The NHL All-Star game should be scrapped.
Over the years the league has tinkered with a variety of formats in an effort to generate interest and excitement. For years (1948-1968) the game pitted the league's stars against the defending Cup champs. When the league expanded from 6 to 12 teams they opted for an East vs West format, later to become Campbell Conference vs Adams. For a few years they experimented with North America vs World, which often meant teammates would oppose each other in the game. None of these formats have succeeded, the All-Star game still resembles a game of shinny.
Short of offering huge prize money to the winning team, no format will produce a truly competitive game. No player wants to be hurt in the game, nor do they want to cause an injury to an opponent & fellow NHLPA member. But much can be done to spice up the All-Star festivities and make it an exciting showcase of the league's players and their amazing abilities.
Since the All-Star game is a hitless affair there is no reason to stick with the 5 vs 5 format. Why not play short, fast-paced & wide-open 3 vs 3 games among teams of all-stars from each of the league's divisions?
The NHL skills competition has proven to be a hit, but it should be expanded. Take a page out of the NBA book and add a judged shootout competition similar to the slam dunk contest. Invite a mix of former players, celebrities and fans to judge the shooters. This will encourage creativity and showmanship and hopefully lead to stuff like Malik's magic, Hisey's spin or some of the stunts this kid pulls off!
If the league wants fan engagement & participation how about a lottery to select recreational hockey players from each NHL city to try their luck in a shootout on Martin Brodeur or Dominik Hasek? Surely some car company would be willing to sponsor the event and give a car to anyone able to beat the NHLers?
The players should be encouraged to display their off ice talents. How about an NHL Idol feature? Jeremy Roenick would surely step up to the mic. Perhaps the Canadian World Juniors could be persuaded to do an encore performance of O (Doh!) Canada.
Scrap the powder puff All-Star game and put on a real show for the fans.
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