Flyers' Giroux, Timonen go early in all-star fantasy draft

January 26, 2012|By Sam Carchidi, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

GATINEAU, Quebec - Center Claude Giroux and left winger Scott Hartnell will be together on an all-star team that will oppose their Flyers teammate, Kimmo Timonen.

"It may be the first time they're going to actually meet a really good defenseman," cracked Timonen, a veteran blue-liner, after Thursday night's all-star fantasy draft.

Giroux and Timonen were selected on consecutive, early-round picks.

The teams were chosen by the captains and their assistants. Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson was one captain, and he was assisted by the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist. Boston's Zdeno Chara was the other all-star captain and was assisted by Toronto's Joffrey Lupul, a former Flyer.

Giroux, who is second in the NHL with 55 points, was selected in the fourth round (eighth overall) by Team Alfredsson, a.k.a the Ottawa Senators. He went in the 13th round (25th overall) in last year's all-star draft.

Timonen, whose parents traveled from Finland to be here for the all-star festivities, was chosen with the next pick, going in the fifth round (ninth overall) to Team Chara.

"It's going to be really weird," Timonen said about facing Giroux and Hartnell.

Giroux tweeted shortly after he was selected: "Glad I got picked before @Hartsy19. Hopefully he gets the car. #19lastpick."

He was referring to Hartnell, who eventually was selected by Team Alfredsson in the 17th round (34th overall) - four shy of being the final selection.

"When you get your name called, obviously it's a big relief," said Hartnell, who leads the Flyers with 25 goals.

Hartnell was asked about his teammate's tweet.

"I'm not really happy with Giroux right now," he kidded. ". . .I was hoping I was on the blue team so I get to play against him. Maybe [throw] my gloves at him a little bit."

Chara selected Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk with the first overall pick. "I know how hard it is to play against him," Chara said.

Alfredsson selected his Ottawa teammate, defenseman Erik Karlsson, with his No. 1 choice. All four Senators are on Team Alfredsson.

Vancouver's Sedin twins - Daniel and Henrik - are both on Team Alfredsson. They played on different sides last year.

The last pick in the draft was San Jose forward Logan Couture, who was awarded a Honda for his "feat."

"I want two now," said Couture, aware that the all-star MVP wins a car.

In last year's game, the Flyers' Danny Briere had two goals as his team won the game, 11-10. Giroux had a goal and an assist for the losers.

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