Erik Erlendsson covers the Tampa Bay Lightning for The Tampa Tribune.
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Posted Jan 8, 2009 by Erik Erlendsson
Updated Jan 8, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Vinny Lecavalier has been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve for the showcase event, which will take place in his native Montreal later this month.
This is Lecavalier’s fourth all-star game. Last season Lecavalier served as captain for the Eastern Conference squad.
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Reader Comments
Por (Katya) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
He did not deserve it this year, even as a reserve.
Suggest removalPor (Tony) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
I am a huge Vinny fan but I have to agree with Katya. However you know its an added draw for Vinny every time he plays in the Bell Center so I am sure they had an impact. The NHL would not be smart business wise if they did not consider this.
MSL prehaps for his hard work and heart.
Smith deserves it for his play on the ice however it is buried behind so so numbers because of the team in front of him. But he has been the best player on the ice night in and night out, no question.
Suggest removalPor (Bolt Fan) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
I still wear Vinny’s rookie jersey to the games; but, I agree that this is not deserved this year. He’s a great talent, but not playing to his capabilities this year when the team needs it badly.
Suggest removalPor (Jay) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
The reality is evert team needs to be represented the sad part is Smith should be the Bolts’ representative. The ugly part is #4 is going when he does not deserve it. So he will use this on his next contract negotiations. Hope he does not believe that his play and leasdership, is worthy of an All Star berth…far from.
Suggest removalPor (Teresa P.) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
“So he will use this on his next contract negotiations.”
You do realize that’s not until 2020, right?
Suggest removalPor (Bolt Fan) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Right on Teresa. There’s probably no more negotiations after this one. It seems to show that getting a lot of money and being set for life takes some of the starch out of the player.
I also agree that the only player that has earned an All-Star berth is Smith.
Suggest removalPor (Leanmean43) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Give Vinny a break, his shoulder is obviously not 100% whether he will admit it or not. Also mentally it probably takes a while to play without the fear of getting hurt again. I think Marty definitely deserved to go this year, he’s leading the team in scoring. Maybe one of the reserves will get hurt and open up a spot for Marty.
Suggest removalPor (Bolt Fan) on January 08, 2009 (Suggest removal)
I am a big Vinny fan, but if he’s going to get the most money, the most publicity and the most honors, he should get the most points and be the leader that he is being paid to do.
Accept the fact that he hasn’t earned it and Marty has. That being said, I will still wear his sweater to the games. I’m not anti-Vinny, but am honest about what he’s doing this year.
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