All-Star Game Roster Update

[Duck Guy 86]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=12782

i want nothing more than to face the ducks in the WCF again and get some sweet revenge. they deserve NOTHING this season!

it is just one of those things. The reason why scottie was chosen is because he is one of the elite D men in the league. And like someone said before if crosby was out for half the season and came back right before the all star game he would go to the game no doubt because of his skill. And perry is one of the top western scorers dont know what the big deal is... and it is funny how everyone was sooo excited that so many wings players where going to the ASG and now when Z is out everyone is suddenly glad. I dont get it. but thats just me.

[hockey&beer 16]

Niedermeyer.... interesting.

Just to relate back to a thread I started just after Niederwiener came back, Nick is going to get SCREWED out of the Norris, which should be his by a long shot.

I mean, how in holy peppermint ape-s*** is it possible that Niedermeyer played well enough in 17 G-D games to warrant playing the ASG??

Niedermeyer 2 goals, 9 assists, even +/-

Rafalski 49 games, 8 goals, 33 assists, +14 (not saying he should be there either but it seems a little odd to me).

[Duck Guy 86]

Niedermeyer.... interesting.

Just to relate back to a thread I started just after Niederwiener came back, Nick is going to get SCREWED out of the Norris, which should be his by a long shot.

I mean, how in holy peppermint ape-s*** is it possible that Niedermeyer played well enough in 17 G-D games to warrant playing the ASG??

Niedermeyer 2 goals, 9 assists, even +/-

Rafalski 49 games, 8 goals, 33 assists, +14 (not saying he should be there either but it seems a little odd to me).

Nick will get the Norris dont worry and it is not his skill in the 17 games it is his reputation. And think about it he has been the #1 reason for a struggling teams recent success...

Edited January 22, 2008 by Duck Guy

[vladdy16 2,154]

It's a popularity contest, plain and simple. No, Scott shouldn't go based on his season, but yes, he should be allowed to go based on popularity. There's nothing to be done about it.

[Reds4Life 51]

it is just one of those things. The reason why scottie was chosen is because he is one of the elite D men in the league. And like someone said before if crosby was out for half the season and came back right before the all star game he would go to the game no doubt because of his skill. And perry is one of the top western scorers dont know what the big deal is... and it is funny how everyone was sooo excited that so many wings players where going to the ASG and now when Z is out everyone is suddenly glad. I dont get it. but thats just me.

Niedermayer is elite dman, no doubt, but there are guys who played 50 games, not just 17 and they deserve it more than Scott. And Perry over Huselius is a joke too. Many fans are glad Z is going to miss ASG so he can have rest and play rest of the season and playoffs.

[Opie 308]

Yes you can. Using the EXACT same reasoning why Dom got ANY votes. It's his name. Neither player deserved to get consideration for the ASG (spare me the 'but look at what Dom has done the past month spiel.)

The ASG is a popularity contest, nothing more. I don't understand why people get so worked up over who goes and who doesn't. It's an exhibition game. Big deal. If it were Cheli and Cleary added, I don't think you'd see half of these people complaining, rather they would be justifying why those two really do deserve to be in the ASG.

Um Dom getting votes is the fans fault, if they are just voting based on names that is fans, that is what the average fan does.

Now if the league put in Dom then that is horses***.

[Duck Guy 86]

maybe if Teemu can get a couple of periods in by SAT he can be in it? someone from hockeybuzz suggested it... haha

[Drimo 0]

I'm no fan of Niederweiner. His action this season shows selfishness that should not be tolerated, IMO. I loved The Hockey News article a few weeks ago that ripped Niedermeyer for returning.

[puckloo39 5,686]

It's a popularity contest, plain and simple. No, Scott shouldn't go based on his season, but yes, he should be allowed to go based on popularity. There's nothing to be done about it.

I am not sure it's even a popularity contest, really. If that were true, the players who actually were voted in by the fans would have been considered for slots on the team -- not just guys the powers that be picked for representatives on the squads. It's politics, and not who the fans want to see, necessarily.

ASG is a joke, it has been for at least the last few years. It's been quite a while since actual NHL stars were part of the All Star mix, IMO.

[b.shanafan14 733]

Why the hell would this make sense..... sons-of-bitchs

If it wasn't enough that Hank has to bow out because of his back problem Perry, who isn't as deserving as some others gets the nod from the "Stanley Cup Champion Anahiem Ducks"

BUT EVEN more bulls***, is that after not playing all season because of his ***** little hiatis, Scott Neidermeyer gets the invite to join Pronger, no one mentioning btw that Rafalski has had agrueably the best year on the blueline, second only to Lidstrom....

This pisses me off alot. Well Bettman got his big California market players in there....

[Lidstromrules16 7]

while I am beyond baffled at the Neids pick. I understand the Perry one. I have always that he was really skilled, more so at hockey than at threatening/trash talking.

I personally think Perry is a better player than Getzlaf.

[puckloo39 5,686]

I think this whole thing is funny as all get-out ... but I am sorry for those who take the ASG seriously and are upset by the changes in the roster.

I hope you can enjoy the players you do like, and take it in the spirit that the ASG now is intended... misguided PR by the NHL.

[HenrikRules40 14]

I'm sad. I really wanted to see Z in the all star game.

[Starstopper31 0]

We should just have Stevie come back for a game or two and make the all-star team... seems like he would be a good fit under the new system

[PenaltyShot 96 521]

Niedermayer and Perry join their Anaheim teammates, defenseman Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Getzlaf, and the give the Ducks a League-high four representatives on the Western Conference team.

Ugh, the Ducks have this honor now. Can't we count Babcock?

And Niedermeyer.....:nonono: He is a great player, but it's not fair to exclude other great and equally deserving players who have actually played this season. Ah well, still should be some good hockey and skills competition.

[vangvace 12]

Wow... everyone is so hot and bothered over an exibition game ment for the casual fan that many won't remember by trade deadline anyway.

It might be my take on it but the all-star game isn't just about who's leading in the stat department, but it is a combination of various factors.

Well known veteran names that anchor player recognition for casual fans is the foundation of the ASG.

Hot up-and-comers that will hopefully become that future fondation are sprinkled into the game based on marketing, performance, league whims, and because you can't just have veterans.

Rafalski... he hasn't even been mentioned much here on LGWs and everyone is up in arms that he's not an allstar? We who pick apart every aspect of every player leave him threadless for the most part. I think that Hartigan actually has been mentioned more in threads. His large contract isn't brought up in cap threads. His skills aren't brought up in the "go us" threads. His gaffs are hardly mentioned here. If he is going unnoticed here, then how in the hell can we be outraged at his been looked over by outsiders!?!

Hell, I had to look him up because I only vaguely new who he was when he was signed.

EDIT:: But then again I normally stop playing attention to the ASG after the skill comp

Edited January 22, 2008 by vangvace

[edicius 3,269]

The fact that Scott Niedermeyer is playing in the All-Star game after missing half of the season makes me sick.

You and me both. I heard that on XM driving home from work today and was just floored. Tons more deserving players in the West, players that didn't sit out half the season. More proof...it's just a popularity contest, not an "All-Star Game".

That said...eh, there's more important things to worry about.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

How many guys have to get hurt for Lilja to be on the all-star team?

[irishtemper14+25 11]

HOW IS NIEDEMEYER THERE AND NOT RAFALSKI????????.....I WANT SOME VIABLE EXPLANATIONS

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

That's complete BS. I don't care if the ASG is taken seriously or not, but Niedermayer over Raffy so far this season? HELL NO.

Ugh. I'm so pissed Hank is out. I wanted to see him in the skills competition. But as long as his back is going to be fine then that's all that matters.

[Uncle Danny 155]

Funny how in one thread here people are complaining about Z not getting his due, stardom wise, and in here people are saying they're glad he's going to sit out his second all-star game. Just an observation, mind you.

Personally, I'm glad Z is resting up, and I honestly think sending Niedermayer is a good thing for the league. He's got a huge name, reputation and list of accomplishments. The whole point of the ASG (IMO) is to draw in more of the casual fans, and to hopefully see them watch more games down the stretch. Having the storied captain of the Cup champs there is a great talking point. *shrug*

For reasons obvious to most on this board, I'm not a fan of the man, but you can't dispute how important to the league he's been. If the ASG was an actual exhibition designed to showcase and reward the top performers in the league, I'd be a little upset. Given that it isn't intended to be said showcase, I think it's a solid decision.

As an aside, Duck Guy, why are you on a Red Wings board? That's not intended as an insult, as I actually enjoy most of your posts. I'm just curious why a Ducks fan would hang out here.

Edited January 23, 2008 by Uncle Danny

[Duck Guy 86]

Funny how in one thread here people are complaining about Z not getting his due, stardom wise, and in here people are saying they're glad he's going to sit out his second all-star game. Just an observation, mind you.

Personally, I'm glad Z is resting up, and I honestly think sending Niedermayer is a good thing for the league. He's got a huge name, reputation and list of accomplishments. The whole point of the ASG (IMO) is to draw in more of the casual fans, and to hopefully see them watch more games down the stretch. Having the storied captain of the Cup champs there is a great talking point. *shrug*

For reasons obvious to most on this board, I'm not a fan of the man, but you can't dispute how important to the league he's been. If the ASG was an actual exhibition designed to showcase and reward the top performers in the league, I'd be a little upset. Given that it isn't intended to be said showcase, I think it's a solid decision.

As an aside, Duck Guy, why are you on a Red Wings board? That's not intended as an insult, as I actually enjoy most of your posts. I'm just curious why a Ducks fan would hang out here.

cuz the dux boards are stupid and the wings are prolly my 4th fav team. and the people here are awesome . And not to get to off track I will prolly be watching the all star game this year which is going to be my first time so nice to see scotty and perry in it.

[Guest Jeremy88]

1. Neidermeyer over Rafalski.....WHAT THE F**K?????????

2. If Z plays either tonight's LA game or the Anaheim game coming up...and then skips the All-Star game, I'll lose some respect for him. That's like the ultimate FU to the fans...say you don't want to play the ASG because your back hurts, but to play 2 games before that...

[edicius 3,269]

You know what, guys? We're missing the obvious here.

It doesn't matter if Niedermayer is in the ASG. Hell, it doesn't matter if Patrick Roy himself came out of retirement and jumped in net for the shootout competition.

All they'll be talking about on NBC will be Crosby.

[toby91_ca 620]

But this was given to him based on who he is and what he was last year. By the time the season ends he may have unbelievable numbers that show he deserves to be called an All Star, but when the game is in February you cannot use what he did last year or what he may do this year to judge whether or not he is an All star.

So, are you saying what happens in the last 30-40 games each year (i.e. after the allstar game) means nothing? Why wouldn't you consider a player's accomplishments since the last game?