Watching the Senators-Avalanche game last night I couldn't help but notice the play of Marian Hossa. While Hossa is one of the best offensive players in the game, he doesn't get as much credit for his defensive game as he deserves. Last night he was matched up against the league's second leading scorer, Joe Sakic, all night and Hossa had possibly the best defensive game I've ever seen him play. Hossa also played on the first penalty kill unit for the Sens which was perfect on the night.

In the first period, Hossa weaved all around the offensive zone with the puck only to get it taken off his stick by Sakic in the upper slot. After losing the puck, Hossa raced after Sakic, stripped him of the puck from behind which allowed to Wade Redden to hit Jason Spezza on a breakaway pass that Redden would score on the rebound. A great play that was all the result of Hossa's backchecking.