Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk first pick in All-Star Game Draft -NHL Update
The 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game draft finally kicked off Thursday night, January 26, 2012, which was certainly an event to see as captain of his own opposing team to Ottawa’s led by Daniel Alfredsson, Zdeno Chara picked Detroit Red Wings’
veteran forward, Pavel Datsyuk, as the first selection.
Being picked as the top pick is always an honour and a history making achievement, putting Datsyuk on the list now of players having been selected first overall in past All-Star Game drafts.
Chara, who is also captain of the Boston Bruins, had two teammates to choose from on the selection board, but opted for a more offensive approach keeping the Sunday night game in mind.
"I love the way he plays the game", Chara said about Datsyuk.
While talking with reporters, Chara opened up about his first pick, stating that if veteran defenseman and captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Nicklas Lidstrom, was available to play, he certainly would have considered picking him first instead, but the players
opted not to play due to the flu.
Chara eventually went on to pick his fellow teammates, Boston Bruins’ veteran goalie, Tim Thomas, and rookie Tyler Seguin.
"I know how hard it is to play against him'', Chara said during his interview with TSN."He plays the game the right way. Magic on the ice. I admire the way he plays''.
Datsyuk, who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings as the 171st overall pick during round-six of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, has been with the team ever since and is currently in his 10th straight season.
He has a total of 704 points (235 goals, 469 assists) in 711 career games played along with 53 points (14 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games played in this season so far.
Team Chara certainly has a very strong line-up for the upcoming All-Star Game, which will be taking place on Sunday, January 29, 2012, and with the players on his team, it will certainly be interesting to see how Daniel Alfredsson decides to play at home
for a crucial victory, being the highest voted player in the league.
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