John Tavares named to NHL All-Star team

Thursday's selection of John Tavares to his first NHL All-Star Game cemented the recent perception that the Islanders' 21-year-old center has lived up to the expectations that go with being the league's top overall draft choice in 2009.

For Tavares, the Islanders' top scorer through his first 2 1/2 seasons, the honor is, "in a sense," an indication of where he wants his career to go. "It's only halfway through the season," he said, "and there's still lots of hockey that has to be played. But I felt I'm getting better every year, every game.

"I feel like I'm just getting to know the league a lot better. I feel my game evolving, and as a person, it's all translating and coming together. It's another step for me. It's exciting to know when you're recognized like this, you're doing some good things."

An afternoon telephone call from Doug Weight -- Tavares' former teammate and landlord and current Islanders assistant coach -- informed Tavares that he was one of 48 players added to the roster for the Jan. 29 game in Ottawa.

"I thought I would've heard when I got to the rink , but I didn't find out until after I left," Tavares said. "I just tried to approach the day like any other game. That's where I've got to keep most of my focus.

"But it was definitely nice to hear before I got here [for the game], to just enjoy it. I texted my mom right away. I didn't make any phone calls, I knew I needed to get some rest so I didn't want to be on the phone for too long. So I sent a text to my parents. They were really happy."

Tavares' recent play, as the major force on what has been the Islanders' most efficient line, has built on a steady development despite the team's struggles. After back-to-back seasons of 24 and 29 goals, along with 30 and 38 assists, the 6-foot, 206-pound Tavares again is pacing the team. After scoring against the Flyers with 16.8 seconds to play in the third period Thursday night, he has 15 goals and 25 assists in 41 games. Tavares is averaging more than 19 minutes of ice time per game.

It had become clear that he was in line to be the Islanders' first All-Star since defenseman Mark Streit two years ago. "I think a lot of guys felt I had a good chance," Tavares said. "Some of them congratulated me earlier, and I told them they were going to jinx it.

"You know, I just play the game the way you're supposed to play it, I think, and if these things come along, it's great. It's a great honor. It's something I looked up to as a kid. I didn't think about it a whole lot, but it's just a great thrill."

There has been only sincere congratulations from his teammates, though Tavares suspected there could be some good-natured razzing to come. "P.A.," he said of P.A. Parenteau, a linemate most of Tavares' career, "wanted me to thank him."