the Greatest Four ever Inducted

Besides this weekend being Veterans weekend, it is also the weekend where the NHL recognizes its greats from the past. This year the NHL inducts four players and one builder of the game that revolutionized the sport and the game played on the rink.

The man inducted as a builder is Jim Gregory. Gregory had a strong inspiration in the junior ranks in the 50's and 60's. He also had a part in evolving the game to where it is today. Because of Gregory, the NHL now recognizes Europe as a potential talent pool. Gregory also started video goal replay which has transformed the game of hockey.

The first of the big four to be inducted is Ron Francis. Francis was drafted fourth overall by Hartford. Francis won two cups with the Penguins and was a member of both the Hartford Whale and Carolina Hurricane. Francis would have passed Gordie Howe's record for games played if the strike didn't happen in 2004-2005. He missed only 54 games over a 23 season career. He ended with 1798 points, second all-time in assists and 3rd all-time in games. His points put him fourth all-time in the NHL. Whaler, Penguin, and Hurricane - Ron Francis

Player number was three time Stanley Cup champion Scott Stevens. Stevens played 22 seasons, between a Capitals, Blues, and later the Devils. This Hall of Famer is 10th all-time in points for a defensemen. Stevens ranks among the top 20 in penalty minutes but only a few were for elbows. Stevens was a loyal guy who was never traded and stayed with teams during his contract. Stevens solidified the blue line for the Devils which led to three summers with the Cup.

The final two gentlemen have distinct characteristics. Al MacInnis was also a 23 year veteran. He is third among defensemen in goals, assists, and points. He ranks 7th in assists for the playoffs. MacInnis had his most prolific career years with the Flames, which also led to his Stanley Cup. His all around best years ended with the St. Louis Blues. He had 822 points with the Flames and 452 points with the Blues. A seven time all-star, a Flame and a Blue, and marksmen from the blueline, Al MacInnis.

The last gentleman needs no description. He has risen the cup five times with two teams. He was part of the dynasty in the late 80's wit Edmonton, with Kuri, Gretzky and Furh. A leader and his guarantee win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals was the thing legends are made from in the Big Apple. He was the heart, soul and captain of the Rangers. Number 11, played for the Rangers, Oilers and a year with the Canucks. This man has won multiple awards and he might be the greats leader of all the hockey greats. Mark Messier, 2nd overall in points and games played, 3rd overall in assists, and seventh all time in goals. He played 25 years, and his toughness didn't let up until he retired. Messier deserves and belongs in the Hall along with his teammate Gretzky and all the other greats he has played with.

This might be the great four-some of players ever inducted in the Hall. Each player has a ton of awards, and each have raised the Cup at least once.

In other news, Eric Lindros quietly retired as a player but will continue to have a say in the NHLPA. Some might think because Lindros has similar numbers to Ray Bourque he belongs in the Hall. Only time with tell. Lindros' final numbers are 760 games over 13 seasons, 372 goals, 493 assists, 865 points, and +/- 215. Time will tell if in three years when Lindros' name comes up if he will be a shoe in for a spot in the Hall.

As for your favorite teams: Colorado is atop the Northwest division, with 23 points, 17 in the PP, 20th in PK. The Canucks are third with 16 points, 13 in PP, and 26th in PK and The Flames, are fourth with 15, 16th in the PP, and 28th in PK. Time will tell but the Flames are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, where both Col and Van have a better record over the last ten games. The Flames have a below 500 record for both the home and the road, the Avalache have a winning record at home but not on the road, and the Canucks are the opposite. About 17 games down in the league and time will tell how things work out.