The NHL All-Star Game will have a new format. Instead of East vs. West, it will be three, 20-minute mini-games of 3 on 3. After 10 minutes of each mini-game, teams will change ends. If it is still tied after 20 minutes, it will be decided by a shootout. Fans can still vote for their favorite players but teams will be from the divisions which are the Pacific, Central, Atlantic, and Metropolitan. The Central will face the Pacific while the Atlantic plays the Metropolitan Division. The winners advance to the championship game. The champions will split $1 million. Each team will have six forwards, three defensemen, and two goalies. Will this make the All-Star Game enhanced?
The NHL All-Star Game has changed in the past. From 1993 to 1997, it was Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference. In 1998 they switched it to North America vs. the World. That lasted 5 years and it was decided to go back to Western vs. Eastern Conference.
2011 was yet another modification. The skaters voted to the All-Star Game participated in a fantasy draft where they were drafted by two NHL stars. The athlete picked last would win a new car. This was more interesting because teammates would play teammates. This occurred the last three years. ESPN stated that the players didn’t want the player draft back.
According to NHL.com, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said, “The NHL All Star Weekend festivities provide a unique opportunity for our fans, Players, Clubs, and business partners to come together in one city to celebrate the game at its highest level. We are introducing a creative new format this year in Nashville not only as a way to enhance the competitiveness of the event, but also as a vehicle to highlight and emphasize the incredible skill, speed and athleticism it takes to play our game.”
The NHL is trying something outside the box. This should make it more exciting because it will be like seeing three games in one. They still won’t allow checking but scoring should be up. Three on three will open up the ice which could create more odd man rushes. The goalies will need to be ready to make critical saves for their teams to move on in the tournament. . If it is successful, hopefully they keep this format. Tune in to the All-Star Game on January 31st.
What do you think of the new NHL All-Star game format?
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