Nabokov, Thornton tabbed West All-Stars

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jan 11, 2008 | by David Pollak

SAN JOSE -- The NHL All-Star break could have been a nice, four- day rest for the only NHL goalie to start every one of his team's games this season.

But the Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov and center Joe Thornton were named to the Western Conference All-Star team Thursday. So instead of hanging around the house, Nabokov will be flying to Atlanta for the Jan.27 event.

That's fine with him.

"Four days to do nothing is pretty tough. I'd rather skate a little bit and have some fun," said Nabokov, who competed in the 2001 game and was tagged with the loss when North America defeated The World 14-12.

After all, he added, "it's not like you're practicing hard or doing much."

Thornton, who will be making his fifth All-Star appearance, said he is looking forward to the event.

"I bring the parents and the buddies," he said. "I know my family and friends enjoy it, so that makes it all the more special. You never know if it's going to be your last, so I enjoy it as much as I can."

Thornton was asked about Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo's decision to bypass the All-Star Game to be with his wife, who is going through a "delicate pregnancy" and had to move back to the family's home in Florida.

"It's his first kid, so I think everybody can give him some slack on that," Thornton said. "He's a friend of mine, so congratulations. It's an exciting time for him."

Coach Ron Wilson will be the third San Jose representative, serving as an assistant coach.

MCLAREN IN LINEUP: Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren played against Vancouver after missing three practices this week to rest his left knee.

"It wasn't really sore. It just kind of swelled up a little bit on me," said McLaren, who had surgery on the knee a year ago. "It's nothing major. It's nothing we haven't seen in the past.."

LOOSE PUCKS: The jersey Sharks captain Patrick Marleau will wear against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday will have a special patch marking the 10th anniversary of the league's Hockey Fights Cancer program. Between Jan.17 and Jan.31, Marleau's jersey and those of the other 29 NHL captains will be auctioned at nhl.com and nhlpa.com to benefit the charity. ... Defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh and left wing Rob Davison were healthy scratches.