GATINEAU, QueThey were chirping at each on Twitter and live across the tables in their holding pen during the All-Star Player Fantasy Draft.
So, when Claude Giroux was taken by Team Alfredsson with the fourth pick he Tweeted he was hoping Flyer linemate Scott Hartnell would be the last player selected so Hartsy could win the free Honda.
Hartnell didnt look amused on TSN when cameras panned to him after he saw that Tweet.
Im not really happy with Giroux right now, actually, Hartnell said, a bit tongue in cheek, later.
When I finally got picked, I forgot what team Giroux was on. They were sitting ahead of me on the front row because he was picked early, just ask him.
I was hoping I was on the blue team Team Chara just to play against him. Maybe toe my gloves at him a bit and see if he were willing to tussle. Now that hes on my team Im not sure Ill play with him or not.
After Daniel Alfredsson selected Giroux, Zdeno Chara chose defenseman Kimmo Timonen with his fifth pick.
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With all the trade speculation surrounding the Nashville Predators and Flyers making a deal for either Shea Weber or Ryan Suter at the deadline in February, it was ironic that Timonen and Suter will skate for Charas group, while Weber will skated with Alfies.
Well see how it goes, Timonen said. If we can get either of those two guys at the trade deadline itd be perfect.
Theres a lot of guys in Nashville who were asking me when I was there recently about Suts and Webs and I said that if they want to win in Nashville they have to keep those two guys. They are really the core.
But thinking of Philly moving forward, if we can get one of those two guys, then great for Philly.
Now back to the tweets
Glad I got pick before @Hartsy19. Hopefully he gets the car. 19lastpick
Its tough love, Giroux said of that Tweet. That was the one that got Hartsys dander up.
Perhaps Giroux could make it up to him by centering Hartsy?
Actually, I didnt even think of that, Giroux said. I guess it would be pretty cool to play with him, but at the same time, you get a chance to play with other players. It doesnt really matter to me.
Sharks forward Logan Couture was the 38th and final pick. In addition to the car, Couture, who played junior hockey in Ottawa, will have 20,000 donated in his name to a charity of his choice.
Giroux walked into the interview wearing a snappy blue suit and remarked, Ive had a great time so far. I cant wait for the game.
Hartnell walked in and admitted some anxious moments as it got down to the final five players before he was chosen.
There were four or five guys left and we were all huddled togetherwe didnt want to sit in separate parts in the back room there, Hartnell said of awkwardness of being selected 17th.
We werent sure what was going to happen. When you get that name called its a big relief, obviously.
Flyer rookies Matt Read and Sean Couturier will each compete for Team Alfredsson in the SuperSkill competition on Saturday.
Now, Detroits Pavel Datsyuksomeone Giroux said he admires mostwas the first player overall taken by Chara.
Alfredsson made his Ottawa teammate, defenseman Erik Karlsson, his first choice because the Swede said he would be pissed if Alfie overlooked him.
By the way, TSN viewers, in a pre-draft poll, thought that Penguins center Evgeni Malkin would be the first player chosen.
Bostons Tim Thomas was the first goalie takenby Chara, of course. Malkin became the third pick for Chara.
Alfies first goalie selected was LAs Jonathan Quick. Naturally, Alfies team has four Senators and six Swedes. A stacked deck for the host All-Star city, no?
Vancouvers Sedin Twins, Daniel and Henrik, went to Alfies group, as well.
Interesting that two players who were traded for each other ended up on the same team. Torontos Phil Kessel and Tyler Seguin, who came to Boston as a draft pick, will compete for Team Chara.
But will they play on the same line?
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net.