2012 NHL All-Star Game: Faster Skater Winner Predictions

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One of the best things about All-Star Weekend has to be the Bridgestone Fastest Skater Competition. Past winners include Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders and Andrew Cogliano of the Anaheim Ducks.

There are six rounds: one backwards, one of goaltenders, one of rookies, and two of regular All-Stars going forward. The two players with the fastest time from each team then go head-to-head in the finale. 

The following slideshow presents who I think will be the winner from each round.

Backwards—Team Chara: Brian Campbell

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Brian Campbell of the Florida Panthers is Team Chara's skater in the backwards skater competition.

Campbell is known as one of the quickest skaters in the league, as most defensemen are, so it will be exciting to see how he performs backwards.

Backwards—Team Alfredsson: Kris Letang

Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a young All-Star.

Though he is quick, Letang still has room to improve on his speed.

He barely won this event last year over Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Backwards Winner: Brian Campbell

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Considering Brian Campbell is quicker than former teammate Duncan Keith, and Kris Letang barely beat Keith last year in this event, I predict that Brian Campbell will pull a win for Team Chara.

Goaltender—Team Chara: Jimmy Howard

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Jimmy Howard has been having a great season this year with the Detroit Red Wings. 

He has been able to leap from one side of the cage to the other in the blink of an eye in order to make a great save.

Goaltender—Team Alfredsson: Jonathan Quick

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Jonathan Quick of the L.A. Kings is another goalie who has been having a great year.

He is one of four goaltenders with a goals against average less than two. 

Goaltender Winner: Jonathan Quick

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I predict that Jonathan Quick will win the Fastest Goaltender challenge, if only because of his last name.

Would it not be funny if he won?

Rookie—Team Chara: Colin Greening

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Colin Greening of the Ottawa Senators will be Team Chara's rookie delegate in the Fastest Skater Competition.

Greening won the Senators' competition recently.

Rookie—Team Alfredsson: Carl Hagelin

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Carl Hagelin of the New York Rangers will be Team Alfredsson's Rookie delegate.

Hagelin, a former member of the Swedish Elite League, is known for his incredible speed.

Rookie Winner: Carl Hagelin

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If Daniel Alfredsson, an Ottawa Senator, believes that Carl Hagelin will beat fellow Senator Colin Greening, then Hagelin has a great chance at victory. 

Also, Hagelin is constantly toted as being one of the quickest rookies in the league.

All-Star One—Team Chara: Phil Kessel

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Despite his objections to Joffrey Lupul, Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be participating in the Fastest Skater Competition.

Lupul believes Kessel to be the quickest skater in the league, but tonight will tell.

All-Star One—Team Alfredsson: Keith Yandle

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Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes is not really known for his speed, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

All-Star One Winner: Phil Kessel

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Phil Kessel will probably easily beat Keith Yandle, because Kessel is one of the quickest guys in the league.

All-Star Two—Team Chara: Marian Hossa

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Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks is known for two things: his speed and his stick-handling.

Chara gives Hossa the chance to show off his speed in this competition.

All-Star Two—Team Alfredsson: Erik Karlsson

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Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators is another Senator known for his speed.

Daniel Alfredsson, his captain, must believe he could win in order to put him into this competition. 

All-Star Two Winner: Marian Hossa

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Though Karlsson may be quick, Hossa should win this hands down.

Finals—Carl Hagelin

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I believe the finals will be between Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin.

This will be a close match, but Carl Hagelin may surprise us all and win. We'll see what happens, though.