The Tampa Bay Lightning have sent three players, while the Florida Panthers have sent one to the All Star Game. The 2022 NHL All Star Weekend is set to take place February 4-5 in Las Vegas. The Skills Competition is set for 7:30 PM EST on Friday, February 4th. Meanwhile, the All Star Game is set for 3:00 PM EST on Saturday, February 5th. Here are the representatives of the two Florida teams and how they got there.
Jonathan Huberdeau
This will be Jonathan Huberdeau’s second All Star Game appearance following his first in 2020. Huberdeau, who was drafted third overall in 2011, has been an integral part of the Panthers this season. The Quebec native has scored a league-leading 64 points. In addition, Huberdeau is on pace for his first 100 point season, including a pace for 112 points. Furthermore, No. 11 leads his team in points, assists, even strength points, and power play points. It is no doubt that Huberdeau belongs in the 2022 All Star Game. However, it is shocking that he is the only one representing the top team in the league. Huberdeau will be competing in the Fountain Face-Off event of the Skills Competition.
Steven Stamkos
This will be Steven Stamkos’ seventh All Star Game appearance. The Ontario native was first an All Star in 2011 and was last an All Star in 2019. Stamkos was elected into the All Star Game through the NHL’s “Last Man In” fan vote. With the support of the fans, Stamkos made his way into the weekend.
Following a tough season last year, in which he faced injury, Stamkos is back to his “old ways”. The center has recorded 20 goals alongside 52 points. Matter of fact, Stamkos leads the Lightning in both goals and points this season. Stamkos will be competing in the 21 in ’22 event of the Skills Competition.
Victor Hedman
This year will be Hedman’s third All Star Game appearance and fourth All Star selection. Hedman made his All Star debut in 2017, and was selected again in 2018 but was replaced due to injury. Since his last All Star appearance in 2020, the Swede has amassed 106 points in 120 games. This season, Hedman leads his team in assists with 37. Furthermore, he ranks second on the team in points behind Stamkos with 47. In addition, the 6’6″ defenseman has continually been in conversation for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman. Hedman has been in the top three of Norris voting the last five years, including one win. Hedman will be competing in the Hardest Shot event of the Skills Competition.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Vasilevskiy will be making his fourth straight and overall All Star Game appearance. Nicknamed the “Big Cat”, Vasilevskiy has earned this right through his phenomenal play between the pipes. The Russian has the most wins of any goaltender this season with 25. In addition, Vasilevskiy has a .922 save percentage this season and has blanked his opponent on two occasions. Similarly to Hedman, Vasilevskiy has regularly been discussed for his positional award and will be considered once again this season. Vasy will be competing in the Save Streak event of the Skills Competition.