Zach Werenski was a late addition to the Metro division all-star team, filling in for teammate Seth Jones who was forced to miss the game with the flu.
Werenski took part in the fastest skater during the skills competition on Saturday. Werenski got around the ice in 14.250 seconds, finishing sixth out of the eight skaters. The skills competition really isn’t the ideal thing for Werenski to shine. He really doesn’t have a standout tool. He’s a good skater but isn’t a burner, he has a good shot but it’s not a bomb, it’s hard to think of the best event for him. He might have had more success in one of the passing or accuracy challenges.
Werenski’s skills stood out much more in the actual game, where he can make plays like this.
casual Z stretch pass pic.twitter.com/kLPfZshkhV
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 28, 2018
This is what makes Werenski special. He’s got elite vision and is so smart on the ice. Yes it’s an all-star game but this isn’t an easy play. Werenski makes plays like this on the regular and it’s so impressive how simple he makes it look.
As for the rest of the game the Metro division lost to the Atlantic division 7-4. Werenski had that assist and had one shot. He had the chance for a goal late in the game but just missed a tap in.
He didn’t stand out in the game but it looked like he was having a good time and that’s really what this is all about.
might not have made the final, but @zachwerenski has had a good time pic.twitter.com/eZQ93QhDZu
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 28, 2018
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot