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Having fun without some big guns Absence of some stars not putting a damper on enjoymentPosted: Friday February 01, 2002 4:25 PMBy Bruce Garrioch, SLAM! Sports LOS ANGELES -- A little of the luster has been taken off this NHL All-Star Game thanks to the big names who won't be here. On Wednesday, New York Rangers center Eric Lindros' knee injury forced him off the All-Star roster and on to an absentee list that includes the Dallas Stars' Mike Modano, Detroit Red Wings' Steve Yzerman and Ottawa's own Daniel Alfredsson. It's partially the injuries and partially the fault of the 2002 Winter Games, which begin next week in Salt Lake City. Some players who would normally be automatic All-Stars have taken a pass on this weekend's play to rest and heal before they pull on their nation's Olympic jersey. "I can understand guys wanting to rest, but the all-star game is still important for the league," said Senators coach Jacques Martin, who's in town to meet with Team Canada GM Wayne Gretzky and the rest of the staff. "It's a showcase for the league. [So] it's great that some different players will get a chance." And for those different players -- like Senators defenseman Wade Redden -- getting the chance to participate, today's SuperSkills competition and YoungStars Game and tomorrow's annual North America versus World game at the Staples Center are a big deal. "Even with those guys missing it's still going to be nice to be in the [All-Star] Game," said Redden, who is attending the annual festivities for the first time. "I know some people might put an asterisk beside it, but I think it's great. "You look at the people who are going to be here, guys like [Colorado's Joe] Sakic, [Anaheim's Paul] Kariya, [Colorado's Rob] Blake and [St. Louis' Chris] Pronger. There's still going to be a lot of the big stars. I'm looking forward to being with those guys." And, generally speaking, the All-Star Game is all about fun. Fun for the fans, yes, but the league also does an excellent job entertaining corporate sponsors with parties and events which make the actual game itself seem somewhat small in the big scheme of the weekend. It's also special for the players. Not only will they be surrounded by the ever-friendly media today before their morning skate, they'll also each receive a jersey and team picture ... plus sitting around a dressing room with an NHL legend like Mario Lemieux isn't too bad either. "I know that I'm still going to be playing hockey, but it's still going to be fun," said Redden. "I know a lot of guys want to use this four days as a break. I see it that way as well, [but] I don't see this as being stressful. "You go out there and you just have fun. You don't have to worry about anything. "It's going to be nice to get away from [Ottawa] for a couple of days and go to an event like that where it's not serious." The addition of the YoungStars Game should also keep the atmosphere fun and light. The YoungStars will take the ice and play a 4-on-4 game prior to the skills competition today -- and many believe the youngsters will put on a better show than the old Legends of Hockey game they're replacing. Senators winger Martin Havlat had been named to the YoungStars roster, but he suffered a groin injury Wednesday that will keep him out of the game. Centre Mike Fisher was named his replacement on Team 1. Ottawa defenceman Karel Rachunek will be on Team 2. After the game, the duo will likely get to rub elbows with the All-Stars during the skills competition -- a favorable proposition for the youngsters. "You look forward to meeting all those guys because they are all big stars," Havlat said before learning he wouldn't be going. So while the list of players who won't be here will make this All-Star Weekend different, it'll still be fun. And that's what it's all about.
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