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Ovechkin’s All-Star nod comes down to marketing, fan service

58th NHL All-Star Game Portraits

poses for a portrait before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Harry How

For many increasingly cynical hockey fans, pointing out All-Star Game snubs is possibly the most entertaining part of the entire process. (OK, the fantasy draft might have wrestled the championship belt away, though.)

Such critics must be having a field day with the fact that Alex Ovechkin made it into the group despite producing far below the formidable standards he set for himself. (Scoring 33 points in 41 games isn’t exactly a disaster, but yes, there were likely plenty of worthier candidates.)

The thing is, the counterargument is pretty simple: All-Star Games are essentially exhibitions for the fans and sponsors’ sake, so why not bring in the biggest draw the league has with Sidney Crosby on the shelf? Ovechkin’s teammates think that it’s a pretty simple decision, as the Washington Times’ Stephen Whyno reports.

“It’s important to have him there for the league because he draws so [many] fans,” Capitals forward Jason Chimera said. “The passion he has for the game, I think it’s a no-brainer.”

I cannot help but agree, even if it’s not the ideal scenario. Ovechkin shouldn’t be mad if Phil Kessel ends up laughing at him if he goes last in this year’s fantasy draft, though.