Sidney Crosby named to 2019 Metropolitan division All-Star Game roster

Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ top forward and leading scorer so far this season, has officially been named to the 2019 NHL All-Star game held in San Jose, California.

It’s no surprise the captain made the cut, as he has been performing at an ultra-high level thus far.

Crosby is ranked 15th in scoring (ninth in points-per-game) with 18 goals 30 assists in 36 games, is ranked second in EvolvingHockey’s WAR model with 2.6 wins, and has driven Pittsburgh’s play on the ice to a wild degree. It’s gotten him listed as the most impactful player in the entire league by many analysts and media members across the nation. Crosby also finished fifth-best in points accrued in 2018 with 102, just 19 points back from the leader Connor McDavid.

The All-Star break begins January 24 and concludes on the 26, and features exciting events like the Skills Competition, where Crosby has often made his money in wrist shot accuracy and likely will so again.

Crosby mentioned earlier today that if selected he would go to the game, which does take place in the middle of the Pens’ bye week. Recently, Washington’s Alex Ovechkin announced he would drop out of this year’s All-Star game to focus on rest of the season and get ready for the stretch run. Crosby basically did the same in 2015, missing the All-Star game with, at most, a very minor injury, but more likely with rest in mind.

There’s probably always a little shock at the roster’s announcement, but only 10 players were chosen from each division. Since all eight teams are given at least one representative, it doesn’t leave much room for a team to send multiple players. So it’s a bit odd not to see Kris Letang make the cut, but considering only two defensemen made it, it’s tough to get on that list.

There are always potential injury replacements, so the list isn’t final, but here’s the roster for the Metropolitan Division: