- Steve and Eric conduct a quick breakdown of the Canadiens remaining 32 games, how they've gotten to where they are and what it will mean for them moving forward.
- The Playoff Sprint will air every 2 Monday's until the end of the season, updating you on the specifics of the Canadiens in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
From Earlier...
NHL All Star Thoughts: Dollars Would Make Sense
The 2011 edition of the NHL's All Star Game has come and gone and opinions are starting to flow like wine.
Team Staal was eclipsed by Team Lidstrom 11-10 in an oh-so-not-epic battle of the best the game had to offer, or at least those who showed up.
It wasn't as awe-inspiring as many thought it would be, but I have to tip my hat in Brendan Shanahan's direction for bringing renewed life to a game and event that need dedication and attention to make it work. Especially from people who care.
Brendan knows what the players in the game are interested in and, although the Skills did not bring the fans to their feet over and over, it certainly brought alot of smiles to the guys on the ice. And that is half the battle in my opinion.
If you want an enjoyable All Star game/experience for the fans and sponsors then the players have got to be into it. They have to want to have fun and be out-going. And in many cases they were.
For example, it looked as though Patrik Elias may have smiled more times during the skills and game than he has all year in New Jersey.
But I digress as I don't want to inundate you all with individual player moments that highlighted why the weekend was a success but rather point out the building blocks that Shanny has put in place and how this event can truly turn into something exciting and meaningful in the future.
Step 1. Charities
Involve 1 charity per year and collect a certain amount of money in a charity drive leading up to the game.
Once the game begins, a dedicated amount of the money raised would become the "prize money" that would be used for achievements earned during the game.
These achievements could be as simple as the first team to have 5 different players score a goal or 1st goaltender to have a shutout period donates $10,000 to the charity of their choice, etc...
Obviously this idea can get twisted and turned in many directions, but the goal would be to create achievements for the players to attain during the game, thus motivating them to play a little more inspired and to get the crowd and fans further interested in this game.
*Please note that I am already well aware that the NHL is involved with many charities, I am simply implying that they take one main charity as the game sponsor and raise money in its name(changing up charities annually).
Step 2. Vacations & Prizes
Charities make sense, but the players want more - so why not reward those who have made it to the All Star weekend with the opportunity to win prizes such as trips and other things. Heck, get Drew Carey and have him host the skills and he could give away prizes the way he does on Price is Right!
Ok, maybe not that far...but you get what I'm saying - liven it up for both the players(incentive-wise) and for the fans(entertainment-wise).
I would use these incentives for the Skills competition and have each event winner land a trip somewhere in the off-season while other smaller sponsors could provide other token items(watches, tvs, jet skis(hi Drew) and other things...) to stimulate the players passion levels during their "weekend away from work."
Step 3. Continue with the Fun...
When they added in the goaltender race(between speedster Timmy Thomas and straight arrow Cam Ward), I would have to imagine that alot of people out there smiled and chuckled. It was all in good fun, but it also struck a chord - the skills competition is about showing off who is best in various events, but what about the guys with hidden skills?
For example, accuracy shooting is fun, but what about some moving targets? Same things goes for the passers. What if these guys, who normally play the game at a remarkably intense speed, had to pull off some of these events with moving targets? I, for one, think it would be alot of fun to see and think that the fans would be much more interested in seeing how skilled these guys really are at top speed.
On the flip side of that, I also think it would be alot of fun to see the goalies do a few passing and shooting drills. Watching Price get passes from Thomas and Ward while he tries to hit the targets would definitely get my attention.
And for as kitschy as some of the suggestions might be if, if Shanahan and the rest of his All Star game crew managed to take the product they have created and add in some more fun and different events while throwing in cash prizes that can be won for charities and some extra fun just for the players, I could see the ASG weekend having something for everyone in it, including the fans watching at home.
*Also, how much fun would it be to have the goalies who aren't in nets mic'd, as well as the coached and refs perhaps? It's not like these guys are doing all that much during the game and adding them into the mix, in terms of viewers at home getting an insider glimpse, it could be alot of fun. CBC had a great time with Eric Staal and Tim Thomas, but it wasn't easy for them to be play by play guys while trying to play the game...the other guys I mentioned though...
I'm sure you all have your own opinions on what you liked and did not like about the new and improved All Star weekend, but after seeing this weekends festivities, what
exactly would you do?
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