The NHL All-Star game took place this past weekend in Ottawa. This All Star game was a lot like previous All Star games, a lot of goals were scored, little defense was played and a good time was had by all who attended and watched on TV
Instead of doing a huge recap on the game I'll point out highlights from the weekend during the Power Poll rankings but today I want to focus on two all-stars who made news this past week for their actions off the ice.
Tim Thomas and Alex Ovechkin.
Thomas made news when he refused to join the rest of his teammates at the White House to visit the President of the United States. He made this statement as the reason giving for him skipping the White House visit.
“I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
“This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
“Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.
“This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT”
Now I have no problem with the political beliefs of Tim Thomas. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and even though I don't agree with him I won't question what he stands for.
What I will question is why something that had nothing to do with politics had to be made political.
The visit to the White House is an honor bestowed to teams that are champions of the sport they play. It usually is a photo opportunity with the President followed by a tour of the White House before the team goes back to the hotel to prepare for their game later that night against the team from D.C. they are facing.
This visit wasn't about politics, it was about the Bruins doing something that hadn't been done in almost 40 years, winning the Stanley Cup.
Thomas may not have wanted to go to the White House but I can think of 29 other goalies in the NHL that would have loved to have the opportunity he passed up.
As for Ovechkin he made news by announcing he was skipping the All-Star game because he was currently serving a suspension for a hit he put on Penguins defenseman Zybnek Michalek.
Ovechkin's gave the following reason for skipping the All-Star game.
“My heart is not there. I got suspended, so why I have to go there? I love the game, it’s a great event, I love to be there but I’m suspended. I don’t want to be a target. I feel I’m not deserving to be there right now. I got suspended, I have to be suspended, so that’s why I give up my roster [spot].”
A lot of people criticized Ovechkin for his choice but I have to say I agree with him.
Look, I love watching Ovechkin play and I love watching him during the skills competition but it doesn't make sense to suspend him for one game, allow him to play in the All-Star game and then suspend him for the following two games after the break is done.
Washington is in a fight this year for the Southeast Division. To me it makes more sense for Ovechkin to use the time off to relax during the break and come back with the energy he and the Capitals need as they try to win their 5th division title in a role.
There will be other All-Star games and I'm guessing Ovechkin will be part of them in the future. Besides him skipping the game gives another NHL player a chance to shine. That's not a bad thing.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 15:
1. Detroit 33-16-1 67 points
Pavel Datsyuk was the 1st pick of the fantasy draft by Team Chara. Reading this you can see how he is viewed amongst his peers.
2. N.Y. Rangers 31-12-4 66 points
Marian Gaborik nets a hat trick, MVP honors in the All-Star game.
3. Boston 31-14-2 64 points
Zdeno Chara sets a new record for hardest slap shot in the skills competition.
4. Vancouver 30-15-4 64 points
The Sedin twins score 5 points (2G, 3A) in the All-Star game.
5. Nashville 30-16-4 64 points
Defenseman Ryan Suter says he doesn't plan to talk about a new contract until the end of the season.
6. Chicago 29-15-6 64 points
You have to admire the creativity of Patrick Kane during the skills competition.
7. Philadelphia 29-14-5 63 points
Scott Hartnell said he would donate $1,000 for everytime he fell down. I was hoping he fell down more than four times.
8. St. Louis 29-13-7 65 points
Brian Elliott named as the only All-Star for the Blues. Not bad for a player drafted with the next to last pick in 2003.
9. Pittsburgh 28-17-4 60 points
Evgeni Malkin earns bragging rights over teammates Kris Letang & James Neal with win.
10. San Jose 27-14-6 60 points
Logan Couture was picked last in the fantasy draft but he did win a new car as a result.
11. Ottawa 27-19-6 60 points
Daniel Alfredsson was one goal away from being named All-Star MVP. (2G, 1A)
12. Washington 26-19-3 55 points
Dennis Wideman provides an assist in his 1st All-Star game.
13. New Jersey 26-19-3 55 points
Devils are looking to get healthier as the season resumes on Tuesday night.
14. Colorado 26-23-2 54 points
Big game looming this Thursday against Minnesota as both teams are battling for that final playoff spot.
15. Toronto 25-19-5 55 points
One thing I learned from this year's All-Star game. They really don't like the Maple Leafs in Ottawa.
16. Dallas 25-21-2 52 points
Jamie Benn wins the accuracy shooting competition. Not bad for someone coming off an appendectomy.
17. Los Angeles 24-16-10 58 points
Jonathan Quick became the first Kings goalie selected to the All-Star game since 1981.
18. Minnesota 24-18-7 55 points
No Mikko Koivu at the All-Star game because of injury but Nick Johnson did take part for the rookies so good for him.
19. Calgary 23-21-6 52 points
Jarome Iginla had a goal and two assist in the win for Team Chara.
20. Florida 22-15-11 55 points
Brian Campbell finishes a plus 7 on the ice in the All-Star game. For all the goals that were scored this might be the most impressive stat from the whole weekend.
21. Winnipeg 22-22-6 50 points
Nothing noteworthy to write about the Jets here so this looks like a good place to mention Drake's appearance at the All-Star game.
22. Phoenix 22-20-8 52 points
Gary Bettman still thinks a buyer can emerge and keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. I still have my doubts.
23. Tampa Bay 21-23-4 46 points
Steven Stamkos had the 2nd penalty shot in All-Star game history. He missed.
24. Buffalo 20-24-5 45 points
Sabres captain Jason Pominville scores a goal and an assist in the All-Star game.
25. Montreal 19-21-9 47 points
Carey Price proves that Tebowing doesn't work when playing goalie in the skills competition.
26. N.Y. Islanders 19-22-7 45 points
A goal and an assist for John Tavares in the All-Star game. I have the feeling this will be the first of many in his career.
27. Anaheim 18-23-7 43 points
Corey Perry shows his creative side in the skills competition.
28. Carolina 18-24-9 45 points
Thought to be available at the trade deadline, Tim Gleason instead signs a four year extension to stay in Carolina.
29. Edmonton 18-26-5 41 points
Jordan Eberle has an assist in his first All-Star appearance. Like Tavares I expect this to be the first of many for him.
30. Columbus 13-30-6 32 points
The Blue Jackets were awarded the 2013 All-Star game over the weekend so their fans have that going for them.
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