~~ 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 pour on the points with seven in the last eight games. You need to fetch a heck of a ransom if you would ever consider moving this elite stud from your fantasy squad. Untradeable.. The hottest fantasy duo on defense now resides in Montreal, as Norris Trophy winner PK Subban and Andrei Markov have combined for 14 points over the last two weeks. Explosive to say the least, as the Canadiens can't stop scoring, but only one goal between them during this stretch. Ride them as legit no. 1 fantasy options the rest of the way. Just keep in mind that Markov is approaching over a full year of games in full health. No jinx please- I own the guy in several leagues.. In his fifth NHL season, superstar-in-waiting Victor Hedman continues to make moderate scoring gains every year. The Tampa Bay defenseman has collected 15 points in 27 games after scoring 20 in 44 last season. His natural progression in point production can land him in the 40-45 point range, but consider that his ceiling is limited by the lack of quality power-play time.. Some "new faces" include New Jersey's Eric Gelinas and Carolina's Andrej Sekera, who have been very effective on the power-play. Both should be starting as no.3-4 fantasy options, but don't expect them to be in the top-ten come the beginning of January.. In New York, steady but not "flashy defenseman Ryan McDonagh has taken over the reins as their primary offensive blueliner in all situations. Sorry MDZ, but you time looks to be up for the Rangers!