The NHL's new all-star format has taken plenty of criticism this year, but it also has its share of fans. If you're asking me, count me in with the fans. Last night marked the first ever fantasy draft to decide the NHL all-star teams, Team Staal and Team Lidstrom. And while I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, I was ultimately satisfied and intrigued by the way things now work.
It was initially a surprise that the captains weren't Crosby and Ovechkin, but Eric Staal and Nick Lidstrom carried the show just fine last night. Whether it was Staal delaying and delaying on selecting his brother Mark, or whether it was assistant captain Patrick Kane lobbying Lidstrom to avoid selecting fellow Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews, there was plenty of entertaining banter going on at the 2011 draft. But even aside from the entertainment aspect, I think the new system is good for the event. East versus West has done a few things in the past. It has prevented the Sedin brothers from ever being split. It has prevented Crosby and Ovechkin from playing each other, which they may have done had Crosby been playing in this year's game. It has never allowed any teammates to play against each other at all, but Zdeno Chara will be blasting his 105 mph slapshot at Timmy Thomas on Sunday. It allowed Dustin Byfuglien to reunite with his former Blackhawks teammates Kane, Toews, and Duncan Keith. And more than anything, it has given a fresh mix-up to an event that desperately needed to be revived.
Now we will wait for tonight's SuperSkills Competition, which is bound to be an interesting affair. Bruins fans should get to see their own products on the ice at least a few times. Many of the events involve goaltenders, so Tim Thomas should get his share of work. Zdeno Chara can definitely be penciled in as the favorite to win the hardest shot contest once again. And rookie Tyler Seguin will get to show his stuff in whatever event(s) his captains select him to participate in. All 54 players involved in the festivities will be participating in the final event of the evening, the Elimination Shootout Challenge. It should be a fun night -- arguably more interesting than the game itself -- and all of the players are looking forward to the relaxed, casual, but still competitive break from their regular season.
I like the format. Now I'm not the biggest fan, but the whole school-yard pick'em concept is fantastic. It generates more interest in me, a casual hockey fan, and I'll end up watching the event most-likely. The NHL is a business, and are in business to make a profit, so I don't see why die-hards are so against this concept. Wouldn't they want to see the NHL gain new fans through different methods?
ReplyDeleteAnd the NHL skills competition looks awesome per usual.