HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 (edited) 1. Neidermeyer over Rafalski.....WHAT THE F**K????????? 2. If Z plays either tonight's LA game or the Anaheim game coming up...and then skips the All-Star game, I'll lose some respect for him. That's like the ultimate FU to the fans...say you don't want to play the ASG because your back hurts, but to play 2 games before that... Not the case at all. Hank is already officially out of the all star game. He actually said he felt bad because the fans voted him in. I'm sure he wants to be there just as much as we want him to be, but he can't take the risk. Edited January 23, 2008 by HockeyCrazy3033 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 They just said on the Wings pre game that Raffy was asked today to be in the all star game, and he declined because he already made vacay plans with his family. So I guess it was him before Scott. That's at least good to know! lol Also, Brodeur won't be in the ASG for personal reasons. Tomas will be taking his place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 No one has mentioned that Martin Brodeur is suddenly AWOL for the festivities. It seems he is just plain old skipping the ASG, even Devils fans seem to have no idea why he dropped out. No reason, other than a vague 'family obligation' so far. I hope it's nothing serious, of course. So, we're missing many of the players the fans voted in via the formal voting process, for what that was worth. The rosters are full of appointed and annointed players, whom the NHL assumes we want to see? No Brodeur, no Crosby, no Zetterberg. Instead of Brodeur, they choose Tim Thomas. To balance it out, we get a load of Ducks -- that's who we're supposed to tune in for? No, thanks, NHL. If your favorite is going to be there, I hope you enjoy it, of course. Personally, I won't be surprised if this is the last NHL All Star Game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 They just said on the Wings pre game that Raffy was asked today to be in the all star game, and he declined because he already made vacay plans with his family. So I guess it was him before Scott. That's at least good to know! lol Also, Brodeur won't be in the ASG for personal reasons. Tomas will be taking his place. Good for Rafalski. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 I haven't read much posts in this thread but just saw that Rafalski actually did get invited. That kinda takes the thunder away from my post but I'll go on anyways... Before the Rafalski annoucement happened and we thought it was a shaft job, I certainly could understand the discontent towards Niedermeyer getting in, not b/c he is a Duck and I know Ducks usually = Devil in here, but that he hasn't played much this season yet. For better or worse, it's just an entertainment game where if players are at least halfway decent in their careers (which Niedermeyer and Rafalski definitely qualify, along with many other players) and are recognizable, that betters their chances. It's not just this way in the NHL, but for the MLB and NBA games, as well as the NFL Pro Bowl. A guy could be hitting just .245 with only 5 home runs but if he's a well-known slugger who's been to the all-star game before, he'll probably be back, even if he's struggling some the current year. It may not be fair or right, but it's normal selection. It's nothing to get too riled up over though as the game doesn't mean anything in the NHL standings or to the Wings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jeremy88 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Why do we even have the all-star game this year...half the original all-stars aren't even going Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duck Guy 86 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 (edited) Why do we even have the all-star game this year...half the original all-stars aren't even going Bettman is having chest pains knowing crosby will not make the ASG imagine if there was no game at all!!! Edited January 23, 2008 by Duck Guy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Why do we even have the all-star game this year...half the original all-stars aren't even going look back at rosters in the 90s -- those games features real stars. 1998 was the best one, the World vs. North America. The last couple of ASG, not so many actual stars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mors 201 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Neidermayer and Perry in? what a joke...Neidermayer has barely played and Perry is a *****. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 I wonder if Perry is going to threaten Pavel again. HMMM.. "You're gonna get it!!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 I'm wondering if this might be the end of fan voting, since there's a distinct lack of those voted in actually attending the ASG. Luongo, Brodeur, Crosby, Zetterberg, Zubov...and then even the 2nd choices are passing on it (Rafalski)! I hereby dub this (Ozzie, Lids and Dats notwithstanding ) the Chopped Liver ASG! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 I'm wondering if this might be the end of fan voting, since there's a distinct lack of those voted in actually attending the ASG. Luongo, Brodeur, Crosby, Zetterberg, Zubov...and then even the 2nd choices are passing on it (Rafalski)! I hereby dub this (Ozzie, Lids and Dats notwithstanding ) the Chopped Liver ASG! many of this years' ASG participants will be shoo-ins for the Hockey Hall of Pretty Good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 How many guys have to get hurt for Lilja to be on the all-star team? My guess is 84. Because that would leave the Wings as the only team with any of their six regulars healthy in the West. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
interminded 1 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 I just read that Rafalski was asked to go the AS, but declined because he already had a trip with his family planned. Now that's classy ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 So, are you saying what happens in the last 30-40 games each year (i.e. after the allstar game) means nothing? Why wouldn't you consider a player's accomplishments since the last game? In regards to the All Star game (which is after all what this thread is about) yes the end of last season has nothing to do with the start of this season. The All Star game is supposed to be an exhibition of the best players in the league thus far this year. For the record I also disagree with sending some one from each team. Why does Kopitar deserve to go? What has he done this year that is so All-Starish that he gets on the roster. Nothing, but the league wants to be PC and include everyone. Next they will start giving out participation trophies at the end of the year like youth basketball. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 In regards to the All Star game (which is after all what this thread is about) yes the end of last season has nothing to do with the start of this season. The All Star game is supposed to be an exhibition of the best players in the league thus far this year. For the record I also disagree with sending some one from each team. Why does Kopitar deserve to go? What has he done this year that is so All-Starish that he gets on the roster. Nothing, but the league wants to be PC and include everyone. Next they will start giving out participation trophies at the end of the year like youth basketball. Neidermayer is apparently being included for what he accomplished last season. It could hardly be said he's being recognized for an accomplishments this season. Following that line of Bettman-like reasoning, I can name 5 or 6 players who should be there, some of whom were actually chosen/voted for by fans, who are excluded. Go figure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Neidermayer is apparently being included for what he accomplished last season. It could hardly be said he's being recognized for an accomplishments this season. Following that line of Bettman-like reasoning, I can name 5 or 6 players who should be there, some of whom were actually chosen/voted for by fans, who are excluded. Go figure. Hey, by that logic, we should have players that retired after last season in the All-Star Game! I mean, if we're going by their accomplishments LAST season, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,803 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 No one has mentioned that Martin Brodeur is suddenly AWOL for the festivities. It seems he is just plain old skipping the ASG, even Devils fans seem to have no idea why he dropped out. No reason, other than a vague 'family obligation' so far. I hope it's nothing serious, of course. So, we're missing many of the players the fans voted in via the formal voting process, for what that was worth. The rosters are full of appointed and annointed players, whom the NHL assumes we want to see? No Brodeur, no Crosby, no Zetterberg. Instead of Brodeur, they choose Tim Thomas. To balance it out, we get a load of Ducks -- that's who we're supposed to tune in for? No, thanks, NHL. If your favorite is going to be there, I hope you enjoy it, of course. Personally, I won't be surprised if this is the last NHL All Star Game. Marty doesn't play when he's on his period, so maybe that's the day the all-star game falls on. Neidermayer and Perry in? what a joke...Neidermayer has barely played and Perry is a *****. The only reason Niedermayer is playing is because the league feels like it needs his star power with all of the injuries. Unfortunately, Bettman doesn't realize that most people around the country don't know who the hell Scott Niedermayer is, so they should just leave the game to the hockey fans who are actually knowledgeable, and not pull farces like this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
union drone 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Isn't it insane? How does a guy who has played 17 games get to go over players like Zidlicky, Souray, Burns, Blake, etc. Even Kronwall should be there before Niedermeyer goes. Unfair. Just wait until the NHL announces Niedermeyer as a Norris Finalist....cue the circus music. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Hey, by that logic, we should have players that retired after last season in the All-Star Game! I mean, if we're going by their accomplishments LAST season, right? Hey, maybe Selanne will be there!! That, I might watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
interminded 1 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Marty Brodeur doens't play because of family reasons. Let's not make a big deal about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Ozzie may have to skip the All-Star game for health reasons. Because he's just SICK! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drwscc 212 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Shouldn't they rename the game this year to the "Semi-Star Game" or the "All-Decent Game" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Newf 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 this all-star game has disaster written all over it. finally they're mixing things up and trying to attract more fans to it but they havent even got the best players going! i am still stoked to see the shoot-out competition because i cant wait to see what datsyuk has been working on. but as for corey fairy and scott niedsapair im furious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfd250 1 Report post Posted January 23, 2008 Did any of you hear in the first period of last nights game that they were haveing a hard time getting players to go, because of the fact they all have plans. That's why Neids is there, he's the only one left. (Big Name that people would know) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
