My look at the best players in each franchise's history takes me to the Central Division, which is the home for two Original Six teams, the Blackhawks and Red Wings. When teams have that much history, you find yourself having some interesting debates: Gordie Howe or Steve Yzerman? Tony Esposito or Glenn Hall? Bobby Hull or Stan Mikita? I had to take a close look at those decisions. And some great players -- guys such as Alex Delvecchio and Denis Savard (to name just two) -- don't even get consideration. That's tough.
The Blues, meanwhile, who arrived in the 1967 expansion, also have an interesting history. And they still have a pretty die-hard group of fans in the Gateway City. I hope they're understanding of my selections.
The Predators and Blue Jackets remain the new kids on the block. My decisions about those two teams were difficult because the pool of players isn't very deep. Anyway, here's part three.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Best forward: Bobby Hull. It was a tough call between the Golden Jet and Stan Mikita. I decided to go for the more dynamic goal scorer.
Best defenseman: Chris Chelios. For me, Chelios' two Windy City Norris Trophies give him the edge over Doug Wilson's one. Cheli played the prime years of his endless career in his hometown.
Best goaltender: Tony Esposito. Tony O or Glenn Hall was a very tough call. In the end, it was a gut decision.
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Best forward: Rick Nash. He's the only legit All-Star in the club's short history. Someday, he'll have a playmaking center to get him the puck.
Best defenseman: Rostislav Klesla. He gets it by default. In his defense, he was prematurely rushed to the NHL.
Best goaltender: Pascal Leclaire. Sorry, I just couldn't bring myself to pick either Marc Denis or Ron Tugnutt. I'll take Leclaire based on what I saw last year. He does need a better haircut, though.
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Brett Hull gets the nod by E.J. as the Blues' top forward.
Gordie Howe. As much as we all love Stevie Y, I just can't go against Mr. Hockey.
Best defenseman: Nicklas Lidstrom. He's among the five best defensemen to ever play this game. Period.
Best goaltender: Terry Sawchuk. Whether you want to hear it or not, Chris Osgood is closing in on the legend.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Best forward: Paul Kariya. He was nearly a point per game in his two seasons in Music City. I also considered oft-injured Steve Sullivan and David Legwand.
Best defenseman: Kimmo Timonen. Underrated in Nashville, Timonen received overdue respect when he moved to the big-market Flyers.
Best goaltender: Tomas Vokoun. Mike Dunham is a great guy, but the numbers say Vokoun.
ST. LOUIS BLUES
Best forward: Brett Hull. You can make a case for Bernie Federko, but I'm not buying. Hull was just too good.
Best defenseman: Al MacInnis. He was just as good in St. Louis as he was in Calgary. Yes, he gets my nod over Chris Pronger.
Best goaltender: Mike Liut. I never like to upset prominent agents. Liut still holds club records in wins, games and minutes played. He rates an edge over Curtis Joseph.
Next week: the Southeast Division.
