Defense is a commodity in the NHL All-star game, but Red Wings and All-Star captain Nicklas Lidstrom decided to buck the trend in the league’s 58th annual event.
Lidstrom posted a plus-7 rating in the NHL’s annual showcase as Lidstrom’s gang of hand-picked stars overcame an early four-goal deficit to Eric Staal’s team in a 11-10 victory.
Lidstrom was forced to pick second in Friday’s first ever fantasy draft, but Staal’s top choice ended up backfiring somewhat on him. Staal used the number one overall pick to take goaltender and Carolina teammate Cam Ward, a curious choice considering goaltenders traditionally only play one period. Ward surrendered four first period goals, which was just as much as his counterpart, Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury, allowed to get by him in the opening frame.
Meanwhile Lidstrom’s top pick, Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, scored a goal that tied the game at six in the second period—one of the 13 tallies Lidstrom was on the ice for. Lidstrom was on the ice for 10 of his team’s 11 goals.
Chicago’s Patrick Sharp had a goal and two assists and took home the game’s MVP award despite playing for the losing squad. Staal gave his hometown crowd a little bit to cheer for, potting a pair of goals.
Dallas’ Loui Eriksson had a pair of goals and assists, while Daniel Briere and Anze Kopitar also potted two goals. Anaheim’s Jonas Hiller had the best night amongst the netminders, allowing just two goals on 17 shots.