Shaved Ice – Jan. 30

Good morning, hockey enthusiasts!  Welcome to the second half of the NHL season.  This is Michigan Hockey staffer Brian Kalisher filling in for Editor Caples, once again.  Hey, the guy has a lot on his plate, leave him alone.

Quick hits

The NHL held its 59th annual All-Star Game yesterday afternoon which saw Team Chara beat Team Alfredsson 12-9.  The winning team featured plenty of Michigan connections including the Red Wings’ Jimmy Howard and Pavel Datsyuk, along with Davison native Tim Thomas and former Plymouth Whalers standout Tyler Seguin.  Datsyuk was on a line with New York Rangers forward – and All-Star Game MVP – Marian Gaborik, who posted a hat trick.

Tim Thomas was the winning goaltender at the All-Star Game for the fourth straight year, setting a record and making him our Michi-gamer of the night.  Thomas went 18 for 21 and earned a .857 save percentage, the best among the six goalies that participated.

Highlight reel

Listen to first period goaltender Jimmy Howard talk with DRW.com about his first All-Star Game appearance.

Outside the Mitten

I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but I’ll tell you once again – the NHL All-Star Game was in Ottawa last night.  There was lots of offensive power from both sides, plus some Michigan connections saw the ice.  Check out MiHockeyNow’s coverage of the event.

In other All-Star news, Columbus is set to host the 2013 game at Nationwide Arena.

There was some speculation that Sabres goalie and East Lansing native Ryan Miller asked his team for a trade, but the veteran says it isn’t true.  Check out TSN’s article about the situation.

Fellow countrymen Pavel Datsyuk and Evgeni Malkin mess around  in the locker room.  Funny stuff!  If only they played on the same team.

Check it out

Take a look at Our Skills Competition recap from Saturday night.

Next up

The Red Wings head back out on the road Tuesday night for a meeting with the Calgary Flames.  The Wings went into the break looking strong, and we’ll soon find out if the second half of the season shapes up to be like the first.  Stay tuned for more.