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The NHL All-Star fan vote is alive and well. You can participate by clicking here
The past couple years have been a bit of a disappointment for Red Wings representation. Ever since Dylan Larkin broke the “fastest skater… record, he has been passed over for Mike Green and Jimmy Howard. There are many who want to see he and McDavid finally go head to head. The debates about Larkin’s ownership of the record are loud and passionate. Still, it would have been nice to see him have the chance to defend the title.
Larkin, going into the year, was my natural choice. However, Mantha (when healthy) seems to have become the goal scorer he was drafted to be. He has 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 25 games played. His skating and attack have improved greatly, and he may well have the best shot on the team. Mantha would certainly be a welcome addition to the all star team.
However, it is Tyler Bertuzzi who has most impressed me this year. With 10 goals and 14 assists in 30 games, he seems to be present in every single contest. Bert is relentless on the forecheck, and seems to give every bit of what he has in all three zones. The “blue collar… presence on the top line, Tyler continues to impress and more than justify his second round selection that seemed to surprise most of the hockey world.
If a defenseman were to go, Filip Hronek would be the obvious choice. With 5 goals and 8 assists in 28 games, Hronek averages just over 23 minutes per night. He has a fantastic shot and has been another pleasant surprise from a development standpoint.
However, in the interest of pure speed, it’s hard to ignore Andreas Athanasiou. The crew at NHL tonight have pondered he and McDavid going head to head. Is it possible that A.A. could take first place as fastest skater? He’s also a lot of fun in 3 on 3 competition. After a slow start, Athanasiou has 5 goals and 10 assists in 28 games. His second half should be greatly improved.
Finally, in the surprise category, newcomer Robby Fabbri. 5 goals and 5 assists in 13 games played, the former first round pick of St. Louis has fit right in. He is an all around player, and one that would be a nice long term addition. It would be a fantastic reward for the effort he’s put in to try and help Detroit turn things around.
All in all, there are several good candidates this year. Put your favorite in the comments section and where you’d like to see them compete. For instance, I’d like to see Mantha in the accuracy contest if he were to get the call. This should be some fun and levity after what’s been a difficult first 30 games. There are several reasons to think that this team will be headed in the right direction. It’s a good time to reward the top players with a trip to the all star game.
Thanks to everyone who takes time to read and comment! I appreciate it!
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