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NHL All-Star Game 2017: Winners, losers from weekend

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler (17) with son Ryker Kesler during the four line challenge in the 2017 NHL All Star Game skills competition at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler (17) with son Ryker Kesler during the four line challenge in the 2017 NHL All Star Game skills competition at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Mike Smith

The NHL should be very grateful Mike Smith of the Arizona Coyotes was an All-Star. Because the Coyotes are near last place, they needed a representative. Many thought Cam Talbot should have been the other goalie selected from the Pacific Division, but Smith got the nod instead. This caused a lot of debate. Much like John Scott in 2016, Smith became an unlikely hero during the Skills Competition.

The Four Line Challenge was quite boring, unlike the event it replaced (the Breakaway Challenge). Smith, however, provided one of the very few moments of excitement during it. He nailed a shot just through the five hole from the other end of the ice.

Goalie goals are the best. They rarely get to have the opportunity to shoot the puck on net, so when they actually get a goal, it’s special. Smith’s goal was the highlight of the Skills Competition, though that isn’t saying much. Maybe there should be a goalie goals competition next year at the All-Star Game. This was Smith’s first All-Star appearance and he made sure to make it an unforgettable one. He also did well during the three-on-three tournament.

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