MacInnis Enshrined; What Might Have Been

by Brad Lee on Nov 12, 2007 11:26 AM CST

MacInnis, Stevens, Messier

By Brad Lee

The picture above of Al MacInnis, Scott Stevens and Mark Messier shows a couple things. First, what an awesome Hall of Fame class that is getting honored tonight at 6:30 p.m. St. Louis time on the NHL Network (thanks for finally adding it to the lineup last Thursday, you demons at Charter). Add Ron Francis in there and you have four players who had impact across the league and who also played some damn fine hockey.

And you also have the embodiement of the St. Louis Blues franchise. What would have happened if the Blues hadn't signed Brendan Shanahan in "free agency" (ex-Mrs. Craig Janney probably wouldn't be Mrs. Brendan Shanahan)? Or what would have happened if the Blues weren't forced to give Stevens to New Jersey as compensation? Or what would have happened if New Jersey didn't match the offer sheat the Blues signed Stevens to a few years later? If the stars were better aligned and if the fix wasn't in for a franchise working within the framework of the rules but against league traditions, the Blues could have fielded both of the Hall of Fame defensemen in this year's class at the same time. So close...yet so far away.

We'll try to come back tonight with some anecdotes about MacInnis and his time with the Blues (he said he even enjoyed playing for Mike Keenan because of all the ice time he got playing for Iron Mike). In the meantime, visit the league's rundown of HOF stuff and even check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. And remember, you can always leave your MacInnis memories in the comments.

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Comments

Al prompted the LOUDEST moment I experienced during my time in the Kiel Center’s Â§311 when he beat Mike Vernon from way out along the boards by the penalty bench.

It sounded like a jet taking off.

by brian on Nov 13, 2007 9:54 AM CST reply actions

The thing I remember most about Al MacInnis (other than he was really classy signing my son’s jacket). was the collective intake of breath at the (Kiel, Savvis) Center when he would wind up for that shot on the power play.

That and putting Jocelyn Thibeault’s thumb into the net along with the puck. :)
OK, so he only broke it.

by bluetransplant on Nov 14, 2007 12:10 AM CST reply actions

Transplant,
The Thibealt injury is one of my favorite memories of MacInnis in the Note. That was a Saturday night Hawks game Thanksgiving weekend and I think the Blues scored seven or eight goals that game. We went bonkers when Jocelyn hurt his hand. Towel Boy after the third or fourth goal in the first period didn’t throw a towel because he was afraid he was going to run out.

by Brad Lee on Nov 14, 2007 8:53 AM CST reply actions