The NHL Allstar Game

Fantasy hockey takes a vacation this week as the NHL breaks for the 2006-07 Allstar game. Hopefully you got a chance to watch at least one of the following; young stars game, skills competition, or the Allstar game  

The format for the Allstar game has changed over the years but nonetheless, it is still exciting and interesting to watch. I hope the NHL did not hurt its viewing audience by having the event take place during the week versus over a weekend like in the past. As you discuss the game with friends and family feel free use my thoughts.

Things I was Excited to See:

The Messiah, Mark Messier as part of the coverage crew

Newcomer Andy McDonald winning the fastest skater competition

Zdeno Chara and Sheldon Souray reaching at least 100mph in the slap shot competition

Having a Tampa Bay Lightning player finally scoring an Allstar game goal (Martin St. Louis)

Knowing that there were four guys playing in the game that were undrafted

The new high-tech uniforms

Many more goals scored compared to last year’s game

Players with seniority getting to keep their number and forcing the younger guys to switch

Great passing and great slap shot goals

Players generously throwing their Allstar game equipment into the stands for the fans to enjoy

Lines such as the “French Connection”

Seeing Steve Guttenberg in the 1981 movie “Miracle on Ice” right after the Allstar game

Things I was Happy Not to See:

A penalty

An injury

North America vs World Stars format

A low scoring game

Funny Stuff:

Hearing the Dallas fans scream “stars” during the Star Spangled Banner

Seeing Chuck Norris get cut off while trying to explain the World Combat League

Michelle Branch is now a country folk singer???

No points for the hyped Sidney Crosby playing with Alexander Ovechkin

Best Allstar Game Commercial:

Volkswagon GTI

Things I Could Not Stand:

Seeing the same 10 commercials being played over and over again