Categorically speaking, the best U.S. pros in the NHL

	Joe Mullen's hockey career began on roller skates in New York City. AP
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With 501 career goals, Dallas Stars center Mike Modano enters this weekend just one shy of Joe Mullen's all-time mark by a U.S.-born player. Modano's achievement got us to thinking about some of the most notable U.S.-reared players to lace up skates. (We say "reared" rather than born because some, such as Rod Langway, were born in non-hockey playing countries but grew up in the U.S., where their games were developed and nurtured.)

So, who holds the title of the best American skater? Top sniper? Best goaltender? Here are my all-time best in 10 categories as well as my pick for the most overrated American. As always, I'm open to your spirited debate about my selections.

Best skater

Mike Modano

In this case, "best" doesn't necessarily mean the fastest on a stopwatch, but rather, the player most able to utilize his speed effectively. Even these days, when Modano, 36, admits he's lost a step, you can watch him dart into open ice and take a pass in stride. At his best, Modano -- who was born in Livonia, Mich., and played for the 1988 U.S. Junior National Team before being drafted first overall by the North Stars that year -- was the forward who defensemen feared most when he cut into the zone with speed. Some of his lost steps in recent years may have come from being a little gun-shy after taking too many hits.

Honorable mention: Pat LaFontaine, Tony Amonte, Mark Johnson, Rob McClanahan

Best sniper

Joe Mullen

Modano will surpass Mullen's numbers, but the native of New York City's Hell's Kitchen was the U.S. player who really sniffed out the most goals with the fewest natural gifts. His shot wasn't a cannon, his size (5-10, 180) never scared anyone, and he wasn't an especially fast skater. Mullen was fortunate to play on some fine offensive teams in Calgary and Pittsburgh, but he created many of his own chances by finding openings, accepting contact and scoring a bunch of goals on rebounds. He recorded eight 40-goal seasons.

Honorable mention: Mike Modano, Pat LaFontaine