NHL All-Star Game: Who Got Snubbed?

With the 2008 All-Star game looming on the NHL horizon, let’s take a look at those players who've gotten the cold shoulder...

1. Mats Sundin, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

2007-2008 Stats: 20 goals, 30 assists in 46 games (15th in NHL) +11 17 PPP

As if anything could get more difficult for Mats Sundin this season, single-handedly leading the lowly Maple Leafs this season, Sundin has been proving critics wrong by playing some of the best hockey of his career at the age of 36. Sundin’s leadership has been the centrepiece to the Leafs during his career in Toronto. This season, it is that leadership that has kept the team from entirely falling apart. Aside from a consistently hot Nik Antropov, Sundin has been the dominant player on a team that doesn’t know which nights it might show up.

2. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

2007-2008 Stats: 23 goals, 29 assists in 45 games (13th in NHL) +5 21 PPP

While thoughts of perhaps an apparent sophomore jinx being in store for another one of Pittsburgh’s top young players, Malkin quashed all critics of any doubts that he is a bona fide NHL sniper. This season, Malkin has managed to put together 4 different point-scoring streaks, all of which were 5 games or over, including a 15-game point streak from October 23rd. to November 22nd. Malkin has registered two hat tricks this season and two other multi-goal games as well. On a team with the game’s next great superstar, Sidney Crosby, playing great hockey, Malkin is proving his weight in gold.

 

3. Pascal Leclaire, G, Columbus Blue Jackets

2007-2008 Stats: 16-8-3, 2.00 GAA, .927 SV%, 7 SO

Pascal Leclaire is the most deserving goaltender to go to the all-star game, yet he is not. Ranked second in the league in GAA, Leclaire was bumped simply because the St. Louis Blues did not have an all-star representative, and Manny Legace was the best selection that they had. Leclaire is having a career season on a Columbus team that has been revitalized by coach Ken Hitchcock. It is very frustrating to see such a deserving player not make the cut.

 

4. Mike Ribeiro, C, Dallas Stars

2007-2008 Stats: 22 goals, 27 assists in 45 games (16th in NHL) +10 17 PPP

After being shipped from Montreal, Ribeiro has come into his own out of the spotlight in Texas. Ribeiro is on pace for the first 30+ goal season of his career and is on pace to have a career year in points, assists, and plus/minus ratio. On three separate occasions, Ribeiro has strung together goal scoring streaks, all of which were 3 games or more. Ribeiro is a consistent scorer for a Stars team that badly needs such a player.

5. Daniel Sedin, LW, Vancouver Canucks

2007-2008 Stats: 22 goals, 23 assists in 46 games (T-23rd in NHL) +12 20 PPP

Seeing his brother go to the all-star game must be difficult, especially when he is the one who leads his team in goals and only trails his brother by a single point. After being drafted together, playing together and leading the team in scoring almost together, the Sedins are being broken up for the first time since their rookie season in 2000-01. Sedin is on pace to score around his total of 36 from last season on a team that lacks scoring. It is a bittersweet day for the Sedin family.

6. Brad Boyes, RW, St. Louis Blues

2007-2008 Stats: 25 goals in 38 games (T-7th in NHL)

If you don't play Manny Legace for the Blues, then play Brad Boyes for the Blues. Boyes is having a career breakout season. After being dealt mid-season by the Bruins, Boyes has exploded as a primary source of scoring in St. Louis. Boyes' 25 goals through 38 games is tied for 7th. best in the league with All-Stars Dany Heatley and Marian Gaborik.

7. Shane Doan, RW, Phoenix Coyotes

2007-2008 Stats: 14 goals, 28 assists in 44 games (T-31st in NHL) +11 12 PPP

With the new rule that each team needs a representative at the All-Star Game, I believe the heart and soul of the Coyotes was a very close second pick to Ed Jovanovski. Doaner has been a model of consistency since the Coyotes moved to the desert as he is on pace for his 8th consecutive 20-goal season. Doan has had the hot hand as of late, notching points in 13 of his last 14 games leading into action on January, 16.

8. Kristian Huselius, LW, Calgary Flames

2007-2008 Stats: 20 goals, 27 assists in 47 games (T-19th in NHL) +8 17 PPP

If only he didn’t play with one of the best players in the game today, Huselius would be on his way to Atlanta. Playing inspired hockey, Huselius has elevated his game this season in Calgary, playing alongside Iginla and Daymond Langkow. After starting off the season relatively slow, Huselius has notched more than 3 points in 5 games from December 13th. to January 5th. After scoring 34 goals last season, Huselius looks to be on target for yet another 30-goal season.

9. Alex Kovalev, RW, Montreal Canadiens

2007-2008 Stats: 20 goals, 23 assists in 45 games (T-28th in NHL) +8 25 PPP

After a pathetic 2006-2007 campaign, Alex Kovalev has elevated his game this season. Playing alongside Tomas Plekanec and youngster Andrei Kostitsyn, Kovalev has stepped up as a leader on the Canadiens, as well as a mentor. Kovalev notched his 11th. career 20+ goal season and is on pace for 30+. Kovalev has also been an instrumental part of the Habs' powerful power play as he leads the league with 25 power play points.

10. Olli Jokinen, C, Florida Panthers

2007-2008 Stats: 22 goals, 21 assists in 46 games (T-28th in NHL) -6 17 PPP

The heart and soul of the Panthers won’t be visiting Atlanta this season, yet Jokinen is having another inspired season. Jokinen has recorded 4 games with 2 goals this season and is on pace for his 4th career 30+ goal season. Jokinen’s leadership role is key in Florida as the young Panthers are in the midst of the playoff battle once again this season.

Honourable Mention

Ray Whitney, LW, Carolina Hurricanes (injured) -- 20 goals, 24 assists in 45 games (T-25th in NHL)

Matt Cullen, C, Carolina Hurricanes (injured) -- 8 goals, 29 assists in 39 games (T-53rd in NHL)

Daniel Briere, C, Philadelphia Flyers -- 17 goals, 26 assists in 43 games (T-28th in NHL)

Dustin Brown, LW, LA Kings -- 23 goals in 45 games (T-11th in NHL)

Corey Perry, RW, Anahiem Ducks -- 24 goals in 48 games (10th in NHL)

Paul Kariya, LW, St. Louis Blues -- 12 goals, 28 assists in 43 games (T-39th in NHL)

Cristobal Huet, G, Montreal Canadiens -- 14-7-5 2.39 GAA .923 SV%

Tim Thomas, G, Boston Bruins -- 13-11-3 2.33 GAA .930 SV%