Phil Kessel, Marc Savard, Tim Thomas Wonder Where All-Star Love Is

When you analyze the situation, it isn't hard to find an answer to the question I'm about to ask.

How is it that three great players from the Boston Bruins got snubbed from a start in the All-Star game, when the stats prove they are all among the league's elite?

This query can be answered with one simple word: marketing.

When you allow the fans to control who deserves to start in the NHL's annual exhibition of superstar talent, they will always vote for the people that the league markets as superstars.

So, in essence, the players that are continually shown on websites, television commercials, and profiles in newspapers will always win out because the fans would rather see flashy and amazing feats of greatness over grit and determination.

The average fan could care less that Savard is currently third in the league in point and first in plus/minus or that Thomas is fourth in the league in save percentage and goals against average. Another Bruin, Phil Kessel, is second in the NHL in goals and was also snubbed as a starter.

The stats imply that each of these players have created quite an impact in helping the Bruins ascend to the top of the Eastern Conference. Their individual numbers should indicate a starting performance in the NHL All-Star game.

Unfortunately, the fans would rather see Sidney Crosby score on an end-to-end rush or Alexander Ovechkin deke defensemen to score a highlight reel goal.

What also hurts these players' causes is that the Bruins have spent the last several years as a perennial doormat in the NHL, and many fans have forgotten about them. In turn, the fans neglected to notice that they've turned it around based on the sparkling stats of their hard-nosed and strong-willed players.

More consistent play from the aforementioned players coupled with a long playoff run should get the fans to notice. Until that happens, flashy and unbelievable ability will always win out.