Marian Hossa reunites with Slovakian pals at All-Star Game

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Hawks star Marian Hossa had a goal and two assists and was on the winning team Sunday in the All-Star Game. | Getty Images

Updated: March 1, 2012 8:38AM

OTTAWA — There were a lot of things Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa enjoyed about being at the All-Star Game. But nothing beat sitting between two of his friends — Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik — in the locker room.

All three lost a close friend when former NHL All-Star Pavol Demitra was killed in the plane crash that claimed the lives of 37 members of the Russian pro team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in September.

‘‘We had lots of fun talking our language,’’ Hossa said. ‘‘We made lots of jokes on [Gaborik] because we like to bug him. At the end, he was [the most valuable player]. It was a fun night.’’

The game turned out great for the Slovakian trio. Gaborik had a hat trick and four points to lead Team Chara past Team Alfredsson 12-9.

Hossa scored a highlight-reel goal while skating backward and made two nice passes to set up Gaborik. Chara had a goal and was plus-7 in the offense-only game.

‘‘I think [Rangers goalie Henrik] Lundqvist was getting mad at me because sometimes I could have shot it, and he didn’t want [Gaborik] to score,’’ Hossa said. ‘‘It was lots of fun. There was lots of action going on.’’

More on Morrison

Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla said he thinks the Hawks became even more formidable after acquiring center Brendan Morrison, his former linemate, in a trade Friday.

‘‘He’s a great team guy,’’ Iginla said. ‘‘He’s still a good player. He’s been fighting a few injuries, but he’s a very smart player. He’ll find ways to be effective. He can still have big nights. He came back from his [torn anterior cruciate ligament] and had a four-point night. He’s still a crafty guy.’’

All-Star tidbits

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas got the victory for the fourth consecutive All-Star Game, extending his own record.

But given the rivalry between the Bruins and the Vancouver Canucks since the Stanley Cup finals last season, his biggest highlight came when he hugged Canucks captain Henrik Sedin in the crease. In the finals, Thomas famously checked Sedin to the ice when he approached.

‘‘I drove the net, and he was a good sport about it,’’ Sedin said.

◆ Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos’ penalty shot in the first period, which was stopped by Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, was the second in All-Star history.

◆ The 21 goals were the fourth-most in the history of the All-Star Game.