Flyers' Gostisbehere, the ultimate Calder Trophy dark horse

Put your money on the horse in orange.

At the midway point of the season, it is already widely expected that Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin will walk away with the Calder Trophy, as he continues to cushion his lead in the rookie scoring race.

However, a player not likely to be found at the top of the scoring ladder but still very much worthy of recognition is Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.

The 22-year-old Union College standout has been incredible since joining the team midway through the season. In just 26 games, the 2012 third-round draft pick has scored eight goals and 17 points, including three overtime winners.

Tuesday, Gostisbehere tallied a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs, showing not just speed, but smarts and vision to hold onto the puck and accurately pick his spot.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Gostisbehere sits second among rookie defenseman in scoring, just two points behind the St. Louis Blues' Colton Parayko despite playing 21 fewer games and averaging 1:17 less ice-time per game.

The Flyers' blue-liner joined the team in mid-November, after his impressive play with the Leigh Valley Phantoms made it impossible for the club to ignore him.

Two months later, he continues to prove his worth.