LAS VEGAS — After the NHL All-Star weekend was canceled final season as a result of coronavirus pandemic, the occasion’s grand return couldn't have come at a greater time or been hosted by a greater metropolis.
Not solely have been gamers in a position to take their minds off the grueling season and the stresses of competing amid a pandemic, however they have been in a position to meet up with others across the league that they in any other case wouldn’t have the time to see on the street. Many introduced their households, simply ask Steven Stamkos’ son, Carter, if he obtained to see the Zamboni.
It was a weekend of enjoyable. And what place is extra enjoyable than Sin Metropolis?
Las Vegas grew to become the primary metropolis ever to host two all-star video games in the identical weekend, with the NFL Professional Bowl happening concurrently the NHL’s occasions at T-Cellular Area. In Summerlin, the Las Vegas Ballpark hosted the NFL Professional Bowl Expertise Showdown on Wednesday night time after which an open Professional Bowl apply on Thursday.
Contemplating how new the Golden Knights and the Raiders are to Vegas, internet hosting two main league occasions already isn't any small feat. The Raiders relocated to Vegas simply two years in the past, whereas the Golden Knights’ inaugural season was 2017-18.
It might be in its early days, however Vegas is a professional sports activities city. Town supplied the getaway that many gamers mentioned they wanted. It even left Golden Knights head coach Peter DeBoer “a little bit hungover.”
“I believe from Day 1 it’s been phenomenal,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned after serving as bench boss of the Metropolitan Division staff on the All-Star sport Saturday. “The gamers all like it, clearly. They like it too due to the ambiance that they’ve created right here. It’s simply enjoyable to come back and play right here as a visiting participant, coach. It’s an awesome ambiance.
“On the finish of the day, these guys want that, proper? It makes hockey enjoyable while you obtained a crowd and you bought that power within the constructing.”
Added Rangers winger Chris Kreider: “They did a terrific job. It was an superior occasion. Ton of enjoyable. The followers have been nice, the constructing was nice. I hope everybody had as a lot enjoyable as we did.”
The ambiance was gentle. Capitals agitator Tom Wilson relished the boos that rained down on him all weekend lengthy, but additionally responded with the primary objective of the All-Star sport. One of many expertise occasions was held on the iconic Bellagio Fountains. Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox have been there. A number of magic methods, too.
Flyers captain Claude Giroux used the All-Star sport as his personal private showcase as he nears unrestricted free company, scoring three objectives within the match and profitable the MVP award. Plus, the breakaway problem was held for the primary time since 2016, which allowed a participant like Geese phenom Trevor Zegras to wow and humor followers with his blindfolded Dodgeball-inspired shootout transfer.
Participant’s personalities have been actually in a position to come via within the relaxed Vegas setting. That alone was good for the sport this weekend.
Dawn, Florida, the Panthers and the 2023 All-Star weekend have a tricky act to observe.
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