2008-2009 All Star Thread

[habsfan87 0]

yeah I'm really sick of everyone complaining about this being a shinny game (complaints aren't from here), I don't watch football all year but if I want to watch a great game I'll watch the superbowl, not the probowl. And look at basketball, everyone loves the dunk competition and even the cool dunks in the game, but no one is crying about the lack of fouls and defense in the all-star game. Why don't we just rename this the Allstar shinny game, or freindly like in soccer so that people can stop bitching and just enjoy this. I just hope whoever Bettmans predicessor is, will embrace the game instead of always trying to make it what it's not to impress the people who don't care, imo the all star game is for HOCKEY fans, not a way of gaining fans, thats for the playoffs. And I'll also bring this up now, what is so wrong about the handshake tradition that gets so many people going, are players not supposed to respect their peers?, I think it shows class that no other league has. Anyway hats off to montreal and all involved in putting on the show, great work

[cxo 0]

Not sure if there's a better place to put this. It's related to the ASG anyway.

In regards to the league "suspending" Datsyuk and Lidstrom for the game against Columbus tomorrow, I can't find an answer to this. Since it isn't an actual suspension, does Illitch have to pay them for a mandatory day off? If he doesn't get the financial burden lifted for the one game, it's going to be fun for them to call up two players with all that cap space the Wings have.

And to whatever level this action is supposed to be "disciplinary," isn't it just more proof of the NHL's inability to discipline players who actually deserve it? Lidstrom and Datsyuk being disciplined? I just don't know about this. I understand all about how it was a pre-arranged agreement with the GM's, the sitting-out-a-game-if-you-don't-attend-the-ASG rule. But shouldn't it have been put into writing? It just seems shady.

Lidstrom's going to end up with more time "suspended" than PIM's in his career.

[psh 25]

I loved how AGAIN, the young stars game was ruined by constant replays that cut away from the actual game going on. Thanks VS, I didn't want to see those 5 or so goals that weren't televised.

People need to get off Ovechkin's cock, he won without one single skill goal... Loved how he brought the entire event to a standstill so he could play dress up.

I thought the weekend was pretty good. The game was quite good and the weekend showcased a lot of personality--Savard commenting on Sat. and Sunday night was a revelation. What a likeable guy. That guy is marketable.

And, Ovie. He can bring a crowd around, eh? If I was voting, I probably would have gone for Kov or Getzlaf in the breakaway challenge, but I can see how OV got it. The event is for the fans and fans vote. The guy shot with Malkin's stick (left handed) so there was some skill involved. Just enjoy the guy's love of the game and love of hamming it up. He's good for the game (not to mention a hell of a hockey player).

I think the ASG weekend was a success. There were some questionable judgments and some balky production (at least on VS) but we got to see some great talent showcased, and some really good guys got great personal exposure. I'm now really looking forward to the Bruins Caps game on Tuesday.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Not sure if there's a better place to put this. It's related to the ASG anyway.

In regards to the league "suspending" Datsyuk and Lidstrom for the game against Columbus tomorrow, I can't find an answer to this. Since it isn't an actual suspension, does Illitch have to pay them for a mandatory day off? If he doesn't get the financial burden lifted for the one game, it's going to be fun for them to call up two players with all that cap space the Wings have.

And to whatever level this action is supposed to be "disciplinary," isn't it just more proof of the NHL's inability to discipline players who actually deserve it? Lidstrom and Datsyuk being disciplined? I just don't know about this. I understand all about how it was a pre-arranged agreement with the GM's, the sitting-out-a-game-if-you-don't-attend-the-ASG rule. But shouldn't it have been put into writing? It just seems shady.

Lidstrom's going to end up with more time "suspended" than PIM's in his career.

It was my understanding that they don't lose a game cheque.

[TBLfan 25]

I loved how AGAIN, the young stars game was ruined by constant replays that cut away from the actual game going on. Thanks VS, I didn't want to see those 5 or so goals that weren't televised.

People need to get off Ovechkin's cock, he won without one single skill goal... Loved how he brought the entire event to a standstill so he could play dress up.

I thought the weekend was pretty good. The game was quite good and the weekend showcased a lot of personality--Savard commenting on Sat. and Sunday night was a revelation. What a likeable guy. That guy is marketable.

And, Ovie. He can bring a crowd around, eh? If I was voting, I probably would have gone for Kov or Getzlaf in the breakaway challenge, but I can see how OV got it. The event is for the fans and fans vote. The guy shot with Malkin's stick (left handed) so there was some skill involved. Just enjoy the guy's love of the game and love of hamming it up. He's good for the game (not to mention a hell of a hockey player).

I think the ASG weekend was a success. There were some questionable judgments and some balky production (at least on VS) but we got to see some great talent showcased, and some really good guys got great personal exposure. I'm now really looking forward to the Bruins Caps game on Tuesday.

If he roofs it, sure that's skill. BUT if you hand just about any player an opposite handed stick they should be able to shoot the puck 1" off the ice into a goalies stick, then smack in the rebound along the ice. That was the only puck he made too, right? Did he even cleanly get off any of his other shots?

I have no doubt that he's talented but that was a joke. Give it to someone that didn't rely on props to entertain the crowd and show some skill. Props... Carrot Top uses props.

[interpathway 9]

Was Ovechkin trying to recreate his "Phoenix goal" on the first attempt in the shootout contest? Anyone with the Skills Comp taped or who remembers can verify?

[mrusse01 0]

Not sure if there's a better place to put this. It's related to the ASG anyway.

In regards to the league "suspending" Datsyuk and Lidstrom for the game against Columbus tomorrow, I can't find an answer to this. Since it isn't an actual suspension, does Illitch have to pay them for a mandatory day off? If he doesn't get the financial burden lifted for the one game, it's going to be fun for them to call up two players with all that cap space the Wings have.

And to whatever level this action is supposed to be "disciplinary," isn't it just more proof of the NHL's inability to discipline players who actually deserve it? Lidstrom and Datsyuk being disciplined? I just don't know about this. I understand all about how it was a pre-arranged agreement with the GM's, the sitting-out-a-game-if-you-don't-attend-the-ASG rule. But shouldn't it have been put into writing? It just seems shady.

Lidstrom's going to end up with more time "suspended" than PIM's in his career.

Are you sure it wasn't put into writing somewhere?

I don't know, these guys make millions and millions of dollars a year, they get the entire off-season to rest...I don't think it's too much to demand they at least show up at the All-Star Game and do a few interviews. I think it's actually pretty selfish of Datysuk and Lidstrom not to show up, knowing full well (presumably) that it was going to cost them a game. Injury or not, just about anybody is healthy enough to do a couple interviews and sit in a luxury box and watch a hockey game.

[cxo 0]

It still sounds like too severe a punishment, considering the type of players they are, and that it's coming into the home stretch of the playoffs, etc.

[Habs21 0]

It sounds severe but it's really not because the other teams will start using this "injury" excuse to not show up...The others will say: "well Datsyuk and Lidstrom had 2 or 3 extra days off but my all-star guys didn't get any time off"...so what happens? the next year, oops, the other teams don't send their guys over...and then the next year more teams tell their guys not to go, etc...

Yeah the suspension sounds a bit harsh right now...but it's probably the only way to stop this trend.

The fans vote these guys in..and the players don't show up...it's pretty much a slap in the face to the fans because they just wasted some of their time to go vote. I dunno...to me the suspension sounds fair I guess. Although now, they're basically getting ANOTHER free day off tomorrow night.

[DoublinUp 0]

I loved how AGAIN, the young stars game was ruined by constant replays that cut away from the actual game going on. Thanks VS, I didn't want to see those 5 or so goals that weren't televised.

People need to get off Ovechkin's cock, he won without one single skill goal... Loved how he brought the entire event to a standstill so he could play dress up.

I thought the weekend was pretty good. The game was quite good and the weekend showcased a lot of personality--Savard commenting on Sat. and Sunday night was a revelation. What a likeable guy. That guy is marketable.

And, Ovie. He can bring a crowd around, eh? If I was voting, I probably would have gone for Kov or Getzlaf in the breakaway challenge, but I can see how OV got it. The event is for the fans and fans vote. The guy shot with Malkin's stick (left handed) so there was some skill involved. Just enjoy the guy's love of the game and love of hamming it up. He's good for the game (not to mention a hell of a hockey player).

I think the ASG weekend was a success. There were some questionable judgments and some balky production (at least on VS) but we got to see some great talent showcased, and some really good guys got great personal exposure. I'm now really looking forward to the Bruins Caps game on Tuesday.

If he roofs it, sure that's skill. BUT if you hand just about any player an opposite handed stick they should be able to shoot the puck 1" off the ice into a goalies stick, then smack in the rebound along the ice. That was the only puck he made too, right? Did he even cleanly get off any of his other shots?

I have no doubt that he's talented but that was a joke. Give it to someone that didn't rely on props to entertain the crowd and show some skill. Props... Carrot Top uses props.

CARROT TOP uses props! lol

[s4gobabygo 0]

i'll be happy when they discontinue the allstar game and skills competition entirely, and just continue the regular season. if they must have the allstar game, make it after the season's over. too much politics to break up the season for a boring game of shinny. if you want to make it interesting, put chumps like Orr and Cote in, and have a fighting skills competition. at least that would make me laugh.

[cxo 0]

i'll be happy when they discontinue the allstar game and skills competition entirely, and just continue the regular season. if they must have the allstar game, make it after the season's over. too much politics to break up the season for a boring game of shinny. if you want to make it interesting, put chumps like Orr and Cote in, and have a fighting skills competition. at least that would make me laugh.

The idea to put it at the end of the season has already been picked apart piece by piece. It's never going to happen.

[mrusse01 0]

It still sounds like too severe a punishment, considering the type of players they are, and that it's coming into the home stretch of the playoffs, etc.

I guess, but I still can't believe Lidstrom and Datsyuk didn't cancel their fishing plans or whatever the hell they were doing this weekend once they realized they'd have to miss a game if they didn't at least show up in street clothes.

[habsfan87 0]

The most talented players (presumably) would have went through 2-8 weeks of grueling hockey, so at least half them would be far too banged up to care about an all star game, and that is their time off. And the other half might have not played for 2 months so I think it'd be an even worse game, I really don't see a problem the way it is. The players have the right to take the time off, we all do (we just don't get 4 months off) and they get paid lots of money, so I think if they can decide to take the time off from the all star game, they can afford to miss 1 regular season game. I mean Lidstrom just wanted to see his son play hockey, which I respect, but if he chooses to do so I see no harm done by adding a game.

[psh 25]

I loved how AGAIN, the young stars game was ruined by constant replays that cut away from the actual game going on. Thanks VS, I didn't want to see those 5 or so goals that weren't televised.

People need to get off Ovechkin's cock, he won without one single skill goal... Loved how he brought the entire event to a standstill so he could play dress up.

I thought the weekend was pretty good. The game was quite good and the weekend showcased a lot of personality--Savard commenting on Sat. and Sunday night was a revelation. What a likeable guy. That guy is marketable.

And, Ovie. He can bring a crowd around, eh? If I was voting, I probably would have gone for Kov or Getzlaf in the breakaway challenge, but I can see how OV got it. The event is for the fans and fans vote. The guy shot with Malkin's stick (left handed) so there was some skill involved. Just enjoy the guy's love of the game and love of hamming it up. He's good for the game (not to mention a hell of a hockey player).

I think the ASG weekend was a success. There were some questionable judgments and some balky production (at least on VS) but we got to see some great talent showcased, and some really good guys got great personal exposure. I'm now really looking forward to the Bruins Caps game on Tuesday.

If he roofs it, sure that's skill. BUT if you hand just about any player an opposite handed stick they should be able to shoot the puck 1" off the ice into a goalies stick, then smack in the rebound along the ice. That was the only puck he made too, right? Did he even cleanly get off any of his other shots?

I have no doubt that he's talented but that was a joke. Give it to someone that didn't rely on props to entertain the crowd and show some skill. Props... Carrot Top uses props.

CARROT TOP uses props! lol

That's a great line, but I think you're placing far too much importance on the All Star Game and awards. Nobody's Hart Trophy or Hall of Fame candidacy is going to be affected by an All Star Game or skills award. All Star Weekend is all about fans and marketing for the NHL. And Ovechkin's winning the shootout reflects that. Fan's voted for him big. So, that means the fan's liked his schtick and nothing more.

If the NHL took the game or the awards seriously, they wouldn't let the fans have so much influence over who is invited in the first place. Just take the weekend for what it is and enjoy the spectacle--at least that's my take on it.

[minwookie 0]

I think OV was trying to recreate the phoenix goal on his first shindiggity. My personal favorite was St. Louis fake lacrosse style goal when he had it in his hand the whole time. It was a fun little break mid season and it was great in the way that the NHL got to showcase the personalities and the humanistic sides of these players that aren't often viewed in that manner.

[s4gobabygo 0]

The idea to put it at the end of the season has already been picked apart piece by piece. It's never going to happen.

just because you (person of unknown credentials) think it won't happen doesn't mean it can't be my (other person of unknown credentials) opinion that it should. play nice.

[braintree 0]

ovechkin should not have won the shootout. versus' coverage of the freshman vs. sophomore game was terrible. i'm just sayin' though

[Habs21 0]

I personally agree that it could never happen at the end of the year. Guys are beat up after the playoffs and some guys have already been off for almost 2 months. The "show" would be pretty pathetic I think...

I don't get the people that put down the ASG...if you're a real hockey fan, you wanna see a GOOD game of shinny with most of the top players in the league. Hell, I'd watch a LA Kings vs TB game if it was on tv, so i'll definately watch the ASG. There's nothing serious about the whole weekend...so why do people have to be? Boohoo the teams aren't playing regular season games for 3-4 days. I've been seeing this crap on the TSN website for the past few days now and I get really annoyed.

[DoublinUp 0]

I personally agree that it could never happen at the end of the year. Guys are beat up after the playoffs and some guys have already been off for almost 2 months. The "show" would be pretty pathetic I think...

I don't get the people that put down the ASG...if you're a real hockey fan, you wanna see a GOOD game of shinny with most of the top players in the league. Hell, I'd watch a LA Kings vs TB game if it was on tv, so i'll definately watch the ASG. There's nothing serious about the whole weekend...so why do people have to be? Boohoo the teams aren't playing regular season games for 3-4 days. I've been seeing this crap on the TSN website for the past few days now and I get really annoyed.

Im with you, anythings better thn nothing!!! I actually enjoyed the game it self! but im quite pissed off that oveckin won the shootout comp!!! I think everyother person in that comp did better!

[interpathway 9]

But did you bother voting? I have no problems with people bashing Ovechkin's moves (considering only one attempt went "in" on a rebound), but hopefully you all actually voted (for Getzlaf!). No offense Alex, but I voted for Ryan.

[Habs21 0]

haha Getzlaf was great for sure...I liked Kovy with his soccer type moves. But he does some even better stuff on his dvd so I don't get why he "choked" (if you wanna call it that) in the shootout thingy. He shoulda been in the accuracy challenge for anyone that's seen his warrior videos and his dvd. But I liked St Louis' stuff for not knowing he was going until the last second. Was I impressed by the shootout challenge? no...but it's still fun to watch. Why would people complain about it? It's just FOR FUN. ^_^

[althoma1 574]

Kovalev should've went for the one handed backhand top corner like he was doing in the Warrior videos. Based on what was actually done I'd say he was still one of the best along with Getzlaf. Ovechkin is very talented, but honestly didn't do anything a lot of good non-pros couldn't do - the whole dress up thing was silly, but I guess it got him the votes.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Has anyone actually tried skating ON a puck the way Kovy did? That's shits hard to do.

[dalebert 8]

Has anyone actually tried skating ON a puck the way Kovy did? That's shits hard to do.

Yeah I get one swing then the puck slides out and I bite it hard. :lol: