Sidney Crosby will be the Penguins' representative at the 2019 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose this month, it was announced Wednesday. This is Crosby's eighth time being named to the All-Star Game.
But Kris Letang could use a little help to make that same trip.
The Metropolitan Division roster for the 3-on-3 tournament is comprised of six forwards, two defensemen, and two goaltenders. Only the Blue Jackets (Cam Atkison, Seth Jones) and Capitals (John Carlson, Braden Holtby) have more than one player on the Metropolitan Division roster.
With the original fan-voted captain Alex Ovechkin skipping the festivities, Crosby is a potential replacement as captain of the Metropolitan Division. Crosby said Wednesday morning that he isn't casting judgment on Ovechkin or anyone for not going. He's missed five All-Star games due to injuries in the past.
"It's up to every guy," Crosby said. "If they're in a position, if they don't mind missing a game as a result of it, it's his decision."
Crosby has contributed a goal and an assist in each of the last two All-Star Games and served previously as the Metropolitan captain in 2017.
There will be one more player named to the Metropolitan Division roster by fan vote. The Penguins' nominee for the final spot is Letang. Other nominees for the final Metropolitan Division spot are Teuvo Teravainen, Nick Foligno, Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee, Mats Zuccarello, Jakub Voracek, and Nicklas Backstrom.
Fans can vote for Letang here. Voting opens Thursday, Jan. 3, at 12 p.m. and closes Thursday, Jan. 10, at 11:59 p.m. If Letang is voted into the All-Star Game, it will be the fifth selection of his career.
Former Penguin Marc-Andre Fleury is the Golden Knights' representative for the Pacific Division. This will be Fleury's fourth All-Star Game.
The All-Star Skills Competition will take place Jan. 25, and the main event will follow Jan. 26.
To continue reading, log into your account: