NHL Midseason Report: Choosing an All-Star Team

Don't know who to pick when perusing the NHL All-Star ballot?

Here's a look at a few standout players who should be on their way to Atlanta, GA for the 2008 All-Star Game...

Center

Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning)     

It was over a decade ago that the Lightning made Vincent Lecavalier the first overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, with visions of his becoming the face of the franchise.

Since then, Lecavalier has blossomed into arguably one of the best players in hockey. Some might even say he's starting to live up to those high predraft expectations. 

While Lecavalier has been busy lighting the lamp with 60 points in 41 games, though, his team hasn't exactly been reaping the rewards. The Lightning find themselves dead last in the Eastern Conference with only 34 points.

Honorable Mention: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators), Mats Sundin (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Left Wing

Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers)

In leading the NHL with 33 goals in 41 games, Ilya Kovalchuk has put together an MVP-caliber season down South.

The first overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft has fans in Atlanta on their feet.

Of course, it helps to play alongside someone like Marian Hossa. As long as the two remained united, don't be surprised if the Russian sniper maintains the lead on his way to the Maurice Richard Trophy.

Honorable Mention: Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators), Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings), Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)

Right Wing

Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)

Jarome Iginla has proven to be one of the most consistent performers in the NHL. Iggy is making another strong bid for the Hart Trophy.

Leading his team with 57 points in 42 games, the Flames captain has Calgary pushing hard to beat out the Vancouver Canucks for the Northwest Division title.

Iginla is known for his tremendous leadership skills and his ability to play with a mean streak, and is considered to be one of the best players in the NHL.

Honorable Mention: Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators), Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning), Marian Gaborik (Minnesota Wild) 

Defenseman

Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings)

At the age of 37, Nicklas Lidstrom is still breaking records and dominating the blueline.

The five-time Norris Trophy winner is making another strong case for recognition as the game's best defensmen. 

Considered by many to be the greatest European player to ever to take the ice in North America, Lidstrom recently became the second-highest scoring Swedish-born NHLer, moving past fellow countryman Peter Forsberg.

As a result, Red Wings management came to their senses and gave the Swede a much-deserved two-year contract extension, worth up to a reported $14.9 million through the 2010 season. 

Defenseman

Chris Pronger (Anaheim Ducks)

Chris Pronger may be Public Enemy No. 1 in Edmonton, but that hasn't stopped him from having success in California.

After requesting a trade from the Oilers for personal reasons, Pronger went on to play a prominent role in Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup run.

After gaining captaincy upon the departure of then-retired Scott Niedermayer, Pronger has emerged as the undisputed leader of the Ducks. At a towering 6'6", he's a tough matchup for any forward.

Honorable Mention: Sergei Zubov (Dallas Stars), Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames), Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh Penguins) 

Goaltender

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)

After having been traded to Vancouver from Florida, Roberto Luongo finally found himself on a competitive team.

Backed by a solid defense, the goalie has helped the Canucks emerge as a serious contender to come away with the Stanley Cup. 

Louie has posted a sizzling 1.97 GAA with six shutouts, and looks as if he could be on his way to winning his first Vesina Trophy.

Honorable Mention: Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose Sharks), Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)