At a NHL all-star game with an undefined top star

OTTAWA -- At a NHL all-star game with an undefined top star, many are looking to Steven Stamkos to produce a memorable performance. Babyliss Pro Perfect Curl Cyber Monday. And the Tampa Bay Lightning forward is more than willing to oblige. Even though Sundays all-star game at Scotiabank Place is an exhibition, Stamkos is looking to make an impression during his second appearance in the annual showcase. "You have as much fun as you can, but at the end of the day every player has his pride and wants to go out there and perform well," he said Friday. "Everyone here wants to showcase their skills and prove to everyone that they prove to be at this game and this event. Its fun, but it does have that element of competitiveness that everyone brings in." The game itself has little in common with the type of hockey played during the regular season. There is no backchecking, no penalties and no hitting -- unless, of course, Scott Hartnell makes good on a promise to line up Philadelphia Flyers teammate Kimmo Timonen. Hartnells gritty style doesnt exactly translate to a skills showcase. "Im just going to work hard," said the first-time all-star. "I think thats when Im effective. When I try and be too fancy and things like that, its not my game. Im going to forecheck and if Timonens back there going in the corner to get the puck, hopefully I can get a lick on him." There will be plenty of rivalries on display when Team Alfredsson faces Team Chara on Sunday afternoon at Scotiabank Place thanks to the drafting done by the captains. Daniel Alfredsson stocked up on Senators, Swedes and skilled players while Chara targeted Bruins teammates and members of the Maple Leafs, who are unpopular in these parts. For Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla, it will be his sixth all-star appearance. One trend hes noticed is that players seem to be giving a little more effort now. "Its a fun game, you want to go and just enjoy the experience," said Iginla. "Once it gets going, the pace usually ramps up. Each year over the last while, its gotten a little bit quicker. "I think this years pretty young and they play a quick game." The skills competition will be held Saturday night before the game goes Sunday afternoon. A number of all-stars said theyre anxious to watch Pavel Datsyuk, who was selected first in Thursdays fantasy draft by Chara. The Detroit Red Wings forward seemed genuinely humbled after receiving the nod, which came with a little extra attention. His personal goal is to be among the best players on the ice but knows it will be no easy task. "This game the goal has always been (to be) kind of a top five star," said Datsyuk. "I think its (Evgeni) Malkin, Stamkos and especially Alfredsson and (Jason) Spezza here in the hometown. There will be lots of energy in the building given to them by the fans." There are also 18 players making their first appearance in an all-star game, each of them eager to justify the invite. That will be a particularly tough task for Dan Girardi, a hard-nosed defenceman with the New York Rangers who leads the league this season with over 27 minutes of ice time per game. Rangers coach John Tortorella -- who will be behind Alfredssons bench -- is thrilled Girardi was included in the weekend even if he isnt likely to challenge for the MVP award. "He may be lost out there a little bit," said Tortorella. "The style that he plays, he may be lost. You could put him up at forward and hell probably do more there." The goalies also tend to have a difficult time making a good impression. Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings has had an amazing season with 30 wins at the break, but expects to see plenty of rubber in his one period of action. He wont be calling on any of his defencemen to block shots either. "I wouldnt want anyone to get injured at my expense," said Howard. "Twenty minutes, you try to hold the fort down as best as you can and see what happens. Hopefully, I can keep it under five (goals allowed)." Despite the fun nature of the event, many of the players believe something is at stake for them personally. That could be especially true on a weekend that is without Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby -- the sports most marketable players since the lockout. However, Stamkos doesnt think anyone is poised to launch themselves in that stratosphere just yet. "Sid and Ovie are going to be two of the best players, if not the best two, in the world," he said. "They deserve all the accolades that they get and theyre good for our sport. Ive seen how much hockey has grown over the past couple years since Ive been in the league. "Everyone here wants to showcase their skills and prove to everyone that they prove to be at this game and this event. Its fun, but it does have that element of competitiveness that everyone brings in." Cyber Monday Babyliss. Raikkonen, who won the season-opening Australian GP, was 0.03 seconds faster than Webber and 0.12 quicker than Vettel. "Its nice to be fastest but you never know what the others are doing," said Raikkonen, who won the drivers championship in 2007. Babyliss Miracurl Cyber Monday. What can the Blue Jays learn about their roster in September? Is it really an accurate gauge to determine, for example, if a player like Gose will ever be a good major league hitter? Baseball scouts and executives are always evaluating players.The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Chad Kolarik from the New York Rangers in exchange for centre Benn Ferriero. Kolarik currently sits tied for 13th in the AHL with 35 points in 41 games. He made his NHL debut by playing in two games with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2009-10 season. He also appeared in four games with the New York Rangers in 10-11, notching one assist in four games. A former seventh round (199th overall) draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004, Kolarik missed the entire 2011-12 season following a knee innjury in training camp. Babyliss Curl Secret Cyber Monday Ferriero was originally drafted 196th overall in 2006 by the Phoenix Coyotes. However, he never signed with the Coyotes upon finishing his collegiate career at Boston College. He signed as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks in 2009. He signed with the Penguins as a free agent in July. In 92 career NHL games, all with the Sharks, Ferriero has tallies 14 goals and eight assists. In a separate move, the Penguins also sent defenceman Carl Sneep to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a conditional draft pick. ' ' '