BEST OF THE NHL 2013

Ottawa Senators' Milan Michalek (L) and Erik Karlsson chat after Michalek's second goal of the game during the second period of their NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in Ottawa February 22, 2012. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA - Tags: SPORT ICE HOCKEY) Reuters

Best offensive defensemen

1. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa — Game-changer from back end.

2. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh — Quick to get the puck to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

3. Dan Boyle, San Jose — Graybeard still an elite skater.