Detroit Red Wings' Awards for the 1st Half of the 2014-15 Season

Through 43 games, the Detroit Red Wings are 23-11-9 with 55 points. Along the way there have been some ups and downs, but all in all it has been a nice start to the season. This slideshow is going to recognize those who have performed well to date, those who have been a pleasant surprise and much more.

With that in mind, here are awards for the Red Wings' first half of the season. 

*Note: Each player can only win one award, so there will be alternates in some cases.

Breakout Performer: Tomas Tatar

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Tomas Tatar has been the best breakout player for the Red Wings this season. The 24-year-old forward has exploded with 17 goals and 28 points in 43 games thus far and remains one of Detroit's most creative players.

He can skate through traffic, thread the needle with a pass and find a way to be productive night after night. Tatar tallied 19 goals and 39 points in 73 games last season, so he is well on his way to having a career year for the Red Wings.

Most Improved Forward: Justin Abdelkader

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Justin Abdelkader has grown into a top-six role this season. The American forward tallied 28 points in 70 games in 2013-14, and he currently has 24 points through 36 games.

Abdelkader has always been a solid two-way defender in every zone, but he's taken his offensive game to a new level thus far. An injury sidelined him for a brief period of time earlier this season, but he has regained form since coming off the shelf.

Most Improved Defender: Danny DeKeyser

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Danny DeKeyser was a sought-after college free agent a short while ago, and since deciding to skate with the Detroit Red Wings, he has been a solid player. This season he has really taken some strides and is starting to come into his own.

Last season DeKeyser finished with four goals, 19 assists and 23 points in 65 contests with Detroit. He averaged 21:38 per game and finished 15th in the Calder voting.

Thus far the Red Wings defender has 16 points in 41 games, and he's played 21:05 per game. DeKeyser is eating important minutes for the Red Wings and starting to develop into a quality top-four blueliner.

Best Forward: Pavel Datsyuk

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Pavel Datsyuk may be 36 and counting, but he is still a darn good hockey player. The Magic Man is second in team scoring with 31 points in 32 games played, including 14 snipes and 17 assists.

Injuries haven't impacted him in a huge way this season, and he's currently averaging 19 minutes per game. Detroit has benefited from having Datsyuk in its lineup for quite some time, and the team won't be the same once he finally hangs them up.

Staying fresh is the key to him being at his best during the playoffs, so it will be interesting to see if he receives some targeted off days the rest of the way.

Best Defender: Niklas Kronwall

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Niklas Kronwall is a veteran defender for the Red Wings who hasn't slowed down with age. The sage rearguard isn't as physical as he used to be, but he is still putting up points in buckets. The 34-year-old has scored five goals and added 18 helpers for 23 points. He's also been a solid asset on the power play.

The Red Wings alternate captain isn't putting people through the boards on a regular basis, but he is filling a vital role that is allowing the team to be successful in all three zones.

Best Goalie: Jimmy Howard

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It is unfortunate that Jimmy Howard partially tore his groin, because he's had an amazing season. The New York native is 16-7-7 with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage and was headed to the All-Star Game before his injury.

Petr Mrazek has also played well this season with a 6-3-1 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 10 games, and the team will lean on him heavily until Howard is back from his injury.

Best Play: Gustav Nyquist Goal vs. Ottawa Senators

Gustav Nyquist is having a pretty nice season. The wunderkind forward has 30 points thus far, and 16 of them have been goals. His best goal thus far—and the Red Wings' best play— came against the Ottawa Senators in overtime.

Nyquist held onto the puck for dear life, and even though everyone knew he was going to shoot, he was able to snipe a shot for the game-winner. The Red Wings have had a number of solid plays this year, but Nyquist's was by far the best one of the first half.

Team MVP: Henrik Zetterberg

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Captain Henrik Zetterberg continues to contribute to a body of work that will eventually enshrine him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He has 36 points in 43 games, and that is best on the Wings in scoring.

The Swedish sensation remains a top two-way presence, and he's a great veteran example for a team that is chock full of youngsters. He is on pace to finish with 69 points, and that would be a solid amount for a player of his stature.

He can be a difference-maker come playoff time, and thus far he is showing why he is one of the NHL's elite veteran players.

All stats via Hockey-Reference.com.