NHL 2012 All-Star Game: Early-Season Picks for the Starting Lines

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We're not even a month into the 2011-12 NHL season, but some players are off to incredible starts.

Here are some early-season picks for the starters at each position for the 2012 NHL All Star Game, based on performance through the first weeks of the regular season. Runners up for each position are also included.

Western Conference—Goaltender: Jonathan Quick

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In six games, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick has turned away 175 of 180 shots faced.

If you couple that .972 save percentage with his 0.81 goals against average and the fact that he has earned shutouts in three of those games, you begin to understand how well the 25-year-old has played. 

Runner up: Kari Lehtonen (Dallas)

Western Conference—Defense: Sami Salo

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Despite the Canucks' early-season mediocrity, Sami Salo has done his best to help his team win.

Salo has six points through eight games including two game winners and carries a plus-five rating to lead the team.

Runner Up: Duncan Keith (Chicago)

Western Conference—Defense: Jack Johnson

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Jack Johnson has played very well in front of Jonathan Quick. He leads all LA Kings defensemen at 23 minutes per game average playing time. He has anchored the blue line for LA, putting up five points in seven games played.

Runner Up: Ryan Wilson (Colorado)

Western Conference—Left Wing: Daniel Sedin

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Daniel Sedin leads the Western Conference in scoring through eight games played with 12 points (four goals, eight assists). He has driven the Canucks' offense with his 20 minutes per game average.

Runner up: Patrick Sharp (Chicago)

Western Conference—Right Wing: Patrick Kane

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Patrick Kane has put up eight points in eight games for the Blakhawks. Chicago leads the Central Division with 12 points, and Kane has been a major factor in their success so far this season.

Runner up: Rick Nash (Columbus)

Western Conference—Center: Anze Kopitar

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Anze Kopitar has been an offensive force for the Kings so far this season. He has four goals and six assists (10 points) through seven games. His stellar offensive numbers come from only 14 shots on goal.

The Kings will definitely be looking for him to take more shots, but he can obviously make the most of his chances.

Runner up: Joe Pavelski (San Jose)

Eastern Conference—Goaltender: Tomas Vokoun

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Six games started, six games in the win column for Washington's starting goaltender. Vokoun has been outstanding for the Capitals, posting a .944 save percentage and a 1.80 goals against average.

With Washington's high-powered offense providing support, Vokoun should be able to continue his winning ways.

Runner up: Ryan Miller (Buffalo)

Eastern Conference—Defense: Dion Phaneuf

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Dion Phaneuf, the Leafs' captain, has put up nine points in eight games for Toronto. He also leads the NHL plus/minus ratings at plus-seven and is averaging over 26 minutes per game.

Phaneuf has been a major factor in the Maple Leafs' early success through his offensive contribution and solid defensive play.

Runner up: Marc-Andre Bergeron (Tampa Bay)

Eastern Conference—Defense: Kris Letang

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Kris Letang is averaging 25 minutes of ice time per game through nine games for the Penguins. He is plus-five and has tallied a goal and seven assists during that span.

Runner up: Dennis Wideman (Washington)

Eastern Conference—Left Wing: Thomas Vanek

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Two of Vanek's seven goals have been game winners for the Buffalo Sabres. He has also tallied four assists, totaling 11 points through eight games played.

Vanek has also led the Buffalo power play with three goals scored with the extra man.

Runner up: Milan Michalek (Ottawa)

Eastern Conference—Right Wing: Phil Kessel

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The Maple Leafs' Phil Kessel leads the NHL in scoring through eight games played with 15 points (nine goals, six assists). He is on pace to have a career year offensively for the surprisingly-dominant Leafs.

Runner up: Jason Pominville (Buffalo)

Eastern Conference—Center: Tyler Seguin

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Boston's Tyler Seguin is tied for the NHL lead in plus/minus at plus-seven. He has averaged more than a point per game through eight games played, with three goals and six assists. The Bruins' youngster has looked very impressive early.

Runner up: Jason Spezza (Ottawa)

 

Chris Hoffman is a featured Colorado Avalanche columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also a lead writer for Avalanche Insider. Follow him on Twitter @AvsInsiderChris.