"Goaltenders tend to get lit up during NHL All-Star Games, the result of facing most of the game's most skilled players. So be it.

Jimmy Howard left Thursday for Ottawa well aware of the risk but much more eager to accept the recognition of being named to his first All-Star Game. He and forward Pavel Datsyuk are the only two representatives of the Red Wings, as defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom opted out to rest his 41-year-old body.

At 27 and a newbie to the event, Howard didn't hide his glee."