All-Star Draft Sees Richards And Eriksson Stay Together

by Art Middleton on Jan 28, 2011 8:24 PM CST in Dallas Stars Events

They have wrapped up the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft. Rosters are now all filled out and all that's left is to see these men spend the next two days playing ~~inspired hockey that will no doubt capture the imagination of sports fans worldwide~~ at half to maybe at most three-quarters pace so as to not hurt themselves before the real intense hockey starts next week.

Richards went the moment all six goalies needed to be picked and it seems predictably it was Lidstrom teammate Martin St. Louis that lobbied to bring Richards into the team as he quipped "I just sent him a text message and he agreed to go to wing." Loui however wasn't quite as in demand being the league-wide underrated talent he is as he waited until the second last round of the draft before being picked by fellow countryman Nick Lidstrom.

This makes things easy for Dallas fans as it's clear we will (or at least should) be throwing our support behind the Blue team.

Overall the whole draft presentation and execution wasn't too bad save for the likes of "famed" hockey analyst Pierre McGuire taking it way too seriously. Personally I wouldn't mind seeing something like this draft format carry on in the future for the NHL as it's bound to be better and have more polish over the years. As the case seems to be with most "first times" it felt a little awkward and we'll probably look back at it with a little red faced embarrassment.

After the jump, we go over both rosters in the order they were picked... Don't forget that tomorrow night for the skills competition and Sunday afternoon during the actual game we here at Defending Big D will have live game day threads for everyone to chat away and share in, so be sure to join us!

*Team Staal*	*Team Lidstrom*
Eric Staal (C)	Nicklas Lidstrom (C)
Mike Green (A)	Patrick Kane (A)
Ryan Kesler (A)	Martin St. Louis (A)
Cam Ward	Steven Stamkos
Alex Ovechkin	Duncan Keith
Daniel Sedin	Henrik Sedin
Zdeno Chara	Shea Weber
Rick Nash	Tim Thomas
Henrik Lundqvist	Danny Briere
Marc Staal	Dustin Byfuglien
Patrick Sharp	Jonathan Toews
Dan Boyle	Marc-Andre Fleury
Carey Price	Jonas Hiller
Jeff Skinner	Brad Richards
Kris Letang	Keith Yandle
Claude Giroux	Brent Burns
Erik Karlsson	Martin Havlat
Corey Perry	Anze Kopitar
Patrik Elias	Matt Duchene
David Backes	Loui Eriksson
Paul Stastny	Phil Kessel

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It may have been awkward

But it was also entertaining and, at times, hysterical. I can deal with a little awkward if it’s going to be as amusing as that turned out.

by Erin Bolen on Jan 28, 2011 8:30 PM CST reply actions

That was so much fun!

I especially enjoyed Ovie taking a picture of Kessel sitting all alone.

As for Brad and Loui, I would have been very disappointed if they were on separate teams. I’m glad it all worked out!

Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.

by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Jan 28, 2011 8:32 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Cant believe Loui went that far back. He is in the top 10 points leaders...Come on Lidstrom! He's a Swede too...

by k9mike on Jan 28, 2011 8:33 PM CST reply actions

But he's Loui Eriksson.

He doesn’t have the big name that the others do.

Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.

by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Jan 28, 2011 8:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I was thinking that about them being fellow Swedes.

Did like how Loui was recognized as a possible Lady Byng candidate.

Dallas Stars, #1 in the Pacific Division!

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Jan 28, 2011 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

I cannot stand McGuire

He really does know what hes talking about. However his personality is abrassive, and very annoying. He will single out one player in every game he commentates, mention this player and how “Monster” he is about 50 times in the game. Not to mention coining certain phrases and blatantly abusing them. And anyone who has heard him talk about Zach Parise knows exactly what I am talking about.

by brendan1 on Jan 28, 2011 8:40 PM CST reply actions

I agree.

Pierre McGuire sucks. We needed Marty around to give him the eye.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmR1Gpkhpw

by Jenny Z on Jan 28, 2011 8:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

lol....I loved seeing that when I watched the game last weekend.

Dallas Stars, #1 in the Pacific Division!

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Jan 28, 2011 8:59 PM CST up reply actions

Pierre McGuire's Monster pic is!!!!!....

What. An. Idiot.

Golf Leafs Golf!

by accharbs on Jan 29, 2011 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

that. is. awesome.

I love turco

The Stars will have a 3 game win streak within their first 6 games. Mark my words!

by Tsudbury on Jan 29, 2011 9:01 AM CST up reply actions

For all the mocking of this draft format...

I thought that was actually pretty cool.

I’m glad Brad and Loui are on the same side and most of the Blackhawks (my second favorite team) guys are on their too, so I’m definitely Team Lidstrom.

by cms1171 on Jan 28, 2011 8:43 PM CST reply actions

I unfortunately didn't get to see the draft...hope it was fun to watch

The Blackhawks are my second favorite team as well. (I really like the fact they call the Wings “Scum.”)
I’m also really happy to see that Brad and Loui are on the same team.
This should make for a very entertaining All-Star Game. Go Team Lidstrom (the only time I’d EVER say that).

Don't play F A G! Do not play F A G! Don't- (BLAST F). OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU (BLAST A) DOING?! I SAID NOT TO (BLAST G)!

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jan 28, 2011 8:46 PM CST up reply actions

Even though I already liked the Hawks, it's hard not to get behind a team whose fans call the Wings "Scum"

I can’t believe Loui went so late – I would have thought Brad would have been lobbying for him. Glad that they’re still together and on a team with Toews, Byfuglien, Keith….too bad Sharpie is on the other team.

And lucky Phil Kessel. Those weren’t bad perks for a guy who is probably going to be teased about being picked last.

There were a few non-suprises – figured Staal would pick Cam Ward first (and would eventually pick Marc, as well), figured Brad would end up with St. Louis, figured the Sedins would get split up (just too much drama anticipated in separating them).

Dallas Stars, #1 in the Pacific Division!

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Jan 28, 2011 8:57 PM CST up reply actions

It's going to be fun to watch...if I can

If I can’t watch it I’m gonna be furious.

Don't play F A G! Do not play F A G! Don't- (BLAST F). OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU (BLAST A) DOING?! I SAID NOT TO (BLAST G)!

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jan 28, 2011 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

The All-Star draft was really pretty fun to watch

… much more exciting than past All Star games weekend kick-off, I think the players really cared. And we have cemented that the Dallas Stars players are underrated. No worries, Loui didn’t go last and Richie shoul’ve gone higher! Whooo!

by KStars on Jan 28, 2011 8:46 PM CST reply actions

Given the perks Kessel got, it wouldn't have been too bad to go last.

Dallas Stars, #1 in the Pacific Division!

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Jan 28, 2011 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

true, true

Plus being in TO he must own a car dealership by now, JK.

by KStars on Jan 28, 2011 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

How in the hell are you guys fans of the Stars AND Hawks??

That’s just not right, lol.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Blogging The Boys - Dallas Cowboys, all the time.... since 2005

by Brandon Worley on Jan 28, 2011 9:18 PM CST via mobile reply actions

I live in Iowa and all the Hawks games are televised here.

With Dallas out of the playoffs the past couple years, i adopted the Hawks so I had someone to cheer for in the playoffs. They’re a fun team to watch and I like a lot of their players.

by cms1171 on Jan 28, 2011 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

Thats kind of like someone saying the Stars and Ducks, or Sharks

are their two favorite teams! Though I recognize those very heated division games were over a decade ago now.

Actually, I was cheering for the Hawks last playoff. They had been bad for so long. And we’ve been in different divisions a long time now.

by 1paniolo on Jan 28, 2011 9:59 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think it's the same thing at all.

I hate the Ducks and the Sharks. I also loathe the Kings and strongly dislike the Coyotes.

I don’t see the Hawks as a natural rival for the Stars now, being in different divisions. I wasn’t following hockey back when it was (apparently) a heated division rivalry. And they are my regional team and they’re on TV all the time here. I’m a hockey fan, so I watch their games. And it’s hard not to appreciate the talents of some of their players.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a #1 team, but also being a fan of another team and rooting for them except when they play your #1.

by cms1171 on Jan 29, 2011 11:41 AM CST up reply actions

Oh, I understand your reasons.

It’s just hard for anyone that was a fan of the Stars in those days since Chicago was pretty much our #1 rival. If we realigned again, in 10 years I’m sure you would have a hard time thinking of cheering for the Sharks or Ducks.

by 1paniolo on Jan 29, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

For people who

have not been fans since the Minnesota days, is it really hard to understand? I mean I am 24 and have really only been following since 98’ so I have absolutely 0 bad feelings towards the Hawks. After the Pens I was def. pulling for them in the playoffs.

by brendan1 on Jan 28, 2011 10:21 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly. Also, as much as I love the Stars, I am also a hockey fan.

And lastly, I have family in Chicago and my aunt and I like getting together online and cheering/commiserating together.

Dallas Stars, #1 in the Pacific Division!

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Jan 29, 2011 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

One team

per person, per league.

No exceptions.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Jan 28, 2011 11:26 PM CST up reply actions

As Bruins Bear would say...

NEVER DATE WITHIN THE DIVISION!!!!!!!!!! RAWR

by Great British Stars Fan on Jan 29, 2011 6:11 AM CST up reply actions

I disagree

:o)

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Jan 29, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

I watched the draft in between watching Stars prospects Reilly Smith and Curtis McKenzie...

so thankfully I missed most of the Mcguire stuff. It was nice to hear the Stars get some love post draft from the panel though.

And Reilly Smith had 2 goals in Miami’s 6 – 5 OT win over Notre Dame. He’s got some great speed and has 18 goals so far this year as a sophomore. He’s only going to get better. Can’t wait to see how he does in the Dev camp this summer

on hiatus until further notice or the Stars clinch a playoff spot

by Happy Girl on Jan 28, 2011 9:25 PM CST reply actions

I thought it might be scripted

but it was actually fun to watch. And except for a few jumps I watched it all. A few bits seemed a bit scripted, but everybody seemed to be having fun with it.

It was interesting at the end they showed a quick screen of the captains handwritten draft sheets and Lidstroms sheet showed a first line of Richards Left, Stamkos Center and St. Louis Right. There was originally another name for left, but it was scratched out and Richards written in. Wonder if they changed minds or someone else got drafted they planned on. FWIW that was the only crossed out name on the whole sheet.

by 1paniolo on Jan 28, 2011 9:49 PM CST reply actions

Maybe what St Louis said about texting BRad

in the middle of the draft about wing is how it really went down? lol

by 1paniolo on Jan 28, 2011 9:50 PM CST up reply actions

My favs

….Richie, Loui, and Mo, Ribs(!)

by KStars on Jan 28, 2011 11:06 PM CST up reply actions

Breire

Briere was originally written in on the top line but they moved him to the second line after richards agreed to play Wing with Stamkos and St Louis.

by whodafreak on Jan 29, 2011 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

I do not think it

was scripted. You could see them discussing and talking. Staal getting all his Thunder Bay buddies, and teammates. BTW the look on Toews face was priceless lol. I can see why they call him Captain Serious. He looked pretty nervous with Kane leaving him hanging like that. So who do we think Loui plays with now. I wouldnt be surprised if we see him get some time with Richie, but clearly the top line is Stammer, Richie, St. Louis.
I would draw it up like this:
Richie-Stamkos-St.Louis
Havlat-Toews-Kane
Sedin-Eriksson
Let the rest of the chips fall as they may.

Kessel-Duchene-Kopitar-Briere

by brendan1 on Jan 28, 2011 10:32 PM CST reply actions

I don't know how anyone could suggest it was scripted.

It was actually more entertaining than I thought, and the format worked…but it desperately needed to be MUCH shorter than it was. At least 30 minutes shorter. Then they’d really have something.

And that guy doing the MC work, hammering at the Staal’s over and over again and they were like “yeah, whatever buddy, you’re driving this six feet into the ground…” What a thrashing that guy was.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Jan 28, 2011 11:28 PM CST reply actions

Not all scripted ...

but I wouldn’t be surprised if some conversation threads were suggested if not downright planned for whenever the opportunity came around. Look how they had certain guys mic’ed up. You really think they didn’t give a few “suggestions” of comments that would play good to the audience? The thing with Matt Cooke seemed pretty planned. Some others too.

If they did it, they did a good job with it. Not ham handed and obvious.

meh, maybe I’m just too cynical!

by 1paniolo on Jan 29, 2011 12:22 AM CST up reply actions

Thinking about it,

Staals brothers original comments seemed kind of stilted … or scripted. Maybe not word for word, but planned for TV. Toews comments seemed a bit that way too. And like I said before the Cooke hitting people stuff.

Maybe not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I found out versus tried to manage a few storylines to make sure of some drama.

by 1paniolo on Jan 29, 2011 12:28 AM CST up reply actions

Yah James Duthie

he can be entertaining. But at the same time I wonder what he is doing on TSN. He adds the kind of non-sensical humor you would expect to attract the average non-hockey fan. Which is not really an issue in Canada. However I am sure he was just doing what he was told to drag it out and hammer the hot topics(Sedins, Staals, Towes-Kane etc…). I certainly could have used less banter and a quicker selection. I felt the same way about the team Canada live announcement for the Olympics….way over done.

Still they NHL is hitting homeruns lately, media wise. The HBO special, the Olympics, This All-Star game format. And they have so many extraordinarily marketable young talents (Crosby, Stamkos, Ovechkin, Doughty, Kane, Toews, Price….etc etc) I honestly think they NHL has the opportunity to grow drastically in areas like Dallas, and California if they can manage to A) Be competitive, and fun to watch B) Take every advantage of their own marketable young Stars to even possible end.

by brendan1 on Jan 29, 2011 1:21 AM CST up reply actions