The National ice Hockey League holds its 52nd All-Star game Saturday in Los Angeles, pitting the North American team against the World team, but some of the sport's top stars are skipping the event because it comes just one week before the Olympics.

Olympian Eric Lindros of the New York Rangers is not playing because he is recovering from a sprained knee. Also out with a knee injury is American Olympian Brian Rafalski. Left wing Jere Lehtinen of the Dallas Stars underwent knee surgery so he could represent Finland in the Winter Games.

Several of the World team stars will be playing, including starting goal keeper Dominik Hasek of the Czech Republic. He's joined on the World team by Detroit Red Wings teammates Nicklas Lidstrom of Sweden and Sergei Federov of Russia. Sandis Ozolinsh of Latvia is also a starter on defense.

The North American team includes San Jose Sharks forward Vincent Damphosse and teammate Owen Nolan alongside Brendan Shanahan of Detroit. The reserves include Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, Joe Sakic of Colordao, Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames and Joe Thornton of the Boston Bruins.

North America has won three of the four games played under the current format. Last year, the North Americans beat the World team 14-12 in the highest scoring All-Star game in NHL history.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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