Much has been said about the NHL's new look. Nineteen players will be making their first appearance as all-stars. Leading the way in votes for the youngsters are Sydney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin for the Eastern Conference. Once the puck is dropped, everyone is going to want to see if these two can come together and create some magic.
The Western Conference will be quarterbacked by the likes of Joe Sakic and Joe Thornton, who need no further introduction. The starting goaltenders will be Ryan Miller and Roberto Luongo.
The All-Star Break is also a good time to reward surprising players with a spot on the roster. Not many expected Buffalo's Brian Campbell and Montreal's Sheldon Souray to be there. But they are also on their way to Dallas and they deserve it.
I was ecstatic when I saw that the Oilers' Ryan Smith was going to suit up for the West. An injury slowed down the first half of his season. His comeback, leadership, and heart won him this spot for sure and I couldn't be happier. He's one of the truest warriors this sport has seen evolve.
Just like the MLB Home Run Derby, the NHL Skills Competition has become almost as popular as the All-Star Game itself. Don't be surprised to see the hardest shot record getting beat once again this year. Blame it on the sticks. They may break like twigs, but they produce rockets when they don't.
The All-Star Game brings back so many good memories for me: Wayne Gretzky facing off against Mario Lemieux; Ray Bourque beating the pants off everyone at the accuracy contest; Al MacInnis dominating the hardest shot contest; Gordie Howe's last appearance at age 51.
It's simply impossible not to mention the end of the story that put this year's edition of the midseason classic on the map. I'm referring, of course, to the Rory Fitzpatrick saga. Despite seeing 550,177 votes go his way, Rory came up just short of reaching the starting line-up for the West. Although many think his exclusion was a conspiracy, I think this story would have only attracted negative attention to the star-studded affair.
Many hockey enthusiasts will choose to snub the event. In some way, it's tough to argue with their stance. It's important to understand that the NHL All-Star Game is governed by a number of unwritten rules and suggestions. For those who are not familiar with them, here's a peek. They stop this game from becoming an unparalleled spectacle.
1. No hitting. I understand this rule, but at what point does hockey turn into ringette?
2. Don't skate too hard. Again, I understand. If you were a Kansas City entrepreneur, you wouldn't want Sidney Crosby to pull a muscle either.
3. For Defensemen: leave your goaltender out to dry at least 20 times. I guarantee that Jacques Martin won't like watching this one!
4. For Goalies: smile while the staff in Dallas is forced to change the mesh of your net between periods.
5. For coaches: enjoy the rest. Your systems and motivational speeches are not welcome here. Ponder becoming a coach in the NFL while looking at the final score.
6. For Rory Fitzpatrick: don't despair. Just shave your legs. I hear the Miss Universe pageant will be decided via Internet balloting, too. Better start your campaign early, my friend.
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