Kariya Going to All-Star Game

Paul Kariya was honored, and frustrated, Thursday night.

He was selected for the NHL All-Star game for the seventh time in his career, and for the fifth consecutive year, yet spent the evening being turned away time after time by Ottawa goalie Martin Prusek.

Kariya had five shots, all quality chances, but saw his goal-less streak extended to 12 games.

Still, he is the team leader with 15 goals and 40 points, which won him a trip to Sunrise, Fla., where the All-Star game will be played Feb. 2.

The luster of the game has not dulled to Kariya.

“Anytime you’re invited it’s an honor,” Kariya said. “I get to play with the best and get to know some of the other players.”

Kariya said that were other Ducks who deserved consideration. Jean-Sebastien Giguere had the third-longest shutout streak by a goaltender in NHL history during December. Keith Carney has been a solid defenseman.

“Certainly Jiggy,” Kariya said. “He has been a huge player for us all year. A guy like Keith deserves it, but there are so many great defensemen in the league.”

Kariya had a few chances for All-Star moments against the Senators. But Prusek stopped him on a second-period breakaway and denied him twice on redirections at the crease.

“I had opportunities,” Kariya said. “The top of the net was there on the breakaway. I couldn’t get any lift on the puck.”