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Many big names missing from All-Star Game

Jan 27, 2008 - 4:42 PM Western Conf vs. Eastern Conf 6:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) - Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby headlines a few big names who will be missing Sunday when the Eastern Conference faces the Western Conference in the All-Star Game.

In a game where defense is considered an afterthought, Crosby's skills would have been a treat to watch. However, the 20-year-old star is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Even without Crosby, the East still features plenty of firepower, led by Daniel Alfredsson (67 points) of the Ottawa Senators, Vincent Lecavalier (66 points) of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Alex Ovechkin (65 points) of the Washington Capitals and Ilya Kovalchuk (63 points) of the hometown Atlanta Thrashers.

A familiar face will be missing in goal for the East as Martin Brodeur turned down an invitation due to a family commitment. Roberto Luongo, elected to start for the West, also will not be in attendance.

Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders will start in goal for the East, while Chris Osgood of the Detroit Red Wings gets the call for the West.

The West also will be without Detroit Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg due to a back injury.

Headling the West squad is Jarome Iginla (63 points) of the Calgary Flames and Joe Thornton (60 points) of the San Jose Sharks.

Last year, the West skated to a 12-9 win over the East. There has been an average of 16 goals in the past five All-Star Games.