This year, team captains will be elected, and then on the Friday before the All-Star Game, the players will be chosen by the captains, no different than a game of kickball out in the schoolyard.
While this should no doubt provide some entertainment to see how a professional athlete handles the All-Star equivalent of being picked last in the gym class, the NHL should have thought this one over a little more.
The idea seems kind of cool, but sometimes, the old-fashioned traditional way is the way to go. The NHL should just stick to the Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format that used to be the predominant way of doing things.
Of course, it used to be the Wales Conference vs. Campbell Conference, but that’s since changed. If they NHL does go back to East-West, doing so with the Wales and Campbell jerseys would be even more awesome.
The East-West format brings a couple of dimensions to the table. While the game is relatively meaningless, putting the two conferences together does give it some sort of pride.
Bruins goalie Tim Thomas admitted before Tuesday’s game that things do get competitive out there. He also acknowledged some pride when talking about the fact that five of this year’s six goalies are from the Eastern Conference.
The conference format should also make for better hockey. As cool as it may seem to break up Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, keeping them together will provide the best showcase of the NHL — which is what the All-Star Game should be about.
So hopefully, when the NHL discusses the success or lack thereof of this year’s format, and decide to change it, yet again, they go back to West vs. East.
If they don’t do that, let’s just pray that they don’t ever go back to North America vs. The World.
What format should the NHL use for the All-Star Game? Share your thoughts below.
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Which format should the NHL use for the All-Star Game?Market Research
