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NHL All-Star Weekend Underway

Pittsburgh Penguins Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar will participate in the 2008 NHL All Star Game and activities this weekend at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  Neither Malkin or Gonchar were on the original All-Star ballot.  Gonchar was overlooked, but later added during the final selection process.  Malkin was named earlier this week as a replacement for Sidney Crosby, who will miss the festivities due to his recent ankle injury.  Rookie defenseman Kris Letang will partake in the 2008 NHL Young Stars game on Saturday night.  Rookie forward Tyler Kennedy, who was also named to the NHL Young Stars team, will miss the action due to his current illness (mononucleosis).

• VIDEO:  2008 NHL All Star Starters (original starters)
• Current NHL 2008 Eastern All Stars Roster
• Current NHL 2008 Western All Stars Roster
• Atlanta Thrashers NHL All Star Event Page

All Star festivities started on Thursday night with a Bud-Light NHL All Star Concert and an NHL Alumni Wine Series Launch, and continued on Friday with a Junior NHL All-Star Youth Hockey Tournament, a Diversity Luncheon celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Willie O’Ree, and an Evening With Wyclef Jean, hosted by Usher. 

The action continues on Saturday morning with the NHL Rockin’ Skate 2008 from 9-12:15 AM at Philips Arena.  The teams will practice while an All-Star lineup of performers and celebrity hosts take the stage.  The Jonas Brothers will perform and Usher, Taylor Kitsch and Alyssa Milano will emcee the festivities. 

On Saturday night from 7-9PM, the NHL SuperSkills Competition will take place along with the NHL Young Stars game.  The NHL All Star Game will be played on Sunday at 6PM, and will be broadcast on Versus, CBC, RDS and NHL Radio.