Fixing the All-Star Game: What Needs to Change?
The NHL has some problems that need to be worked out. Given how they’ve handled the COVID situation, I’m certain we can all agree that they could have handled it better. More so than that, they also need to work on their All-Star Game system. Which, for today- that’s what we are going to talk about.
The way the NHL sets up the all-star game rosters, they usually do one player from each team. Which, although it’s stupid, is understandable. It’s understandable because they want all the teams to be involved in the NHL All-Star break. However, it’s unfair to some very talented players who are just on a team with lot’s of good players.
Right now, the NHL is in the process of getting one extra player to each divisional team. But for the most part, most of the rosters are set. So, how does the Pacific Division currently look?
Forwards
Leon Drasaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
Mark Stone, Las Vegas Golden Knights
Defenseman
Alex Pietrangelo, Las Vegas Golden Knights
Goalies
John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks
So as you can see above, there is a player from each team even though they may not deserve it. More so than that though, why is there only one defenseman? It doesn’t make any sense why there is only one defenseman when there are usually two out there. So here comes what you guys actually are here for- let’s get into what needs to change.
Fixing the NHL All-Star Game
Every year the NHL decides to host a competition around the league called the ‘All-Star game’. The All-Star game is a way to give some players time to rest and enjoy themselves with fellow hockey players around the league.
When you’re constantly playing hockey against these players, and playing physical, you don’t get the chance to create relationships with many players. You’re just trying to get the win and play you’re best. So, there is some good that comes from this, however there are a lot of flaws in their system so here is what I’m proposing to the NHL.
First, There will be a game between the western and eastern conference. In this game it will be standard rules, but would give the players the chance to play with other competitors that you face frequently.
Second, They will keep the events as is. If you take a look at all-star breaks in any major sport, the sports that draw the most traction are basketball and football. Fans love to see them have fun challenges set to put players skills to the test. For example, 3-points shooting contest, or accuracy contest in football. Those are the events that are fun for most fans. Taking those out would be a big mistake.
Third, change the way you organize teams. Creating a tournament bracket would be fun for the fans and players I would assume. Being able to play with the guys your constantly competing against would help bring some fun to the game. So in doing so, you’re going to have to change the way the rosters are organized so this is what I’m thinking.
All-Star Game Changes
- Each roster will be granted 15 forwards, eight defenseman, three goalies.
- How they are organized or who plays will be based upon the coaches.
- You are able to dress all 23 skaters and three goalies.
- You are in fact able to dress all three goalies, but you have to play a different goalie every period. If it does go into overtime or the shootout, it becomes the coaches call who takes on those remaining minutes.
- As for the lines. You are to have five forward lines of three players. You are to have four defensive lines.
Everything will stay pretty standard to a regular game. Penalties will be the same, minutes will be the same, special teams will be the same. So before we take a look at the lineups I assembled down below, I would like to point out that this is excluding currently hurt players. I know that this isn’t accurate if you discount the current players who are hurt, so that is something I wanted to stress.
Anyways, now that I got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the lineups.
Forwards
Johnny Gaudreau-Connor McDavid-Nathan MacKinnon
Kirill Kaprizov-Leon Drasaitl-Mikko Rantanen
Kyle Conner-Nazem Kadri-Gabriel Landeskog
Jordan Kyrou-Troy Terry-Timo Meier
Mark Stone-Anze Kopitar-Vladimir Tarasenko
Defenseman
Roman Josi-Cale Makar
Quinn Hughes-Alex Pietrangelo
Shea Theodore-Devon Toews
Seth Jones-Brent Burns
Goalies
Juuse Saros
Jacob Markstrom
Connor Hellebuyck
So, obviously this is my take on who I think this should apply too. However, I’d love to get to know you’re thoughts on everything I said and my lineups. So feel free to comment down below and let me know what you think and/or what you’d change.