from Scott Cullen of TSN,

The most heated debate surrounding NHL awards this season has centered on defence, where challengers try to unseat two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

Karlsson’s case is as strong as it’s ever been, which makes the task all the more daunting. With 64 assists, Karlsson is three ahead of San Jose centre Joe Thornton, with two games remaining. Should Karlsson hold on to that lead, he would be the first defenceman to lead the league in assists since Bobby Orr, in 1974-75, when he was tied with Bobby Clarke, or 1973-1974, when he had the most assists outright.

This gives Karlsson 80 points, tying Nicklas Lidstrom for the most points among defenceman in the past 20 years. Brian Leetch (85) and Ray Bourque (82), had more, both in 1995-1996. So, it should be easily established that this is a special offensive season.

As always, Karlsson is a positive possession driver, and this is remarkable because the Senators struggle without him on the ice. That leads Karlsson to elite relative possession numbers.

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