Editors note: Hey friends! Due to personal commitments, I haven't been able to blog as much as I've wished to off the start. This will be changing soon. In the meantime, my good buddy Dillon (@hi_dillon) has written a freelance piece for KD2 about the modern day issues with the NHL All-Star game. Enjoy!
The NHL has a serious problem with its “All-Star” game. Note the quotation marks, because it isn’t much of a showcase for the league’s top talent these days. Players like superstar Alexander Ovechkin, captain serious Jonathan Toews and Hall of Fame bound Niklas Lidstrom have chosen to opt out of the game and relax for a few days. What kind of message is the league sending allowing these players to do this? Remember: this game is supposed to be for the fans.
The players have an obligation to the fans, who each and every night go out and pay good money to watch them play. The least they could do is attend one weekend mid-season to celebrate the game they love and salute the fans. Apparently, this is easier said than done.
But can you really blame the players? With the game having no real meaning, why would they not take the opportunity to vacation with their families or recover from nagging injuries? Other leagues such as the NBA and NFL have no issues with their crème de la crop players opting out and their games have no influence on the rest of the season. The NFL entices players with their Pro Bowl with a trip to beautiful Hawaii... something tells me that’s a little more appealing than a visit to the cold surroundings of our nation’s capital. Perhaps the All-Star game should have some implication on the rest of the season like MLB has? The winner of their all-star game receives the prestigious home-field advantage in the World Series in October. If the NHL did this, perhaps the leagues all-stars would be more inclined to attend the game. Maybe they would do even more than just attend but maybe actually play? Hockey’s all-star game has to be the dullest of the big four sport’s leagues. With high scores and no body checking, adding some significance to the game would change this. Maybe we would see Battle of Ontario rivals Alfredsson and Kessel on a line setting each other up for a chance to win home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Finals. With both teams in the playoff hunt, they would be thirsty for that opportunity.
The idea of combining the All-Star game with the Winter Classic has also been conjured up. It would be a unique experience for the players and the fans but it would really limit where the game could be held. Definitely something the NHL would not go for. The league has higher drop out rates than Rick DiPietro injuries. Something must be done so your move next, NHL.
- Dillon (hi_dillon)
Great article! Although I am not in favour of placing significance on the All-Star game like the MLB does. It is supposed to be a fun game for the players as well and in my mind home field advantage should be won through your efforts in the season not a meaningless game that 2-3 players of your team is a part of.
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