2011 NHL All-Star Game: Power Ranking The Top 10 Potential MVPs

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The NHL All-Star game is known for fluid, finesse hockey more similar to the European style than what you will see over the course of the season.

Players know that the game is all about showcasing their technical abilities rather than administering bone-crushing hits.

When the likes of Alexander Ovechkin and Steven Stamkos are given room to skate and dangle, you can be sure there will be a plethora of goals. 

Since Ray Bourque took home the MVP award in the 1996 All-Star game, every winner has been a forward known for putting the biscuit in the basket. 

Who will win this years All-Star game MVP and join the elite club that includes names like Gretzky, Bure, Kovalev, Sakic and Heatley?

Here is a breakdown of the top 10 potential MVPs for the 2011 game. 

10. Anze Kopitar

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Since coming into the league in 2006, Kopitar has been an impact player.  He has finished with more than 60 points in his first four seasons.

He played in the 2008 All-Star game in Atlanta but didn't manage to record a point.

This year he is in pace for his first ever 100 point season with 16 goals and 33 assists.

Look for him to utilize his past All-Star experience and make an impact come Sunday.

9. Patrick Kane

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In just his fourth NHL season, Partick Kane has made a name for himself as one of the NHL's brightest stars. 

He will be acting as the assistant captain on Team Lidstrom in his second All-Star game appearance in his young career. 

In just 41 games this season Kane has managed 13 goals and 24 assists with the Blackhawks. 

It is no secret this kid can score.  His blazing speed and soft hands will allow him to thrive in the All-Star game setting.

8. Corey Perry

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Perry is on pace to set a personal best in points this season.  With 51 points in 50 games, he has earned his spot on the All-Star roster. 

He has played in one other All-Star game along with representing Canada so he knows how to play with other stars. 

He is an outside shot here, but his play so far this season has made it impossible to count him out.

7. Eric Staal

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Staal is leader and star of a Carolina team that has performed very well of late.  He is hoping that his leadership will help lead Team Staal to a win on Sunday.

If he can, Staal will surely be an MVP candidate.

His play alone could warrant the award, as he has scored 25 goals and 27 assists so far this season. 

On Sunday Eric's captain role will be much different than the one he has with Carolina, but look for him to adapt and do what is necessary within the unique format of the All-Star game. 

6. Henrik Sedin

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Henrik's MVP potential could be determined by team selection.  If he is drafted to the same team as brother Daniel, he will rack up the points.

Daniel and Henrik have a brotherly telepathy that would have even greater effect in the All-Star setting.

Regardless of teammates, Henrik knows how to dish the puck.  He has arguably the best hockey sense in the league.

The stars will get their goals, and if the voters like the guy that set up those goals, Henrik will be the man.

After all he leads the league in assists with 50, ten clear of the second on the list.

5. Brad Richards

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Brad Richards has reemerged into a star since being hindered with injury from 2007-2009. 

After posting 11 and 49 point seasons, Richards bounced back with a 91 point season in 2009-2010. 

This year he is on pace for another impressive point total.  His 20 goals and 37 assists have more than earned him an All-Star game appearance. 

A wily veteran, Richards has been there and done that.  He will not crumble in the spotlight, so look for him to have a great All-Star game.

4. Daniel Sedin

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Daniel is the goal-scorer of Vancouver's dynamic brotherly duo. 

He is among the league leaders in both goals and assists with 27 and 37 respectively. 

Daniel will get his fill of goals on Sunday, but will most likely add a good number of assists as well.

This formidable one-two punch could just be enough for his first All-Star MVP.

3. Martin St. Louis

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The experienced Tampa Bay winger will be acting as an assistant captain on team Lidstrom. 

St. Louis is the definition of a reliable player.  From watching him play you would never know that his listed 5'8" frame is grossly over exaggerated. 

However little he is, St. Louis puts the puck in the net and racks up the assists. 

While it doesn't hurt that he plays alongside Steven Stamkos, not everyone can record 40 assists in just 50 games. 

While he may not have too many more All-Star games in his future, this could be his year to capture the MVP award.

2. Steven Stamkos

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Stamkos has been pegged as a star since he entered the league in 2008.  Needless to say, he has lived up to the hype. 

This season is shaping up to be the best of his young career. 

At the break, he is leading the league in goals (38) and points (67), one ahead of Sidney Crosby.

Stamkos has the natural ability to score, and he is sure to get his fill in his first All-Star game.

1. Alexander Ovechkin

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Is there any surprise here?

With Crosby out, Ovechkin is by far the biggest name in the All-Star game. 

Although he finds himself in an unfamiliar place in the league points rankings, his 19 goals and 32 assists are respectable. 

The fact of the matter is he knows how to score and the open style hockey will allow him to showcase his unbelievable skills. 

Who knows, maybe he will score a boat load of goals on Sunday that will give him confidence as he goes on in the season. 

If that is the case, watch out NHL.