The NHL All-Star Game has been embroiled in controversy this year. First, there was the new format which changed the event from a traditional game to a 3-on-3 tournament, which has divided some fans. Then, there was the league’s terrible mishandling of the John Scott situation, and even though he eventually was allowed to play, the damage to the league’s reputation was already done.
There is one easy way to fix the problems with NHL All-Star weekend, though: more things being lit on fire. KHL All-Star and former Sabres and Oilers left winger Linus Omark understands this, as he demonstrated during the league’s skills competition.
Going into the shootout trick contest, Omark lit the blade of his stick on fire before one of his shots. Although it didn’t really help him score at all – it made it practically impossible for him to get off a decent attempt – it still looked incredible. It was so great, in fact, that even though he didn’t score on either try, Omark was declared the winner based on his creativity alone.
As a further reminder that sometimes the NHL just doesn’t get it, Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau tried to do the same thing in 2015 All-Star Game, but the league nixed his idea. Hopefully the league makes up for this in 2016.
(via Puck Daddy)
