In an anticipated move, the NHL today named Penguins winger James Neal to the All-Star Game as a replacement for suspended Washington star Alex Ovechkin, who opted out of the weekend activities in Ottawa.

Neal, 24, is tied for second in the league with 27 goals, which ties his career high for a season. He is tied for the league lead with 13 power-play goals and ranks 13th with 47 points in 49 games.

"We thought he was an All-Star when they first named the team," coach Dan Bylsma said following the Penguins' 3-2 shootout win Tuesday night in St. Louis.

Neal joins center Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang as Penguins representatives this year.