BEIJING, Jan. 10 -- Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was added to the Eastern Conference's All-Star team on Thursday after failing to earn a spot through a ballot by fans. The NHL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be making his third consecutive All-Star appearance, the league said in a news release.

Russia's Alexander Ovechkin celebrates team mate Sergei Fedorov's goal during the second period of action against Switzerland at the 2008 IIHF World Hockey Championships in Quebec City, May 12, 2008.Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was added to the Eastern Conference's All-Star team on Thursday after failing to earn a spot through a ballot by fans.

Ovechkin is tied for the league lead on 27 goals with Thomas Vanek of the Buffalo Sabres and Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Russian will be joined at the Jan 25 game in Montreal by All-Star debutants Vanek and Carter.

The East lineup includes Pittsburgh Penguins pair Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, both voted to the starting six.

Three members of the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins, goaltender Tim Thomas, defenseman Zdeno Chara and center Marc Savard, were among the 15 players added on Thursday.

All three played in last season's game, Savard scoring the winner at 19:39 of the third period while Thomas stopped 14-of-18 shots in the same session to record the victory.

The East will also feature two former All-Star MVPs, last year's winner Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators winger Dany Heatley who took the honor after scoring four goals in 2003.

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