The 2012 NHL All-Star Game rosters were announced on Thursday, and two Washington Capitals made the squad. Star Alex Ovechkin was a fairly obvious selection despite his early-season struggles, and defenseman Dennis Wideman was a surprise addition. However, center Nicklas Backstrom, the team's leading point producer, did not make the roster, which was a major surprise.
Ovechkin vouched for his teammate when asked. Via Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington:
"I think Backstrom 100 percent has to be there," said Ovechkin, who will match Peter Bondra’s club record with his fifth All-Star appearance.
It's possible that Backstrom asked not to play in the game because of his current injury status. He was placed on injured reserve after taking an elbow to the face against Calgary last week. Of course, if this were really the case, that would be an even bigger concern for the Capitals.
For more on the Capitals, visit Japers' Rink.