Lidstrom and Datsyuk supended

[Brad]

For not showing up at All Star Game. They have injuries and chose to rest. Crosby is hurt and not playing, but made trip to Montreal so he is not going to be suspended

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR2009012402024.html

Kind of pissed about this. It is just an exhibition game and these guys do need rest. Also, why are there only 2 Red Wings? They are defending champs and number 2 in the West currently. You would think Hossa and Zetterberg would have been selected.

[Sycotic]

Just another reason why Bettman should be drug out into the street and run over repeatedly by a Zamboni.

[Sycotic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/sycotic/BettmanMismanagement.jpg

[DTownTigers87]

I think the rule is really lame. The Skills Competition is really lame as well. The only thing I'd watch is the Hardest Shot. Red Wings GM Ken Holland didn't pressure them into playing. He was ok with them not participating.

[Brad]

I saw a different article where they asked for rafalski and Hossa to sub, but they said no since it was too late. Oh well, more rest for the playoff push

[lumm0x]

I have two thoughts here. If players have incentives in their contracts that financially reward them for being nominated to the game then they should have to forfeit the money if they do not "attend". The game is meaningless, but it promotes the sport and if they are going to get paid for the recognition then they should show up and support it.

With that said though, it is ridiculous to punish the fans further for suspending them from league play for this. You don't show up to support the fans so we are going to rob them of watching you some more. Dumb.

The skills competition is just some extra fun and interaction opportunity for the fans and players. It is meaningless as well but it gives the home crowd and attendees some extra ice time to watch and the players seemed to chat it up with fans, sign lots of autos and such.