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The situation on left wing is one of extremes. The top five spots are filled with some of the best players in hockey. The bottom five are filled with, well, they're filled. Depth on left wing is, shall we say, scarce? Shall we say nonexistent? We shall say nonexistent. But left wing remains the last bastion of the power forward. And the best one is at the top...

1. John LeClair, Philadelphia Flyers: I remember last season when we named LeClair as our top rated left winger we received some hate mail from the Disney brainwashed masses proclaiming Paul Kariya to be the Flyer phenom's superior. It is to laugh. The baby duckling can't hold a candle to the City of Brotherly Love's behemoth.

Sure, Kariya is the more dynamic skater and scorer, but he also makes a dynamic thud when he hits the ice. If Gary Suter tried that cross-check-to-the-head thing on LeClair, the former Chicago blueliner would still be eating through a straw. While Kariya is a fragile little elf, LeClair is an unstoppable juggernaut that crushes whatever gets in his way. When LeClair hits somebody, they stay hit. And being such an overwhelming physical power, LeClair has no need to resort to cheap tactics to get the job done. He plays it clean and hard. Realizing that he can't score from the box, LeClair had a scant 32 penalty minutes last season and has only 233 in his entire eight-year career.

The extra time on the ice has definitely paid off. LeClair has posted three consecutive 50-goal seasons, leading all NHL scorers over the past three years with 152 goals. He's so strong that anything he shoots has the chance to bury a goaltender. Any netminder that stands up to a LeClair slapper on the fly deserves a medal of valor. He's not just all muscle, though. LeClair has remarkably soft hands for a power forward and can finish plays in tight around the cage with the best of them. His hands are actually better than Eric Lindros'. He's also a better skater, in both agility and speed, than his more publicized center-ice man.

LeClair works feverishly at the defensive aspects of the game. He's always hustling to get back and never gives up on a play. This attention to the finer points in life earned him a team-high +30 last season, one year after he led the league with a +44.

If only he had more of a mean streak, LeClair would be the perfect hockey player. As it is he'll have to settle for being the best left winger in the game and an all around cool guy.

2. Paul Kariya, Anaheim Mighty Ducks: While LCS Hockey has had kind of a checkered past in regards to Kariya, we certainly hope he makes a healthy return to the Anaheim lineup this Fall. There's no denying his natural ability. He probably has more offensive talent than any other player in the game. He's a superb skater that's every bit as quick and agile as he is fast. Even though he's a little guy, Kariya can really bring it with either his slap or wrist shot, proving once again that it's all about technique. Aside from the sheer pep on his shots, Kariya's uncanny ability to launch a one-timer from any situation makes him dangerous as a chimp. And I think we all know how dangerous that can be. When not scoring goals himself, Kariya is busy being assist boy. He sees the ice well and distributes the puck on par with the game's premier playmakers.

There's nothing Kariya can't do with the puck. It's what he does, or doesn't do, without it that drops him below LeClair. He's becoming a better defensive player, but it's still a weakness in his game. And there's only one thing worse than being small, and that's playing small. Kariya does his best to avoid physical confrontations and has been bullied in the past, most notably by Chris Chelios. I'm not saying he's yella, it's just that... that... okay, yeah, he's a yella spineless wishy- washy pansy face.

Hey, get a load of this. I was just at the grocery store and happened to notice some sissy-boy lookin', glossy-paged rag on the magazine rack produced by those chumps at The Hockey News. Inside, the legendary scribes predict Kariya to lead the league in scoring this coming season with 118 points. They justify this bold statement by saying that if Kariya would have stayed healthy last season he would have projected out to 116 points. Um, guess what? He didn't stay healthy last season. Know why? Because Gary Suter laid the smack down on him with the People's Cross- check. But even if Kariya managed to stay healthy for the full 82, just projecting his 22-game totals is hardly scientific. I'm sure there were other players in the league that managed 31 points over a 22-game span at some point last season. It's doing it over 82 games that counts. Kariya didn't score 116 points. He scored 31. Accept it. He may very well lead the league in scoring next season, but it's not going to be because he had a phantom 116 points last year. Then again, Suter is now in Kariya's division as a member of the San Jose Sharks, so things could get ugly. You smell what Suter's cookin'?

3. Keith Tkachuk, Phoenix Coyotes: Tkachuk failed in his attempt to match LeClair's bid for three consecutive 50-goal seasons, but he still managed to pot 40 in 69 games. His assist numbers were down, though, and he finished with just 66 points. It marked the first time in four years he didn't average at least a point per game. The slight drop in production was accompanied by complaints that Tkachuk wasn't always giving it his all. There's even hype he's not exactly the most popular player in the Phoenix dressing room and may be asked to surrender his captaincy. All this behind-the-scenes stuff, combined with Tkachuk's demands to renegotiate his contract, have furthered his reputation as a spoiled frat boy. It's also kept his name in trade rumors all summer long.

Regardless of the off-ice concerns, there's no arguing Tkachuk's abilities between the boards. He's a bona fide power forward with the speed and talent to do more than just mix it up. His 142 goals over the past three seasons are fifth most in the league and he gets them in a variety of ways. Whether it's mucking in front, blasting shots from the perimeter, or deking his way around defenders, Tkachuk can close the deal. His favorite way to score, though, may be via the deflection. No one deflects more shots than Tkachuk. He's got mad hand-eye coordination. Toss all these offensive abilities in with a serious mean streak, and Tkachuk is a bad man.

4. Brendan Shanahan, Detroit Red Wings: Shanahan has slowed down a bit recently. It's probably just the guilt wearing on him after he stabbed the Whale in the back and whatnot. Hey, Shanny, have you gotten the blood off your hands yet? But I digress.

Shanahan had only 28 goals and 57 points in 75 games last season. Those are his lowest totals over a full schedule since 1988-89 when he put up 22 goals and 50 points for El Diablo. One of the reason's for the drop in production has been an achy back that takes a lot of the strength from his legs and limits his ability to shoot the puck. He registered just 266 shots last season, marking his lowest total in five years. If Shanahan isn't shooting, he's not playing his game. When healthy, he's the best one-timer in hockey, making him money on the power play from the left circle. Over the past three seasons he's clocked 52 goals on the man-advantage, the most in the NHL. He's also a fierce competitor and a leader in the room and on the ice... except, you know, when he plays for the Whale, then he's a gutless turncoat. But really, I'm not bitter.

Gary Roberts by Meredith Martini

5. Gary Roberts, Carolina Hurricanes: Did you notice that life in general just seemed a bit sweeter last season? No, it wasn't the return of the Slush Puppy machine to the Crossroads on Route 66, it was just because Gary Roberts was back in the NHL. His miraculous return from a year's absence due to neck surgery wasn't without its problems, tho'. He played most of the first half of the season with a broken foot before finally succumbing to a pulled rib muscle in February. The injuries cost Roberts 21 games and made it near impossible for him to regain his old form for any lengthy period of time. But when he was healthy, oh Jackson, he was healthy.

Roberts was on fire down the stretch when the Hurricanes were threatening to snag a spot in the postseason. The late surge gave him 20 goals and 49 points in 61 games. Those are pretty solid numbers in today's NHL, especially for a guy that sat out a year. Before Roberts' forced retirement, he was the best left wing in hockey. He could score 50 goals, ring up more than a point per game, hit like Sonny Liston, and, most importantly, elevate the level of his teammates through his intensity and leadership. Roberts was the very definition of the term impact player. If he can stay even remotely healthy next season, Roberts will be back at the top of our list.

Shayne Corson by Meredith Martini

6. Shayne Corson, Montreal Canadiens: Corson manufactured quite the turnaround in 1997-98. With just about everyone, including LCS Hockey, writing him off after a disastrous 1996-97 showing that saw him score eight goals and 24 points in 54 games, Corson responded this past season with 21 goals and 55 points in 69 contests. While injuries are obviously still a concern, the 55 points were the second most of his career and his best output since way back in 1989-90 when he bagged 75 during his first tour of duty with the Habs.

Even though he is a bit brittle and does benefit from playing on a line with Saku Koivu and Mark Recchi, Corson secured the six spot because of his toughness and overall winning attitude. He could have just packed up the tent and went home following that eight-goal season, but he stayed focused, worked like a mad man over the off-season to get in the best shape of his life, and rebounded like a pro. That work ethic carries over on to the ice where Corson is relentless around the cage and in the corners. Even when he isn't scoring he can still make a difference with his hitting and aggressiveness.

7. Valeri Kamensky, Colorado Avalanche: With the exception of Kariya, Kamensky is the most talented left wing in hockey. He's a fluid skater that appears effortless in motion. It doesn't really look like he's skating fast, it's just that no one ever catches him. A mesmerizing stickhandler, Kamensky can bust out a once-in-a-lifetime individual effort on any given shift. His golden hands also make him an excellent passer, though it's probably the most overlooked part of his game. One thing that's impossible to overlook is his slap shot. His near decapitation of Ed Belfour in the 1996 playoffs still ranks as one of the most astounding goals ever witnessed by man or chimp.

The thing with Kamensky, however, is that he never seems to score quite as much as he should. He had only 26 goals and 66 points in 75 games last season and has only averaged a point per game twice in his career; in 1995-96 when he had 85 in 81 games and in 1992-93 when he clipped 37 in 32 contests. Kamensky's career has really been a question of "What if?" The hard luck Russian lost most of his prime scoring years to one severe injury after another in the early 90s. If not for the mal suerte, which I believe means bad luck in Spanish, Kamensky could be looking back on a career filled with accolades and scoring triumphs. As it is, at 32 year of age, Kamensky can only hope to get another shot at a championship with Colorado while he ponders what might have been.

8. Adam Graves, New York Rangers: Aw, last season was ugly for the Blueshirts. Graves took his share of lumps, recording 23 goals and 35 points in 72 games while finishing at a -30. It should go without saying that it was the worst plus- minus total of Graves' career and the first time in five years that he ended up in the red. But don't let the hideous minus total fool you, it was more the product of the Rangers sucking as a team than anything. Graves is one of the best defensive forwards in hockey. It's the other four guys on the ice that can make things interesting. It also didn't help matters that Graves played out of position at times last season, seeing action at center for the shallow Rangers. Then there's the nagging back problem that has stolen a step from his gait and made his 50-goal days a thing of the past.

While he may not score as much as he used to, Graves is still as tough as they come. Most guys with bad backs let up in the physical aspects of their game, but not Graves. He remains one of the most devastating and consistent hitters in the league. He's also willing to accept his share of punishment, holding court in front of the opposition's net whenever the chance presents itself. He'll gladly take the cross-checks and hacks in order to screen the goaltender. No one does it better. And if play gets chippy Graves will settle things down in a hurry by dropping the gloves and carving up anyone dumb enough to say when.

Basically, Graves is the epitome of a hockey player. He's all about heart, courage, and commitment to the team. He'll do whatever it takes to help his club win. He's a character guy that leads by example. I really can't say enough nice things about him. Hell, if he could butcher the language and make obscure references to classic TV, I'd give him a job writing for us.

9. Jeff Friesen, San Jose Sharks: This is Friesen's first appearance on the top ten. And if he keeps playing like he did in the postseason, it'll be his last. After leading the Sharks with 31 goals and 63 points in 79 regular season contests, Friesen was a non-factor in the playoffs, recording one assist in six games. In case you're wondering, that's not good.

Friesen's game totally revolves around speed. He can flat out fly. Once he sees an open lane, it's off to the races. His ability to simply out distance the opposition allowed him to tie Pavel Bure for the league lead in short-handed goals with six. While his superior skating makes it easy to overlook flaws in his game, Friesen needs to be more assertive in the offensive zone. He was just third on the Sharks in shots, only hitting the net 186 times. He has to shoot the puck more if he wants to be considered a top goal-scorer. Even with his reluctant trigger, Friesen's scoring numbers have increased in each of his four seasons in the league. That's right, Friesen has already been in the league four years, yet he just turned 22 the first week of August. There's still plenty of time for improvement.

Sergei Samsonov by Meredith Martini

10. Sergei Samsonov, Boston Bruins: We never like to put rookies in the top ten, since they haven't really proven themselves, but Samsonov has too much talent to ignore. The little Russian used his explosive speed and elusive stickhandling to claim the Calder Trophy with 22 goals and 47 points. Fears of his ability to withstand the pounding of the NHL remain, but the apprehension was eased somewhat by the fact that he scored most of his points in the second half of the season, showing no signs of fatigue. With Jason Allison really coming into his own at center, Samsonov's development should continue to roll in high gear.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Stu Barnes, Pittsburgh Penguins: Barnes became somewhat of a folk hero last season in Pittsburgh, recording a career high 30 goals and 65 points playing alongside Ron Francis and Jaromir Jagr. The fans in the Steel City appreciated the little winger's scrappy play, greeting him with chants of "Stuuuuuuu" whenever he touched the puck. Barnes does have a quick release and can definitely finish around the cage, but his shot is hardly overpowering. I could probably count on one hand the number of times Stu actually beat a goaltender clean without the aid of a perfect setup. With Francis now in Carolina, Barnes will likely shift to center next season and will have to prove he can do more than just deposit tap-ins into gaping nets. One thing he won't have to prove is his ability to win faceoffs. Stu handled that chore last year and was among the top draw men in the business.

Nicklas Sundstrom, New York Rangers: The 23-year-old Swede is one of the best defensive players in the league. Intelligent beyond his years, Sundstrom is destined for a Selke at some point in his career. How good is he? Well, he finished even last year with the Rangers even though usual linemates Wayne Gretzky and Alexei Kovalev were -11 and -22, respectively. If he could improve a bit on his 19 goals and 47 points, Sundstrom will reside with the big boys next year.

MOVIN' ON UP

Richard Zednik, Washington Capitals: Zednik did some Earth shakin' in the playoffs. The 22-year-old native of Slovakia was given a regular shift after Steve Konowalchuk went down with a wrist injury late in the season and didn't let the opportunity slide. Seemingly Peter Bondra's apprentice, Zednik displayed many of the same characteristics as his homeland hero. He's a powerful skater that loves to shoot the puck. And he shoots it with bad intentions. He also has the hands to use defenders at will, making him a threat to score whenever he's around the puck. He's got a bright future ahead of him.

DOWNSVILLE

Geoff Sanderson, Buffalo Sabres: Ugh. That pretty much sums up the fortunes of Sanderson the past few seasons. It seems like only yesterday that Geoff was coming off back-to-back 40- goal seasons with the Whale. It was great. It was fun. Alas, those halcyon days are a thing of the past and now Sanderson almost gets traded more than he scores. Playing for three clubs last season, Sanderson recorded a meager 11 goals and 28 points in 75 games. He still has the speed and slap shot to be a major goal-scorer, now he just needs a regular shift on one of Buffalo's top lines and the hefty dose of confidence that would go along with it. Here's hoping it's not already too late.

CONFUSION

Ryan Smyth, Edmonton Oilers: Smyth was number 10 on our list last season thanks to the 39 goals he scored as a sophomore. The dearth of talent on left wing, though, certainly didn't hurt. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old is a perfect example of why we don't like to put youngsters in the top ten before they prove themselves over at least two or three years. Smyth experienced a major drop in play this past season, scoring 20 goals and 33 points in 65 games while finishing at a team-worst -24. He needs to take a step forward this time out before he gets labeled as a one-year wonder.

WEASEL

Geoff Courtnall, St. Louis Blues: The Blues can give Courtnall all the money they want, it's not going to make him a great player. Haven't they realized by now that he only plays hard when his contract's up? One of the dirtiest players around, Courtnall will take cheap shots at the mild-mannered types but always disappears when challenged physically by anyone with a pulse. He's a weasel. He was born a weasel, lived a weasel, and in all likelihood will die a weasel.

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