puckloo39

I could be wrong, but I believe the NHL Board of Governors make the decision on alternates. I don't know that the coaches have a say at all, although it's possible. The All Star game is nothing but a PR sideshow, and hasn't had much to do with the actual abilities of the players for some time now, IMO. Jan 13, 07 recap - All Star Snub Dominik Hasek had every right to be motivated by an All-Star snub. He insisted he wasn't [edit: when interviewed after shutting out none other than Montreal, 2-0]. Hasek, who leads the NHL with a 1.98 goals-against average, is one shutout behind New Jersey's Martin Brodeur for tops in the league. But that wasn't enough to earn a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team. Vancouver's Roberto Luongo was elected to start in fan balloting. Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff and Dallas' Marty Turco were selected as reserves on Saturday. Alternate selection has evrything to do with popularity and some other arcane factors which do not address the actual player or his capabilities or his record for the season, evidently. Hasek was completely overlooked in favor of Turco, I believe, due to the fact that the game was held in Dallas. No other reason that makes sense. Who cares if Turco says funny things when he's mic'd up? Although I guess that could be a criteria for selection in the "New NHL" All Star Game. If the HBOG (if they are the deciders) decides Ozzie is going, then he's going. Otherwise, I am not sure write-in ballots will do the trick, unless someone mounts a Rory Fitzpatrick-esque campaign.

Good, I have to assume Babs knows what he's doing here, and that Ozzie is on board as well. Dom and Ozzie will comprise the best tandem in the league, regardless of who plays when. Dom played well last night, and this will give him a chance to build on that effort.

I would say it's that, but I don't think Bulin is all that much fun to watch. Turco is funny, but apparently that's not enough to get him voted in unless the show is held in Dallas again. That worked for him last year. We represent only a small sample of the millions of Wings fans all over the country and the world, so if all of them would vote for Ozzie (I did!), he might stand a chance, for those who want to see him at the event. Or better still, the powers that be over the sideshow can just "appoint" him the way they did Turco last year. There are plenty of Wings on the roster, with the three top spots already going to Zata, Nick and Lids. I will breathe a sigh of relief if they all come back uninjured.

I feel exactly the same way, E, on every point you made. Personally, I hope Dom declines if he gets selected. Unfortunately, he probably will go if he's voted in.

Datsyuk looked like the superstar that he is last night. The Habs didn't look great, but no matter -- he was on, and he was awesome, even split from his boyz, Z and H. I love that Pavel flies under the radar a bit, probably because of the excellent play of others on his team, notably Zetterberg and Lidstrom... but on a given night, it could be just about anyone who is shining on this team. It's all about the team. I am so grateful Datsyuk is locked up as a Wing (for seven years, isn't it?). He's only going to get better.

Winner!

Zata!! Woooooo!! Now Homer needs one. Or Dats needs one more, that would be nice. Pretty please, Wings?

I was just thinking the same thing. Bet they wish they were out there, too. I thought the Habs would be a bit more of a challenge. Wow, what was that? Tackle hockey??

another broken play, but Dom stoned 'em. Lilja's looking for a fight.

the D has been really good tonight. tiny hook by Cleary... poop. PP Habs...

good kill, Wings!

Miquel Beltran posted a link on Page 2 of this thread, Edi. I didn't try it, but his links always work.

Hope the Wings keep the pressure on. Come on, Dats... time for a hattie!

Kronner... yes!!! I think I just broke my desk chair, jumping up and down. whoops... Who cares?? Thank you, Wings, pretty please may we have another goal?? DOM!! Can't stop a breakaway, hmm?

thank you, Dats. And Baby Jebus, too.

I did. I would like another goal now, please, Wings!

prophetic... broken play.

I love Pavel Datsyuk. Price is playing very well, but that was going in.

E, this is a great thread. I haven't had time to reply yet, stupid work to do instead.

you really are trying to make things difficult, I realize that. I do believe that Dom has responsibility for his own play. So does Ozzie, and so do the rest of the Wings. If you think that Oz has won every game on his own, think again. Or just think. Don't put words in my mouth again, thanks.

If the team has also come to this conclusion that Ozzie is the man and don't show up on Tuesday, then Hasek is indeed finished. If they play as well in front of him as they have for Ozzie, then Dom will have no problem at all.

inconceivable. The Wings never allow that many SOG.

Datsyuk NHLPA profile 2001 was his rookie season in the NHL, he played in Russia before that. Before moving to North America, Pavel played for Ak Bars Kazan and Yekaterinburg in the Superleague. He also followed Yekaterinburg to the first division (1998-99) and played for their second team (1998-99 and 1996-97).

thank you!

Goes to show just how dumb hockey fans can be, I guess.