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Sunday, January 27, 2008
All Star Weekend Memories & Quick Shots
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve lived in Metro Atlanta for the better part of three decades now and have seen the likes of several big events come our way. Remaining from each are certain memories and visions.
Included are… The Olympics in ’96 where I can still see by boys, then 4 and 3, running through the fountains in Centennial Park while we were taking in the sites. Two Super Bowls, one in the midst of an ice storm. Five World Series in the ‘90s with the Braves… though I only choose to think of the one in ‘95. The Democratic National Convention in ’88, (actually, I left for Tampa while that circus came to town…but Rob Lowe was here). There was the MLB All Star game in 2000 in which Sammy Sosa launched a shot over the giant scoreboard during the home run contest, (juiced balls? Performance enhancers? Nah…couldn’t be).
And now the 2008 NHL All Star weekend, which was much awaited and anticipated, has come and gone leaving a plethora of memories. Hossa’s goal, Nash’s hat trick, the West All Stars erasing a 5-1 deficit, Enstrom playing in the Young Stars game, Kovy’s give-n-go goal with Eric Staal, and so much more.
But what will probably stick with me the most as I think about the 56th NHL All Star game is the way it was played in the third period, especially the last several minutes. Seven of the 15 goals came in the last period. Toward the end, the “friendly” match actually resembled a hockey game as the pace picked up, the score seesawed back and forth and ended with Marc Savard’s game-winner with 20.9 seconds left!
Great ending to a great game and a great weekend!
Here are some other quick shots from my viewpoint…and I look forward to reading yours.
One Big Happy Family
Going to a Thrashers game, or any pro sports game in this town, one becomes accustomed to the amount of out-of-town jerseys worn. But this weekend I didn’t have the same “there goes the enemy” feeling I normally get when seeing them.
Rangers and Bruins jersey are greeted with, “Howdy folks, how ya doing”? Flames and Blackhawks sweaters? Nice to see them all! Sharks and Maple Leafs? “Darn glad to see ya”! Sabres and Flyers…well, uh… let’s not get too carried away in the moment, OK.
SuperSkills Competition
Saturday’s SuperSkills Competition was a lot of fun to watch. It gave an opportunity to enjoy the individual players display their talents. Most of it was great and lived up to its hype. However I have a couple modifications to suggest.
First off, the speed skating competition is better in its former form. I would prefer to see the individual player doing laps rather then a 5 second sprint a third of the way down ice. It just seemed to be over with too fast. Plus, in doing laps, the skater has to corner as well as skate.
Second, I love the concept of the new break away exhibition. And having ‘Neque and Mellanby sit in as judges was fantastic! Unfortunately, with the exception of Ovechkin and possibly Kovy, the players didn’t rise to the spirit of the concept, as it more resembled the shootout. Maybe if they remove the goalie, or at least make him stay in the blue paint, the players can concentrate on being creative with stick and puck, and not just trying to beat the keeper.
Tough Crowd
Did my ears deceive me or did I heard the “Goalie Chant” ring forth from the Nasty Nest Saturday night during the Young Star game as well as Sunday’s All Star game? Good to see that the inhabitants of Section 320 were not star-struck and kept to form!
Job Well Done
The Atlanta Boys Choir sang the National Anthem prior to the All Star game and did a stellar job! Well done, gentlemen!
Well-Deserved Honor
Willie O’Ree was honored just prior to the start of the second period Sunday for his breaking of the color barrier in the NHL 50 years ago. His debut came on January 18, 1958 as a Boston Bruin against the Montreal Canadiens. O’Ree was presented with commemorative stick by the two All Star captains!
It was significant as it came during an All Star game being played in a city so steeped in civil-rights history as ours.
Kovy Shark Bitten
Twice San Jose Shark net minder Evgeni Nabokov robbed Ilya Kovalchuk in the closing seconds of the 2nd period. The first was on a one-timer from the slot that was snared by Nabokov’s glove. Then, just seconds prior to the break, the Sharks goalie stacked the pads on a break away by Kovy. Ilya’s reaction to Nabokov after the first save was priceless as he fell to his back in disbelief then publicly gave the keeper his due.
Enjoy the moments and memories, Atlanta. The NHL season resumes Tuesday and the Thrashers get back at it Wednesday…and there is much work to do.
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