Cory Schneider Finally Got Himself A Well Deserved All Star Selection (Can You Guess Who Didn't?)

I have a confession to make, I really didn't care whether or not Cory Schneider got selected for the NHL All Star Game. While I am glad that he is finally getting his due for being one of the best goaltenders in the league for the better part of the last two seasons, a part of me would rather him use the time to rest. There's not a netminder in the league that's responsible for as much of a work load - night in and night out - as Cory Schneider. A few days off to rejuvenate himself for a potential playoff run wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world. In fact, it would probably be far more beneficial than participating in some gimmicky 3-on-3 tournament. However, that's not what the All Star Game is about. It's about being recognized as someone that's at the top of their profession, and there's not a player more deserving of that notoriety than Cory Schneider.

Maybe, just maybe, getting the nod above an annual shoe-in like Henrik Lundqvist is what it takes for him to finally grab the attention of the general public. Don't let this be lost on anyone, Cory Schneider's All Star selection over Henrik Lundqvist was more than a coin flip. All things considered, the NHL would have rather seen the Queen between the pipes come January 31st. Not because of a New York bias, per se, but because Henrik Lundqvist is the bigger, flashier name, and in turn capable of drawing more eyeballs. Cory Schneider being picked above him means one thing and one thing only. He has been the far superior goaltender this year. That's not to rub it in Rangers fans, although it is an added bonus. It's not even to take away from how consistently great Lundqvist has been over the course of his career. It's just to put in perspective how dominant Cory Schneider has been for the New Jersey Devils. Lundqvist is still a great goalie, but the tides are turning in the Metropolitan division. Don't be surprised if the water recedes and the wake of the All Star Game has revealed Cory Schneider's prolonged excellence. At the very least it should unveil Rangers fans insecurities, and if we are being totally honest that's more than enough for me.