http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=340505

East vs West no more? Captains picking their players a la grade school kickball? I like it!

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mechaphil

That would be really cool to see actually.

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Might be cool, might not. The whole North America vs. World thing was interesting when they first tried it, but got stale. What I would like is if they found a way to make the non-checking aspect of the game more normal. Like maybe it could be played in a more pond hockey style where players aren't really expected to hit each other, and there are no boards so getting around people and skating with the puck become more important. Someone in the comments on the article you linked said it doesn't really matter until they address the fact that no one plays all-out in an all star game because they don't want to get injured. I agree that that is at the heart of the "problem" with the all star game. So I think unless they find a way to make the non-contact nature seem more natural, all star games won't suddenly become better by changing the way the teams are chosen.

Jan. 28th, the captains of each team (which will be chosen by the NHL hockey operations department - basically Shanny and his lackeys lol) will draft their players for the game on Sunday.

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mechaphil

That seems interesting. The NHL All-Star Game is really boring to me anyways... The only thing I like about the festivities are the skills competitions

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

meh, i like the idea of north america v world better than this, and over the east and west

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PSA: I am an overly sarcastic person. If you take me at my word, then i will most likely anger and offend you.

This is actually a very good idea. I'm shocked it came from the NHL...

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"Let's just trap Sekera in the caverns underneath HSBC arena." -BlueandYellow

Reporter: "Steve, you guys now lead the league in defensive scoring."
Montador: "It's probably because of how good-looking we are."

How was this not thought of in the NBA first?

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"Call a cop he robbed Delmore blind!!!"
Rick Jeanerette after Marty Biron's diving save back in 2000.

"I'm going to go to the spa and have a hot tub and massage and relax," Miller said. "That's it, and it's back to work tomorrow." Ryan Miller after clinching the North East division.

And here is another year of me not watching this shit ass game. How about get rid of the allstar game? That would make me happy

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just call me Brad

Twitter @BUrbanowicz13

If we are going to see captains hand pick their players, how quickly will Sabres not be selected?

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Let's go Buffalo!

Lightning fast haha

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mechaphil

The best chance for any Sabres to be represented is by having one player from each team play. Of couse, several highly talented players from other teams would not get to play. This is why we need to play better to have more highly talented players who can fill two or more spots on the all star teams.

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Let's go Buffalo!

Are the captains picking from a list of fan voted players or just anyone in the league? What would stop Crosby from just picking his line mates for instance and not drawing from across the whole pool of teams?

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the teams should be picked by kids battleing cancer and other life thhreatening illnesses.

dont like the teams? try battling cancer....fagots

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

I never minded the all-star game, but the lull in the season is a little annoying. I think the skills comps and the mic'ed ups are entertaining, as well as watching a few guys I would otherwise never watch.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

The starter are voted and the GM's pick the rest of the players, the picking of the players stays the same, it's just the Captains get to decide who they want on their team instead of East and West.

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TWO THINGS:

First, Putting a proud NHL all-star in a situation where he may be the LAST one picked to be on a team is uncool. I don't care if you can argue that it's still an honor to be named an all-star, fact is, it's a MAJOR dis to a player in what should be a career highlight.

Second, A big problem many have with this game is that it really doesn't count for anything, which means it's not played the same way---it's really just exhibition. DO YOU THINK there should be a change made to give some RELEVANCE to the game? Meaning: Should something be incorporated into the all-star game that would somehow benefit the actual teams of the players involved?

How about: The winning team's roster ALL get a point for their actual team in the standings? (Hey, maybe the Red Wings will actually let their guys show up next time!)

I like the subtlety of that idea, but I don't like that fan votes can potentially decided a playoff team.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Indeed. Any game that has any meaning shouldn't have fans voting for anything. I can't stand it that MLB does it.

No, the all-star game should be for fun only, and that is what it does.

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