The All-Star weekend seemed magical to me as a kid. The best players in the world coming together and showing their talents for every NHL fan. Big Zdeno Chara seemed like a monster to me, and the hardest slapshot was always the big appeal to the skills competition.
So, when you look back on the All-star weekend, criticize it all you want for it’s lack of excitement, but don’t forget about that kid out there who saw the magic in their idols performing while making memories of the game of hockey. For that reason alone, I like the festivities.
The Senators saw two representatives this weekend in Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman. Erik Karlsson was the likely candidate to represent Ottawa, but likely declined due to his plans somewhere sunny.
Mike Hoffman participated in Rookie Skills, an honour he earned after leading Ottawa in scoring through the halfway point. Hoffman’s speed is the part of his game best known to Senators’ fans, however with a little speed wobble on the final turn, it was Jonathan Drouin who beat him out on this one.
Hoffman also had a nice little move in the shootout round of the Skills Comp.
GIF: Mike Hoffman is sick. pic.twitter.com/IZTB6FO5se
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) January 25, 2015
Thanks to Brady Terttenero on that one, we agree Brady.. Mike Hoffman is sick.
On to Bobby Ryan, who saw All-Star Game time as Ottawa’s lone representative. Ryan saw his first All-Star nod this time around, leaving us to think it must’ve been a cool experience for him.
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Unlike 2012, Ottawa certainly wasn’t a story-maker in the All-Star game. For the big headlines, you’ve got to look to Alexander Ovechkin and his car, Phil Kessel and his “coachable-ness”, and Columbus’ cannon. Yet, it was neat to see Bobby Ryan out there with the league’s best as I feel he’s having a good year.
Bobby Ryan competed in the accuracy shooting competition, and posted a lackluster 30 second+ performance. After going 4-for-4 in Ottawa’s competition, Bobby Ryan didn’t impress here.
Off to the Sunday all-star game it was for Bobby Ryan, where he like just about everyone else scored a goal. Tavares scored 4, but when 29 of them are scored you have to feel pretty bad if you didn’t get at least one.
Ryan’s was a simple one, walk in and shoot it past Jaro Halak.
That’s all from the All Star game for Ottawa. It’s back to a full schedule, and back to Ottawa hockey on Thursday as the Senators seek a big 2nd half.
All Star Game Thoughts:
- Interesting story on Ovechkin out of this one… that car? It was meant for a girl in D.C with Down Syndrome and her family. According to Brad Galli, Honda “hooked it up”
- Jaroslav Halak, traded for Ryan Miller, then to Washington.. leaves for NYI as a UFA. Having a great year and so is the island.
- How about the 2 former Blue Jackets? Jakub Voracek leads the league in points and Rick Nash leads it in goals.
- Following that up, Columbus’ return on Voracek and Couturier? Jack Johnson and Marko Dano.
- Nick Foligno… Lumbus certainly has the best player from the Marc Methot deal.
- Phil Kessel had no points in the All-Star game, Leaf fans shouldn’t be worried.