They Were Robbed! 7 NHL All-Star Game Snubs
By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns
On Sunday, the NHL and the city of Columbus will host the 2015 All-Star Game. As always, there are some pretty notable snubs who will not be attending the festivities. Here are three from the local teams, as well as four others from outside the area:
1) Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers
Hank is one of the top goaltenders in the world, and though it's been suggested he politely asked not to play, his absence is still somewhat of a surprise.
2) P.K. Subban, Canadiens
Not only is Subban one of the most exciting defensemen in the game, but he's arguably one of the most exciting players in the sport, regardless of position. His exclusion is astounding.
3) Erik Karlsson, Senators
See: Subban, P.K.
4) Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings
There are people who will still tell you he's the best player in hockey. I don't necessarily agree with that sentiment, but I will say that he's one of the finest talents I've ever seen. He should've been selected.
5) Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals
Backstrom has 47 points in 46 games this season, and yet that somehow wasn't good enough to get him to Columbus. He's played a major role in the Capitals' climb up the Metropolitan Division standings.
6) Kyle Okposo, Islanders
He's put up nearly identical point totals to John Tavares this season (Okposo has 44, Tavares has 45) and is having an outstanding year.
7) Jaromir Jagr, Devils
Even Patrik Elias admitted he didn't deserve to go to the All-Star game. Really, it's his teammate and fellow countryman Jagr who should get one last swan song. The soon-to-be 43-year-old has 25 points to Elias' 20 this season.