By Ellen Chlumecky

January 26, 2015

On Tuesday, January 20th, Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was checked by trainers during the second period of their game against Philadelphia. He was given a full check, returned to the game, and finished. However the next day Wednesday, January 21st, Malkin  couldn’t play against the Chicago Blackhawks after testing himself during warm ups. As of now, there is no set date or time-table for his return.

While this would have been no big deal any other day during this time of the year, it’s not exactly a lucky time this time around. Unfortunately for Malkin, due to this lower-body injury he will not be able to participate in the NHL All-Star Game. In addition to Malkin, Sidney Crosby will also be missing the All-Star game due to a lower-body injury as announced by general manager Jim Rutherford on Friday. However you all know that someone’s loss is always someone’s gain.

While Malkin and his fellow teammate Sidney Crosby are planning on taking this All-Star game off, their loss is another player’s gain. Predators forward Filip Forsberg has been added to the NHL All-Star Game roster. He will be playing Sunday. Adding him to the roster will make him the only rookie in the lineup. Forsberg will be joining his fellow Nashville teammate and captain Shea Weber and Predators coach Peter Laviolette in the All-Star game.

While I’m sure most of the Pittsburgh Penguins fans might be in an uproar about two of their favorite players not playing, this is the Predators rookie’s chance to show the NHL and their fans what he can do. Forsberg is only 20 years old and he has a chance to show these players and fans that he has something to show for it.

Forsberg has already won Rookie of the Month in November of 2014. He won gold in the world junior championships in 2012 at Calgary for team Sweden. He also won silver in the world junior championships in 2014 Malmo and 2013 Ufa. In addition, he was selected 11th overall in 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.

While I am not personally a Predators fan, Forsberg has often caught my eye with his high intensity attitude, speed, and his great stick handling skills. There are many opportunities for him to shine at the All-Star Game and I for one am very excited to see what captain will choose him to be on his team. While both captains have made it clear that there is no bad picks this year, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.