FloHockey’s Western Conference All-Star Rosters

FloHockey’s Western Conference All-Star Rosters

NHL players won't be going to Pyeongchang for the Winter Olympics in February, but there's still plenty of fun to be had at the NHL All-Star game.

Dec 15, 2017 by Hunter Sharpless
FloHockey’s Western Conference All-Star Rosters

Welcome back for the Western Conference installment of FloHockey’s NHL All-Star lineup predictions.

Catch up on the Eastern Conference selections right here.The NHL is opting for a third year of the three-on-three format. Each division has a team of 11 players — six forwards, three defensemen, and two goalies — with at least one representative from each team.

Below, you’ll find our 11-man rosters for the Central and Pacific Division.

Players were chosen by name power, current fan voting tallies, position requirements, and of course, necessary representation from every team.

Central Division

Fan Vote Leaders: P.K. Subban (D), Vladimir Tarasenko (RW), Patrick Kane (RW), Mark Scheifele (C), and Tyler Seguin (C)

Left: two teams and six spots (2 F, 2 D, and 2 G)

Locks: Alex Pietrangelo (D) and Nathan MacKinnon (C)

The absence of Shattenkirk has seen Pietrangelo expectedly soar to new heights. The 27-year-old is well on pace to establish career highs in all offensive categories. He has been the best all-around defenseman in the Central this season and has seven goals and 23 points in 30 games.

MacKinnon, 22, is finally playing like the first overall pick — he was drafted there in 2013. He has broken out since Matt Duchene was dealt to Ottawa and has 11 goals and 33 points in 30 games.



Minnesota | RW | Jason Zucker

The final forward spot will go to Zucker, who has 14 goals and 25 points in 30 games. The 25-year-old is continuing where he left off last season, when he scored 22 goals and 47 points in 79 games.

Dallas | D | John Klingberg

The last defensive spot goes to Klingberg, who rightfully deserves it. The 25-year-old’s offensive mindset, smooth skating, and track record of playing with top-end talent make him a three-on-three star. The 25-year-old leads all defensemen with 25 points this season.

Nashville | G | Pekka Rinne

Rinne has been spectacular for the Predators this season with 17 wins, a 2.34 goals against average, .927 save percentage, and two shutouts. Not only has he been among the best goaltenders this season, but Rinne’s one of the best in the league when it comes to playing the puck, a huge asset for a three-on-three tournament.

Winnipeg | G | Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck is blossoming into the goaltender that held Winnipeg has been searching for. The 24-year-old is becoming a household name with his 16 wins, 2.44 GAA, and .920 save percentage. The Jets are finally flying and Hellebuyck is among the biggest pieces in their flight.


CENTRAL DIVISION

Left Wing
Center
Right Wing
Defense
Goaltender






Scheilfele
Tarasenko
Subban
Rinne

Seguin
Kane
Pietrangelo
Hellebuyck

MacKinnon
Zucker
Klingberg







Pacific Division

Fan Vote Leaders: Connor McDavid (C), Johnny Gaudreau (LW), James Neal (LW), Marc-Andre Fleury, and Anze Kopitar (C)

Left: four teams and six spots (2 F, 3 D, 1 G)

Locks: Drew Doughty (D), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D), and Brock Boeser (RW)

Doughty is arguably the best defenseman in the league, and no Pacific Division squad is complete without him. The 28-year-old has five goals and 24 points through 32 games this season. He’s a defensive stalwart and his offense is reaching new heights.

Ekman-Larsson, 26, is another player built for three-on-three. He’s fast, mobile, and exceptionally offensive-minded (admittedly to a fault). He’s also Arizona’s real only suitable player for the All-Star Game, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve it.

In a similar boat with Ekman-Larsson, Boeser is the only deserving player out of Vancouver. The 20-year-old rookie has 16 goals and 29 point sin as many games, proving to be Vancouver’s next star.



Calgary | C | Sean Monahan

Monahan is fifth in the league with 17 goals and has 30 points in 31 games, primarily alongside Gaudreau, which gives the Pacific a dominant duo with established chemistry. He’s also a strong candidate for the last center spot not already awarded to a fan-voted player.

San Jose | D | Brent Burns

It’s been slow-going for Burns this season after 29 goals and 76 points last year. The 32-year-old has just four goals and 18 points through 29 games, but still remains the best defenseman left in the division.

Anaheim | G | John Gibson

With so many injuries to the Ducks, there hasn’t been a standout performer at any position. He doesn’t deserve the spot as much as a Jonathan Quick or Martin Jones, but the Ducks need a representative.


PACIFIC DIVISION

Left Wing
Center
Right Wing
Defense
Goaltender





Neal
McDavid

Doughty
Fleury
Gaudreau
Monahan

Burns
Gibson
Boeser
Kopitar

Ekman-Larsson








By Jacob Messing

Have a question or a comment for Jacob? You can find him on Twitter @JMessing23.