Raleigh, N.C.
With the Carolina Hurricanes doing so well this season, it would be a travesty that no one from this outfit will go to Dallas for the All Star game. Many should also be considered to start the game as well. Here are some of the candidates that should be considered for the All Star and Young Stars game from the Canes:
Rick DiPietro - Many saw him as the cornerstone to this organisation when he was first traded to Carolina from the Isles. This season he improved the team immensely defensively. Despite the porous defense in front of him at times, he has handled himself adequately and has saved the team a few times this season. His record is comparable to those in the conference.
Sandis Ozolinsh - A big contract comes big expectation. Primarily brought in for his PP skills which has yet to yield a goal on special teams. However, it has been his even strength play that has impressed the masses. Originally slotted on the 2nd line, he turned rookie Lee Stempniak into a world beater. Since being placed on the top line, another rookie in Alexander Ovechkin has come to life. His stats are not that appealing but stats lie some times.
Stu Barnes - Scorers are generally the ones that get sent to the All Star games. But some times guys like Barnes should get rewarded for his work at the other end. He leads the team in plus minus with +17 on a team that ranges from -6 to 8 with a majority of it starters in minus territory. This guy has spent the majority of the season on the 2nd/3rd line depending on the situation. His experience has been invaluable especially for youngster such as Stempniak, Ryan Craig and Ryan Kesler.
Alexander Ovechkin - This guy will garner votes for both the All Star game and Youngstars game. He is a definitely a shoo-in for the Youngstar game. He leads the team in most of the categories on offer. He is currently in the top 5 in rookie scoring. The scary thing is that he has played approximately ten less games then the next rookie in that top 5. Will he catch them by the end of the season, it will be interesting to watch.
Lee Stempniak - His first full season with the club. He seemed destined for the minors at the start of the season. He showed enough at the training to warrant a spot on the line up. He has been a staple on the 2nd line. Amazingly, he has a plus minus of 15 that ranks him 2nd on the team. This places him in near the top in terms of rookies.
Dion Phaneuf - Much was expected of him for this season. Many can see the Scott Stevens resemblance. He has been solid but not spectacular. In the East, he only has to contend with Freddy Meyer, Trevor Daley and Fedor Tyutin. It seems that these four will represent the East for the Youngstars game. However, he has been averaging about 25 min/game and played in a wide variety of situations.
There are some of your Canes that you could be cheering for should you Canes fans vote online at HFNHL.com
With the Carolina Hurricanes doing so well this season, it would be a travesty that no one from this outfit will go to Dallas for the All Star game. Many should also be considered to start the game as well. Here are some of the candidates that should be considered for the All Star and Young Stars game from the Canes:
Rick DiPietro - Many saw him as the cornerstone to this organisation when he was first traded to Carolina from the Isles. This season he improved the team immensely defensively. Despite the porous defense in front of him at times, he has handled himself adequately and has saved the team a few times this season. His record is comparable to those in the conference.
Sandis Ozolinsh - A big contract comes big expectation. Primarily brought in for his PP skills which has yet to yield a goal on special teams. However, it has been his even strength play that has impressed the masses. Originally slotted on the 2nd line, he turned rookie Lee Stempniak into a world beater. Since being placed on the top line, another rookie in Alexander Ovechkin has come to life. His stats are not that appealing but stats lie some times.
Stu Barnes - Scorers are generally the ones that get sent to the All Star games. But some times guys like Barnes should get rewarded for his work at the other end. He leads the team in plus minus with +17 on a team that ranges from -6 to 8 with a majority of it starters in minus territory. This guy has spent the majority of the season on the 2nd/3rd line depending on the situation. His experience has been invaluable especially for youngster such as Stempniak, Ryan Craig and Ryan Kesler.
Alexander Ovechkin - This guy will garner votes for both the All Star game and Youngstars game. He is a definitely a shoo-in for the Youngstar game. He leads the team in most of the categories on offer. He is currently in the top 5 in rookie scoring. The scary thing is that he has played approximately ten less games then the next rookie in that top 5. Will he catch them by the end of the season, it will be interesting to watch.
Lee Stempniak - His first full season with the club. He seemed destined for the minors at the start of the season. He showed enough at the training to warrant a spot on the line up. He has been a staple on the 2nd line. Amazingly, he has a plus minus of 15 that ranks him 2nd on the team. This places him in near the top in terms of rookies.
Dion Phaneuf - Much was expected of him for this season. Many can see the Scott Stevens resemblance. He has been solid but not spectacular. In the East, he only has to contend with Freddy Meyer, Trevor Daley and Fedor Tyutin. It seems that these four will represent the East for the Youngstars game. However, he has been averaging about 25 min/game and played in a wide variety of situations.
There are some of your Canes that you could be cheering for should you Canes fans vote online at HFNHL.com
