Chicago Blackhawks: Marian Hossa Is the Difference Maker--Is He an NHL All-Star?

Marian Hossa is one of six Chicago Blackhawks on this year's All-Star ballot. As we approach the quarter pole in the 2011-12 season, he has made a strong case for the title of MVP of the 'Hawks.

It's early in the season, but so far a healthy Hossa has been wreaking havoc on the NHL.

Now in his third season wearing the Indian head sweater, Hossa is currently leading the team in goals with eight. He's right behind Patrick Kane for the team lead in points, and his plus-11 rating is tied for tops in the league.

Best of all for Blackhawks fans, Hossa appears to be consistently showcasing his two-way prowess that has only been seen in flashes in two previous seasons. He's been an absolute monster with the puck, and those talents were on full display Friday night in Chicago's 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Hossa recorded a pair of assists in the win, including a sweet pass to Viktor Stalberg to put the game away late in the third period. Hossa patiently waited in the corner with the puck for the play to develop, then threaded the pass between Mark Giordano and Mikka Kiprusoff to a net crashing Stalberg.

The play sums up Hossa's season at this point. He's in control of the puck and he's making his teammates better.

Chicago's hottest line in the early going has been the second line centered by Kane. Hossa had a lot to do with that success, not taking anything away from Kane's own hot start. Now that he's been moved up to the first line, Jonathan Toews is starting to heat up.

One of the reasons Hossa adds so much to whatever line on which he skates is the way he's taking care of the puck. This is evidenced by Hossa bringing his stick behind his back and still maintaining possession in the first period Friday, He doesn't even have to score to get your jaw to drop.

He is scoring, however. After coming up empty in losses to Vancouver and St. Louis, Hossa has three points in the last two games.

Right now, Hossa is a point a game player and has missed just one game in Chicago's first 17. Health is Hossa's biggest enemy since joining the Blackhawks. He has missed large stretches of time in each of the last two seasons. If he can stay on the ice, an All-Star nod is definitely within his grasp.