All-Star Skills Competition Results

This year, the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition was revamped, featuring six events: Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater, Dunkin' Donuts NHL Passing Challenge, GEICO NHL Save Streak, Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay, PPG NHL Hardest Shot and Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting.

Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater

Eight skaters will compete in the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater. Each skater will be timed for one full lap around the rink. The skater may choose the direction of the lap and can be positioned a maximum of three feet behind the start line located on the penalty box side of the center red line. The skater must start on the referee's whistle and the timing clock will start when the skater crosses the start line. In the event of a clock malfunction, the official time will be recorded by the referee's stopwatch. The skater with the fastest time is the winner of the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater, and if there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will skate another lap to determine the winner.

Player | Time (secs.)

1. Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning | 13.579

2. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets | 14.250

3. Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks | 14.181

4. Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes | 14.317

5. Josh Bailey, New York Islanders | 14.413

6. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche | 14.056

7. Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres | 13.828

8. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers | 13.454

Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater Winner: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (13.454)


Dunkin' Donuts NHL Passing Challenge

Eight players will compete in the Dunkin' Donuts NHL Passing Challenge, which consists of three skills over one round, including (1) Target Passing, where each player must complete four successful passes to targets that light up in a random sequence; (2) Give and Go, where each player must successfully complete the four required passes through a course set up in the neutral zone; and (3) Mini Nets, where each player must complete one pass over a barricade and into each of four mini nets, as well as an additional pass into the game net. Each skill must be completed before a player moves on to the next. The referee's whistle signals completion of each skill. The player to complete all three skills in the fastest time is deemed the winner of the Dunkin' Donuts NHL Passing Challenge, and if there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Player | Time (secs.)

1. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning | 1:39.562

2. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers | 1:07.419

3. Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues | 1:05.951

4. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes | 1:04.530

5. Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild | 54.679

6. Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues | 46.610

7. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins | 1:00.015

8. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings | 1:47.415

Dunkin' Donuts NHL Passing Challenge Winner: Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues (46.610)


GEICO NHL Save Streak

Five goalies and all 36 skaters will participate in the GEICO NHL Save Streak, a shootout grouped by division where goalies compete to make the most consecutive saves. Each goalie will face one opposing division and a minimum of nine scoring attempts. Each scoring attempt is officiated in accordance with NHL shootout rules and begins on the referee's whistle. Players from each division will shoot in numerical order, lowest to highest, with the divisional captain shooting ninth. A goalie's round at the GEICO NHL Save Streak cannot end with a save -- if the divisional captain's shot is saved, the goalie will continue to face shooters until a goal is scored. If the goalie makes a save on the divisional captain's shot, the order of shooters to follow is the same as at the original order. The goalie with the longest consecutive save streak during his time in net is the winner of the GEICO NHL Save Streak. If there is a tie for longest consecutive save streak, the goalie with the highest total saves made during his round will be crowned the winner.

Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

vs. Central Division Shooters | Goal or Save

1. John Klingberg | Save (1), Save (4)

2. Brayden Schenn | Save (2), Save (5)

3. Eric Staal | Save (3), Goal

4. Blake Wheeler | Save (4)

5. Alex Pietrangelo | Save (5)

6. Nathan MacKinnon | Goal

7. Patrick Kane | Save (1)

8. Tyler Seguin | Save (2)

9. P.K. Subban | Save (3)

Longest Save Streak: 5


Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

vs. Pacific Division Shooters | Goal or Save

1. Brock Boeser | Save (1), Goal

2. Drew Doughty | Save (2)

3. Anze Kopitar | Goal

4. Johnny Gaudreau | Save (1)

5. James Neal | Save (2)

6. Oliver Ekman-Larsson | Save (3)

7. Rickard Rakell | Goal

8. Brent Burns | Goal

9. Connor McDavid | Save (1)

Longest Save Streak: 3


Goaltender: Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators

vs. Metropolitan Division Shooters | Goal or Save

1. Noah Hanifin | Save (1), Save (10)

2. Zach Werenski | Save (2), Save (11)

3. Brian Boyle | Save (3), Save (12)

4. Josh Bailey | Save (4), Save (13)

5. Claude Giroux | Save (5), Goal

6. Kris Letang | Save (6)

7. Sidney Crosby | Save (7)

8. John Tavares | Save (8)

9. Alex Ovechkin | Save (9)

Longest Save Streak: 13


Goaltender: Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights

vs. Atlantic Division Shooters | Goal or Save

1. Jack Eichel | Save (1), Save (8)

2. Aleksander Barkov | Goal, Save (9)

3. Brayden Point | Save (1), Save (10)

4. Mike Green | Save (2), Save (11)

5. Auston Matthews | Save (3), Save (12)

6. Brad Marchand | Save (4), Save (13)

7. Erik Karlsson | Save (5), Save (14)

8. Nikita Kucherov | Save (6), Goal

9. Steven Stamkos | Save (7)

Longest Save Streak: 14


Goaltender: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

vs. Central Division Shooters | Goal or Save

1. John Klingberg | Save (1)

2. Brayden Schenn | Goal

3. Eric Staal | Save (1)

4. Blake Wheeler | Save (2)

5. Alex Pietrangelo | Save (3)

6. Nathan MacKinnon | Goal

7. Patrick Kane | Save (1)

8. Tyler Seguin | Save (2)

9. P.K. Subban | Goal

Longest Save Streak: 3

GEICO NHL Save Streak Winner: Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights (14)


Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay

Eight players will compete in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay, a timed single-round event that includes three skills: (1) Stickhandling, where a skater controls a puck through a series of eight pucks in a straight line; (2) Cone Control, where a skater controls a puck through a series of eight cones in a zig-zag formation; and (3) Gates, where a skater approaches a gate and is required to shoot or otherwise guide the puck through the lighted rung of a gate. Each skill must be completed before moving on to the next skill. The referee's whistles will signal completion of each skill and the player to complete the three skills in the fastest time is deemed the winner of the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay. If there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Player | Time

1. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames | 24.650

2. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers | 33.233

3. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators | 37.417

4. John Tavares, New York Islanders | 28.242

5. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers | 29.220

6. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs | 44.344 

7. Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars | 39.078

8. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks | 32.792

Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay Winner: Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames (24.650)


PPG NHL Hardest Shot

Five players will compete in the PPG NHL Hardest Shot. Over two rounds, each player will attempt two shots measured in miles per hour (mph), with the highest speed of their two shots recorded. After each player's first attempt, the order of shots for second attempts will be based on the speed recorded in the first round, slowest to fastest. For each attempt, a single puck is positioned on the ice 30 feet from the center of the goal. Starting no further than the nearest blue line, the shooter may skate towards the puck and shoot it from its positioned spot into the goal. Shots must be on goal to be calculated and all shots are recorded by radar in miles per hour. If a puck enters the goal uncalculated due to a malfunction of the radar equipment, the shooter will be allowed an additional attempt. If player breaks his stick he will be given another attempt. The player who records the fastest speed is the winner of the PPG NHL Hardest Shot. If there is a tie for the fastest speed, the tied players will shoot again to determine the winner.

ROUND 1

Player | Shot 1 (mph)

1. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars | 96.6

2. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals | 98.8

3. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators | 95.5

4. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks | 88.0

5. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning | 95.2


ROUND 2

Player | Shot 2 (mph)

1. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks | 92.4

2. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning | 95.9

3. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators | 98.7

4. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars | 97.6

5. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals | 101.3

PPG NHL Hardest Shot Winner: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (101.3)


Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting

Eight players will compete in the Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting, a timed event where a shooter is positioned 25 feet from the goal line and shoots pucks at five LED targets located in the net. On the referee's whistle, one of the five LED targets will randomly light up for three seconds and the player will attempt to hit the lighted target. Hit targets will be taken out of the random sequencing and if the target is not hit within three seconds, the next target will be lighted. The clock stops when the player has successfully hit all five targets, the player that hits all five targets in the fastest time will be crowned the winner of the Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting. If there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Player | Time (secs.)

1. Brian Boyle, New Jersey Devils | 11.626

2. Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets | 22.531

3. James Neal, Vegas Golden Knights | 14.262

4. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks | 11.136

5. Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins | 44.692

6. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings | 50.844

7. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins | 15.851

8. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning | 21.923

Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting Winner: Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks (11.136)

Player Assignments for the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition

TAMPA – The National Hockey League today announced the player assignments for the 2018 NHL All-Star Skills Competition. The 2018 NHL All-Stars will compete in six events showcasing their talent tonight at 7 p.m. ET at AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The competition will be televised on NBCSN in the U.S. and on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada. All six events of the competition will be individual competitions, with the winner of each event earning $25,000.

Details, rules and participants for all six events of the competition are listed below.

· Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater™

· Dunkin’ Donuts NHL Passing Challenge™

· GEICO NHL Save Streak™

· Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay™

· PPG NHL Hardest Shot™

· Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting™

Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater™
Eight skaters will compete in the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater™. Each skater will be timed for one full lap around the rink. The skater may choose the direction of their lap and can be positioned a maximum of three feet behind the start line located on the penalty box side of the center red line. The skater must start on the referee’s whistle and the timing clock will start when the skater crosses the start line. In the event of a clock malfunction, the official time will be recorded by the referee’s stopwatch. The skater with the fastest time is the winner of the Enterprise NHL Fastest Skater™, and if there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will skate another lap to determine the winner.

Participants:
Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks
Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes
Josh Bailey, New York Islanders
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Dunkin’ Donuts NHL Passing Challenge™
Eight players will compete in the Dunkin’ Donuts NHL Passing Challenge™, which consists of three skills over one round, including  (1) Target Passing, where each player must complete four successful passes to targets that light up in a random sequence; (2) Give and Go, where each player must successfully complete the four required passes through a course set up in the neutral zone; and (3) Mini Nets, where each player must complete one pass over a barricade and into each of four mini nets, as well as an additional pass into the game net. Each skill must be completed before a player moves on to the next. The referee’s whistle signals completion of each skill. The player to complete all three skills in the fastest time is deemed the winner of the Dunkin’ Donuts NHL Passing Challenge™, and if there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Participants:
Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes
Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild
Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

GEICO NHL Save Streak™
Five goalies and all 36 skaters will participate in the GEICO NHL Save Streak™, a shootout grouped by division where goalies compete to make the most consecutive saves. Each goalie will face one opposing division and a minimum of nine scoring attempts. Each scoring attempt is officiated in accordance with NHL shootout rules and begins on the referee’s whistle. Players from each division will shoot in numerical order, lowest to highest, with the divisional captain shooting ninth. A goalie’s round at the GEICO NHL Save Streak™ cannot end with a save – if the divisional captain’s shot is saved, the goalie will continue to face shooters until a goal is scored. If the goalie makes a save on the divisional captain’s shot, the order of shooters to follow is the same as at the original order. The goalie with the longest consecutive save streak during his time in net is the winner of the GEICO NHL Save Streak™. If there is a tie for longest consecutive save streak, the goalie with the highest total saves made during his round will be crowned the winner.

Participants:
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers, vs. Central Division

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets, vs Pacific Division

Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators, vs. Metropolitan Division

Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights, vs. Atlantic Division

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning, vs. Central Division

Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay™
Eight players will compete in the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay™, a timed single-round event that includes three skills: (1) Stickhandling, where a skater controls a puck through a series of eight pucks in a straight line; (2) Cone Control, where a skater controls a puck through a series of eight cones in a zig-zag formation; and (3) Gates, where a skater approaches a gate and is required to shoot or otherwise guide the puck through the lighted rung of a gate. Each skill must be completed before moving on to the next skill. The referee’s whistles will signal completion of each skill and the player to complete the three skills in the fastest time is deemed the winner of the Gatorade NHL Puck Control Relay™. If there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Participants:
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
John Tavares, New York Islanders
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

PPG NHL Hardest Shot™
Five players will compete in the PPG NHL Hardest Shot™. Over two rounds, each player will attempt two shots measured in miles per hour (mph), with the highest speed of their two shots recorded. After each player’s first attempt, the order of shots for second attempts will be based on the speed recorded in the first round, slowest to fastest. For each attempt, a single puck is positioned on the ice 30 feet from the center of the goal. Starting no further than the nearest blue line, the shooter may skate towards the puck and shoot it from its positioned spot into the goal. Shots must be on goal to be calculated and all shots are recorded by radar in miles per hour. If a puck enters the goal uncalculated due to a malfunction of the radar equipment, the shooter will be allowed an additional attempt. If player breaks his stick he will be given another attempt. The player who records the fastest speed is the winner of the PPG NHL Hardest Shot™. If there is a tie for the fastest speed, the tied players will shoot again to determine the winner.

Participants:
John Klingberg, Dallas Stars
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators
Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting™
Eight players will compete in the Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting™, a timed event where a shooter is positioned 25 feet from the goal line and shoots pucks at five LED targets located in the net. On the referee’s whistle, one of the five LED targets will randomly light up for three seconds and the player will attempt to hit the lighted target. Hit targets will be taken out of the random sequencing and if the target is not hit within three seconds, the next target will be lighted. The clock stops when the player has successfully hit all five targets, the player that hits all five targets in the fastest time will be crowned the winner of the Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting™. If there is a tie for the fastest time, the tied players will compete again to determine the winner.

Participants:
Brian Boyle, New Jersey Devils
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
James Neal, Vegas Golden Knights
Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning.

2018 NHL All-Star Game to be played at Tampa Bay

NEW YORK - The National Hockey League today announced the selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the city of Tampa as hosts of the 2018 NHL® All-Star. The League's mid-season showcase will take place at AMALIE Arena on Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28 and will include the NHL All-Star Skills Competition™ and the NHL® All-Star Game.

The 2018 NHL All-Star returns to a 3-on-3 tournament format after successful games in Nashville (2016) and Los Angeles (2017). Under the tournament rules, the NHL All-Star Game will be divided into three 20-minute games, with star players from each NHL division making up the four All-Star teams: Pacific, Central, Atlantic, and Metropolitan.

"We are looking forward to bringing the 2018 NHL All-Star celebration to the Tampa Bay area," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "In addition to the events on the ice, we're planning outside activities which will embrace the Tampa Bay community and Gasparilla events -- as well as the Florida sunshine. We know Jeff Vinik, the Lightning and AMALIE Arena will be outstanding hosts as the NHL family gathers for our mid-season showcase."

"We are thrilled to host the 2018 NHL All-Star Game at AMALIE Arena," said Jeff Vinik, Chairman and Governor of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "We've worked hard over the past several years to transform Tampa Bay into a hockey market. The honor of hosting the All-Star game validates that work, but it's not the end of our efforts. We pledge to work alongside the NHL as well as leaders across Tampa Bay to deliver a world class experience for All-Star players, fans and partners."

Since purchasing the Lightning in March 2010, Jeff Vinik has spearheaded a complete brand and business transformation on and off the ice in Tampa, including nearly $90 million in improvements for AMALIE Arena, an investment of $13 million in local charities through the Lightning Community Heroes program, nearly tripling its season ticket member base (to more than 14,000) along with three Eastern Conference Final appearances and a trip to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.

"Tampa's a world class destination that hosts events on the international stage better than anyone and there's no better city to host the NHL All-Star game in America," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. "Whether you're attending a concert at Curtis Hixon Park, taking in the views of the city by water taxi or crossing the bay for some fun in the sand, there's something for everyone. Where's better than a hockey town with palm trees?"

The 2018 NHL® All-Star Game will mark the second time Tampa will host the event. The Lightning and Tampa previously hosted the NHL All-Star game in 1999, successfully welcoming thousands of NHL fans, executives and personalities to the city. Further details on 2018 NHL All-Star festivities, including ticket information, special events and television broadcasting information will be released at a later date.

Big goalie, little kid dominate All-Star Skills Competition

By GREG BEACHAM
AP Hockey Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Big Mike Smith and little Ryker Kesler stole the show at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition.

The towering Arizona goalie scored a 188-foot goal during the Four Line Challenge on Saturday night, and the 6-year-old son of Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler scored on Montreal goalie Carey Price during the Shootout.

The Atlantic Division won the overall competition and chose to face the Metropolitan Division on Sunday in the second semifinal period of the All-Star Game, which was changed last year to a 3-on-3 tournament among teams from each of the NHL's four divisions.

NHL scoring leader Connor McDavid won the Fastest Skater competition, and Montreal defenseman Shea Weber had the hardest shot in the All-Star field for the third consecutive season, albeit with his lowest speed yet. Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby won the Accuracy Shooting competition, and he joined Weber and Boston's Brad Marchand as the only adults to score in the shootout.

The event ended with a shootout competition between the Atlantic and Pacific teams, but just four of the 20 skaters scored. One of them was Ryker, who beat the grinning Price five-hole and celebrated with a two-fisted pump that he learned from his All-Star dad, who filmed him on his phone.

"I was more nervous than him watching," Ryan Kesler said.

The best early moment belonged to Smith, who lived every goalie's dream when he shot a puck from the crease into a tiny slot at ice level in the middle of the far net. Before Ryker Kesler seized control of the shootout, Smith's goal was the most memorable moment of this relaxed Saturday afternoon of annual silliness preceding the game Sunday.

"I didn't really have a strategy," Smith said. "I was really focused on just hitting the board, but it kind of curled in at the last second, and I couldn't believe it, to be honest. I was just as shocked as everyone else."

Smith already showed off his shooting skills while scoring a goal into an empty net for the Coyotes in October 2013, but this one had much less margin for error.

"The look on (Vancouver All-Star) Bo Horvat's face when I looked over at him was pretty priceless," Smith said. "I'm sure mine was, too, to see it go in. But it was something I'll remember for a long time. My family was here to witness it, too, so they can believe me."

Smith's shot was the highlight of the Four Line Challenge, the newest addition to the Skills Competition. Essentially a version of the on-ice promotions all around the world that turn hockey into a variant of miniature golf, the NHL stars largely missed the tiny targets until Smith let loose with his stunner.

Ryker Kesler also got his dad's turn in the Four Line Challenge, but missed from mid-ice.

Turns out he was just getting warmed up.

McDavid, who's only 14 years older than Ryker, also added another honor to his rapidly growing list, easily beating his seven competitors in a lap around the ice to prove his superior speed. He beat Colorado speedster Nate MacKinnon during their head-to-head race, but fell just short of Dylan Larkin's NHL speed record during his second lap.

The Edmonton Oilers captain will appear in his first All-Star Game on Sunday after missing last year's festivities due to a broken collarbone.

Crosby and Toronto rookie Auston Matthews only needed five shots apiece to hit the four targets in the Accuracy contest, but Crosby did it more quickly.

News & Notes: NHL All-Star Game ready for Los Angeles

NHL ALL-STAR GAME TAKES OVER HOLLYWOOD ...

A $1-million prize is on the line during the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game, which takes over Hollywood and Staples Center on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, SN, TVA Sports).

For the second straight year, all four divisions will compete in a 3-on-3 tournament, with each game 20 minutes in length. Teams -- comprised of six forwards, three defensemen and two goaltenders -- will change ends at the 10-minute mark of each contest. Games that are tied after 20 minutes will be decided by a shootout.

The Atlantic Division won the 2017 Coors Light NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Saturday and opted to face the Metropolitan Division in the second semifinal. The Pacific Division will play the Central Division in the opening game of the tournament. The two winners will advance to the final to determine the overall tournament champion.

... GRETZKY STEPS IN AS COACH OF METROPOLITAN DIVISION

The NHL announced that Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky will serve as coach of the Metropolitan Division for the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game in place of Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella.

"The League came to me [Friday] night and said, 'Would you like to coach?' and I said, 'Sure,'" Gretzky said. "Playing in the All-Star Game is a privilege and a pleasure, and the chance to be around it and part of it [today] ... I'm excited and I'm really looking forward to it."

ATLANTIC DIVISION PREVAILS IN NHL ALL-STAR SKILLS COMPETITION

The Atlantic Division defeated the Pacific Division, 4-1, in the Discover NHL Shootout to win the 2017 Coors Light NHL All-Star Skills Competition and earn the right to select both its first opponent and when its semifinal matchup will be played during the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game.

Among the highlights:

* Arizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith scored from the far goal line in the Honda NHL Four Line Challenge.

* Edmonton Oilers and Pacific Division captain Connor McDavid skated a 13.02-second lap to win the Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater.

* Ryker Kesler, the son of Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler, slipped the puck by Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price in the Discover NHL Shootout.

TEAM GRETZKY WINS NHL ALL-STAR CELEBRITY SHOOTOUT

Justin Bieber scored a goal and two points, and Cuba Gooding Jr. scored the decisive goal, to guide Team Gretzky past Team Lemieux in the 2017 NHL All-Star Celebrity Shootout, a charity game featuring 21 members from the recently announced 100 Greatest NHL Players presented by Molson Canadian.

The game benefited Echoes of Hope, a nonprofit organization founded by Luc and Stacia Robitaille that strives to inspire hope in the lives of at-risk and emancipated foster youth.

- NHL Public Relations.

2017 NHL All-Star Skills Competition Result

Event participants and results of the 2017 Coors Light NHL All-Star Skills Competition:

MORE: View full scoresheet (PDF) | Skills Competition live blog

Gatorade NHL Skills Challenge Relay 

Central Division vs. Pacific Division

One Timers: Keith, Suter, Tarasenko vs. Pavelski, Kesler, Carter

Passing: Toews vs. Doughty

Puck Control: Seguin vs. Fowler

Stick-Handling: Kane vs. Gaudreau

Goalie Goals: Dubnyk vs. Smith

Central Division Time: 1:44.03 / Pacific Division Time: 2:03.12

Atlantic Division vs. Metropolitan Division

One Timers: Karlsson, Trocheck, Okposo vs. S. Jones, Ovechkin, Simmonds

Passing: Nielsen vs. Tavares

Puck Control: Marchand vs. Faulk

Stick-Handling: Matthews vs. Crosby

Goalie Goals: Price vs. Holtby

Atlantic Division Time: 1:39.69 / Metropolitan Division Time: 1:21.70

Points Available: 3 - The team with the fastest time in each heat scores one point; the team with the fastest overall time scores one bonus point.

Score through first event: Metropolitan 2, Central 1, Atlantic 0, Pacific 0

 

Honda NHL Four Line Challenge

Shooter 1: (Near blue line): Kucherov (Atlantic) 0-for-2; McDonagh (Metropolitan) 0-for-2; Suter (Central) 1-for-2, 1 point; Pavelski (Pacific) 0-for-2

Shooter 2: (Center line): Karlsson (Atlantic) 0-for-2, Simmonds (Metropolitan) 1-for-2, 1 point; Seguin (Central) 0-for-2, Burns (Pacific) 1-for-3, 3 points

Shooter 3: (Far blue line): Marchand (Atlantic) 0-for-2, Hall (Metropolitan) 0-for-2, Subban (Central) 0-for-2, Kesler (Pacific) 0-for-2

Shooter 4: (Goal line): Weber/Price (Atlantic) 0-for-2; Holtby (Metropolitan) 0-for-2; MacKinnon/Crawford (Central) 0-for-2; Smith (Pacific) 1-2, 30 points

Pacific wins event. Pacific 23, Metropolitan 1, Central 1, Atlantic 0

Points Available: 1 - The Team with most points at end of event scores one point.

Score through two events: Metropolitan 2, Central 1, Pacific 1, Atlantic 0

DraftKings NHL Accuracy Shooting

Atlantic Division vs. Metropolitan Division

Okposo (15.970) vs. Tavares (26.800) - Atlantic wins 1 point

Matthews (12.280) vs. Crosby (10.730) - Metropolitan wins 1 point

Central Division vs. Pacific Division

Laine (21.820) vs. McDavid (15.640) - Pacific wins 1 point

Kane (18.950) vs. Carter (17.660) - Pacific wins 1 point

Points Available: 6 -The winner of each match-up scores one point; the player who hits all four targets in the fastest time scores the bonus point for his team. If a player breaks Daniel Sedin's record of 7.3 seconds, they score one bonus point for their team.

Metropolitan gets bonus point for fastest overall.

Score through three events: Metropolitan 4, Pacific 3, Central 1, Atlantic 1

Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater

Atlantic Division vs. Metropolitan Division

Kucherov (13.160) vs. Atkinson (13.330) - Atlantic wins 1 point

Trocheck (13.320) vs. Simmonds (13.650) - Atlantic wins 1 point

Central Division vs. Pacific Division

Laine (13.420) vs. Horvat (13.430) - Central wins 1 point

MacKinnon (13.620) vs. McDavid (13.020) - Pacific wins 1 point

Points Available: 6 - The winner of each match-up scores one point; the team with the fastest skater scores a bonus point; if the fastest skater is successful in breaking Dylan Larkin's record of 13.172 seconds, an additional bonus point will be awarded to his team.

Pacific wins bonus point for fastest overall time.

Points awarded. Atlantic 2, Metropolitan 0, Central 1, Pacific 2

Score through four events: Pacific 5, Metropolitan 4, Atlantic 3, Central 2

Oscar Mayer NHL Hardest Shot

Atlantic Division vs. Metropolitan Division

Hedman (94.2) vs. S. Jones (98.1) - Metropolitan wins 1 point

Weber (102.8) vs. Ovechkin (97.8) - Atlantic wins 1 point

Central Division vs. Pacific Division

Laine (101.7) vs. Burns (97.7) - Central wins 1 point

MacKinnon (92.3) vs. Doughty (94.6) - Pacific wins 1 point

Points Available: 6 - The winner of each match-up scores one point; the team with the player who has the hardest shot scores one bonus point; if a player breaks Zdeno Chara's record of 108.8 mph, they score one bonus point for their team.

Atlantic wins bonus point for hardest overall shot.

Points awarded: Atlantic 2, Metropolitan 1, Central 1, Pacific 1

Score through five events: Pacific 6, Atlantic 5, Metropolitan 5, Central 3  

** Metropolitan, Central eliminated **

 

 

Discover NHL Shootout

Nine skaters and two goaltenders from each of the top-scoring teams from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference will participate.

Pacific Division vs. Atlantic Division

Marchand vs. Smith, goal, 1 pt

Doughty vs. Price, miss, 0 pts

Kucherov vs. Smith, miss, 0 pts

Pavelski vs. Price, miss, 0 pts

Hedman vs. Smith, miss, 0 pts

Horvat vs. Price, miss, 0 pts

Weber vs. Smith, goal, 1 pt

Nielsen vs. Smith, miss, 0 pts

Kesler's kid vs. Price, goal, 1 pt

Karlsson vs. Jones, miss, 0 pts

McDavid vs. Rask, miss, 0 pts

Okposo vs. Jones, miss, 0 pts

Gaudreau vs. Rask, miss, 0 pts

Crosby (Discover pick shooter) vs. Jones, goal, 2 pts

Kane (Discover pick shooter) vs. Rask, miss, 0 pts

Trocheck vs. Jones, miss, 0 pts

Burns vs. Rask, miss, 0 pts

Matthews vs. Jones, miss, 0 pts

Carter vs. Rask, miss, 0 pts

Points Available: 1 point for every goal scored; 2 points for every goal scored with a Discover puck.

Atlantic wins Shootout 4-1.

Final Skills Competition score: Atlantic 4, Pacific 1

- NHL.

Larkin beats Gartner's fastest skater record

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Jan 30, 2016; Atlantic Division forward Dylan Larkin (71) of
the Detroit Red Wings reacts after participating in the fastest
skater competition during the 2016 NHL All Star Game Skills
Competition at Bridgestone Arena.

(PHOTO: Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports)

On Saturday in the 2016 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, Dylan Larkin, 19, did a solo run in the fastest skater competition to beat Mike Gartner's record for the fastest time in the competition.

Larkin set a 13.172 seconds lap, breaking Gartner's record of 13.386 seconds that was set in 1996.

Dylan Larkin beat Mike Gartner's #NHLAllStar Fastest Skater record. pic.twitter.com/eIxVnI3qTh

— The Neutral Zone (@neutralzonenhl) January 31, 2016

NHL Eastern Conference 2016 All-Star Skills Competition Roster

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

The rosters for the Eastern Conference for the 2016 NHL All-Star Skills Competition are set. Here is how the full Eastern Conference All-Stars Skills Competition roster will look:

Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater: Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Brandon Saad (Columbus Blue Jackets), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Honda NHL Breakaway Challenge: Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals), Brandon Saad (Columbus Blue Jackets), P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens), Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils)

DraftKings NHL Accuracy Shooting: John Tavares (New York Islanders), Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals), Claude Giroux (Philadelphia Flyers), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins), Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals), Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers)

AMP Energy NHL Hardest Shot: Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Gatorade NHL Skills Challenge Relay

One-timer right shooters: Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)

One-timer passer: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)

Mini-net passer: Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals)

Puck control relay: Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes)

Stick Handling: Claude Giroux (Philadelphia Flyers)

Goalie Goals: Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)

One-timer left shooters: Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers), Leo Komarov (Toronto Maple Leafs), Ryan O'Reilly (Buffalo Sabres)

One-timer passer: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Mini-net passer: Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)

Stick handling: Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)

Goalie Goals: Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Discover NHL Shootout: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins), Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers), P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens), Ryan O'Reilly (Buffalo Sabres), Leo Komarov (Toronto Maple Leafs), Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers), Roberto Luongo (Florida Panthers)

Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins), Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals), Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)

Claude Giroux (Philadelphia Flyers), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), John Tavares (New York Islanders), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators), Brandon Saad (Columbus Blue Jackets), Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils)