Staal, Lidstrom named Captains

[A.E]

Eric Staal, Nicklas Lidstrom named 2011 NHL All-Star Game captains

Anyone who pictured Team Sidney Crosby vs. Team Alex Ovechkin in a fantasy draft will have to wait at least one year, because various sources report that Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal and unparalleled Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom were named the captains for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game.

Team Staal and Team Lidstrom’s alternate captains (two forwards and one defenseman) will be named at some point in the future.

With Crosby dealing with concussion symptoms, it’s understandable that the player voters went in another direction with the team captains. If you want a quick explanation why Staal and Lidstrom will wear the “C” for each team, here’s a quick rundown.

Staal: Obviously, Staal is the team captain because he represents the Hurricanes, aka All-Star Game host team. It’s probably pretty reasonable to guess that Staal would have been one of the captains anyway. While the big, talented center isn’t in the discussion for the top two players in the NHL, he’s still a great player who won’t be out of place.

Lidstrom: With Staal being in there by default, it’s likely that Lidstrom is Crosby’s “replacement.”

Considering the fact that he’s 40 years old and still an odds-on favorite for the Norris Trophy, maybe it’s better this way anyway. Casual hockey fans need to know just how peerless Lidstrom has been during his hockey career, so maybe this will solidify that fact in their minds.

***

It’s not exactly a natural rivalry, but Team Staal vs. Team Lidstrom should still be a lot of fun. Don’t be surprised if it ends up being a match between two Eastern and Western Conference-leaning teams, either.

-PHT

I'm glad this is how the voting turned out...I'm a little sick of the "Crosby vs. Ovechkin" show. I'm sure Sid's concussion has a lot to do with him not being voted a captain...but what does this say about Ovechkin? Are people only as interested in Ovechkin being in the spotlight when it's head to head with Sidney?

 

[sheed]

So happy Lidstrom got captain, even though I really didn't see that coming. He honestly deserves it. I am excited to see who he picks now.

 

[playmaker7]

Knew Staal was gonna be a captain. Wished Crosby was but its whatever he'll be the first one picked if he's gonna play

 

[King-Oli]

Nice ! Staal Captain nice for Hurricanes Fans for the All Star game in Carloina

 

[Lake Louise]

When I saw this I was shocked but he Lidstrom definitely deserves it. I just didn't expect the only Red Wing to be the captain.

 

[Phil The Thrill]

Knew Staal was gonna be a captain. Wished Crosby was but its whatever he'll be the first one picked if he's gonna play

It would be funny if they made Crosby and Ovie the last two picks, each team gets one of them. I heard talk of them doing so.