All-Star Game Buzz

The 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVA Sports), with the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Weekend getting into full swing earlier Saturday, when the players and coaches from all four divisions participated in All-Star Media Day. Here are some highlights:

"A little frustrated about that, but there's not much you can do," Karlsson said of his countryman from Sweden. "I'm staying at his house, so that's nice. We get to spend some time together, which is rare on occasions like this, and he's still going to be around."
Related: [Stamkos, Subban bring childhood bond to All-Star Game | Karlsson putting future with Senators on back burner]
In fact, Hedman volunteered to help the Atlantic Division team's equipment staff.
"He's claiming he's going to be an equipment guy," Karlsson said. "He's actually pretty good at that stuff. He knows his stuff and he knows how to sharpen skates and tape sticks. It's nice that he chose to stick around even though he's not going to be playing. I'm happy about that. It's rare you get some quality time with some of your good friends, especially throughout the season."

Kane says Blackhawks are able

Four points behind the Colorado Avalanche for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference, the Chicago Blackhawks (23-19-7) have their work cut out for them after the all-star break.
Forward Patrick Kane remains optimistic the Blackhawks will be able to qualify for the playoffs, but knows they need to win often.
"We've got 33 games left and we're probably going to have to go 23-10 or something like that," Kane said. "I think it's very possible, I think our team can do it, and it will be a fun challenge going down the stretch. If we find a way to get any momentum, I think it can really help us going into the playoffs."

Price used to trade rumors

The Montreal Canadiens entered the All-Star break 10 points out of a playoff spot, and there are trade rumors swirling around captain Max Pacioretty ahead of the Feb. 26 NHL Trade Deadline.
Goaltender Carey Price, in his 11th season with Montreal, said trade talk is something he has gotten used to dealing with.
"It's always tough to hear your teammates' names thrown around but as a longtime Canadien and being in this market for a long time, we kind of expect that," Price said. "[Pacioretty] has been real professional about it, continuing to work on his game and focus on what he needs to focus on."

Green wants to remain with Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green, scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, says he hasn't thought much about the possibility of being traded before the deadline, and he hopes he can stay in Detroit.
Green, 32, who signed a three-year contract with the Red Wings in 2015, said he hasn't had any talks about an extension with Detroit.
"I haven't put too much thought into it," said Green, who has 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) this season. "As the season is going on you're focused on the day-to-day tasks. I wish I could give you more of an answer. As the next couple of months go on, I'll find out more. As I've said before, I love it in Detroit, it's a great organization, I hope I stay and that's really all I can give you right now."

This Shark no pirate

Hirsute, gap-toothed San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns said he would not be wearing an eye-patch as part of Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate festival festivities on Saturday.
"I have no teeth," Burns said with a laugh. "I need both eyes!"

Lundqvist shakes off trade rumors

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, when asked about a report this week that stated New York will be sellers before the deadline, said he's used to speculation this time of the year.
"I think that's been the case every year," Lundqvist said. "You can't put too much thought into it."
The Rangers (25-20-5) have 55 points, one behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference.
The New York Post report said forwards Rick Nash and Michael Grabner, who can be unrestricted free agents on July 1, could be traded, as well as defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward Mats Zuccarello.
"With the last month and a half we haven't won as much as we wanted to," said Lundqvist, 21-13-4 with a .922 save percentage and 2.61 goals-against average this season. "The speculation is going to be a little bit more this year, but you can't get sucked into it too much.
"When we come back next week and get ready for the second half, my focus is strictly on the ice and what I can do to prepare myself."