John Carlson, Braden Holtby named to Metro Division All-Star team

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Photo credit Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
By 106.7 The Fan

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Capitals defenseman John Carlson and goalie Braden Holtby were named to the Metropolitan Division's NHL All-Star Game roster Wednesday, the same day Alex Ovechkin announced he was skipping the annual exhibition. 

Carlson is tied for third among NHL defensemen (and leads all Metro Division defensemen) with 38 points on six goals and 32 assists, and if he decides to play will be making his first All-Star Game appearance. 

This is Holtby's fourth All-Star selection, Washington's starting netminder holding a .912 save percentage and 15 wins so far this season. 

Carlson and Holtby could be joined on the Metro Division team by Nicklas Backstrom, who is on the "Last Men In" ballot. Whoever gets the most votes of the eight Metro Division players on the ballot gets the final roster spot. Voting opens at noon ET on Thursday, and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 10.

The NHL All-Star Game will be held at SAP Center in San Jose, Ca. on Jan. 26. 

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