from John Kreiser of NHL.com,

As is the case with uniform numbers, not all letters of the alphabet are equally gifted with hockey talent. A few are overflowing, others have only a smattering -- and one, the letter X, has none at all.

With a little inspiration from the three most important letters in hockey -- N-H-L -- here's a look at the best players, then and now, broken down by the first letter of their last names, starting with A to I:

H

Best ever: Gordie Howe

There will never be another "Mr. Hockey." Howe finished among the NHL's top-five scorers for a mind-boggling 20 straight seasons. His career marks for goals, assists and points have fallen, but the combination of strength, skill and grace that kept him a hockey icon long after his five-decade career ended in 1980 will never be forgotten.

Runners-up: Bobby Hull, Brett Hull, Glenn Hall, Dominik Hasek...

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