Despite snub, Penguins say Kessel is still an all-star taken in Cranberry Township, Pa. (Penguins)

Phil Kessel. - AP

Phil Kessel leads the Penguins in goals (18), assists (29) and points (47). Yes, he’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion, but he’s not an NHL All-Star in 2018.

Kessel was conspicuously left off the Metro Division roster when it was announced Thursday. Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang are Pittsburgh’s representatives for the Jan. 28 game in Tampa, but even the captain says Kessel should have gotten the nod.

“I didn’t expect to be there,” Crosby said. “I thought Phil would be the guy selected, but it’s always an honor to go there. A lot of guys here are deserving. I feel fortunate."

It will be the seventh All-Star game for Crosby and the fourth for Letang.

Mike Sullivan was disappointed but understood the divisional 3-on-3 format played a factor in the snub of Kessel.

“But it doesn’t diminish our appreciation for what he’s done for our team this year,” Sullivan said. “I think those of us close to our team understand how important his game has been for us. I think very quietly Phil’s had a very solid year for us.”

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