"In honor of the All-Star festivities and accompanying hoopla, here's a nod to those who have performed exceptionally well in individual fantasy categories. Consider this our version of the Oscars, but without venue, red carpet, tangible reward, pizzazz and any acknowledgement or interest from those being honored.
• Very few (read: absolutely no one) could have predicted that Jason Garrison of the Florida Panthers would be leading all blueliners in goals (with 13) by this stage of the season. In his second full NHL season, the 27-year-old has really blossomed on a squad with so many new additions. And without Dmitry Kulikov (more on that below), Garrison will be asked to continue producing regularly. Heavy on-ice minutes and a healthy affection for shooting the puck could see Garrison add another 10 goals before the first week of April.
• A tip of the hat to the Detroit Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall for his current second-place total of 11 goals. A jaw-dropping number by no means but impressive enough, considering the 31-year-old admits he's struggled at times this campaign. We consider Kronwall a top candidate to break out after recess.
• Leading all blueliners by a ridiculous margin, the Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson has 40 assists through 51 games. Forty. Plus, the 21-year-old shoots up a storm and averages over 25 minutes per contest. You think this kid is having fun playing under coach Paul MacLean? Under different circumstances, Karlsson could be endorsed as a scrumptious sell-high candidate, but we're no longer convinced the youngster will let up. He's like the marathon runner who launches the race at seemingly too high a pace -- one that can't conceivably be maintained -- and never slows down until the finish line.
• Veteran Mark Streit doesn't score as frequently as his owners would like, but when he does it's often on the power play. With 17 of 26 points counting with the man advantage, Streit satisfies two categories simultaneously more often than most. If not for the minus-21, the New York Islanders' captain would be top-15 fantasy material. Meanwhile, Dennis Wideman is proving last season was no fluke. Amassing 15 power-play points to date with the Washington Capitals, Wideman is doing his part (and more) in making up for Mike Green's absence.
• Owning a player with a robust plus/minus rating is like dating a guy with a really nice car. Although not reason enough to hook up with someone on its own, the attribute can provide a very pleasant perk. That's why Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Ian White of the Detroit Red Wings, both sitting plus-26, are worth that little bit more.
• The New York Rangers' Michael Del Zotto merits an extra special shout-out in this department. A minus-20 two seasons ago and minus-5 in 2010-11, Del Zotto has every right to brag about his current plus-22 rating. The young lad is reputed to have worked his butt off to improve the defensive element of his game."
