Battle Of The Sexes: Two Writers Showdown In a Mock All-Star Draft: Team Liz

In order to have the most realistic mock draft, me and another Bleacher Report writer, Kyle Nicolas, met up and after a few coin tosses, we were well on our way to mocking the draft that will take place for the All-Star game.

A coin flip determined that I will represent "Team Lidstrom," now to be renamed "Team Liz," with the set captain in Nicklas Lidstrom, and alternates of Patrick Kane and Martin St. Louis.  "Team Kyle" started off with captain Eric Staal and Ryan Kesler and Mike Green as alternates.  A second coin toss also determined I would be choosing first

So in addition to the one defender and two forwards that are set already, the draft will have 18 rounds, selecting a total of three goalies, five more defenders totaling six blue liners, and another 10 fowards meaning there are 12 forwards on the final roster.

Rules set for the draft are that all three goalies must be selected by round 10, and the five extra defenders by the 15th round.  Since some of the players are unavailable, we opted to each select a forward from the pool of rookies who will be at the All-Star weekend.

Please comment on either my slide show or Kyle's (here's Kyle's side of the story) to let us know who you think would win!

So here is the explanation of what happened, round by round. 

Captain: Nicklas Lidstrom

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 22: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings waits for a faceoff in a game against the Chicago Black Hawks on January 22, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Hawks defeated the Wings 4-1. (Photo by Claus Anders

Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit Red Wings

Goals: 11 (3rd in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 31 (5th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 42 (1st in NHL Defenders)

With how much experience Lidstrom has with a "C" on his chest, it really should come as no surprise that when the players were asked to choose their leaders, Lidstrom was one of the captains chosen.

This veteran defender has appeared in so many All-Star games (ten to get particular), he can really add the perspective and leadership of a seasoned All-Star player to an otherwise pretty young roster.  Lidstrom is a brilliant defender, and will absolutely be a great addition to his team during the All-Star showdown.

Opponent's Captain: Eric Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Goals: 23 (8th in NHL)

Assists: 26 (33rd in NHL)

Points: 49 (10th in NHL)

Alternate Captain: Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

Goals: 13 (78th in NHL)

Assists: 23 (53rd in NHL)

Points: 36 (58th in NHL)

Young Patrick Kane is the youngest of the six leaders chosen for the All-Star game, and although his numbers don't seem to be remarkable, let's note that those numbers are in just 40 games played.

Kane is undoubtedly one of the best players on last year's Stanley Cup Championship team, and at only 22-years-old, there is no question that he still has time and room to grow to be an even bigger threat than he already is.  

Opponent's Alternate Captain: Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver Canucks

Goals: 27 (3rd in NHL)

Assists: 20 (81st in NHL)

Points: 47 (13th in NHL)

Alternate Captain: Martin St. Louis

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Martin St. Louis, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Goals: 20 (14th in NHL)

Assists: 40 (2nd in NHL)

Points 60 (5th in NHL)

The second Alternate Captain for Lidstrom's Team is Martin St. Louis, one of the shortest players in the entire National Hockey League.  

When you hear the name Martin St. Louis, what do comes to mind? Speed? Small stature? Play-maker?  Regardless of what you think of, no one can say that he isn't a great player who uses all of his assets to his advantage, an asset in itself that is valuable in the All-Star Game.  Let's also not forget the experience that the 35-year-old brings to the roster, and it is no surprise why he will be sporting an "A" during the All-Star contest.

Opponent's Alternate Captain: Mike Green, D, Washington Capitals

Goals: 8 (14th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 14 (54th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 22 (36th in NHL Defenders)

Round 1: Steven Stamkos

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Steve Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on November 20, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

Goals: 38 (1st in NHL)

Assists: 29 (19th in NHL)

Points: 67 (1st in NHL)

Who would be a better choice for the first round pick than Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos? 

Stamkos leads the NHL with 38 goals and 67 points.  When you are looking for a player to really make an exciting All-Star game, you have to look for someone who can really add some spice and flavor and energy while still getting the puck in the net.  

In my opinion, Steven Stamkos could be the star of the game and the weekend if he plays his style of hockey.

Opponent's pick: Rick Nash, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Goals: 22 (9th in NHL)

Assists: 20 (81st in NHL)

Points: 42 (27th in NHL)

Round 2: Daniel Sedin

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 14: Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks handles the puck against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on January 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Canucks won the game 4-2. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Daniel Sedin, LW, Vancouver Canucks

Goals: 27 (3rd in NHL)

Assists: 36 (4th in NHL)

Points: 63 (3rd in NHL)

The first of the available Sedin twins was my choice in the second round.  I have been very impressed with Daniel Sedin over the past two seasons and he has really proved he is a dangerous player to face offensively.

When you are trying to find a nice mix of players to pull together as a team through a draft, you have to consider a few things, including who you think your opponent will choose and if you can get a dynamic duo together to create offensive opportunities.  I took a risk by taking Sedin this high, hoping that his brother Henrik would not be selected by Kyle, keep reading to find out who drafted him.

Opponent's 2nd round pick: Cam Ward, G, Carolina Hurricanes,

Record: 21-15-5 (7th-8th-7th in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: 0.920 (15th in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 2.71 (28th in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 2 (15th in NHL Goalies)

Round 3: Dustin Byfuglien

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 31, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Thrashers 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Dustin Byfuglien, D, Atlanta Thrashers

Goals: 16 (1st in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 25 (12th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 41 (2nd in NHL Defenders)

Call me bold, call me impulsive, call me a risk-taker, call me what you will, I figured I could wait one more round to pick up a goalie since my opponent was most likely not going to take two goalies in a row, why not take my favorite of the defenders before Kyle snatched him up?

Byfuglien is a great defender and has been a ray of light for the Atlanta Thrashers, and was previously a key d-man on the Championship Blackhawk team.  When drafting an All-Star team, I figured I want the players who are a good combination of size and the ability to produce offensively, and Dustin Byfuglien is the next step in making that team.

Opponents 3rd round pick: Shea Weber, D, Nashville Predators

Goals: 8 (10th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 21 (20th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 29 (15th in NHL Defenders)

Round 4: Tim Thomas

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 8: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins watches play during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 8, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime. (Pho

Tim Thomas, G, Boston Bruins

Record: 23-5-6 (3rd-44th-3rd in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: 0.945 (1st in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 1.84 (1st in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 7 (1st in NHL Goalies)

Once the fourth round came around, it was time to start picking out some goalies considering the rule that you have to have your three netminders picked out by the 10th round, and why not start with one of the main names that has been thrown around in the same sentences as "Vezina Trophy candidate."

The first goalie that is between the pipes for my team is Boston's Tim Thomas who has been widely considered the best goalie of the season as clearly demonstrated by his numbers.  What better goalie to backstop the All-Star team than an Olympic silver medalist, and the 2009 Vezina Trophy Winner?

Opponent's 4th round pick: Zdeno Chara, D, Boston Bruins

Goals: 10 (5th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 15 (45th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 25 (24th in NHL Defenders)

Round 5: Kris Letang

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 20: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 20, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Goals: 7 (16th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 34 (1st in NHL Defenders)

Points: 41 (5th in NHL Defenders)

The first of the players who were initially voted into the game by the fans is Pittsburgh defender, Kris Letang who has posted some impressive numbers offensively, and when paired with the size and overall skill, he seemed like a good pick.

Granted I do admit to overlook one of the remaining forwards who my opponent took this same round after I chose, however I have faith that Letang could help produce offensively and still do his job on the defense.

Opponent's 5th round pick: Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals

Goals: 19 (19th in NHL)

Assists 32 (14th in NHL)

Points: 51 (8th in NHL)

Round 6: Henrik Sedin

Henrik Sedin, C, Vancouver Canucks

Goals: 11 (118th in NHL)

Assists: 50 (1st in NHL)

Points: 61 (4th in NHL)

Yes ladies and gents, I got the second half of the Sedin duet that is so dangerous when they play together.  In my opinion, one of the most threatening pairs in the league is the Sedin twins, and when they are hot, they are unstoppable.

When it comes down to the All-Star game, why not let two players play together who have such surreal chemistry it's mesmerizing?  These twins, if they are actually put on the same team, will not disappoint and will demonstrate their abilities both individually and as a duo.

Opponent's 6th round pick: Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago Blackhawks

Goals: 17 (33rd in NHL)

Assists: 21 (67th in NHL)

Points: 38 (45th in NHL)

Round 7: Henrik Lundqvist

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 11: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens on January 11, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Montreal defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers

Record: 21-15-3 (7th-8th-17th in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: .927 (3rd in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 2.25 (6th in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 7 (1st in NHL Goalies)

When you think about the logistics of what positions need to be filled by what round, I figured I might want to snatch up another solid goalie in this seventh round so that I only needed one more and I had a few rounds to get them.

Lundqvist is a great goal tender, and overall will be a great addition to whichever team he lands on, however with some really hot goalies right now, he tends to fly under the radar a bit more than say Tim Thomas or Cam Ward.

Opponent's 7th round pick: Dan Boyle, D, San Jose Sharks

Goals: 5 (29th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 27 (11th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 32 (11th in NHL Defenders)

Round 8: Duncan Keith

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on January 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Blackhawks defeated the Kings 4-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Duncan Keith, D, Chicago Blackhawks

Goals: 3 (57th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 25 (13th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 28 (17th in NHL Defenders)

Another of the players who were voted into the game by the public, and another of the stars from last year's Stanley Cup winning team.  In my mind, Keith could play with his former teammate, Dustin Byfuglien and make some sort of a defensive magic happen.

Keith also has a short-handed goal under his belt, so if the All-Star game has a few penalties, which once you see my 12th round pick might make more sense, Keith might be a nice hidden weapon to have on a penalty killing unit.

Opponent's 8th round pick: Jonas Hiller, G, Anaheim Ducks

Record: 25-16-3 (1st-5th-17th in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: .926 (3rd in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 2.50 (13th in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 4 (5th in NHL Goalies)

Round 9: Brad Richards

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 11: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on December 11, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Brad Richards, C, Dallas Stars

Goals: 20 (14th in NHL)

Assists: 37 (3rd in NHL)

Points: 57 (6th in NHL)

With all the possible rumors surrounding Brad Richards being traded away from Dallas, his status as an All-Star has been a bit less intense, breaking news.  Richards has never really been one to fly under the radar, but in terms of this All-Star Game, he's less publicized than other players, such as Crosby, Toews, and Malkin.

So, in my opinion, it was a little surprising to see that Richards was still available after eight rounds of players being selected.  Granted that just means that there were 16 players who went before him, including 6 goalies, so maybe Richards fell right where he deserved it.  All in all, I'm proud to have Richards on my team.  But by taking him, I forced myself into taking a goalie round 10, most likely the one that Kyle doesn't choose.

Opponent's 9th round pick: Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens

Record: 24-15-5 (2nd-9th-7th in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: .921 (13th in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 2.33 (9th in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 4 (5th in NHL Goalies)

Round 10: Marc-Andre Fleury

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 10: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save against the Boston Bruins on January 10, 2011 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins

Record: 23-11-2 (3rd-19th-30th in NHL Goalies)

Save Percentage: .925 (5th in NHL Goalies)

Goals Against Average: 2.19 (5th in NHL Goalies)

Shutouts: 2 (16th in NHL Goalies)

Is it wrong that the last goalie to get picked was the goalie that the fans voted into the game in the first place?  We all need to agree that if the fans had voted someone else, say Tim Thomas, into the game, it isn't likely that Fleury would be making the trip as well. 

So the 10th round is the cut off and at this point we were both required to have our goal tenders selected, hence the reason I was forced to take Fleury this round, and almost have to pass and watch Kyle decide who he wanted while I was forced to pick up the Penguin net minder.

Opponent's 10th round pick: Keith Yandle, D, Phoenix Coyotes

Goals: 7 (16th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 35 (2nd in NHL Defenders)

Points: 42 (3rd in NHL Defenders)

Round 11: Brent Burns

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Brent Burns, D, Minnesota Wild

Goals: 14 (2nd in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 17 (34th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 31 (13th in NHL Defenders)

Brent Burns isn't the most famous of the All-Stars, however his numbers and his talent is a testament to why he was chosen to be involved in this new drafting version of the event.  Burns was one of the last four defenders remaining, and in my opinion, it was a no brainer to decide who to take.

The Minnesota defender brings, not only the offensive numbers, but also the grit and the size of a really physical player, an asset that I really love to see, especially in defensemen, and because of that I had no problems picking him over the remaining defenders.

Opponent's 11th round pick: Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings

Goals: 16 (43rd in NHL)

Assists: 33 (10th in NHL)

Points: 49 (10th in NHL)

Round 12: Corey Perry

Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks

Goals: 25 (5th in NHL)

Assists: 26 (33rd in NHL)

Points: 51 (8th in NHL)

Corey Perry is leading the Ducks in both goals and points, and his presence on the offense is one that is really difficult for opponents to ignore.  Perry is a great player and he really isn't afraid to use his big body and physical strength to get into the gritty areas of the game. 

Perry is arguably one of the best players when it comes to screening the goaltender, however his methods can sometimes lead to so undisciplined play, and because of that I had to wait this long to draft him.  Call me biased, but I think Perry could have a solid impact on this game.

Opponent's 12th round pick: Marc Staal, D, New York Rangers

Goals: 6 (26th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 13 (63rd in NHL Defenders)

Points: 19 (47th in NHL Defenders)

Round 13: Claude Giroux

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Ottawa Senators on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Claude Giroux, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

Goals: 18 (24th in NHL)

Assists: 28th (23rd in NHL)

Points: 46 (14th in NHL)

Giroux is a little bit of a different look for the team that we already have, with a smaller forward, a less gritty player than the ones I tend to lean towards when the draft swings my way again.  Giroux's numbers speak for themselves and he clearly can put up some helpful numbers.

Claude Giroux is one of just two Flyers (including the rookies who are present), and me and Kyle ended up splitting the Philly teammates up, he ended up with Briere and I got Giroux.  When you get down to the end things always tend to slow down and you don't know how to decide who is better than who for what you need on your team.  It's clear Giroux is a smaller forward, however if you use his speed and skills alongside Alternate Captain Martin St. Louis, there could be some unforeseen magic.

Opponent's 13th round pick: Patrick Sharp, LW, chicago Blackhawks

Goals: 26 (5th in NHL)

Assists: 20 (81st in NHL)

Points: 46 (17th in NHL)

Round 14: Loui Eriksson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 08: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars skates up the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Loui Eriksson, LW, Dallas Stars

Goals: 17 (34th in NHL)

Assists: 32 (14th in NHL)

Points: 49 (10th in NHL)

A trend that is clearly forming is the size of the players, aside from the smaller players like Martin St. Louis, however at least for someone like me who enjoys a fast-paced and gritty game, I love to see a group of big-bodied players on one team.

Eriksson is another sizable forward who knows how to use his body in the right way.  Seeing ample time on the powerplay has helped to boost his stats, with a +15 rating and 7 powerplay goals and 4 game winning goals, and just 2 minor penalties for a total of 4 penalty minutes in 48 games.  Impressive numbers for someone who measures in at 6'3.

Opponent's 14th round pick: Danny Briere, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

Goals: 26 (5th in NHL)

Assists: 19 (103rd in NHL)

Points: 45 (23rd in NHL)

Round 15: Erik Karlsson

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa Senators

Goals: 8 (12th in NHL Defenders)

Assists: 20 (24th in NHL Defenders)

Points: 28 (17th in NHL Defenders)

Seeing as this was the last available round to pick up defenders, Erik Karlsson was the last defender remaining, and honestly that is anything but a disappointment.  Karlsson is a solid defenseman with three powerplay goals and three game winning goals.

Not to mention Karlsson has only 26 penalty minutes in the 48 games he has played in demonstrating his disciplined play.  At age 20 he brings a youthful vivacity to the rosters, and even though he is not a heavy-weight that some of the other big-bodied defenders are, however he still has the height and the skills to really help his team out.

Opponent's 15th round pick: Matt Duchene, C, Colorado Avalanche

Goals: 19 (19th in NHL)

Assists: 25 (35th in NHL)

Points: 44 (20th in NHL)

Round 16: David Backes

David Backes, RW, St. Louis Blues

Goals: 16 (43rd in NHL)

Assists: 21 (72nd in NHL)

Points: 37 (49th in NHL)

With just two rounds remaining after this one, and only a select few players remaining, Backes was the player remaining who really stood out to me mainly because of his size and his gritty style of play, with him tallying the most hits on the Blues in the previous three seasons.

The Minnesota-native has consistently been one of the few players in the league to tally a solid number of goals and a large number of hits as well, the more famous player who tallies both goals and hits being Alex Ovechkin.  However, Backes as proven himself to be a physical force and an asset for any team he lands on.

Opponent's 16th round pick: Patrik Elias, LW, New Jersey Devils

Goals: 13 (79th in NHL)

Assists: 23 (53rd in NHL)

Points: 36 (58th in NHL)

Round 17: Phil Kessel

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 13: Phil Kessel #81 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on January 13, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1. (Photo by Christian P

Phil Kessel, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Goals: 19 (19th in NHL)

Assists: 15 (160th in NHL)

Points: 34 (69th in NHL)

Kessel's statistics do not accurately exemplify the skills he has, with a -19 rating, and only 34 points in 49 games, this Wisconsin-born forward is not the mediocre players that his numbers suggest, he has a lot of talent and at the young age of 23-years-old, he has a lot left in his career, and he's only going to continue to grow.

The Maple Leaf forward leads the team in overtime goals, shots, and is ranked top two in goals, shorthanded goals, game winning goals and power-play goals.  Absolutely impressive achievements for the young forward.

Opponent's 17th round pick: Martin Havlat, RW, Minnesota Wild

Goals: 14 (79th in NHL)

Assists: 30 (18th in NHL)

Points 44 (23rd in NHL)

Round 18: Jeff Skinner

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty I

Jeff Skinner, Rookie, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Goals: 18 (24th in NHL, 2nd among rookies)

Assists: 22 (61st in NHL, 1st among rookies)

Points: 40 (37th in NHL, 1st among rookies)

Since there were several players who could not perform at the All-Star Game, including stars like Crosby, Malkin, and Iginla, among others, as of earlier today the NHL decided to add rookie Jeff Skinner and Avalanche center Paul Stastny to the mix of players.

When deciding between these two, I figured I might as well make my last pick a little bit of a risk, and go for the rookie, the youngest player in the All-Star Game at age 18.  Skinner was already planning to be in Raleigh, North Carolina as one of the rookies chosen to participate, and the excitement must be overwhelming, and that enthusiasm will be contagious and hopefully really encourage some of the other, older players to play with his same youthfulness.

Opponent's 18th round pick: Paul Stastny, C, Colorado Avalanche

Goals: 17 (36th in NHL)

Assists: 25 (28th in NHL)

Points: 42 (29th in NHL)

Final Rosters: Pick Your Winner!

Abelimages/Getty Images

TORONTO - JANUARY 30: Daniel Sedin #22 and Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks gets ready for a face-off during game action against the Toronto Maple Leafs January 30, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages /

Here's the grand finale, below are the two rosters, take your pick who you think will win, and leave your opinion in a comment.  

Team Liz:

Forwards:
Patrick Kane
Martin St. Louis 
Steven Stamkos
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Brad Richards
Corey Perry
Claude Giroux
Loui Eriksson
David Backes
Phil Kessel
Jeff Skinner

Defenders:
Nicklas Lidstrom 
Dustin Byfuglien
Kris Letang
Duncan Keith
Brent Burns
Erik Karlsson

Goalies:
Tim Thomas
Henrik Lundqvist
Marc-Andre Fleury

Team Kyle: 

Forwards:
Eric Staal
Ryan Kesler
Rick Nash
Alexander Ovechkin
Jonathan Toews
Anze Kopitar
Patrick Sharp
Danny Briere
Matt Duchene
Patrik Elias
Martin Havlat
Paul Stastny 

Defenders:
Mike Green
Zdeno Chara
Dan Boyle
Shea Weber
Keith Yandle
Marc Staal 

Goalies:
Cam Ward
Jonas Hiller
Carey Price

Who do you think would win if these two teams met on the ice?  If you're looking for an explanation as to why Kyle chose who he chose, click here to see his side of the story.