Top 5 Best Defensemen Currently in the NHL

Nicklas Lidstrom- Lidstrom has been among the NHL's best defensemen for over a decade, and has continued to play well into the new millenium. With 10 goals and 30 assists, his 40 points are helping the Detroit Red Wings move in the right direction. With 199 goals on his career look for him to break 200 in the next couple of days. Lidstrom has also been named to the Western Conference All-Star game, so look for him to have a great game.

Scott Niedermayer- Anaheim Ducks Captain Scott Niedermayer is having a great season. With 10 goals and 34 assists, Niedermayer is finding the back of the net. The Ducks have had a great season so far and have high hopes of going into the playoffs strong. Look for Niedermayer to man the charge, and rally his team to go deep into the playoffs. Niedermayer currently has 448 assists on his career, so look for him to break the 500 mark by the end of the season.

Chris Pronger- A large defensive presence, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger is easily also one of the best. Although he suffered a broken foot in the beginning of the season, Pronger will come back and finish the season off the right way. Even with his time off, Pronger has put up impressive numbers for a defensemen. With 7 goals and 33 assists for 40 points, the Ducks defensemen are providing great opportunities for the rest of the team. Pronger currently has 496 points on his career and without a doubt, he will break 500 before the season ends. With Pronger and Niedermayer covering the Ducks back door, it will be hard for other teams to find their way to the net.

Sheldon Souray- Sheldon has had a great season with the Montreal Canadians this year. He has 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points. He leads all defensemen in goals this season, and that has helped the Canadian's greatly. Most of Souray's goals have come on the powerplay, which has been great for Montreal this season.

Dion Phaneuf- Phaneuf is among one of the NHL's best young players. He has risen to the occasion and has played gloriously for the Calgary Flames since he arrived last season. He provides the Flames back end with a strong physical force, but has the finesse to put the puck in the net. With 12 goals and 20 assists making for 32 points, Phaneuf is providing the scoring for the Flames defense. Look for Phaneuf also at this year's All-Star game.