NHL All-Star Game 2012: Midseason Classic Mired in What's Wrong with NHL

This is the time when NHL players take time to rest, relax and celebrate all that is good about the sport. Instead, when the best in the NHL are called for All-Star weekend, all the negative issues will have a spotlight placed on them. 

The All-Star game will be light on those stars when the best in the sport take to the ice this weekend in Ottawa. 

That is only the start of the subplots that will have the NHL squeezing every last ounce of goodwill they can out of the festivities. 

No Stars, No Glory

Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby will be out as he continues to battle the ill effects of a career-altering concussion.

Chicago’s Jonathan Toews has been one of the best players this season and will be sidelined with a hand injury. Even the Edmonton rookie sensation, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, will be out of the skills competition with a shoulder injury.

That brings us to the biggest no show in Alex Ovechkin. One of the biggest stars is taking a breather from the event in a controversial show of protest. As Yahoo Sports reports, Ovechkin's heart just isn't into the exhibition as he deals with a suspension for a high-flying hit. 

Tim Thomas

The Bruins goalie is one of the most beloved athletes in the sport. I should say he was, as he decided to spurn a team-invite to the White House. 

His politics got in the way of what should have been an opportunity for the Bruins to take a bow for Stanley Cup glory. 

NHL Issues 

That brings us to issues that may be far from settled, but will no doubt be in various discussions this weekend. 

The CBA is set to expire and there is worry that we may again be looking at a layoff for things like realignment. If that isn't enough to bring a pall over the festivities, there is the incessant discussion on concussions and the valid manner to address the injury. 

The All-Star weekend is usually reserved to take a break from the serious manner of wins, losses and playoff pushes. Instead, things will get far more serious as things with great weight are bandied about. 

We just can't wait for the regular season to get back underway. 

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