The NHL has announced the rosters for the 2019 All-Star Game, set to take place at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA on Jan 26.
The hometown team is heavily represented, with three Sharks making the cut – the most of any club in the league.
The Buffalo Sabres will send only one representative to the game. Captain Jack Eichel will attend his second all-star game, based on his excellent performance through midseason. He leads the team with 49 points, 36 of which have come at even strength. There is little question that Eichel is the engine that has driven the Sabres’ measured success in the earlygoing, and is deserving of this invitation to play among the best in the league.
To the surprise of some, Eichel’s linemate and the Sabres’ goal leader failed to meet the qualifications of the selection committee. His 26 goals – second in the NHL – were not enough to secure him a spot on the roster. His nearest competition is likely Steven Stamkos – the Lightning’s second invitee. Skinner outranks the veteran superstar in traditional statistical categories such as goals and plus/minus, but a comparison of the pair’s advanced statistics indicates that Skinner was more than deserving of a bid.
Fans will surely be excited to support Eichel if the young star is healthy in time for the game, however, Skinner’s absence will likely leave a sour taste in a lot of mouths.