Follow me on Twitter for random hockey talk, question and answer sessions, and the odd witty tweetA week or so ago the NHL took a look at the front runners for some of the major awards. Here are my picks for top 3 and the winners at the ¾ mark of the season.The heart a soul of the Flyers, Giroux sits 6th in ice-time for forwards and 3rd in league scoring. After Pronger went down the Flyers needed someone to step up. Giroux has been doing the heavy lifting in Philadelphia this season and is the main reason the Flyers are where they are.Maybe the best player in the game today, Malkin is tied for the league lead in scoring. With Crosby out, the Penguins needed Malkin to step up and he has. His 8 game winning goals have him tied for 4th in the league and he is a major reason that the Penguins are where they are.The Rangers are the best team in hockey and Lundqvist is a major reason for that. While he is getting a bit more rest this season than in past ones, Lundqvist is still on pace to have a special year that not many goalies can relate to. Lundqvist is the best player, on the best team, and that is why he is my pick for the Hart.He is one of the best 2-way players in the game over the past 5 years and is continuing to do that this season. While he is the favourite to win the award, I see a couple players who have been just as outstanding. He's 2nd in the NHL with a +28 rating while being amongst the leaders in face-offs. His 53 points put him in 35th position in the scoring race.While Kesler hasn't scored as much this season, I believe he has been better in his own end. Kesler is still one of the best in the game at face-offs and might be the hardest player to play against because of his pesky nature. His 51 blocked shots put him amongst the leaders and I believe he is the best penalty killer in the game today.I have a soft spot in Selke voting for wingers because I think Centres get all the credit when it comes to voting on the Selke. Callahan is my winner based on his work ethic, hitting, shot blocking and 2-way play. He sits 6th in blocked shots, 4th in hits, 15th in ice-time (forwards), and has 25 goals. I love the way he works and that is why he is my pick for the Selke.In most years, Quick would have the Vezina all locked up. Quick has carried the Kings to 26 wins while posting a 1.92 GAA, .932SV%, and 7 shutouts. With numbers like that, there is no doubt in my mind that if the Kings could get a goal once in a while he would be leading the league in wins.A goalie that doesn't get a lot of credit for how good he is, but I feel he has been one of the best this year. He guided the Wings to a record 23 game home win streak and his numbers are great as well. Howard is 3rd in wins (33), tied for 5th in GAA (2.05), tied for 3rd in shutouts (6), and 10th in SV% (.923). In a lot of years he would be a lock, but not this season.I think he is the league's MVP, so I also have to give him the Vezina. Lundquist is putting up stats that no one thought were possible. His 31 wins (in 48 games), 8 shutouts, a 1.82 GAA, and a .938 SV% are amazing. Those are crazy numbers that we may never see again. Lundquist is doing something truly special this year.He may be a bit of a shocker to a lot of people but I really like McDonagh's game as a whole. While doesn't get the attention a lot of D get because his number are pretty average, McDonagh is one of the main reasons for Lundquist's stats. The rock solid blueliner goes up against the other teams best every night and performs. He sits tied for 14th in +/- (+21), 11th in ice-time (25:09), and 2nd in blocked shots (156). McDonagh has also chipped in 24 points for the Rangers.Weber continues to be one of the best in the game. He is a major reason why the Predators are where they are, and I hope he signs an extension because I can't picture him anywhere else. Weber is again amongst the leaders in Ice-time, goals (D), points, and +/-. It was hard not giving the award to him but there is one D that has stood out more.He is having a great year and is the runaway winner for me. He plays 25+ minutes a night and doesn't make many mistakes. His 66 points are an amazing 22 points clear of the next best defenceman and I wouldn't put it past him to be 30 points up on the 2nd place guy by the end of the year. Those are numbers no one can ignore, and his +13 rating is impressive given he plays on a middle of the pack type team.Well those are my leading candidates so far. I'll work the other awards in sometime this week. Agree or disagree?Thanks for reading.Enjoy your day.Ian