NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 26, 2020
The Pacific Division wins the All-Star Game, David Pastrnak named tournament MVP, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: Vancouver’s Elias Petterson scored twice and San Jose’s Tomas Hertl tallied the game-winner as the Pacific Division edged the Atlantic Division 5-4 to win the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. The Pacific Division all-stars received a check for USD 1 million for winning the tournament.
Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak is the MVP of the 2020 NHL All-Star Game (Photo via NHL Images).
Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak was named tournament MVP through a fan vote on social media.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Despite scoring five goals, including the tournament winner, Tomas Hertl was left off the tournament MVP ballot. The Sharks winger was unperturbed, “I’m happy we won and we won the prize, so it’s exciting,” he said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I watched the ASG because it’s my job, but it was such a farce that I was more absorbed in following social media comments about the game. While the ASG still matters as a locally-staged event, this glorified pond-hockey contest tends to be a national TV ratings dud in the U.S. and Canada. Los Angeles Times’ hockey writer Helene Elliott put it best:
I love hockey. This is not hockey. I wish the NHL could figure out a better way to showcase the sport because this no-hit, no-try exhibition isn’t it.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) January 26, 2020
Bob Duff, meanwhile, pitched several suggestions on how to improve the NHL ASG format. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.
TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs recalled Jake Muzzin and Trevor Moore from their conditioning stints with the Marlies.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Muzzin should provide a welcome boost to a defense that became porous during his absence.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: A source claims the Dallas Stars are a “highly considered” candidate to play games in China next season. Their opponent, as well as dates and locations, are unclear. It’s also uncertain if the NHL will stage games in China in 2020-21.
Here’s a thought about the All Star game – go to the Olympics instead.
Here’s a radical idea for the ASG. How about an Eastern Conference v Western Conference 5-on-5, 60 minute game? You know, a REAL game of hockey. Yes, I’m old and like simple solutions in sports.
I’m old too Paul, and I can recall when the All-Star game pitted a select group against the defending Cup champions at the start of the following season. Of course then it was no problem fitting a player from every other team on the all-stars since they only had to choose from 5.
Maybe it’s time to get rid of the “every team must be represented” philosophy, select true all stars east and west and increase the $$ for the winners.
Yeah, like that’ll ever happen.
We’re stuck with the annual shinny game which, in many respects, ranks right up there for “excitement” with the annual touch-football fiasco of the NFL.
I understand the 3 on 3…its just a showcase for the ‘stars’ and for the young fans.
But when Sid, Ovie, Kucherov etc…. the top players not there its odd
I would not want my goalie playing in the All star game. Way to many chances of a pull groin or other injuries.
I thought they were supposed to announce the name of the Seattle franchise during the ASG?
Anyone know why they didn’t?
I’ll guess they were gonna call them the Sockeye and have obscenely pink colors.
Then they saw the connection in that Orcas eat salmon and pink is a terrible color choice.
They will rebrand as the Seattle Battle Cattle or the Seattle Thunderbirds.
If it’s the latter, they will pay a hefty price for the name.
🙂
Hear it’s the Seattle Rain
Three on three would be fine if the put in some effort my God that was horrible.
I’ve seen more “competition” in a street hockey game.
Did anyone catch the Mascots ASG?
I liked it more than the real game.
Youpi should sign on to play for the Habs for the league minimum.
Then they could flip him for a 2nd at the deadline.