Quick Hits: The Offensive Defensemen

Hockeytown, No Limits

Is Brendan Smith The Next Great Red Wing? - The Hockey Writers |
Yes.

Niklas Kronwall steps up scoring with new leadership role for Detroit Red Wings | MLive.com
It's Kronwall's time to shine.  He's stepped it up lately and needs to continue to make a big impact on this team with the absence of Brian Rafalski.

Red Wings looking up on the strength of their Euros | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
The team had the day off Monday and began to prepare for the Flames on Wednesday and a busy post holiday weekend.  

Around the NHL

The NHL's Endangered Species: Offensive Defensemen - WSJ.com
There's one position that's become all but extinct from the NHL for two decades: the dominant offensive defenseman.

The Hockey News: Rumor Roundup: Rumor Roundup: Rick Nash tops many teams' wish lists
Blue Jackets say Rick Nash, Jeff Carter aren't available; Blackhawks have money to spend; and more.

The Sidney Crosby Emergency Alert System (SCEAS) | Backhand Shelf | Blogs | theScore.com
Did you hear that Crosby kid is back?

Alex Ovechkin on Sidney Crosby’s return: ‘Good for him’ - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Ovie is thrilled that Crosby is back and he gets to take a backseat as the face of the league.

Discussion: The Wings will play their 20th game of the season on Wednesday.  That's the quarter point of the season and they could be anywhere from 4th place in the West to 10th depending on of the other games play out.  Who is your first quarter MVP of the team?