4 months ago:
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 29: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Team Alfredsson celebrates with teammates Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators and Alexander Edler #23 of the Vancouver Canucks after scoring a goal against Team Alfredsson during the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place on January 29, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Nashville Predators representation in today's All Star Game was a little understated, but showcasing defensemen has never been a big part of this event anyway. Ryan Suter tallied one assist with a -2 rating while Shea Weber went scoreless and a +2, as Team Chara pulled away midway through the 3rd period to earn the 12-9 win. Marian Gaborik of the New York Rangers was named the All-Star MVP with 3 goals and an assist.
We've got the video highlights and more after the jump...
Cue the video (might not work until 30-60 minutes post-game):
A few notes:
Ryan Suter almost caught a puck up high on a shot by Jason Pominville, which led to the John Tavares goal late in the first period. The last thing any of us want to see is an injury in an event like this!
For those of you keeping the NHL Trade Deadline in mind, Suter spent the game paired up with former teammate, and current Philadelphia Flyer Kimmo Timonen.
The All-Star Game is all about the forwards, the defensemen are largely just there to get them the puck and the goalies aren't much more than prat-falling comic relief, so Nashville's duo didn't get too involved in the scoring. No defenseman on either team ended up with more than one assist, and only Zdeno Chara scored a goal.
Suter did a bench interview with Pierre McGuire, admitting that games like this are tough on the blueliners but saying he really enjoyed being around the other All-Stars this weekend. McGuire concluded by wishing Suter good luck with his contract, at which point I could swear that I heard ominous organ music playing in the background...
The biggest ovation came when Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson scored twice late in the 2nd period, they had to hold up the ensuing faceoff for a few extra seconds the first time so he could recognize the crowd.
Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins got credit for the win, setting an All-Star Game record with his 4th straight victory.
………but the NHL ASG is the stupidest exhibition going. To watch a bunch of guys with no personality play at half speed is not my idea of a good time or good hockey.
Craig?
How come the honey badger didn’t play? Wasn’t he voted an all-star? what gives?
subcinco - January 29, 2012
The rookies selected don’t get to play in the ASG.
DonBorvio - January 29, 2012
Yeah, he had 20 seconds of glory during the puck-control part of the relay competition.
Poor guy. I wish they had put him in the shoot out competition or something… let him have a little more time to shine… but that’s ok.
davisca - January 29, 2012
no
he wasn’t voted an all-star. he was selected as one of the top NHL rookies allowed to participate in the skills competition though.
Shawn Kehoe - January 29, 2012
Pond hockey at it's finest!
I imagine Timmo was putting in good words about playing in Philly to Suter. A most troubling situation.
Grizzledbear - January 29, 2012 via mobile
That was such a great game
… that I fell asleep on the couch with my dog a few minutes into the 2nd period.
Shawn Kehoe - January 29, 2012
If we're gonna rumor monger about Ryan, Shea spent the game paired with Edler
playing with a line that involved both Sedins.
vols7381 - January 29, 2012
That's pretty good
It looks like that started in the 2nd period. In the 1st he played with Keith Yandle. Yeah, let’s trade him to Phoenix!
Dirk Hoag - January 29, 2012
Or...
Maybe Yandle can be traded from Phoenix…
vols7381 - January 30, 2012
Sorry to be a downer........
………but the NHL ASG is the stupidest exhibition going. To watch a bunch of guys with no personality play at half speed is not my idea of a good time or good hockey.
Sorry, but it’s got to be said.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 30, 2012
Nowhere near as bad as the Pro Bowl.
vols7381 - January 30, 2012
Twice as bad.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 31, 2012
I can see why some people don't like it, but I always enjoy watching.
I’d pick the Super Skills over the game any day, but I do like the game.
davisca - January 30, 2012
+1
I agree about the skills competition being better than the game.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 31, 2012
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