When the NHL hosts its 60th annual All-Star game in Columbus on January 25th, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be represented by forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
For Crosby, this will be the ninth All-Star appearance for the Penguins 27-year-old captain. Though his goal scoring is down this season, Crosby still is among the league leaders in scoring with 43 points (11 g, 32 a) and is still widely regarded as one the top players in hockey.
Malkin will head to Columbus for his sixth All-Star appearance and is having one of his best seasons in Pittsburgh. Not only does Malkin lead the Penguins in goals (18) and points (45), he has arguably been the better of the two superstars this season. His consistent production has been crucial for the Penguins as they have dealt with an incredible number of injuries.
Three other Pens, forward Patric Hornqvist, defenseman Kris Letang and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury were all considered strong candidates for selection, but were ultimately left off the roster. The full rosters can be seen HERE.
Time missed with injuries did not help Hornqvist or Letang’s cause, but both still made solid cases for All-Star recognition. Hornqvist, the key piece in the James Neal trade with Nashville, has an impressive scoring line of 13 goals and 16 assists in 33 games. While Letang has bounced back from a tough 2013-14 campaign to score eight goals and tally 17 assists in 35 games.
Fleury will miss the All-Star game for the first time in five seasons. Though, a case can be made for Fleury (20 wins, 2.2o goals against average, league-leading six shutouts) the position was loaded with a number of top performers this season.
