All-Star Suspensions!?!?!?!!

You've got to feel sorry for Nicklas Lindstrom, and Pavel Datsyuk. Here are two players, deemed stars in their league and the one chance they have to have a break, they are told they are to play in the All-Star Game. Granted, the idea of being selected is a huge honour (at least to a certain degree) and it's an event that should be taken part in with pride. The downside, however, is the fact that players lose that weekend break to be with family. As much as it's great to be a kid going to the game, I'm sure some families would prefer a little time away from the rink. Lindstrom, a 10 time All-Star (9 straight, this weekend would have been his 10th), decided to drop out of the festivities. This, like Datsyuk, will force him to miss the first game back from the break. Why? Because the League deemed it necessary to force players to take part in the game and events, to ensure that the fans get their money's worth. The rule now states that if you do not miss the game before and the game after due to injury, you have no reason to pull out of the All-Star Events. The exception to this rule, at least this year, is Sydney Crosby. Crosby is out with a knee injury and has an MRI to support his decision not to play but he also agreed to show up to the off ice responsibilities. But what of the other players who might have minor injuries? If you tweak your ankle, you might be inclined to play a regular season game and play through the discomfort for the good of the team. But play in a game that's really just for show? Why risk more damage? And what about spending time with family? That should always be considered important. I'm not going to get into how much of a joke the selection process is or how the games have sort of lost their flair but I will say this: It's not worth further injury. And really, Does Nicklas Lindstrom need a 10th appearance to confirm his All-Star Status? I'm sure he can look to his list of Norris Trophies if there's real doubt.