Chicago Blackhawks Team MVP: Marian Hossa vs Jonathan Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks MVP over the first half of the season is ________.

Oh, great. A fill-in-the-blanks test. Just kidding. No test here, although we have a tough decision ahead of us.

Is that player Marian Hossa, or is it Jonathan Toews?

Both players have been huge reasons for Chicago's league-best record. As we approach the halfway point of the season, who gets your vote as the Blackhawks' most valuable player?

Here's the case for both of these outstanding players. Feel free to weigh in with your own observations.

The Case For Marian Hossa

Perhaps the argument that Hossa needed a respite from several short summers due to multiple deep playoff runs holds water. Hossa has played in 37 of 38 games this season and has been free of the nagging injuries that have limited his effectiveness in his first two seasons in Chicago.

Hossa currently leads the team with 41 points, a total that is good enough for seventh in the NHL. He has recently come off of an eight-game points streak and has 15 points in his last 10 games. His seven power play goals lead the team, and he also has a pair of shorthanded goals.

Hossa's skater rating of plus-23 is the best on the 'Hawks by a wide margin. The numbers are there to be sure, but there is more to Hossa's game than numbers.

A Hossa free of medical issues has been the two-way star Blackhawks fans thought they were getting when he signed with the team in the summer of 2009. Hossa is one of the few players who can dictate the action on either end of the ice.

Hossa has excelled at retaining possession of the puck, winning board battles and finding open teammates over the first three months. He has shown this ability in his Chicago tenure. We just haven't been treated to this level of Hossa for such a lengthy period.

Hossa was partially responsible for Patrick Kane's successful run at center to begin the season. Moving to the top line ignited Toews. Not only has Hossa performed at an exceptional level so far, but he has made the players on the ice with him better.

The Case For Jonathan Toews

The captain has made his case for both the Selke and Hart Trophies as we enter the new year. Toews is quickly cementing his reputation as one of the NHL's elite two-way players.

Toews got off to a uncharacteristically solid start, scoring 19 points in his first 20 games. Tied with Patrick Sharp behind Hossa with 38 points, Toews leads the team with 21 goals.

Toews is among the top-five goal scorers in the NHL. Four of those goals are game winners. At his current pace, Toews is going to post career highs in goals and points.

At the faceoff circle, Toews has been without peer. No one in the NHL has won more draws. His 60.6 percentage at the dot is by far the league's best among qualifying players.

Like Hossa, Toews has been an elite player in all three zones. He has 46 takeaways, which leads the team. He may be both the 'Hawks best offensive and defensive player right now.

Toews has led the Blackhawks on the ice all season, leading the charge in countless games. He has raised his game not only throughout the first three months, but in big situations with the outcome to be decided.

The Verdict

It's apparent to me that without both of these players, the Blackhawks might not be in the position in which they currently reside in the standings. Both players should be taking the ice in the All-Star Game at the end of this month.

However, I'm going with Highlander rules. You know, there can be only one. No wimping out with co-MVP's.

When forced to choose one candidate from two more than deserving ones, I'm going to select the player Joel Quenneville used to jump start the other's game. The one who has been the spark plug to the captain as well as Kane and Sharp.

My choice for the 'Hawks midseason MVP is Marian Hossa.