With 2013 coming to a close, we can finally push the lingering memories of the 2012-13 lockout from our collective memory. There was certainly no shortage of memorable NHL activity with the compressed season, breathtaking postseason and amazing individual efforts. Here are eDraft’s “Best of 2013-NHL Edition”

Best Team-Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks raced out to an NHL-record start once the lockout ended and carried that momentum to their second Stanley Cup in four years. They began the 2013-14 campaign in similar, though not record breaking fashion. There was no hint of a championship hangover, in fact resident party boy Patrick Kane looks as though he has finally put on his big boy hat, putting his other-worldly talent to good use this season. As the current leaders in the NHL, the Blackhawks look like the team to beat this year as well.

Best Player-Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Since the abbreviated 2013 season began, no player has lit the lamp with more frequency than the Washington Capital’s mercurial sniper. With 62 goals in the calendar year, Ovechkin has been a one-man show for the Caps in the past 12 months. It is a remarkable turnaround for a player that had been on a statistical decline over the previous four years. If he can sustain his current pace, Ovechkin could be looking at back-to-back Hart Trophies.

Best Goaltender-Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild

Obviously a sentimental favorite because of his well-documented battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Harding has legitimately emerged as the premier backstop in the NHL. He had his fair share of impressive moments as the backup to Nicklas Backstrom, but has made the starting job his after Backstrom went down to injury earlier this season. He is more than just a great story at this point, Harding is the Vezina Trophy favorite.

Best Defenseman-P.K Subban, Montreal Canadiens

The last thing I’m trying to do is go “chalk” by selecting last year’s individual award winners for my “best of” list, but Subban’s play is inarguable. His offensive stats rank him at the top of the class, but it’s his overall defensive play that has helped turn the fortunes of the Canadiens over the last twelve months.

Best Goal-Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks vs. New York Rangers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMw4nksG7UQ

Sure it was mop-up time during a 9-2 Sharks home rout of the Rangers, but the hands of rookie Hertl were on full display as he capped off a four-goal night. It was scrutinized by the old school “respect the game” types, but it was an amazing display of skill and talent from one of the NHL’s future stars. Plus, he was playing for the first time in front of his mom and moderately attractive lady friend. Give the kid a break Grandpa!

Best Non-NHL Goal Possibly Ever, Linus Klasen, Team Sweden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjdTogr9_oQ

From a shootout against the Czech Republic, Linus Klasen put himself on every hockey highlight reel until the end of time with this wicked foray into shootout lore. When someone figures out how to do this on the Xbox version of NHL 14, please let me know. Seriously.

Best Save-Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjdTogr9_oQ

There were so many amazing saves it was hard to pick one, but this stop from the Dallas netminder showcases athleticism and awareness from Lehtonen. The puck is knocked out of his possession from Colorado’s John Mitchell who circles behind the net looking for a wraparound goal. Lehtonen scrambles and dives, swinging his body 180 degrees to stop the puck with his left pad before covering it with his glove. Watch the clip when it is in slow motion to fully appreciate the quality of the save.

Best Weird Overtime Goal Ever-Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes vs. Buffalo Sabres

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgaWQWYU1FU

This goal really requires no explanation. Just enjoy the weirdness. 

Best Reaction to Being an Edmonton Oilers Goaltender-Ilya Bryzgalov, Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

http://the700level.com/sports/gif-ilya-bryzgalov-throws-stick-in-the-air-as-flyers-celebrate/

After surrendering the tying goal against his former team on a 5-on-3 powerplay, Bryzgalov launched his goalie stick about ten feet in the air. There was less than five minutes left in the game and the Oilers had been outshot 38-16. Easy to see why Bryz would be pissed.

Best Fight of the Year-Bryan McGratton, Calgary Flames vs. Patrick Bourdeleau, Colorado Flames

Link is here: http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/117080

A big heavyweight battle between veteran McGratton an dnewcomer Bourdeleau has some heavy exchanges. How dare I promote fighting!! It's part of the game and ALWAYS should beThanks to hockeyfights.com for the footage.

Best Dynamic Mustache Duo-Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres and George Parros, Montreal Canadiens

There is no better approval for your work than to get an endorsement from a master at the craft. Such was the case when legendary Moustache Minister Parros' and Miller’s lip dusters collided on November 28. With the follicular fortitude on display in this shot, one is left to wonder if Miller and Parros could have global domination in their sights.