Chicago Blackhawks Insider: An All-Star Review

In addition to defenseman Duncan Keith and forward Jonathan Toews the Blackhawks will send forwards Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp to the All-Star game. There have been varying opinions as to whether or not these guys deserve to go to the All-Star game. There has also been some discussion about just what playing in the All-Star game means and whether or not it’s something to be excited about or just something that’s more of a hindrance on the season.

Before getting to a quick review of those players that will be participating in the All-Star game, I would like to get into the value of the game. A lot of people feel that the All-Star game, in particular the rosters selected for that game are nothing significant and don’t reflect the way that players really play the game. I know that some people have questioned why Keith is on the roster.  

They say that he hasn’t done anything close to what he did last season and doesn’t deserve to be selected as part of All-Star process. Some feel that he got in on reputation alone while others are stumped by the All-Star selection process.

Other major sports leagues have All-Star games and other sports leagues have similar problems. There are some players that you sit back and scratch your head about wondering why they made it on the All-Star roster. Some of it could be reputation but perhaps some of it is that the players are really the best at that position. Keith is truly one of the bestas his position in the NHL and fans have recognized that.

That is why he is part of this year’s All-Star squad.

Keith’s numbers so far this season (through the 14th of January) he has three goals and 22 assists having played in all of the Hawks games so far. Sometimes it’s hard to gauge what a defensemen does but Keith has been solid for the most part and definitely deserves to be part of the NHL’s All-Star festivities.

Kane’s addition to the All-Star comes with some question. Kane has participated in just 36 games so far for the Hawks as he was out with an injury for a few weeks.  He has 13 goals with 21 assists for a total of 34 points. Kane’s production may not be that big but what he does on the ice when he’s on there is. He’s been a huge asset to this team, comes through with big plays when he has to and is tough to defend.  

Perhaps it is for those reasons, plus his reputation as to why he’s been voted to the All-Star game.

Sharp was added to the All-Star roster in the second group of players and there are many people that feel that he is well deserving of this. Sharp has played in 45 games with 25 goals and 19 assists for a total of 44 points. He’s been a solid and consistent performer for the Blackhawks this season and deserves to be a part of the All-Star game.

Toews was added to the All-Star roster as one of the original players and his addition is well deserved. Over the course of his 44 games this season, Toews has scored 16 goals with 20 assists for a total of 36 points. He is also a valuable leader on the ice and when he’s not out there (he had missed some time with an injury) the Blackhawks do struggle.

He’s a nice addition to the All-Star team thanks to his leadership skills and reputation in the league.

One other interesting item of note is that former Chicago Blackhawk Dustin Byfuglien made the All-Star roster as well. He’s been having a very solid season with the Atlanta Thrashers as a defensemen.