2012 NHL All-Star Game: One Matchup to Look Out for on Sunday

New York Rangers winger Marion Gaborik was taken in the 16th round of last night's NHL All-Star fantasy draft. More surprising than how late a pick Gaborik was, he was selected by Team Chara.

Team Alfredsson, whose alternate captain is Marion Gaborik's teammate Henrik Lundqvist, did not choose to pick him in the draft.

When Gaborik received his jersey from Chara, rather than just taking his seat on his side, he walked over to Lundqvist's podium, winked at him, then walked back to his side.

Lundqvist laughed at this, and it all became clear why when one takes a look back at what transpired during the draft. When Alfredsson and Lundqvist were choosing their team, Alfredsson pointed to a name and Lundqvist said, "No, he wants to verse me," or something to that effect. 

When Gaborik came out and winked at Lundqvist, who did not pick him, it was clear that Gaborik wanted to face Lundqvist in the game one on one, something they obviously cannot do during the regular season. 

This matchup is going to be one of the most interesting on Sunday in Ottawa.

Gaborik is the Rangers' leading scorer and one of the most talented players in the league, while Lundqvist is without a doubt the Rangers' best goalie, and one of the best (if not the best) in the league.

Gaborik has 39 points on the season, 25 of them from goals; Lundqvist has a 1.87 Goals Against Average, a .937 save percentage and a 22-10-4 record.

Gaborik is one of the most dangerous scorers in the league on the breakaway; Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the league in stopping the breakaway.

With that being said, it would be very interesting to see Gaborik on a breakaway against Lundqvist in the All-Star game, which I think would be the ideal situation for this friendly rivalry the two teammates have.

Gaborik wanted to face his teammate Lundqvist to prove to him he can score on him. Lundqvist did not choose him so Gaborik could have that chance.

Can the speedy sniper that is Marion Gaborik beat the patient brick wall that is Henrik Lundqvist? Only time will tell, and I hope we get to see the answer on Sunday.