Let me say it right off the top: I'm not a big fan of the NHL All-Star Game.
I've probably been to too many of the no-hitters over the years to appreciate them for exactly what they are: a great event for sponsors, fans and kids. The league gets to show off its top players to its increasingly valuable sponsors (have you checked out the market today?) while fans get the opportunity to see all their favorites in the same arena. There probably isn't a better gathering place for hockey fans to collect autographs or take a photo with a star player. But much like with the NFL's Pro Bowl, the level of competition and the style of play at the all-star affair isn't the best representation of NHL hockey. In fact, it's not even close.
Not surprisingly, the fan voting left a little something to be desired. I mean, how can anyone overlook Alex Ovechkin? That's kind of amazing. But fans are fans. For the most part, they vote with their hearts. That's fine with me. If you're going to let the fans into the process, you have to expect a certain degree of chaos. And the voting process works well on too many levels for the NHL to consider doing away with it. Maybe you don't like it, but you'd better get used to it.
Now, that doesn't mean I can't offer a look at what the All-Star Game lineups should look like. I made my selections after a close consultation with the league's stat sheet. There were a couple of very close calls. In those cases, I tended to side with the guy who would be more fun to watch in the exhibition game. And because I'm picking, I don't have to make everyone happy by selecting a representative from each team. In fact, there are eight clubs that aren't represented below. Sorry!
Eastern Conference
FORWARDS (12)
Evgeni Malkin, Penguins. The NHL's leading scorer (60 points through Monday) is a no-brainer pick.
Alex Ovechkin, Capitals. The league's most entertaining player is another given for this game.
Sidney Crosby, Penguins. Sorry, Crosby bashers: Sid the Kid is another slam dunk selection.
Marc Savard, Bruins. The savvy B's playmaker doesn't get nearly enough credit. (And he's a plus-25!)
Zach Parise, Devils. Another guy who doesn't get enough attention. Parise just keeps getting better.
Jeff Carter, Flyers. He has been a lethal finisher this year. How did the league leave him off the ballot?
Patrik Elias, Devils. The crafty Czech has rediscovered his game in Newark. He's dangerous again.
Mike Richards, Flyers. Philly's captain is smart, talented and tough. He plays in every situation.
Thomas Vanek, Sabres. I can't overlook the NHL's third-leading goal scorer ...
Phil Kessel, Bruins. ... any more than I can overlook the league's fourth-leading goal scorer. Kessel is a natural for this type of game.
Simon Gagne, Flyers. The speedy winger is enjoying a bounce-back season after an injury-riddled 2007-08.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Thrashers. I know other candidates have better numbers, but he's too talented to leave home.
First alternates: David Krejci, Bruins; Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals; Martin St. Louis, Lightning; Alexander Semin, Capitals.
DEFENSEMEN (6)
Zdeno Chara, Bruins. Chara's impact on the game goes well beyond his impressive stats. He's my Norris front-runner.
Dennis Wideman, Bruins. Have you seen his numbers? If you have, you know why he shows up on this list.
Mike Green, Capitals. A brilliant skater, Green can control the game from the blue line.
Andrei Markov, Canadiens. Hey, the fans got this one right! He's a complete D-man who can contribute in all situations.
Kimmo Timonen, Flyers. Like Markov, Timonen rates among the most well-rounded defenders in the league.
Mark Streit, Islanders. Did you know that he leads all defensemen in points? He has played well in a bad situation.
First alternates: Filip Kuba, Senators; Jay Bouwmeester, Panthers.
GOALIES (3)
Tim Thomas, Bruins. The battling Boston stopper ranks among the league leaders in most key categories.
Carey Price, Canadiens. His numbers are similar to Thomas'. The home fans will be happy to see him.
Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers. He's slipping a bit after a strong start. Still, Lundqvist has 19 wins. That earns him a spot.
First alternates: Mike Smith, Lightning; Scott Clemmensen, Devils; Manny Fernandez, Bruins; Craig Anderson, Panthers.
Western Conference
FORWARDS
Jarome Iginla, Flames. He gets it done without the benefit of a legit No. 1 center. He's an obvious pick.
Joe Thornton, Sharks. The playmaking wiz is having another terrific season. He's second on the NHL's assist list.
Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks. Another star from the great draft class of '03, Getzlaf continues to improve. He's a force.
Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings. Did you see his goal in the Winter Classic? Enough said.
Daniel Sedin, Canucks. He's the goal-scoring Sedin. I have to split the brothers, but I'd listen to arguments for Henrik.
Patrick Marleau, Sharks. Marleau is having a huge rebound year under new coach Todd McLellan.
Patrick Kane, Blackhawks. The Buffalo native has elevated his game to the next level. He can do things at high speeds.
Rick Nash, Blue Jackets. Like Iggy, he gets it done without a top pivot. Nash has turned it on after a slow start.
Shane Doan, Coyotes. The veteran winger is a big part of the Coyotes' solid first-half showing.
Marian Hossa, Red Wings. The talented Slovak has fit like a glove in Hockeytown.
Mikko Koivu, Wild. A different Koivu deserves a spot in Montreal. FYI: Mikko has become one of the best faceoff men in the game.
Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings. The Swedish star hasn't been at his best in the first half. Still, I can't leave him off this list.
First alternates: Devin Setoguchi, Sharks; Henrik Sedin, Canucks; Ales Hemsky, Oilers.
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Boyle, Sharks. Boyle was a great addition for the Sharks. If the Bolts hadn't traded him, Barry Melrose might still be coaching.
Brian Rafalski, Red Wings. He has admitted to a slow start, but he has picked up his game and gets a spot on my team.
Shea Weber, Predators. The young D-man gets better with each game. He now stands among the league's best at his position.
Sheldon Souray, Oilers. Nobody brings the puck from the blue line like Souray. His shot is a dangerous weapon.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings. The numbers are down (a little). So that just makes him human. I think.
Duncan Keith, Blackhawks. The Winnipeg native is a minutes-eater who works well in all three zones.
First alternates: Chris Pronger, Ducks; Brian Campbell, Blackhawks.
GOALIES
Niklas Backstrom, Wild. With 18 wins and a .927 save percentage, Backstrom is a Vezina contender.
Steve Mason, Blue Jackets. The Columbus rookie has been too good to pass over. He has five shutouts and a .933 save percentage. Can you say Calder?
Evgeni Nabokov, Sharks. There have been some soft goals, but his 21-3-4 record is tough to overlook.
First alternates: Miikka Kiprusoff, Flames; Nikolai Khabibulin, Blackhawks; Ilya Bryzgalov, Coyotes.
E.J. Hradek
