Open Mic: Chicago Blackhawks' All-Time Team

Forwards

First Line

LW: Bobby Hull, C: Stan Mikita, RW: Steve Larmer

Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita are no brainers for the top-line. Both are Hall of Famers, and some of the top players at their position of all time. Steve Larmer is the best right wing in Blackhawks history. Could have thrown in Denis Savard, but I'm trying to keep them at their natural positions.

Second Line

LW: Dennis Hull, C: Denis Savard, RW: Tony Amonte

In this line you have some era diversity. Hull played in the 60s and 70s, Savard in the 80s and 90s, and Amonte in the 90s and 2000s. Savard is a Hall of Famer and third all-time in Blackhawks scoring, and now the Blackhawks' head coach.

I grew up watching Amonte and the center of the next line, and they were at their peaks when they were Blackhawks. I never saw Hull play, but my dad did—and he said he was one of the greatest to wear the Indian Head.

Third Line

LW: Eric Daze, C: Jeremy Roenick, RW: Pit Martin

When healthy, Eric Daze was one of the best—but that was his problem. He makes this list as the "Healthy" Eric Daze. JR was a big reason the Blackhawks were so good in the 90s and he was my favorite player growing up—not that I'm biased.

Pit Martin was a natural center, but I needed to make room for the new captain of the Chicago Blackhawks on the fourth line. Pit Martin scored 627 points in the Blackhawks sweater, enough said.

Fourth Line

LW: Patrick Sharp, C: Jonathan Toews, RW: Patrick Kane

This final line is composed of current Blackhawks. Although these guys do not have the most points in Blackhawks history, they all project to be great players for the franchise.

Sharp is coming off a 36-goal season, and if he stays on the TK line then he will continue to produce. I couldn't leave the Calder winner (Kane) or the new captain of the Hawks (Toews) off the list, because they are going to be a big part of the Blackhawks' resurgence.

Defense

Pairing One

Doug Wilson, Bob Murray

The two best defensemen in Blackhawks history, no question.

Pairing Two

Chris Chelios, Pierre Pilote

Pilote is a Hall of Famer and Chelios is a future Hall of Famer, as well as the NHL's Iron Man.

Pairing Three

Keith Magnuson, Duncan Keith

Keith has been a big part of the Blackhawks' rise from the NHL basement. Magnuson was a fan favorite whose number, along with Pilote's, will be retired this season.

Goaltending

Tony Esposito

One of the greatest goalies of all time. 418 wins—not bad, huh?

Glenn Hall

Many younger Blackhawks fans would say Ed Belfour, but Hall was the better Blackhawk. More wins and a better GAA—he gets my vote.

This was quite a challenge, given the Blackhawks' long and glorious history, but I am quite happy with my all-time team. Let me know what you all think.