The Metro Division All-Stars lead by Cam Atkinson, Seth Jones and Sergei Bobrovsky among others took home the million dollar prize defeating the Atlantic Division in their first game and then the Pacific Division in the final.
Atkinson played very well and showed everyone that he was more than just an injury replacement, he deserved to be there. He had four points in the opening game and added another goal in the final. He scored three goals and outside of the empty-netter these were not cheap goals. His skill was on display.
Cam Atkinson's first goal of the night was a beauty from above. #CBJ #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/Nr3fcG2xlq
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
In close you can see the quickness from Atkinson. Hell of an effort, in an All-Star Game of all places. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/OuU3pp5zy3
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
He shows off his sick hands on this goal. What a move in tight. His speed was on full display on his goal in the final.
Here is the Cam breakaway goal. One heck of an effort. If you don't know his name, now you know. #CBJ #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/vWcebImvUR
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
The goal itself is nothing special, though it was a great second effort to get the puck in. What stood out here was how Cam is able to separate and keep ahead of Johnny Gaudreau, the back-checking forward.
Jones had two points in the two games, scoring a goal in each. The first one came off a nice puck rush.
Seth Jones goes solo and scores a back hand goal for the Metro Division. He may be good. #CBJ #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/gYvFQsLgXx
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
We’ve seen Jones do this a bunch over the season. Maybe not take the puck all the way to the net like that, but his puck rushing ability is on display every game. He’s such a strong skater and has great puck control. He can skate his way out of trouble and create trouble for opponents.
Seth Jones on a breakaway scores a goal. Great hands for a defensemen, eh? pic.twitter.com/Q7dsdanxZb
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
Same idea here on this goal. He’s so comfortable with the puck on his stick.
Three-on-three is suboptimal for goalies, but Bobrovsky still managed to play well and make some impressive saves.
BREAKING: BOB IS STILL GOOD. #CBJ #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/JoFpedbVux
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
That is Connor McDavid and Brett Burns hooking up on a two on one and Bob does an unbelievable job coming across to make the save.
Bobrovsky’s highlight though did not come on a save.
Somehow a Bobrovsky spin-o-rama is the highlight of the entire All-Star game thus far. #CBJ #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/nNnfbbzx0G
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) January 29, 2017
He’s clearly been spending time watching Atkinson and Jones do their thing and wanted in on the action. Bob isn’t really known for his puck handling abilities at all, but he looks like a natural here, channeling his inner Patrick Roy.
Watch Patrick Roy do a deke right past Gretzy, then a spin-o-rama . Illegal, but great moves. http://t.co/TkPVBau7
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) June 15, 2012
Overall I thought the All-Star game was a lot of fun. The three-on-three makes the games more competitive. Having something to play for makes the games tighter and the players try harder on defence. The three Blue Jackets representatives played well and showed people why Columbus has been as good as they have been this year. Now though we turn our attention to Tuesday when the Blue Jackets are set to take on the Rangers as the second half of the season begins.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot