Everyone said to vote, so I did. Just not for president. Seeing as I'm under 18, I figured I'd help out my country by voting for the NHL All-Stars. Last year it seemed moderatley rigged in the regard that some players for smaller markets didn't make it because not as many people voted, while bigger name guys made it even if they weren't as qualified. This year is even worse
So I was looking over the ballot and something caught my eye. The presence of Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney. These 2 have played a combined 0 games this season. Then I got to the part where it said you must play at least 20 games by Jan 2nd to make the all-star game so I was slightly relieved. Then players that no one outside of their city's ever heard of, like David Setoguchi, were left off, although he is 12th in the NHL in points. Anyway, I made it through this part.
I made it to the leaderboard and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Gonchar and Whitney were in 5th and 6th respectively, yet they haven't even played a game. How can you vote for someone who hasn't played. Oh, yeah. It's because uninformed people see the name Gonchar or Whitney think it sounds familiar so give him a vote. And Semin is in 7th of East Forwards? I guess all of the educated voters failed to notice he was 2nd in points and goals. Zack Parise is also having a stellar year, but since his name isn't Crosby or Ovechkin, god forbid anyone vote for him. He failed to make the leaderboard. And Marc Savard is tied for 3rd in points, but is in only 9th for East Forwards. Shea Weber, who sits 27th in points, first for defensemen, is only in 10th in votes for West Defenders.
The other thing I hate about this is that big market teams will clearly win, which couldn't be more obvious looking at the leaderboard. Arguably, Detroit and Montreal are the top 2 or at least 2 of the top markets in the league. Maybe that explains why Montreal has the top 3 forwards, top 2 defenders, and top goalie in votes. And on the West side, Detroit has the top 3 forwards, 2 of the top 3 defenders, and the 2nd place goalie in votes. Well that's because these teams are good, you say? This may be so, but none of the top 3 forwards in the East (Kovalev, Koivu, Tanguay) are in the top 30 point getters so far. And on the other side only 2 of the 3 Detroit forwards (Hossa, Datsyuk, Zetterberg) are in the top 30. Shea Weber, who I mentioned earlier, plays for Nashville--one of the smallest markets. Do you think that might be why he's so far down in votes. It's also interesting how Tim Thomas is top of the league in Save % and GAA, but sits 5th for goalies in the East. Montreal's beloved Carey Price sits 13th in GAA behind people like Brent Johnson and Mike Smith and 11th in Save %. So, why would he be 1st in votes--because he plays in a big hockey town.
If the NHL truly wants the best players to be rewarded with a starting spot in the All-Star game, remove the online voting. If they want to see who's name is more well-known and which cities vote most, keep it.
Your opinions?
Ashley Allen
Maria Kirilenko.jpg)
College Superfans
SI's Pictures of the Week
Comments (4) Add A Comment
It is more of a popularity contest, I agree.
Osgood is not having his best year and is second, with Luongo hurt, does he start in the all star game?
I am sure Luongo will be fine by then though.
On Detroit Defense, Hossa, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg are arguebly the best 3 forwards in the West. You can argue it, it is believable. However it makes for a very tough argument saying that Tanguay, Koivu, and Kovalev are the best 3 forwards in the East. That kind of argument would be quite laughable.
The biggest problem that I had with your blog/article was that your reasons for some of the candidates to be in or out of the all star game are mainly based on points.
No question about it, something will have to be done after this year about the all star game as this is embarrassing for the league.
sandhonkey
Dallas , TX
Total Comments (3)
True there is more to a player than points, but is there any stat that would make Koivu, Tanguay or Kovalev all-star game-starter-worthy? And Loungo's injury adds another problem to the equation. But, as Obama would say, "Change is needed."
htownhockey#1
Where I Want, MD
Total Comments (232)
Kovalev should make the All Star game(not the other Habs). Don't you think Kovalev should have been a shoe in last year and was past up. Not the first time with the Pens he made it to the All Star game maybe once( he should have probably made it every year in Pitt.) The most deserving don't always get in. Its like that in every sports.
trickey
New York , NY
Total Comments (1)
The NHL voting system is complete ****. get rid of it. Briere has more votes than Jeff Carter this year. People dont get to see the entire NHL like they do with other sports. They see names that they recognize and vote. Montreal fans have got to stop voting as well. Carey Price should not be in the top 5 for goalies in the east and he is running away with it. Stop being homers and vote the right way. **** canada
World******Champion
Philadelphia, PA
Total Comments (8)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.