OTTAWA - Fans of the Ottawa Senators are determined to see some familiar faces at the all-star game.
Defenceman Erik Karlsson led all NHL players with 147,468 all-star votes in results released by the NHL Tuesday, putting him just ahead of teammate Daniel Alfredsson (131,774). Senators forwards Jason Spezza (117,899) and Milan Michalek (108,247) were fourth and sixth overall, respectively.
Voting wraps up Jan. 4 and the all-star game will be played at Ottawa's Scotiabank Place on Jan. 29. Fans determine six starters for the event.
The leading vote-getters by position are forwards Alfredsson, Spezza and Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs; defencemen Karlsson and Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins; and goaltender Tim Thomas of the Bruins.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby made a major gain with his return to action Monday, receiving about 14,000 of his 74,528 votes in one day.
Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin (41,443), New York Rangers defenceman Dan Girardi (37,836) and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (36,921) are the top vote-getters among write-in candidates.
