(28) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday the remaining players were announced for participation in the NHL All-Star Game this year in Columbus. Every year several of the most deserving players are invited (or voted in) to the game but someone has to be left out in the cold.
I’ve already said my peace about the fan voting and I think you can see that process impact at least one of these players.
I know it’s a popularity contest to a large degree and that component of it doesn’t bother me. But some of the players to follow may have had incentives in their contract to appear in the NHL All Star Game and now they aren’t.
Here are five players that should be going to Columbus this year, and my suggestion as to whom they should be replacing, while keeping an eye to all teams being represented. I look forward to your disagreement.
Oct 10, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman PK Subban (76) skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most exciting players in the league is having one of the best seasons of his career. Instead of being properly honored for his efforts he will get an extra few days off. And with all due apologies to the city of Chicago it’s Brent Seabrook that should be coming out. More goals, more assists, a better plus/minus on a comparable team…I can go further, but I don’t need to. Subban in, Seabrook out.
(29) looks at the scoreboard during the first period against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
This feels like a repetitional snub as Fleury has endured endless questions over the last few seasons about his performance. This season is one of his finest. Tied for 5th in wins and leading the league in shutouts on a team that has battled through injuries and the mumps, “Flower” deserves a roster spot. Tough call for whom to replace. I’d rather pull out Jimmy Howard or Roberto Luongo but they are the only representatives from their team. With that in mind I would replace the newly re-signed Sergei Bobrovsky. While injuries are unfortunate they have impacted Bobrovsky and the Jackets overall. And should have here.
(86) reacts after he scores a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The offensive production is one thing with 41 points in 43 games. The +26 is extremely impressive. But it’s that much more impressive when you consider he is doing it with an average of only 14:32 in ice time per game. Kucherov is taking full advantage of the opportunities he is given. It’s difficult again to pull a player out and keep representation for all clubs, and again I’m picking on the Jackets. Ryan Johansen is a deserving player in the NHL All-Star Game. But Kucherov has done at least as much with fewer opportunities.
(14) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Islanders defeated the Devils 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
When you make it into the NHL All-Star Game as the only representative on your team, you should at least be leading said team in total points. Patrick Elias has been a very good player in the NHL for a long time and his reputation helps him get to Columbus this year. Jaromir Jagr would have been excellent to replace him, but Jagr seems to think he doesn’t deserve to go the NHL All-Star Game this year.
Enter Adam Henrique. Has more goals, total points…you get the idea. Take a few days off, Patrick.
(24) passes the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won in overtime 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The exclusion of Hudler is unfortunate. If he played on a better team or in a bigger market his accomplishments may have been better recognized. The one-two punch of Hudler and All-Star Mark Giordano are keeping Calgary close in the playoff race despite a prolonged slide over the last few weeks.
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This team is growing and would be closer to contention if the West wasn’t so deep with dominant teams. It would be easy to put him in ahead of other forwards but every team needs a player in the game. With that in mind and knowing that the NHL All-Star Game is about flash and not defense, I would reluctantly replace Anze Kopitar.
