As the All-Star break quickly approaches, many fans will purchase their All-Star game gear, grab their tickets, and head to Montreal for a once in a lifetime weekend experience. For those not as fortunate to be heading north for the festivities, their All-Star experience will consist of watching the best talent in the NHL display their skills as they compete against each other in the Bell Centre on January 25, 2009.

The only issue I find with the All-Star game in general is that it may not exactly be the "best talent in the NHL" at the time because hometown fans and texting whores can send their votes every ten seconds in order to secure their favorite player a spot in the game. Granted, every player chosen for the event is an accomplished, distinguished, and elite player among the many high caliber players in the NHL, but for a few players, their ticket to the game is truly fan-based and nothing more. Yeah, it should be this way because it is the fans' chance to get involved and make a difference in the NHL, but for the more deserving guys who have an outstanding first half and are not recognized through this event, it is wrong.

For instance, a guy like Keith Tkachuk, an established veteran in the NHL who is having an average at best season with meager 27 points through 39 games, earns a spot over players such as Daniel Sedin and Henrik Zetterberg. Sedin is on pace for a career high 84 points and would be a solid representation of not only Vancouver's talent but the Western Conference's as well. Also, all four Montreal players chosen for the game are having stellar seasons as well minus Kovalev and Komisarek. Both are talented players but are undeserving of this honor compared to the other players who will not be on the roster. Should the game be in a different location, would these players even be considered? Kovalev, maybe. Komisarek, I doubt it.

Oh well, life isn't fair so I guess All-Star game voting can follow properly in style but there should be some sort of criteria a player must meet in order to be placed on the roster after the popularity portion of the selection process is over. I mean come on. Komisarek with 3 points? He might be talented and playing solid defense but isn't the game about scoring and skills? At least that is what it used to be.

Anyways, with scoring as potent as Peter North's 10 ropers, the East should easily come out on top in this contest. If not, it will be due to the shut down talented defenseman who are suited up on the West side of things. Either way, this All-Star game will be equally enjoyable as the previous ones with the addition of its great location, Montreal: a hockey rich community with a strong hockey tradition.