It's been a while since I took a spin through these numbers, so here's a quick look at the top defensive forwards, by my count, two-thirds of the way through the season.

The rankings are based on a high quality of competition (as defined by Behind The Net) and low numbers in terms of goals against at even strength and on the penalty kill. Forwards also had to have played at least two minutes per game shorthanded:

As per usual, the Wild do well here.

Koivu and Miettinen have been partnered all season, both at even strength and as the two forwards killing penalties, and their numbers are excellent. Jacques Lemaire's system produces great numbers across the board for goaltenders and players in defensive roles — even when the team's not winning games.

Two of the leaders the last time I ran these numbers, Zetterberg and Datsyuk, have seen their time on the penalty kill come down a little this season, so they're not listed here. Your mileage may vary as to whether or not that still makes them Selke candidates.

As for the names that are on the list, I don't think there's much disputing these are some of the top defensive performers this season. Oshie's a great example of a young player who hasn't received a lot of pub outside of his market, but who is going to make a big impact in the NHL over the next few years. Guys like Pavelski, Bourque and Zajac already are. (And Bolland's unseated Sharp as the go-to defensive forward on the 'Hawks.)

It is tougher to make this list playing on a poor team, so a tip of the hat to Reasoner, Winnik, Hall, etc.

My early picks for the Selke, in no particular order, include Mikko Koivu, Mike Richards, Joe Pavelski, Jarret Stoll, Patrick Marleau and even Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Next time I'll have to adjust the cutoff to slip them in.