Datsyuk first chosen in All-Star draft

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OTTAWA, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings was the first selection Thursday in the draft of players for Sunday's NHL All-Star Game.

For the second year in a row, the NHL's showcase attraction will feature teams that have been selected by the two league-appointed captains -- Zdeno Chara of Boston and Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa.

Chara won a flip and went first Thursday, choosing the Red Wings' center, who is third in the league in assists with 39 and tied for third in points with 53.

Alfredsson's first choice was Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Chara followed by taking Boston goaltender Tim Thomas, Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin, Chicago forward Marian Hossa and Philadelphia defenseman Kimmo Timonen.

Alfredsson chose Ottawa forward Jason Spezza, Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick, Philadelphia forward Claude Giroux and Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang with the remainder of his opening five choices.

Steven Stamkos of Tampa Bay, the NHL's leading goal scorer this season with 32, wound up on Alfredsson's team.

Sunday's face off in Ottawa will be 4 p.m. EST.