As previously stated by the guru, the Olympics have complicated matters for the NHL in terms of scheduling. The 17 day break for the Games has forced the NHL into canceling a fan favorite, the All Star Game. While it's fair to say that the duration and intensity of international competition easily trumps the half-hearted play of the midseason long weekend, it's a disappointment that we, the fans, miss the talent display of the Skills Competition.
Because he feels as though the fans deserve a fresh topic, the guru has formed his own All Star teams. Unlike the real-life squads, fan voting will take no part in picking the players. There will not have to be at least one representative from each NHL team. These are the best 21 players from each conference, the ones that deserve the honor of being called All Stars.
Eastern Conference Starters
Left Wing- Alex Ovechkin - Washington Capitals
No surprise here. While he may be reeling from his goose egg in Russia's crushing elimination from the Olympics, there is no justification for AO8 to not be in the starting lineup. He leads the league with 89 points, nine more than Henrik Sedin, who is second in that category. Ridiculously, he has played in only 54 games thus far, putting him at a 1.648 point per game pace. At this rate, he would have accumulated 135 points, including 63 goals, after an 82 game season. Even then, he wouldn't break the 65 goal mark, set by none other than himself. You don't think he's a complete player? Take a look at the NHL's +/- leaders. The guy is willing to play physically; just ask Jaromir Jagr. The guru is going on record saying that "Alex Ovechkin is the best hockey player in the world today." That says it all.
Center- Sidney Crosby -Pittsburgh Penguins
Fresh off of becoming the youngest captain to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup, Crosby is once again amongst the league leaders in points. Sitting in third behind Ovechkin and Sedin, Sid the Kid has made a highly discussed transformation from playmaker to sniper. He is tied with none other than Ovechkin for the league lead in goals, sitting at 42. Not only is he tearing it up in regulation, but he has been nearly unstoppable in the shootout as well. Clicking at 75%, best among shooters with at least five attempts, Crosby has repeatedly embarrassed opposing goaltenders.
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Right Wing- Marian Gaborik -New York Rangers
The Slovak has bounced back after playing in just 17 games in 2008-09. Finding a new home in the Big Apple, he has regained his scoring touch. He sits in fourth place with 35 goals thus far. Assuming he overcomes his recent knee laceration, it's safe to say Gaborik will break his career high of 83 points, set in 2007-08.
Defense- Mike Green - Washington Capitals
Green cannot be happy about the NHL canceling the All Star game this year. Left off of Canada's Olympic roster for his spotty defensive play, the Capitals defenseman has taken out his anger on the rest of the NHL. He has accumulated 140 points in his last 130 regular season games, an unheard of mark for a defenseman. While it's true that he is a liability in the defensive zone, you can bet Mike Babcock was missing Green's presence as Team Canada struggled on the power play in their loss to the Americans.
Defense- Sergei Gonchar - Pittsburgh Penguins
This pick may leave some readers scratching their heads, but a closer look shows Gonchar is qualified for this honor. He may only be ranked 8th amongst defenseman with 37 points, but he missed substantial time with injuries. At his current pace, he pots 4 points every five games, leaving him behind only the aforementioned Green and the West's Duncan Keith. Responsible in the defensive zone, he gets the call over Toronto's Tomas Kaberle, who is a -10.
Goalie- Ryan Miller - Buffalo Sabres
The guru has already touted Miller's performance this season, and for good reason. Earning the role of USA's starting goaltender in the Olympics, Miller has been dominant in 2009-10. With a .930 SV%, he trails only Florida's Tomas Vokoun (.931), who posted four shutouts in January. Miller, with five blanks of his own, has been more consistent, recording a 30-14-7 record in 51 starts this year. In addition to insane hand-eye coordination, he also has great taste in designing goalie masks.
Too many shooters on one line? Crosby has been known to make pretty nice passes from time to time. Is Mike Green too one-dimensional to be an All Star? Should Sergei Gonchar get the nod with a -1 +/-? Does Miller deserve the start? Have your voice heard in the comment section.
Be sure to check back for the rest of the East's roster, as well as a look at the West's squad.
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