Taking In The All Star Game

by Dirk Hoag on Jan 24, 2007 11:23 PM EST

Since, as the old saying goes, "opinions are like blogs, everybody's got one", here's my thoughts after catching tonight's NHL All-Star Game from Dallas:

The Rail-Cam is a great idea, but it needs further refinement. Perhaps if they would run it back and forth along a wire suspended higher in the air than the top of the glass, it would not only provide a better viewing angle (most shots are too tight), but the camera itself wouldn't get in the way as much during wider shots.
The live commentary from Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco throughout the third period was some of the best TV hockey I've seen in a long, long time.
The on-air interviews need to provide more opportunity for the players to show their personality and have some fun. Good example - Christine Simpson presenting Alex Ovechkin with a jumbo-size bag of potato chips, in a nod to his recent TV commercial, and Alex mugging like he was going to chow down right there on the bench. Bad example - one of the ice reporters for Versus asking Ovechkin a long, rambling question during the Skills Competition that left the neophyte English speaker confused and stumbling.
Rick Nash looks downright scary when he gets position on a defender and drives to the net. His size and reach are real difference-makers.
The overall action seemed to move along at a good pace, particularly later in the game.
Philippe Boucher's intermission interview made a great point about the importance of family to NHL players, who recognize the sacrifices made by parents or siblings.
(Edit 1/25/07) I forgot to mention initially that I thought the new jerseys looked great. As far as appearance, the only major difference I saw was that they're utilizing the side of the jersey as part of the design, where previously only the front and back were thought of.

All in all, it was a good night for hockey. And you know, maybe holding it during the week ain't such a bad thing after all.

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Comments

I think it's important that the rail-cam be near ice level. It's best aspect is that it conveys the speed of the game at ice level, something you don't see in the cheap seats or the wide shots they simulate.

by false_cause on Jan 25, 2007 1:50 AM EST reply actions

True, keeping it close is important, I'm only thinking an elevation of about 10 feet from where it is today...

by The Forechecker on Jan 25, 2007 7:43 AM EST reply actions

I understand both of the points that false_cause and the forechecker are making, and it appears that the league understands that there is still some tinkering left to do with the rail cam, as it has gone from an obtrusive black presence that is seen on every standard rink-side camera angle, to a better-able-to-blend-in white. I too have wondered why it isn't on a wire instead or why the main camera isn't located on the other side of the ice to avoid this problem.

Perhaps a 'centerfield' wire similiar to what is utilized in the NFL would make everybody happy?

by Mike Thompson on Jan 25, 2007 9:30 AM EST reply actions