American Beauties

In addition to Mike Modano at forward, here are SI's selections for an alltime first-team of U.S.-born stars

G FRANK BRIMSEK, 1938--50. Boston, Chicago. Brimsek, dubbed Mr. Zero for his 10 shutouts in his Calder Trophy--winning rookie season of '38--39, won two Stanley Cups and two Vezina Trophies; a first- or second-team All-Star eight times.

D CHRIS CHELIOS, 1984--present. Montreal, Chicago, Detroit. Three Norris Trophies, two Cups, 11 All-Star Games. In his prime he excelled in every situation and no one was better in the last minute of a game. At 44, he's still effective in Detroit.

D BRIAN LEETCH, 1988--2006. Rangers, Toronto, Boston. His superb instincts, wondrous passing and smooth skating helped him score 1,028 points. Leetch won two Norris Trophies and won the Conn Smythe in '94 for the Cup-champion Rangers.

F PAT LAFONTAINE, 1983--98. Islanders, Buffalo, Rangers. Quick and slick, he was among an elite group in the NHL's Golden Age of centers. In the seven seasons in which he played at least 70 games, the gentlemanly LaFontaine averaged 45 goals.

F JOE MULLEN, 1981--97. St. Louis, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Boston. Mullen had six 40-goal seasons and his coaches praise him for his all-around play. On the 1989 Cup-winning Flames, this New York City native was a cog in a lethal power play.

Coach BOB JOHNSON, 1982--91. Calgary, Pittsburgh. The late Badger Bob (trademark phrase: "It's a great day for hockey") turned the Flames into worthy and bitter rivals of the fabulous Oilers in the 1980s. He won a Cup with Pittsburgh in '91.