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All-Star Game preview Jan. 18: Sunday's contest in Montreal should prove to be another great display of skill.

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For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Montreal goalie Carey Price just made it back into the Canadiens’ lineup after a sprained ankle forced him to sit out eight games.

“I didn’t want to miss this,” said Price, a second-year player who was voted to start for the East. “This is one thing I really wanted to do the whole year. When I got hurt and I thought about missing this game, I was pretty heartbroken. But I was fortunate enough to have the right timing.

“This event has always been one of my favorite events growing up as a kid, and just having the honor to be on the ice will all these talented players is awesome.”

None of the players who sat on risers Friday in a vast hotel ballroom were ready to take shots — the verbal kind — or question those who were missing.

“The only guys who can answer that are the guys that are hurt,” said New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, a first-time All-Star. “It’s easy for other guys to say he’s not hurt enough. I can only say I am really excited to be here.

“This is the All-Star game. Obviously you want the star players to play, but if they’re hurt, they’re hurt. There is nothing you can do about it. I don’t think anybody else should comment.”

That didn’t stop the questions and some hemming and hawing with the answers.

Many seemed uncomfortable to pass judgment on others, even though they likely are dealing with their own aches and pains.

“You want to have the best players here, and hopefully everyone has that feeling, as well,” said Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal, a three-time All-Star. “I enjoy being here. I love being a part of it. To be named is an honor and it’s something that I will continue to keep coming to if they ask.”

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