They're The Tops When only the superlative--like Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek--will do, here are SI's choices of the players, coaches and general managers to call on

THE TOUGHEST PLAYER TO MOVE OUT OF THE SLOT

1. John LeClair, Flyers
2. Eric Lindros, Flyers
3. Keith Tkachuk, Coyotes

THE PLAYER YOU WANT TO BE YOUR CAPTAIN

1. Steve Yzerman, Red Wings
2. Ray Bourque, Bruins
3. Michael Peca, Sabres

THE GOALIE YOU WANT TO STOP A BREAKAWAY

1. Dominik Hasek, Sabres
2. Patrick Roy, Avalanche
3. Curtis Joseph, Maple Leafs

THE DEFENSEMAN YOU WANT TO STOP A TWO-ON-ONE

1. Chris Pronger, Blues
2. Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings
3. Ray Bourque, Bruins

THE COACH YOU WANT TO GIVE A PEP TALK BEFORE THE THIRD PERIOD

1. Pat Burns, Bruins
2. Ron Wilson, Capitals
3. Pat Quinn, Maple Leafs

THE MEANEST PLAYER

1. Derian Hatcher, Stars
2. Bryan Marchment, Sharks
3. Eric Lindros, Flyers

THE PLAYER YOU WANT ON A DEFENSIVE-ZONE FACE-OFF IN THE FINAL
MINUTE

1. Guy Carbonneau, Stars
2. Joe Nieuwendyk, Stars
3. Michael Peca, Sabres

THE DEFENSEMAN YOU WANT QUARTERBACKING YOUR POWER PLAY

1. Al MacInnis, Blues
2. Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings
3. Brian Leetch, Rangers

THE HARDEST PLAYER TO STOP ON A BREAKAWAY

1. Jaromir Jagr, Penguins
2. Pavel Bure, Panthers
3. Paul Kariya, Mighty Ducks

THE COACH YOU WANT TO MAKE LINE ADJUSTMENTS

1. Scotty Bowman, Red Wings
2. Ken Hitchcock, Stars
3. Pat Burns, Bruins

THE BEST PUCKHANDLING GOALTENDER

1. Martin Brodeur, Devils
2. Tom Barrasso, Penguins
3. Chris Osgood, Red Wings

THE GENERAL MANAGER YOU WANT TO MAKE A DEADLINE DEAL

1. Glen Sather, Oilers
2. Ken Holland, Red Wings
3. Bob Gainey, Stars

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID E. KLUTHO