The players have voted, and Detroit Red Wing defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal have been selected as captains for the NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, NC on January 30.
Lidstrom is having yet another spectacular year in the 19th season of his Hall of Fame-worthy career for the Detroit Red Wings. At age 39, Lidstrom leads all NHL defensemen in points scored with 42.
Staal is the captain of the hometown Carolina Hurricanes, and an easy selection as captain of the second All-Star team. His 22 goals on the season place him eighth in the NHL, and he is leading his Hurricanes into surprising playoff contention.
Both players will select their own roster from a list of 40 players, including the Colorado Avalanche’s star forward Matt Duchene. Alternate captains will be named after both rosters are selected.