Players name Eric Staal and Nik Lidstrom captains for NHL All-Star Game

Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nik Lidstrom have been voted captains for the 2011 NHL game. The NHL which adopted a new format, will have the captains of the game select the teams. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby was the leading vote getter for the game but is considered a major longshot to participate in the game. Crosby will miss his 6th straight game tonight against the Detroit Red Wings and is expected to be held out until after the All-Star break. For Crosby to participate in the All-Star game, he will have to dress for one of the Penguins remaining four games, which isn’t likely to happen. Crosby though is fully expected to attend the event,