Let’s get one thing straight. The NHL All Star Game Fan Vote is nothing but a marketing gimmick to draw attention to a game that no one really cares about. The talking heads and social media lambs have given the NHL what they want…free publicity. They are making the greatest sport on earth available to everyone.
Currently, Arizona Coyotes enforcer John Scott leads the All-Star voting over the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr and Patrick Kane.
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 14: John Scott #28 of the Arizona Coyotes attempts to set a screen in front of Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Columbus Blue Jackets while being defended by Cody Goloubef #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period on November 14, 2015 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
“I don’t know what’s going on,” said Scott. “I just kind of stay out of it. The guys are giving me a hard time about it, but it’s kind of neat. The fans, they obviously like me for some reason.”
This isn’t the first sarcastic All-Star candidate in recent NHL history. You may remember the “Vote for Rory” campaign in 2006 when Vancouver Canucks defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick came close to making the All-Star roster or Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons 1.5 million votes in 2015.
Yes, admittedly, I joyfully voted for John Scott. His Pacific Division All-Star numbers are perfect for a three-on-three tournament, in my opinion. The 6’8”, 270 pound winger has amassed one assist, three shots on goal and 18 penalty minutes in six games. Certainly he has fresh legs and won’t “die” playing three-on-three as Hall of Famer Jagr fears.
Fans-I appreciate your votes for All-Star game, but 3 on 3 would kill me,and i don’t want to die yet:)Thank you for understanding. Too old:)
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) December 2, 2015
And let’s stop with the “ruining the integrity of hockey” rhetoric. Allowing each team to have a representative demeans the game already. The fans get to vote in just one player while Hockey Operations is picking the Captains and will make sure they are statistically qualified as the “best in the game.” Integrity? Just stop!
The Fan Vote will never go away completely. Let’s just have fun with it.
As John Scott stated, “You never know. There’s still some time left. I could turn it on.”
(Feature Photo/Getty Images)
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