Penguins' James Neal added to All Star roster

**BlackNGoldRules** · Jan-25-2012, 01:39 PM

By Mike Brehm, USA TODAY

Published: 1/25/2012 11:35:17 AM

Last season,the Pittsburgh Penguins added winger James Neal near the trade deadline as a go-to scorer who might lift them to the top.

He disappointed by getting one goal down the stretch.

Tuesday night,Neal scored his 27th goal,which ties his career high and ties him for the second in the league.

He was rewarded for his strong start Wednesday by being named as an All-Star replacement for AlexOvechkin.

Ovechkin,who was suspended for three games on Monday,opted Tuesday not to go to the weekend events in Ottawa because he didn't want to be a distraction. He would have been able to go under league rules,but the league told the Capitals that the choice was up to Ovechkin,who had been named this season for the fifth time.

"I love the game," he told reporters at the team's practice facility in Arlington,Va. "It's a great event. I'd love to be there,but I'm suspended. I don't want to be a target. I don't feel like I deserve to be there right now. If I'm suspended,I have to be suspended."

The final All-Star position went to a member of the Capitals' biggest rival.

The Penguins,who had just one representative when the players were named earlier this month,now will have three people there.

Neal will be joined by Evgeni Malkin,who was originally named,and defenseman Kris Letang. Letang got off to a strong start but was sidelined for 21 games by a concussion. He returned last week and was named this week to replace injured Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien.

Dallas Stars representative Jamie Benn,meanwhile,is still planning to go to Ottawa and is probable to play in the Jan. 29 All-Star Game. He had an appendectomy on Jan. 15 but has been skating the past few days,including Wednesday morning.

The fantasy draft will be Thursday night (8,NBC Sports Network) with Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson and Boston's Zdeno Chara choosing the teams.

**Kipper** · Jan-25-2012, 02:04 PM

as my article yesterday said... Neal deserved this

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-25-2012, 02:58 PM

Neal and Malkin on opposite teams? Could happen.

**BlackNGoldRules** · Jan-25-2012, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by (419)BlackNGold

Neal and Malkin on opposite teams? Could happen.

Yeah, with their new format, anything is possible.

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-26-2012, 06:29 AM

If I'm Chara, I take Malkin with my 1st pick. Do I take Neal (for chemistry) with my 2nd pick?

(I'm assuming Alffie will take a dman first)

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-26-2012, 09:46 PM

Neal & Letang on Team Alfredsson

Malkin on Team Chara

Complete Rosters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=76666

**BlackNGoldRules** · Jan-27-2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by (419)BlackNGold

Neal & Letang on Team Alfredsson

Malkin on Team Chara

Complete Rosters: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=76666

You know, it's like James Neal has the quietest 27 goals ever at an all star break. He's only even on the roster to begin with because Ovagkin dropped out, then during the fantasy draft, he gets picked 14th out of 19 rounds. Maybe Neal can score a quiet 50 goals for us this season when all is said and done!

**exNCite** · Jan-27-2012, 04:47 PM

I'm embarrassed, but when did the "pick-up" games start? Was the first choice determined by using a hockey stick to see who was the last one who could put their hands on the end or did they just do 1-2-3 shoot?

I thought it was the East vs the West.

Guess it's like bdeff's Pro Bowl. This AS game isn't very interesting either.

**BlackNGoldRules** · Jan-27-2012, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by exNCite

I'm embarrassed, but when did the "pick-up" games start? Was the first choice determined by using a hockey stick to see who was the last one who could put their hands on the end or did they just do 1-2-3 shoot?

I thought it was the East vs the West.

Guess it's like bdeff's Pro Bowl. This AS game isn't very interesting either.

I think they started this format last year. I read that they flip a puck to determine who picks first. The NHL likes to play around with their all star game formats it seems. Remember North America vs. The World? That idea didn't last very long and I bet this one won't either. They're trying to generate interest in it, but most people, outside of the cities that host them, don't care too much about all star games anymore, I don't think.