Rant
For all the love P.K. Subban gets, there was someone else that was built for this type of event. If anyone else not named John Scott won over the crowd, it was Brent Burns. It was Burns that had the most fun on media day. Burns was the guy trying on boots, asking about hot chicken, and surprising our friend Beka while trying on his gear.
When you’re trying on Brent Burns’ gear at #NHLFanFair and he walks up = Night. Made. pic.twitter.com/Dj77Cc0cA8
— Lady Preds (@Lady_Preds) January 29, 2016
So it should be no surprise that Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski masterminded a play to get John Scott on the board, right? And Burns & Pavelski had the adorable breakaway idea? Nope, no surprises here. The only real surprise is that the team in San Jose has a roster that’s stocked with franchise-level players like Thornton, Couture, Marleau… but losing ground to other contenders in the west. Maybe it’s my regional bias, but both Pavelski and Burns seemed to be having way more fun compared to the rest of the players in town, to the point it seemed out of character for Sharks players. Maybe there is something to that.
I like Joe Thornton, but Burns and Pavelski both won me over this weekend. Credit to both of them for showing some love to a former teammate of theirs who had the job of watching their backs.
Links Mostly Involving the Nashville Predators and the City of Nashville
NHL All-Star weekend a big hit for Nashville | Tennessean
“Nashville glowed Predators gold this weekend, and the whole hockey world got to see it.”
James Neal embraces Nashville’s country attitude during All-Star weekend | Puck Daddy – Yahoo Sports
James Neal looked the most at home among the Preds’ players this weekend. I would’ve liked to have seen him in the accuracy competition, but whatever.
Nashville puts on good show for NHL All-Star weekend (Jan 31, 2016) | FOX Sports
Sure, the city had to wait 18 years to host this. But that ended up being for the best.
John Scott wasn’t a NHL All-Star MVP finalist, but still won with overwhelming fan support – SBNation.com
Bettman, Scott, and the giant check… heh.
Embattled All-Star Scott shines in 3-on-3 tournament – Article – TSN
When the fanbase does something dumb, I’ll make note of it and be honest about it. But this weekend was excellent in nearly every single way, largely due to the vocal and visual support that you all provided. The “MVP” chants were awesome, as well as the cheering of Scott and the booing of Kane. Well done.
John Scott is Rudy: 16 NHL All-Star Game goodies – Sportsnet.ca
And #16 is awesome. Jagr, Scott, and city love are all inside.
John Scott said ‘you can’t write this stuff,’ but John Scott kinda did – ProHockeyTalk
John Scott’s now forever immortalized, joining a list of All-Star MVPs that includes the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.
Gary Bettman previously signed six-year extension to remain NHL commissioner through 2022 | ESPN
Plan your lockout accordingly.