The people have spoken. And the people in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game's host city spoke more often than the rest.
Four Ottawa Senators, including defenseman Erik Karlsson, were among the top six vote-getters for this season's All-Star game, which will take place in Canada's capital city later this month. None of the Blackhawks placed in the top six; Jonathan Toews was the team's highest voted (eighth among forwards). Patrick Kane was 12th, Marian Hossa was 15th and Patrick Sharp was 22nd among the forwards. Duncan Keith was eighth among defensemen.
Fellow Senators Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Milan Michalek were also among the top six. Toronto defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Boston goaltender Tim Thomas round out the top selections.
The NHL Hockey Operations staff will name the rest of the All-Star players later this month.