Over the last ten years, we have seen different versions of the NHL All Star Game. In the early 2000's, the traditional Eastern vs Western Conference matchup was changed to feature the "World" against "North America." Though these games were entertaining, watching Canada vs Russia (ultimately) lost its excitement. The NHL went back to the traditional Eastern vs Western Conference matchup where the fans, like always, pick the players they would like to see compete in the much anticipated annual matchup (disregarding the Winter Olympics which interferes with All Star Game).
This year, the NHL is trying something different. Captains were named for each conference today; Nicklas Lidstrom for the Western Conference and Eric Staal for the Eastern Conference. These captains will then name their roster for the All Star Game. What was once a fan generated roster is now something out of the fan's control.
It will be interesting to see how the roster is developed. Initially, I assumed that Crosby and Toews would be named captains which would have resulted in an All Star Game consisting of the Chicago Blackhawks vs the Pittsburgh Penguins. Having Staal and Lidstrom named captains was a smart move. Each having won a Stanley Cup (Lidstrom having won 4), they should have an idea of who they want to put together the best team possible.
Is this, though, good for the NHL? As a kid, I logged in eagerly every year to NHL.com to vote for my favorite players (who were always Minnesota Wild players, Jaromir Jagr, and Teemu Selanne) and waited as the results were announced weeks later. The games were always high scoring with little hitting and brutality which was preceded by an eventful "Skills Competition" which was usually more entertaining itself; regardless, the NHL All Star Game is still seen as more entertaining than the NFL Probowl, the NBA All Star Game, and the MLB All Star Game.
Why change what was already a solid system?
-Ty
