Ottawa Senators popular in All-Star ballot

After a very successful all-star weekend in Carolina last season, the popular event crosses the border into Canada later this month to Ottawa, the home of the Senators.

Five skaters and one goaltender were selected, as usual, by the public prior to the event and the results of the 2012 ballot were released a few days ago. There were no surprises when four Ottawa Senators were in the top six as Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Erik Karlsson all gained a ticket to the weekend. The other two players to make the six were Dion Phaneuf, the Toronto defenseman and Tim Thomas, the Boston goaltender.

Many people feel that the way Ottawa gained four representatives out of six is wrong and purely down to the fact that the event is being held in Ottawa. Sidney Crosby getting a very high number of votes despite hardly playing at all this season says a lot about the voting system. The way that he came ahead of the likes of Gaborik, Neal and Toews is wrong and is something that the NHL should try and alter if they want to keep the system in future years.

Despite the controversy, I am really glad that four Senators topped the all-star ballot. Going into the season many people really saw a season of rebuild for the Sens after GM Bryan Murray had a clear out and brought in the youngsters. The Sens have thrived so far and they currently occupy a playoff berth with 22 wins and 50 points. They play an entertaining brand of hockey and in doing so have beaten some of the top teams in the league.

The four Sens players selected for the all-star game have all been pivotal in the Sens’ great success. It all starts with their captain, Swedish right winger Daniel Alfredsson. If you are looking for experience, talent and consistency, here is your man. He is a natural leader and shows huge levels of passion on the ice as well as scoring a good amount of points. If anyone deserves a place at the all-star weekend being played in Ottawa it is most definitely Daniel Alfredsson.

Alfredsson’s line mate Jason Spezza is the core of the Senators and has been for a few years since he was brought to Ottawa in exchange for Alexei Yashin. Despite a brief cold patch earlier in the year, Spezza tops Ottawa in points scoring with 42 in 43 games. He is a delightful passer of the puck and his health is crucial to the Sens this season.

The third Senator to make the all-star weekend is Erik Karlsson, the young defenseman, who is currently enjoying a sublime season making him being seen as one of the best defenseman in the league in wider circles. The youngster does struggle without the puck at times. However, he is the best offensive defenseman in the league in my opinion. With 35 assists and 41 points, a lot of teams would love to have Karlsson on their roster as his puck distribution is as good as any. Along with Spezza, it is crucial for Karlsson to stay fit as he is a crucial part of the Ottawa team, especially on the powerplay.

Czech Milan Michalek wouldn’t have been on many people’s lists at the start of the season to gain an all-star spot through the ballet, but he has done just that. He has been a surprising success for the Sens this season and he topped the goal scoring tally in the league a short time ago before picking up a concussion. I am pleased that Michalek got the attention he deserved and I am sure all four of the Senators will do the team proud after such a great season up to now.

The all-star game itself takes place on January 29th at Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, and it should be a great spectacle as always.