Goalies: Six goalies got the nod for the all-star game and there is no surprise with the fans voting in Tim Thomas (Boston). Who are the other 5 goalies? Brian Elliott (St. Louis), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers), Jimmy Howard (Detroit), Carey Price (Montreal), Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles). Henrik Lundqvist being chosen is no shock and his play made him a top choice for the East. Jonathan Quick is the only LA King making the trip to Ottawa and rightfully so since he’s been their only top performer.
Defensemen (12): Erik Karlsson (Ottawa) and Dion Phaneuf (Toronto) were voted in by the fans as well and Ottawa must be proud to have so many of their own heading up the All-Star game. The other 10 defensemen are: Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg) who happened to be surprising to SportsRantz, Kimmo Timonen (Philadelphia) is finally being recognized for his defensive talent and helping calm the storm of not having Chris Pronger in Philly, Brian Campbell (Florida), Dan Girardi (New York Rangers), Zdeno Chara (Boston), Alex Edler (Vancouver), Shea Weber (Nashville), Ryan Suter (Nashville), Dennis Wideman (Washington) and Keith Yandle (Phoenix).
Forwards (24): Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa), Jason Spezza (Ottawa), Milan Michalek (Ottawa) were all voted in by the fans and Ottawa has a strong showing in this year’s All-Star game. Jonathan Toews (Chicago), Marian Hossa (Chicago), Patrick Kane (Chicago) all are making another strong showing and the fans in Chicago should be proud. Steve Stamkos (Tampa Bay), Joffrey Lupul (Toronto), Phil Kessel (Toronto), Jamie Benn (Dallas) all have been impressive and the league has noticed their efforts by adding them to this year’s roster. Claude Giroux (Philadelphia) may have been slighted by the fans but no fear for Roo as the league made his birthday extra special by getting the nod for his 2nd All-Star appearance in a row. John Tavares (New York Islanders), Tyler Seguin (Boston), Marian Gaborik (New York Rangers), Daniel Sedin (Vancouver), Henrik Sedin (Vancouver), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh), Jarome Iginla (Calgary), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit), Mikko Koivu (Minnesota), Logan Couture (San Jose), Jason Pominville (Buffalo), Corey Perry (Anaheim), Alex Ovechkin (Washington).
Rookies (12): Cody Hodgson (Vancouver), Craig Smith (Nashville), Colin Greening (Ottawa),Matt Read(Philadelphia), Sean Couturier (Philadelphia), Ryan Johansen (Columbus), Justin Faulk (Carolina), Luke Adam (Buffalo), Adam Henrique (New Jersey), Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado), Adam Larson (New Jersey) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton). The list of Rookies is amazingly stunning and the young talent has really showed up this season.
Generally speaking all of these players are very deserving of their spots on their respected sides, East or West. But there are some players that got the snub by the league and trust me, SportsRantz will be bringing you the story on who got snubbed the most.