Worthy all-star replacements

With perennial all-star Alex Ovechkin choosing to skip the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, it opens up an opportunity for another deserving player to fill the void.

Here are five players that are having all-star worthy seasons, but have been overlooked.

Neal, along with linemate and NHL scoring leader Evgeni Malkin, has filled in nicely in the absence of team captain Sidney Crosby. The 24-year-old is currently tied with Malkin and Phil Kessel for third in the league in goals with 26. The next goal Neal scores will be the 100th of his NHL career as well as tie his single season high of 27 set in 2009-10 with the Dallas Stars.

With the all-star game being a platform to showcase the league's top talent, Neal has proved this season he is worthy of an appearance.

Versteeg is quietly putting together the best season of his NHL career in his first year with the Florida Panthers. He has 19 goals and 42 points in 46 games. Outside of his point totals, Versteeg is reliable at both ends of the ice and is plus-10 on a team that has a minus rating (120 goals for, 133 goals against).

Many thought Verteeg was not worth the first and third-round picks the Toronto Maple Leafs received from the Philadelphia Flyers when they dealt him last February, but Versteeg is proving his worth in the Sunshine State. The 25-year-old is a big reason why the Panthers currently sit atop the Southeast Division and many believe he is all-star worthy.

Widely considered one of the most underrated players in the NHL, Eriksson has consistently put up solid numbers for the Dallas Stars over the past several seasons.

This year is no different as the Swedish winger has 17 goals and 43 points in 46 games. His teammate Jamie Benn was named to the all-star squad, even though Eriksson's number are slightly better.

One of the more unsung forwards in the game, Moulson is making the most of playing on a line with John Tavares on Long Island. With 22 goals in 47 games, the 28-year-old is well on his way to his third straight 30-goal season. If the North York, Ont., native is named an all-star replacement, there is a good chance fans could see him and Tavares light the lamp.

Another Islander worthy of consideration is P.A. Parenteau who has contributed 33 assists and 42 points this season.

20-year NHL veteran Ray Whitney is leading the Phoenix Coyotes in assists (26), points (41) and plus/minus (plus-12). Whitney has made two all-star appearances in his career (in 2000 and 2003) and is deserving of a third based on his play this season. Whitney needs 33 points to reach 1,000 for his career and if he stays on pace, he should reach that milestone by the end of the year.