With Ottawa Senators winger Dany Heatley out with a separated shoulder, Bruins center Marc Savard was informed today that he's earned his first All-Star berth in 10 NHL seasons and will return the setting where he played three season of hockey in Atlanta. Savard leads the Bruins with 47 points on 11 goals and 36 assists and has logged a lot of shifts this season covering the other team's top offensive line.

In the past Savard was seen strictly as a top notch setup guy who had back-to-back 90 plus assist seasons for the Bruins in 2006-07 and the Thrashers in 2005-06, but he's done everything from penalty kill to lockdown center for the Bruins as they dangle onto that final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Here's a transcript from today's conference call with Savard.



Q: Congratulations Savvy, it seems like they’ve got one half of it right but they still have the other half with Tim Thomas. Are you going to try to smuggle him into the Arena [for the All-Star game]?

MS: [laughing] Yeah, I’ll try you know. Thomas has been a big factor to where we are in the standings, but sometimes there’s teams that need players in and unfortunately Tim didn’t get the chance.

Q: This season has been a different kind of one for you: the lineup has been decimated by injury but you’ve continued to produce. How do you feel about your season thus far even with going through a tough stretch over the last month?

MS: It’s tough but we have a good system behind us. Ever since Claude has taken over he’s done a great job and we’ve had a lot of people step up and play well. Obviously the three and four point nights aren’t there anymore, but I’m still chipping in every night and that’s been key to us winning hockey games. So it’s worked out well for everyone.

Q: Around the league the Bruins have taken some criticism for boring hockey and seems whenever a team shuts down other clubs they catch this kind of hell from the league. With the team around and when you get the horses back that are out, do you think this team can add another dimension offensively and be a factor in the playoffs?

MS: For sure I think so. I think we’ve lost some production but I think the systems have gotten us to where we are today. We don’t have a lot of big names on offensive guys, but we have a good mix of guys that are chipping in and allowing us to win 2-1, 3-2 games. The systems have been great and Timmy’s played great behind us, and guys have stepped in when we’ve had injuries this year. We’ve been able to stay in the playoff picture pretty much all season.

Q: Do you take any satisfaction that you’ve gotten this honor in a season where you’ve become more of a complete player?

MS: Yeah, I think so and I go back to Claude really helping me out and putting it in my mind to be a good two-way player. Obviously the stats aren’t as good as last year right now and being a more complete player I think people have taken notice. The whole team has gotten us in the position that we’re in so, I thank of all them for giving me the chance to play in the All-Star Game.

Q: You’ve been asked to be a faceoff guy in situations on the penalty and obviously he doesn’t want you to playing 45 minutes a night so you go off once the puck has been cleared of the zone. What’s it like to be thrust into those kinds of roles whereas before the accent on your game has always been to score goals?

MS: Yeah, I’ve really enjoyed it. Being in situations on the penalty kill I’ve really enjoyed taking draws and Claude has given me that chance. My stats aren’t where I want them to be in the faceoff circle, but I’m working on it. The faceoffs have become so much more important this year with the new rules when you’re short-handed. I enjoy it and it’s something I look forward to doing during the game.

Q: Is there a special satisfaction in representing Boston and the Hub of Hockey out there in Atlanta and talk about going back to Atlanta where you used to play?

MS: It’s a huge honor to represent the city of Boston and the fans here, and my team and my teammates. Obviously the team’s record helps my status out in getting into the game, and going back to Atlanta is obviously huge. There are a lot of friends I made there in the 3 ½ years I played there and my family knows the area well. So it’s going to be a great feeling bringing the family there and it’s something I’ll never forget.