Rickard Rakell has been the Anaheim Ducks best weapon this season. He's been the one guy you could count on to make something happen when he's on the oce  the ice and because of that, he's an NHL All-Star For the first time in his career.

The game will take place in Tampa, FL on Jan. 28th and consists of a 3-on-3 tournament featuring four teams from each division.

At just 24 years old, Rakell is coming into his own as an elite NHL scorer. He has 15 goals and 31 points in 38 games, both team highs after leading the Ducks with a career-high 33 goals last season. If you believe the word "elite" is an overstatement, consider that he was one of only 26 players in the world to score 30 or more goals in the NHL last season. That's the definition of "elite."

Rakell is playing top line minutes and producing like a top line player. He deserves a spot in the All-Star game.  Other than maybe John Gibson, nobody deserves it more than Rakell.

Before I go I need to get something off my chest. Why are "fans" still complaining about Anaheim's goaltending? Gibson is 18th among starters in GAA at 2.65 and 10th in save percentage at .923. The Ducks tandem of Ryan Miller and Gibson ranks 8th is GAA at 2.62, 3rd in save percentage at .921 and 8th in total goals allowed with 115 in 43 games. Can we stop complaining about the Ducks goalies moving forward? Please and thank you.

I digress....

Here is the rest of the Pacific Division roster:

Pacific Division

F Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
F Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
F Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (Captain)
F James Neal, Las Vegas Golden Knights
F Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks
D Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks
D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes
G Marc-Andre Fleury, Las Vegas Golden Knights
G Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
Head Coach: Gerard Gallant, Las Vegas Golden Knights

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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