Seguin takes another step in Star-studded career

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KANATA, Ont.Tyler Seguin turns 20 as the Bruins prepare for the stretch run of their season.

Hes made a big step forward in his second NHL season, and his All-Star experience this weekend in Ottawa will have long-lasting positive effects on a player still learning just how good he can possibly become. Seguin assisted on a Joffrey Lupul goal in the third period of Team Charas solid 12-9 win over Team Alfredsson at Scotiabank Place Sunday, and he looked dangerous skating with Lupul and Phil Kessel over the course of the 60-minute exhibition.
You learn a ton. Last year was one thing where youre there and youre kind of observing, said Seguin, comparing last years rookie All-Star invite to this seasons entry into the NHL All-Star club. This year it was more talking and conversations. Guys know you by name and stuff like that. You get little details where you can pick their brains a little bit. Look at our first line tonight. You can sit there and talk to them while theyre playing phenomenally, and try to figure the reason behind it so you can be just as good.

Forwards like Corey Perry, Jarome Iginla, Pavel Datsyuk, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa all manned spots on Seguins team, and thats the kind of veteran influence that can help Seguin continue his learning curve. Bruins coach Claude Julien has often spoke of Seguins development being slowed slightly because the youngster never played in the World Junior tournament or played for a Memorial Cup at the end of a junior hockey season.

So there were times when Seguin had played on the biggest, brightest hockey stage possibly, but winning a Stanley Cup and starring in an NHL All-Star game are the kind of things that show the Bs youngster the path of hockey righteousness.

Its great for a young guy to be around veteran star players in the league that have accomplished something; the way they act, the way they behave, how they approach their preparation for skills and games. Its huge for a young guy to see, said Chara. A lot of players probably think these guys just come and put on their skates and go.

But not . . . a lot of guys warm-up just like they do for other games. Nobody wants to get hurt. Nobody wants to pull anything. The way they are with media, the way they are with fans and the way they are with guys from other teams. Its a good chance for a young player to learn.

Now Seguin will take all of the lessons that he learned during the weekend full of hockey superstars and add them right into a regular season where hes pacing toward 30-plus goals and nearly 80 points if he stays consistent with his numbers in the first half of the year.

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