The NHL will host its annual All-Star Game this weekend and the game will feature two teams from different divisions, a pair of top-four teams, and one of the best teams in the NHL.
But who should you be rooting for?
ESPN’s NHL expert Craig Custance breaks down who you should root for this year.1.
Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews, D Chicago’s Jonathan Toiwies won the Calder Trophy in 2012 and is one of just three players in NHL history to win three MVP awards.
Toews was named to the league’s All-Rookie team this season.
He led the league in scoring, goals, assists, plus/minus, and points.2.
Nashville Predators: Filip Forsberg, C Nashville’s Filip Forssberg had his best season since he became a starter in 2015-16, posting 30 goals and 57 points.
Forsberg is an absolute superstar.
He has the puck all over the ice and plays a physical game.3.
New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, D New York’s Ryan Stroms offensive skills have been on full display in the AHL this season, as he led the team with 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) and a plus-minus rating of plus-21.
The Islanders are playing in the first of three games against the Boston Bruins on Saturday and Sunday.4.
Boston Bruins: David Krejci, LW Boston’s David Krei has been a steady force for the Bruins this season with a .907 save percentage, which is the second-best in the league behind the Philadelphia Flyers.
Krejc has seven goals and eight assists in 18 games.5.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Kris Letang, C Pittsburgh’s Kris Letaangs offensive prowess has been on display this season as he has 13 goals and 20 points in 20 games.6.
Washington Capitals: Marcus Johansson, LW Washington’s Marcus Johansons offensive skill has been an impressive one for Washington, as the defenseman has 14 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 23 games.7.
Los Angeles Kings: Dylan Strome Jr., D Los Angeles’s Dylan Strom’s offensive prowess with the Los Angeles Lakers has been as impressive as his numbers.
Strom has a plus/plus rating of 14 points in 18 contests.8.
Carolina Hurricanes: Jonathan Marchessault, LW Carolina’s Jonathan Marchelssault has been playing on the top line with Justin Faulk in the KHL.
The Hurricanes are playing the first game of a back-to-back series against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.9.
New Jersey Devils: Seth Jones, D The New Jersey native has been outstanding for the Devils this season and has played a vital role in helping the Devils to a 9-3-0 record.10.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Nikita Kucherov, C The Pittsburgh native has had an incredible season with the Panthers, who have won 12 of their last 15 games.
Kuchelv has a +12 rating in his last 16 games.11.
Nashville Titans: Tyson Barrie, LW Nashville’s Tyson Barriers offensive play has been impressive in the Tennessee League this season after the team posted a 2.73 goals-against average and .871 save percentage in 18 regular-season games.12.
Boston University: Zach Werenski, D Boston University’s Zach Werelski has been one of two players in NCAA history to record a shutout in each of his first six starts.
He is tied for second on the team in goals and is tied with fellow Boston University teammate Nick Bonino for the lead in assists.13.
Chicago Wolves: Jake Muzzin, C Chicago’s Jake Mulsin has been stellar for the Wolves this season playing in all 12 games.
The Wolves are in the second game of the back-and-forth with the New York Rangers on Saturday.14.
Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux, C Philadelphia’s Claude Girououx has been solid for the Flyers this season in the offensive zone, with nine goals and 21 points in 23 contests.15.
St. Louis Blues: Jake Allen, C St. Lucie’s Jake Allen has been strong for the Blues this season scoring seven goals in 13 games.16.
Buffalo Sabres: Mikko Koivu, D Buffalo’s Mikko Kucheru is one to watch in the Buffalo Sabres lineup this season for the first time since 2014-15, as Buffalo is playing the second of back- to-back games against Ottawa on Saturday night and Sunday night.17.
Carolina Panthers: Alex Tanguay, LW Cam Ward is the only player in NHL playoff history to lead the Panthers to the Stanley Champion trophy.
He was a Vezina finalist last season.18.
Edmonton Oilers: Cam Talbot, C Cam Talbots offensive production has been nothing short of elite this season while playing in two different divisions.
He had a plus rating
