In preparation for this Friday's draft and the weekend's events, Michael Gleich of Bleeding All Blue and I joined forces and put together a mock 2011 NHL All-Star Draft. I played the role of Eric Staal and Mike did so as Nik Lidstrom, drafting two opposing teams based on how we think each Captain will do tomorrow. What you see below is the team that I drafted and explanations for each pick.
Also, check out Mike's team over on his blog.
TEAM STAAL
Captain: Eric Staal
Alternate: Mike Green
Alternate: Ryan Kesler
Round 1 - Steven Stamkos, C
Selecting Steven Stamkos first overall was a no-brainer. The kid leads the league in goals (38) and points (67) and is a dynamic offensive player. He will center a heavily skilled first line.
Round 2 - Tim Thomas, G
Tim Thomas has been the NHL’s best goaltender in the league by far this season. He is atop the list of all netminders in save percentage, GAA and shutouts. With Timmy in net, our chances of winning this game are quite high.
Round 3 - Alexander Ovechkin, LW
Wanted to give Stamkos the best possible winger, and there is doubt that Alex Ovechkin will be a joy to play with. He shows emotion, he is colorful and has a frightening shot.
Round 4 - Danny Briere, RW
Danny Briere is on pace to have a career year with the Philadelphia Flyers. The skillful winger has 26 goals on the season and will be relied on to help carry the team’s offense.
Round 5 - Kris Letang, D
In the All-Star Game, you are not necessarily looking for blocked shots from your defensemen; you will be looking for offense. Kris Letang was selected to this club to provide offense from the blue-line, and he has done that consistently throughout his career.
Round 6 - Cam Ward, G
Cam Ward was an easy choice for the team’s second goaltender being that he is a hometown boy and also teammates with Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner. We know what to expect from Wardo, and that is superb netminding.
Round 7 - Claude Giroux, RW
Claude Giroux is having a spectacular season with the Philadelphia Flyers this season, becoming a real threat up front. The team will look to Giroux for secondary scoring.
Round 8 - Corey Perry, RW
You don’t often hear about Corey Perry since he plays out in Anaheim, but this guy is something special. He is currently ninth in the league in scoring, and while he knows how to put the puck in the net, he is also a prolific playmaker. Expect him to create some fancy plays in Sunday’s game.
Round 9 - Duncan Keith, D
This guy is a winner. Duncan Keith gives you everything as a defenseman, which was made evident in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. He is a leader and an all around good teammate. He is definitely someone the team targeted going into the draft.
Round 10 - Marc-Andre Fleury, G
M-A Fleury rounds out the goaltending for Team Staal. Fleury is a stellar goaltender that always makes the big saves. Plus, he is used to playing with Kris Letang in front of him on defense.
Round 11 - Dan Boyle, D
Dan Boyle is arguably one of the best offensive-defensemen of all time. He can move the puck up to the offense with ease and also knows how to let the slap shots rip from the point. He is a solid addition to the blue-line.
Round 12 - Patrick Sharp, LW
At this point of the draft the club was in need of a left wing, so why not go with a veteran presence in the Blackhawks’ Patrick Sharp. Sharpie has 26 goals for Chicago this season and is a strong winger to have on roster.
Round 13 - Keith Yandle, D
Keith Yandle has been a key part in the Coyotes’ success this season, and as a defenseman, brings a lot to the ice. Yandle is very poise out there and is comfortable when having to defend the opposition’s top talents. Yandle is a late gem for Team Staal.
Round 14 - Anze Kopitar, C
Kopitar is a major piece of the young offensive powerhouse over in Los Angeles. He is very creative with the puck and uses his size well. He is a player that the team is excited to have on offense.
Round 15 - Erik Karlsson, D
The young Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators wraps up the defense for Team Staal. He is very reliable in the back-end and will enjoy playing against fellow Swedes Henrik and Daniel Sedin of Team Lidstrom.
Round 16 - Jeff Skinner, C/LW
Jeff Skinner is a crowd favorite and one of the top performing rookies in the National Hockey League this season. He can score pretty goals and is also fun to watch with the puck on his blade. And don’t forget about his excellent skating abilities.
Round 17 - Phil Kessel, RW
Phil Kessel will produce no matter who he plays with, which is why he is a great pick-up for this team. It does not matter who his linemates are, he will find ways to score and is also an easy player to develop chemistry with. Phil will fit right in on Team Staal.
Round 18 - David Backes, C/RW
Last but not least is David Backes. Backes defines what a power forward is all about and will bring some grit to this skilled lineup. He may have been Team Staal’s last pick, but his role on squad will be of great importance.
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