DETROIT - Dylan Larkin is heading to his first All-Star Game this weekend in Nashville but several of his teammates have already experienced the NHL's midseason extravaganza.

Pavel Datsyuk has appeared in three All-Star Games while Brad Richards, Mike Green and Jimmy Howard have all played in one apiece.

Although all are at the point in their careers where getting a few days off is probably more attractive than going to an All-Star Game, Howard, Green and Richards all enjoyed their experience and are urging Larkin to do the same.

"It's a thrill, just to be around all those guys, all the superstars of the game," said Howard, who played in the 2012 All-Star Game. "It's a huge honor as well. You get to meet people, guys that you're fans of as well, watching them play around the league.

"Fortunately for me, the one time I got to go it was close to home in Ottawa so I got to see a lot of family and friends. That was a huge plus."

Howard started the 2012 All-Star Game for Team Chara and allowed three goals on 14 shots before departing with the game tied 3-3. His team ended up winning 12-9. His highlight was stopping Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos on a penalty shot.

Howard's teammates included Datsyuk, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, Chicago's Patrick Kane and Boston's Zdeno Chara.

Richards said being around some of the biggest names in hockey can be a valuable experience for anyone, especially a 19-year-old rookie like Larkin, who will be surrounded by some of hockey's top players in the Atlantic Division dressing room.

Larkin's All-Star teammates will include Stamkos, captain Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers, Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators and P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadiens.

"It's a hectic weekend and the biggest thing for young guys is looking around at guys you grew up with and see what they do, checking out their sticks and just seeing how they prepare and stuff like that," said Richards, who played in the 2011 game.

"It's not like a real game but it's still neat to be around those influences at that age. You see a lot of players. He's still a young guy so he'll see a lot of players he grew up watching so that will be unique. He'll see a lot of players from top teams.

"As a hockey player, that's always interesting. To see their sticks, how they do things, what equipment they're wearing, how they act and obviously the game and all that stuff. That's where you feel most comfortable because you get to go out and play."

Richards and Green were opponents in the 2011 All-Star Game.

Richards played for a team captained by Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom while Green's captain was Carolina's Eric Staal. Being around Lidstrom was the highlight for Green.

"To be around Nick Lidstrom was pretty cool and Zdeno Chara, I got to play with Zdeno," said Green, who was with the Washington Capitals at the time. "I got to play with Zdeno in the game and then obviously watch Nick play on the other end so it was pretty special.

"Just the experience is really what it's all about, being around other elite players in the league and seeing the characters, the fun they enjoy being there. I think that's what (Larkin) should take from it. It's really just a good experience.

"There's no pressure or anything like that. It's just a good time and he really needs to enjoy it, especially at his age."

Although Larkin will be the only rookie in the All-Star Game - as well as the youngest player there - Red Wings broadcaster Mickey Redmond doesn't think he'll be intimidated by being around some of the biggest names in hockey.

Redmond views Larkin's first All-Star Game as a learning experience.

"Just take it all in, absolutely," said Redmond, who played in the 1974 All-Star Game while with the Red Wings. "He won't be intimidated, not from what I've seen so far. Just sit back and take it all in.

"Enjoy it and just being with all those superstars is going to be very special for him I'm sure.

Howard's advice to Larkin?

"Have fun and soak it all in," he said.

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