from Frank Seravalli of TSN,
Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughtysaid he was honoured to be picked for last year's NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, somehow the first time he'd been selected in his career.
But Doughty admitted the game itself was lacking. For years, the game was the worst part of the weekend....
"The money definitely will give guys a little bit more drive to play harder and win," Doughty said Wednesday after the Kings wrapped up practice in southern New Jersey. "But I don't think you're ever going to get an All-Star Game that's even close to real NHL hockey."
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement the changes were introduced "not only as a way to enhance the competitiveness of the event, but also as a vehicle to highlight and emphasize the incredible skill, speed and athleticism it takes to play our game."
Doughty, 25, was on-board with the change but expressed concern that the potential for 40 minutes of wide open 3-on-3 action may be taxing for players. Doughty was not alone in his opinion, but the NHL Players' Association signed off on a one–year trial run.
"That would get really, really, really tiring. And quick. That's a long time," Doughty said. "That would be tough. But I think it will be better than last year's format. Hopefully it makes it better to watch, because the last couple All-Star games weren't great for the fans."
added 8:28am, from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,
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