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Tavares Third In Metro All-Star Voting

Fans can vote for Tavares to make the All-Star team at NHL.com.

As the NHL All-Star game voting gets started, John Tavares finds himself in third place for the Metropolitan Division.  He trails only Alexander Ovechkin & Sidney Crosby. Phil Kessel of the Penguins & Sergei Bobrovski of the Columbus Blue Jackets round out what should be another formiddable team. The Metropolitan Division won the crown last year, with Tavares scoring two goals.

The 2018 All-Star game takes place in Tampa Bay this year, after being in Los Angeles last year. It’s a big year for Tampa, as their team is thriving so far (20-6-2) and their city is a hotbed for hockey. Just like last year with Nashville’s run to the Cup, it goes to show that a hockey team in the South can flourish.

Speaking of All-Stars, there are three key players from the Islanders that are missing on the ballot. If anything, there should be at least two Islanders representing their team this year in Tampa. Here’s a case for all three:

Josh Bailey

Josh Bailey should be an All-Star. He is tied for the team lead in points (31) and is fourth in assists league wide (26).  He is a consummate professional and after all these years of abuse from Islander fans he deserves to hear his name called as an NHL All-Star.

Anders Lee

Anders Lee has been as consistent of a goal scorer as you can be. He has more goals in a calendar year than anyone in the league (thanks @StapeNewsday) and is currently fifth in the league in goals (16).  One of the most fearsome power forwards in the NHL, his style may not lend itself to the high-paced 3-on-3 game but he still deserves to be there.

Nick Leddy

On the flip side, Nick Leddy is someone whose style would fit perfectly with the offense-first All-Star game format.  Nick Leddy leads the league in assists (24) for defensemen, and is quietly having himself a Norris-worthy year.  He’ll never win it because of where he plays & how little fanfare he gets, but nonetheless if he can’t win an award he can at least get some All-Star recognition.

You can vote for Tavares and your favorite Islanders here. The Islanders look to finish a successful road trip with a win tonight at Boston. Make sure to follow me on Twitter at @SupRos22 and follow all sports coverage at @DoubleGSports. I will also be covering the Belmont Meeting at Elmont High School, tomorrow at 4pm.  Make sure to say hello.

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