Not even a 3-on-3 setup featuring the NHL’s elite could snap the Central Division players out of the defensive struggle that’s headlined much of their play during a season in which only 13 points separate first from last.
The Pacific stars emerged with a 5-2 victory, and 20-year-old Burnsville native Brock Boeser was crowned MVP in front of a rowdy announced crowd of 19,092 after a three-point effort that included a pair of goals.
“We had fun,” said Staal, who aside from his slick defensive poke check had two shots on net in his fifth All-Star appearance but first without a point.
Chris O'Meara, Associated PressPacific Division goalie Mike Smith of the Calgary Flames made a glove save on a shot by the Atlantic Division's Auston Matthews (34) of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as Brock Boeser (6), of the Vancouver Canucks, watched during the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday in Tampa, Fla.
In previous World Cup years, the United States used its January training camp to evaluate young players for a tournament five months later.
- Sports briefs SundayMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Canucks rookie leads Pacific to NHL All-Star victoryPress Herald
- NHL All-Star Game 2018: Brock Boeser overcomes nerves, proves to be 'chill kid ...Sporting News
- Boeser steals NHL all-star show and moreToronto Star
- Highlights: Pacific Division Triumphs Over Atlantic Division at NHL All Star GameSports Illustrated
- NHL All-Star Game 2018: Five things that made dull tournament bearableUSA TODAY
- Boeser named MVP at NHL All-Star gameThe Courier
- Rakell, Boeser lead Pacific Division to NHL All-Star winABC News
- Penguins representatives Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang score in NHL All-Star GameTribune-Review
