~~ Sorry for the delay, but this week's ISD is finally here. We hope it was worth the wait, as we focused again on the top-ten fantasy defensemen over the last 15 day scoring period. Many questions to be answered, such as: What has gotten into Duncan Keith? Will Jason Garrison keep it up this time? Who is the latest hot fantasy duo on "D"? Well, it's time to read up. TOP TEN FANTASY DEFENSEMEN OVER THE LAST 15-DAY PERIOD Jason Garrison, Van D     1G--7A--1PPG--4PPA Niklas Kronwall, Det D     2G--7A--2PPG--2PPA Duncan Keith, Chi D       0G-10A--0PPG- 3PPA Victor Hedman, TB D       3G--3A--1PPG--1PPA Erik Karlsson, Ott D         0G--7A--0PPG--5PPA Andrei Markov, Mon D     0G--7A--0PPG- 4PPA P.K. Subban, Mon D       1G--6A--0PPG--3PPA Eric Gelinas, NJ D           1G--5A--1PPG--3PPA Andrej Sekera, Car D      4G--2A--2PPG--0PPA Ryan McDonagh, NYR D   4G--2A--2PPG--0PPA FANTASY NOTES: After starting the season "on fire" with nine points in his first ten games, Vancouver's Jason Garrison was mired in a 14-game drought without scoring a single point. Now all of a sudden, he is the hottest scoring blueliner over the last few weeks with 8 points in the last 6 games. With Alex Edler relatively ineffective and nursing an injury, the hard-shooting Garrison should continue the torrid streak a bit longer. However, can you stomach his extensive cold spells if you own him in a tight fantasy league? Let someone else deal with his "ups" and "downs". Sell high if you can.. What's up with Chicago's Duncan Keith? With at least one helper in eight straight games, the slick blueliner has been an assist machine in '13-14. So much for the theory that Keith's "magical" season of '09-10, where he set career-highs with 69 points, was basically an aberration and one that he would never approach again. His 25 points in 29 games could get him close to the 70-point range, but his scoring pace could slow considerably with his participation in the Sochi games likely. Hold onto him, as Chicago could be the NHL's top scoring offense in '13-14... The Detroit Red Wings have barely skipped the beat in the absence of the now-retired Nicklas Lidstrom, as Niklas Kronwall has filled the void in prolific fashion, collecting 21 points in 26 games, 11 of which being on the power-play. A top-five fantasy defender to own, the talented Swede is a must-start in all formats.. Speaking of must-start Swedes, no one is better in the game today than superstar Erik Karlsson of Ottawa, who continues to ...

Hey hockey fans, but this week's ISD will be available for your reading pleasure tomorrow afternoon. Sorry for the delay, but it will be worth your wait!! We will again focus on the top-ten fantasy defensemen over the last 15 days, with many studs and duds along the way. What about Jason Garrison waking up again? What has gone into Duncan Keith? Which team has the hottest duo on "D"? All this and much more..

This is a huge loss for the Blackhawks. Keith is their top minute-eater at 24:44 per game in the post-season. He has recorded a goal, nine assists and is plus-5 in 15 games. For a full explanation from the NHL's Department of Player Safety please visit the link.

Kings coach Darryl Sutter thought Keith got off easily with a double minor after opening a gash on Carter's face during the game. Keith clipped Carter during an exchange well behind the play in the second period. After Carter took a short hack at Keith's hand while the defenceman bent down to pick up his glove, Keith responded by skating behind Carter and hitting him in the face with a one-handed swing of his stick, dropping Carter to the ice.

***IN THE SLOT*** OUR PRIME TIME PLAYERS OF THE NIGHT DUNCAN KEITH D CHICAGO While he only scored one assist in yesterday's game, Keith was a veritable force of nature and he was the best player on the ice. He was brilliant in the Chicago defensive zone, was making crisp outlet passes, pinching perfectly in the offensive zone, blocking shots and generally making great decisions. Chicago may not have won the game without his great play. Keith had 27 points in 48 games during the regular season, which was a bit of a disappointment, but he has stepped up his game in the playoffs with 10 points in 13 games. TUUKKA RASK G BOSTON read more

BRENT SEABROOK-D-CHICAGO The 28-year old defenseman has been quiet offensively during the 2013 playoffs, but his huge overtime game-winning goal in Game 7 sends Chicago to the Western Conference Finals. Despite the heroics, Seabrook has been a fantasy disappointment with only two points in the post-season. However, there is a glimmer of hope- both points have come in the last three games, where Seabrook has been back on the top defensive pairing with his long-time partner, Duncan Keith. We like him as a sleeper pick for the next round.

MEET PRIMEPUCKS! If you would like to meet Mike, Ray and Steve of PrimePucks, join them at El Rio Grande restaurant and bar (located on the southwest corner of 38th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 15th from 5:00 pm until ???. They will gladly talk pucks until your ears fall off! DETROIT vs. CHICAGO FANTASY MUST-STARTS: Chicago: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Corey Crawford Detroit: Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Jimmy Howard SLEEPERS: Chicago: Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook Detroit: Damien Brunner, Dan Cleary read more

The Blackhawks will rest a lot of their star players tonight.

Troy Brouwer, one of the Washington Capital player representatives to the union, has taken exception to recent comments made by teammates Roman Hamrlik and Michal Neuvirth. Both Czech players have taken an anti-union stance, stating that the lockout was more "about several superstars with big contracts' than anything else. Brouwer has followed that their comments cannot be taken seriously, considering both players have been absent from the negotiations. Also, he reiterated that the NHLPA remains a cohesive unit during this extended lockout. Really?? Happy birthdays to Vancouver D Keith Ballard and free agent LW Mathieu Darche.

Keith returns to the lineup on Thursday after serving his five-game suspension. He scored four goals and 40 points in 72 games.