2011 NHL All-Star Game: Game on! live blog and reports

2011 NHL All-Star Game - warm-ups - P. Koutroumpis

The 2011 NHL All-Star Game is ready to get underway at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. Team Staal took the NHL SuperSkills on Saturday by a score of 33-22 and looks to capture this year's crown in front of the hometown crowd and Carolina Hurricanes teammates Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner help Captain Staal lead the charge. Stay in touch and follow via Twitter @pksport.

Introductions are getting underway and we are ready to go. The thunder is rumbling at the RBC Center!!!

Let's go Staal, let's go Staal, let's go Staal - the chants have started


Kids out on the 'pond' picking teams by throwing sticks to select teams - all of a sudden Rod Brind 'Amour and Ron Francis come out to join the teams.

Captains Staal and Lidstrom lead their teams onto the ice for introductions.

Inspiring national anthems by the Canadian Tenors and Raleigh's Clay Aiken.

NHL All-Star Game faceoff - P. Koutroumpis

Game on!!!

First Period

• Team Staal scores first - Alex Ovechkin on a tip-in from Zdeno Chara and Mike Green
• Team Staal up by two - Paul Stastny tips one in from Patrick Sharp and Patrick Elias
• Team Staal now makes it 3-0 - Patrick Elias from behind - Patrick Sharp and Paul Stastny
• Team Staal 3-0 

• Team Staal - Claude Giroux makes it 4-0 - Patrick Sharp and Dave Backes with helpers; Cam Ward unbeaten so far in between the pipes
• Team Staal - Skinner raps one off the post
• Team Staal 4-0 - 11:13 remaining

•  Team Lidstrom - Anze Kopitar beats Ward top shelf with the backhand - Shea Weber with the assist
• Team Staal 4-1 - 8:26 remaining

• Team Lidstrom - Dustin Byfuglien from Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith
• Team Staal - 4-2 - 6:30 remaining

• Team Lidstrom coming on strong - Cam Ward standing tall
• Team Lidstrom - Loui Eriksson from Martin Havlat
• Team Lidstrom ties it - Matt Duchene on breakway - stick-side on Ward - assist to Nicklas Lidstrom
• Tie game - 4-4 - 1:38 remaining

• Montage to the Great Gretzky during commercial break - crowd is buzzing - getting ready for intermission

• Ward with the save on the crease
• St. Louis hovering around
• 4-4 tie - end of the first
• Three Doors Down to perform during intermission

Second Period

• Team Staal - Patrick Sharp nets one from Claude Giroux
• Team Staal leads 5-4 - 17:12 remaining

• Team Staal's Carey Price is solid in between the pipes - two saves on his pads
• Team Staal Kris Letang roofs one - Daniel Sedin and Alex Ovechkin with the helpers
• Team Staal 6-4 - 13:46 remaining

• Team Staal all over Jonas Hiller; Team Lidstrom hits the pipe
• Team Staal's Chara just misses over the net with a hard snapper
• Team Lidstrom's Hiller robs Backes on an off-wing shot
• Team Lidstrom' Jonathan Toews hits the post on a breakaway
• Team Staal - 6-4 - 10:42 remaining

• Team Lidstrom Anze Kopitar finishes tic-tac-toe with Loui Eriksson to beat Price
• Team Staal still leads 6-5 - 9:25 remaining

•  Ovechkin with the move at the blue line, but off-side
• Ovechin picks up the puck and cradles it to keep control
• Team Lidstrom gets it up ice on the transition
• Team Lidstrom - Steven Stamkos ties it up with assists to Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards
• Team Lidstrom - Daniel Briere with the go-ahead goal
• Team Lidstrom - 7-6 - 3:47 remaining

• Team Staal - Jeff Skinner of the breakaway and denie with the toe save by Hiller 
• Team Staal sets up the offense - back and forth action
• Team Lidstrom Hiller blanks Rick Nash on breakaway and Staal on two separate shots from the wing
• Team Lidstrom 7-6 - 1:22 remaining

• End of the period - Team Lidstrom leads 7-6

Third Period

• Start of period has provided a few chances, but pretty quiet - crowd needs to have a reason to get excited
• Skinner denied by Thomas on the tip-in
• Team Lidstrom 7-6 - 16:34 remaining

• Finally!! Team Staal - captain Staal scores on a breakaway with a shot past Tim Thomas
• Corey Perry and Rick Nash get assists on the goal
• Tie game - 7-7 - 15:50 remaining

• Team Lidstrom breakaway - stick thrown
• Matt Duchene on the penalty shot - denied by Henrik Lundqvist
• Still tied - 7-7 - 13:37 remaining

• Play back and forth; waiting for something to happen
• Team Staal - Kris Letang scores his second of the game - assisted by Patrick Elias and Jeff Skinner
• Boy Wonder Jeff Skinner gets his first NHL All-Star point
• Team Staal leads 8-7 - 10:41 remaining

• Team Lidstrom - Daniel Briere ties it - Henrik Sedin and Shea Weber assist
• Team Lidstrom - Jonathan Toews scores with the spin move and toe-drag snapper  
• Assists to Loui Eriksson and Martin Havlat
• Team Lidstrom leads 9-8 - 7:39 remaining

• Team Lidstrom - Martin St. Louis tallies one from Brent Burns
• Team Staal's Skinner tries again, but to no avail
• Team Staal - Rick Nash on the toe-drag to draw Thomas down scores to narrow the gap
• Corey Perry and Zdeno Chara with assists on the play
• Team Lidstrom with 10-9 lead -  4:24 remaining

• Team Staal's Lundqvist big save on Patrick Kane
• Team Lidstrom's Thomas with the blocker save on Daniel Sedin
• Team Lidstom leads 10-9 - 1:28 remaining 

• Team Staal pulls Lundqvist: Team Lidstrom's Loui Eriksson scores empty-netter
• Team Staal scores as Staal snaps one past Thomas
• Team Lidstrom leads 11-10 - 29.7 remaining

• Team Staal pulls Lundqvist; a few close chance stopped by Thomas

• Final Score - Team Lidstrom 11, Team Staal 10 
• MVP - Team Staal - Patrick Sharp (Chicago Black Hawks)

Updated Examiner.com stories - All-Star Game edition

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Red Carpet and SuperSkills excite fans in Raleigh

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Fantasy Draft results set rosters for competition

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hockey Day in Carolina

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Courage comes to Carolina

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Skinner added to roster, rookie call-ups and more

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skills

2011 NHL All-Star Game: The Off-Ice All-Star team

2011 NHL All-Star Game @ RBC Center - P. Koutroumpis

As game day for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game has finally arrived and will take place at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC at 4 p.m. EST, there is time to recognize the 2011 Off-Ice All-Star team. As the NHL’s 42 fan and league-selected stars and 12 rookies have been embraced by hockey fans in the area throughout the weekend, a look at the group of individuals performing off the ice seems fitting before the puck drops. A look at the lineup helps to frame the scope of the success of this weekend’s events from NHL Fan Fair, NHL All-Star Wide Open, and NHL SuperSkills for the entire league and its fans.

2011 NHL Off-Ice All-Star Team

Center: Gary Bettman
Shoots: Right
Years: 17

A small and scrappy player who doesn’t back down to anyone, his years of leading his team in developing a productive corps  tis paying off with a lot of offensive output. By the end of February he will have led his team through three enormous events in seven weeks and two countries, showing the type of tenacity and endurance that he espouses on the ice. It is no surprise that NHL revenues are up 32% with popularity in the game continuing to rise in tough economic times.

Left Wing: Peter Karmanos Jr.
Shoots: Right
Years: 17

A solid performer who creates scoring opportunities for his teammates, Karmanos has been a strong proponent of supporting youth hockey initiatives with USA Hockey and convincing his team that growing the game is the way to win games for the NHL. Karmanos’ ability to bring the Hartford Whalers to Raleigh, NC and transform them into the Carolina Hurricanes has shown that he can produce many assists as well as hit the net to get the game-winning goal when needed. The 2011 NHL All-Star Game will truly be his opportunity to shine in his home rink, the RBC Center.

Right Wing: Brendan Shanahan
Shoots: Right
Years: 1

A newcomer to the game off the ice, Shanahan is the leading rookie and has jumped onto the ice to continue utilizing his strength, grit, and creativity in the offensive zone to score big goals for his team. His creative offensive set up has been highlighted in his ability to gain the zone in a non-traditional manner. Though he is able to scrap with the best of them, his subtle approach to utilize his two-way ability to cover on defense and offense in working with the players throughout the 2011 NHL All-Star Game has provided for many great scoring opportunities. By the end of All-Star Sunday, Shanahan should be a favorite to receive MVP honors.

Defense: Don Renzulli
Shoots: Right
Years: 3

This seasoned veteran in special events programming has provided a solid foundation on the blue line and knows how to transition the play from defense to offense effectively. Renzulli possesses tremendous vision at the point and uses his powerful shot to provides his teammates the ability to tip-in or score around the net at will.  Coming into the 2011 NHL All-Star Game already a +1 after the Winter Classic, Renzulli will no doubt help his team score a game-winner in Raleigh.

Defense: Rob Blake
Shoots: Right
Years: Rookie

Another rookie on this solid team, Blake complements Renzulli on the power play and has worked well moving the puck up the right side to Shanahan. On the power play, Blake now provides his team great offensive strength across the ice from Renzulli on the blue line. Another two-way player who can move the puck effectively, he’s already made an impact with his teammates and will continue to do so as his first appearance at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh as an Off-Ice All-Star should be a memorable one.

Goalie: Jim Rutherford
Shoots: Left
Years: 17

A teammate of Karmanos Jr. for his entire Off-Ice career, Rutherford’s ability to backstop this solid lineup provides them the opportunity to achieve success quickly and effectively. As the foundation of the team from the goal out, Rutherford reads the ice well and has provided a controlled atmosphere at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, NC to be a positive one for everyone involved. There is no doubt that with all of the offensive success that his team is experiencing over the weekend, that Rutherford’s job has been a relatively easy one to watch and admire from the other side of the rink.

Updated Examiner.com stories - All-Star Game edition

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2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hockey Day in Carolina 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Courage comes to Carolina 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Skinner added to roster, rookie call-ups and more 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skills

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Fan Fair and Fantasy Draft kick off weekend

NHL Fan Fair - Raleigh - P. Koutroumpis

The atmosphere was electric at the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday as the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend kicked off in Raleigh, NC. With many displays including all of the NHL's hardware and trophies in one location, including the Stanley Cup, NHL Fan Fair filled up quickly with hundreds of fans as the doors opened at 3 pm. Murals of current and past NHL greats adorned the exhibit hall and welcomed fans to view and engage with many interactive exhibits to connect them closely to the game.  

Eric Staal hands diapers to Ellen Pompeo - P. Koutroumpis

Hockey for Huggies 

The NHL held a press conference to kick of 'Hockey for Huggies', a new partnership with Kimberly-Clark's Huggies Brand, a partnership to help collect diapers and donations for moms and babies in need in the U.S. and Canada. As part of the partnership, actress Ellen Pompeo made an appearance as part of the program. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that during the month of February every NHL team will hold a Hockey for Huggies night to promote the initiative for fans to donate diapers at their home team's arena in specially-designated containers.

Fantasy Draft has hometown feel

Alex Ovechkin - P. Koutroumpis

It came as no surprise with a packed house in attendance that the the first-ever NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft had a lot of energy buzzing throughout the convention center. The player's pre-draft press mixer resembled a mosh pit as the players and coaches made their way to the stage behind the scenes. The crowd was a loud and cheering sea of red as the hometown Carolina Hurricanes stole the show as captain Eric Staal had the opportunity to draft all of his teammates - Cam Ward, Jeff Skinner, and Jamie McBain.



Updated Examiner.com stories - All-Star Game edition

Maurice & Henri Richard - P. Koutroumpis

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Fantasy Draft results set rosters for competition

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hockey Day in Carolina 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Courage comes to Carolina 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Skinner added to roster, rookie call-ups and more 

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skills

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes' Skinner is the man

Jeff Skinner @ Back Yard Bistro - P. Koutroumpis

When the Carolina Hurricanes' Jeff Skinner now walks into a room, we are beginning to see a boy emerging into a man. Currently the NHL's leading rookie scorer and a Calder Trophy contender, Skinner emits a smile and radiance that is heartwarming and exciting for all of his fans. On Thursday night, Skinner was the special guest on a local sports radio talk show 99.9 The Fan ESPN with host Mike Maniscalco at the Backyard Bistro located across from the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. Apparently the crowd and following that Skinner attracted broke all records of past Hurricanes players who have been on the talk show previously. Not surprising when you watch Skinner on the ice and then listen and watch how interacts with his fans. 

The Kid is good and is the story of NHL All-Star Weekend so far and by the end of it, will be the Man.

•  2011 NHL All-Star Game: Skinner added to roster, rookie call-ups and more
• 2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skills
• 2011 NHL All-Star Game: Courage comes to Carolina
• 2011 NHL All-Star Game: A history primer for Raleigh fans

What to do in Raleigh during the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend - Updated

You've got the plane or train tickets booked, you're ready to gas the car up, or if you're going to walk or take the transit to downtown Raleigh for NHL All-Star Weekend that takes place Jan. 28-30, there will be alot waiting for you once you get there. If you haven't booked a place to stay, there are still many quality and affordable options to look at that are located very close by. The Raleigh area is not a cluttered urban jungle like some cities, so whether you are downtown or a 10-minute drive away, not much time is lost in getting there.

What's going on

The Carolina Hurricanes are painting the town "All-Star". The organization plays host to this year's NHL Fan Fair events that will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center and at their home arena, the RBC Center. The first-ever NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft will also take place at the Convention Center bringing new and added excitement to this year's event and local fans can be a part of it if they are in the right place, at the right time. You can just walk and watch or you can get active while you are in Raleigh with many added bonus events taking place in the immediate vicinity.

Purchase tickets for the NHL Fan Fair at Harris Teeter and other locations- $8 advance/ $10 on-site

While you are in downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street and some anchor streets will be the main venue and sites for many NHL Wide Open events along with free concerts at the Raleigh Amphitheater. Raleigh features many quality restaurants and establishments in the immediate downtown area and fortunately for NHL All-Star Weekend attendees, Triangle Restaurant Week takes place Jan. 24-30 and features many of these establishments offering three-course lunches and dinner specials that range from $15-30. Do not miss taking advantage of these opportunities to experience Raleigh as a part of the NHL All-Star Game experience.


2011 NHL All-Star Weekend - recent news

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Hurricanes rookie Skinner has skill
 
2011 NHL All-Star Game: Captains, updates and more

2011 NHL All-Star Game: A history primer for Raleigh fans

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Daily update and news - Part 2

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Daily update and news - Part 1

Carolina Hurricanes and Raleigh become a part of NHL All-Star Game history

Rookie Skinner leads Hurricanes to victory over Panthers, All-Star Game awaits

2011 NHL All-Star Game: Top six players announced, excitement builds in Raleigh

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Raleigh Sports Examiner will be updating you on events in Raleigh throughout NHL All-Star Week:

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

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2011 NHL All-Star Weekend: The pieces are falling into place

NHL.com

The time is drawing near for the upcoming 2011 NHL All-Star Game Weekend hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes that will take place in Raleigh, NC from Jan. 28-30.

Player and coaching selections getting finalized

With the recent announcement of the top six players competing at this year's event, as selected by the fans, the remaining 36 players will be announced by the NHL on Tues. Jan. 11. The NHL announced on Saturday that the competing coaching staffs for both teams will include the Chicago Blackhawks staff led by Joel Quennville who earned the selection as a representative of the defending Stanley Cup Champions while Philadelphia Flyers coach Peter Laviolette and Vancouver Canucks coach Alain Vigneault will manage the opposing team's bench. Laviolette and Vigneault earned their invitations as both of their teams possessed the highest points percentage in each conference as of Saturday. The selection of Laviolette to help lead the opposing bench will once again pit him against Quennville on the opposite end, as the two bench bosses led their teams against one another in the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup finals back in June.

Caniacs to welcome Laviolette home

Though he now coaches the Flyers, Peter Laviolette called Raleigh home since December 2003 and led the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup in 2006. Unfortunately, after a bad start early in the 2008-2009 season, Laviolette was let go in December of that year, but was not out of coaching long when Philadelphia called him to lead a troubled and struggling team a year later in December 2009. Laviolette meshed his system in with the Flyers talented roster and proceeded to lead the Flyers to last year's Stanley Cup final against the Blackhawks. Unfortunately for him and the Flyers, a 'Cinderella-ending' did not occur as the Blackhawks broke their 49-year drought and won the Stanley Cup.

Laviolette's selection on Saturday stands as a testament to his coaching and leadership as the Flyers have put together a solid first-half performance in 2010-2011 to stay in strong contention to make another Stanely Cup run.

Official NHL sites to follow:

NHL All-Star Game page - official site (nhl.com)

Carolina Hurricanes All-Star Weekend page - (carolinahurricanes.com)

NHL Wide Open page -  learn about what Raleigh has to offer 

Local sites and links to follow:

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook - get the latest updates on-site

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport - get the latest updates on-site


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Let the Raleigh Sports Examiner be your guide to 2011 NHL All-Star Week in Raleigh:

Email with your questions today for personalized advice on where to stay, eat, and have a great time in Raleigh

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Get news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner daily

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2011 WJHC - Russia stuns Canada for gold, USA wins bronze

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

From the beginning of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships (WJHC) and right up until the end, the quality of performance and character of the participants at this tournament was brightly highlighted on Wednesday night as Team Russia fought back and stunned Team Canada with a 5-3 win to steal the gold medal at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. Leading 3-0 after two periods, it seemed as though Team Canada was ready to ascend back up to its lofty perch in WJHC supremacy, but was stunned in the final period by being outscored 5-0 to lose the gold medal game for the second consecutive year. The comeback win by Team Russia, just as much as the collapse of Team Canada, truly illustrated the unpredictable and exciting nature of the WJHC as the world's top young players competed against one another once again and did not provide for boring and expected results.

Team USA finishes on the podium

Team USA ensured that it finished with a medal as it beat Team Sweden 4-2 in the day's earlier preview game building up to the gold medal shocker. Team USA's Chris Kreider, who stated after losing to Team Canada in the semi-final game, that his team "did not play USA Hockey", led his team to the podium with two goals over Sweden. Winning the bronze medal provided USA Hockey with its first consecutive medal finish at the WJHC and fourth medal in 10 years.

Not a bettor's game

With eight returning players, Team USA was considered a favorite to repeat as gold medal winners, and were undefeated through group play. Teams such as Russia, Sweden, and even Finland were not to be overlooked, let alone Switzerland, but the focus was on Team USA and Team Canada, the 'local' favorites to capture this year's championship. However, the WJHC are about endurance and skating until the final seconds tick down on the clock - Team Russia's play during the third period and winning the gold medal game couldn't have exemplified this point more.

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Maybe it was too much enjoyment and celebration too early by Team Canada and its fans as they expected to win - and why not. Holding a 3-0 lead with one period left to play is a secure situation to assume that if you continue competing  the way you did during the first two periods, you will win. However, it was forgotten that Team Russia was a team that had a 2-0 lead in its semi-final match-up with Team Sweden, and it too had lost the lead early in the third period. Russia had to fight back to tie and win the game in a shootout in order to have the opportunity to contend for the gold. They knew how to play a strong third period, and that is what they did once again, this time against Team Canada to win the gold medal.

Future of hockey looks even brighter

When the puck first dropped at this year's WJHC, Team Russia's NHL five competing prospects might not have been getting as much notice and recognition for their performance as those of Team Canada, Team USA, or Team Sweden's roster. After Wednesday night's gold medal finish, Team Russia should find that many of its players will get ample attention leading into the 2011 NHL Draft. Many may consider that Team Russia's unexpected comeback provided a dull polish to this year's tournament, but it has actually provided a shinier finish heading into the 2012 WJHC.

Just as this year's WJHC might have had some strong assumptions for a traditional ending to take place, next year's tournament comes on the heels of three tournament years that have had three different champions (Canada, USA, Russia). Good luck to the prognosticators on attempting to choose a favorite. It will be a lot of fun.

Rest assured, the future of hockey shines bright.

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Local tips and news about the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh

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Raleigh Sports Examiner - Getting ready for a busy 2011

Over 250 articles later and 2010 has ended. Whether it was college or professional sports, the Winter Olympics, the World Cup, or just the sports world in general that had a Raleigh twist to it, the goal was to offer as much of it as possible to the Triangle-area sports fan. As is already apparent and never-ending, many new and exciting stories will take place and keep everyone glued to their Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, and other social media to share with one another to ensure that we don't miss any of the action in 2011.

Best wishes on a great 2011 and look for the Raleigh Sports Examiner to help bring sports events and news to you with the 'local twist".

Raleigh Sports Examiner - 2010 Top Picks 


EDITORIAL FEATURE

• NCAA Violation 2010: Coaches are pros, not your average Joe's

   

COLLEGE SPORTS

• Duke Blue Devils win fourth NCAA Basketball Championship

• NCAA Basketball National champions Duke Blue Devils honored at the White House

• 2010 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship: Duke Blue Devils capture first national title

• 2010 Champs Sports Bowl: NC State claims 23-7 victory over #22 West Virginia

 Golf

• 2010 Ryder Cup: Captains' picks are the most exciting

• Carl Pettersson chases down RBC Canadian Open title

• 2010 Masters: Phil Mickelson captures his third Masters title

• 2010 Masters: Par 3 contest sets stage for golf season to begin

• 2010 Open Championship: Louis Oosthuizen earned his title

• 2010 U.S. Open: Graeme McDowell wins while Phil and Tiger struggle on Father's Day

• 2010 Rex Hospital Open: John Riegger wins after 54 holes of play

• 2010 Players Championship: Tim Clark captures title and first career PGA Tour win

• 2010 Quail Hollow Championship: McIlroy roars past the field to capture first PGA Tour win

• Haas wins, Clark finishes tied for second at Bob Hope Classic

• Championship Sunday: Spain wins World Cup; Creamer captures U.S. Women's Open title

• Home on the range

Winter Olympics

• 2010 Winter Olympics: Success, passion, and legacy

• 2010 Winter Olympics: Shaun White wins gold and vaults Team USA back into medal lead

 Hockey

• 2011 NHL All-Star game coming to Raleigh

• Team USA captures gold medal at World Junior Hockey Championship