NHL Defenseman–Keith Ranks 5th

March 20, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) celebrates with defenseman

(2) after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

NHL.com writers did a poll on defenseman and Duncan Keith ranked 5th.  I was a little surprised that was where he finished up while actually getting a first place vote. Yes, I think Keith is a superior defenseman but I don’t believe he’s ever returned to the form that paved the way for him to earn the 2010 Norris Trophy.

One of the best parts of this season is that Keith and his partner Brent Seabrook is they aren’t stuck on the ice for half the game. They are still the #1 pairing and are on the ice but the growth of Nick Leddy and the improved play of Niklas Hjalmarsson and the continued solid play of Johnny Oduya has made it possible to sit Keith more than ever. One of the reasons his stats have declined is the amount of burden of ice time he has had to carry on a game by game basis.

Keith’s play has been far more consistent that last year and the Hawks record proves it. If you were wondering who finished first it was Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins while the rest of the list can be found here.

What do you think? Is Keith one of the top 5 best defensman in the NHL or should he be higher or lower on this list? Either way the Hawks will need a huge effort from Keith the rest of the way and the playoffs!

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