2012 NHL All-Star Game: Marian Gaborik Shines in Ottawa

Marian Gaborik walked away with MVP honors at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. It was an amazing night for the superstar forward, who was just happy to be a part of the action.

Gaborik has been a huge part of the first place New York Rangers' success this season. He leads the team in goals (25) and points (39) and has hit his stride as of late.

In the game on Sunday, Gaborik had a hat trick and an assist for four points. Two goals came against close friend and teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Throughout the weekend, the two teammates exchanged some playful trash talk but Gaborik backed up his talk on Sunday.

Henrik reacts to Gaborik's outburst against him during the first period.

While many say this game is often meaningless, this game could prove to be huge for Gaborik. During the game, Gaborik looked loose and happy. Gaborik was under a lot of pressure entering the season as he dealt with two tragedies and looked to rebound from a unimpressive 2010-11 campaign.

With Gaborik in good spirits and oozing confidence, this break could prove to be huge for him as he continues to suit up for the Rangers. Gaborik is on pace to eclipse his career-high of 42 goals and if he can score goals at the pace he did during the All-Star Game, good things will come for Gaborik and the New York Rangers.

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL featured columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: