2008 NHL All-Star Game News

The 2008 NHL All-Star Game weekend is upon us and there are many interesting stories that have been swirling about the internet. Let’s have a look at some of the more interesting ones.

Sportsnet has wafted some new speculation into the air regarding the search for the new General Manager of the Maple Leafs. Wayne Gretzky’s name has now been added to the mix…he never realized his dream of playing for the Leafs, but maybe he could manage them?

Top prospect, Steve Stamkos shows TSN a few moves that we might see in the new NHL Skills competition “Slam Dunk” contest. The following players hav ebeen announced to compete in this competition from each conference:
For the west: Gaborik, Datsyuk and Getzlaf
For the East: Ovechkin, Kovalchuk and St. Louis

Marian Hossa’s future with the Atlanta Thrashers could be decided next week according to the Calgary Sun. Thrashers GM Don Waddell told reporters Friday that he’s going to sit down with Hossa and his Edmonton-based agent Ritch Winter early next week to see if he’ll sign a long-term extension.

On Frozen Blog has posted a vintage video of 1990’s All-Star weekend held in Pittsburgh. Ahhh…let us all enjoy the sight of Gretzky’s Mullet and Mike Gartner’s mustache.

Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks tops the list of impressive rookies playing in the NHL’s so-called YoungStars game, part of Saturday night’s all-star festivities in Atlanta.

The NHL officially announced Saturday its plan to open next season in Europe with four games involving the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Carolina Hurricanes started off the season with an 11-4-3 record, built up a double digit lead in the Southeast Division, and were once considered among the top teams in the NHL. But their record in the past 30 games has been an embarrassing 12-17-1 and their lead in the division has evaporated. So what happened, why the big turnaround?

Buts’ Flyer Flies Blog offers us some entertaining advice for this weekend. Not to be outdone by the mainstream media, Buts offered his opinion of the 2008 NHL All Star Game:
“All Star weekend, who gives a crap I hate the All Star game.”

Gotta love it!

Check out the NHL Shop next week for a blowout sale on All Star merchandise…you should be able to pick up some great merchandise at clearance prices.

Enjoy the weekend everyone and look for Teemu to make his return to the Duck’s lineup next week.