[noname219]

Originally Posted by _Zenith_

See: many moons ago

bragging rights were the driving force of ASG alongside rivalries to see who was the best at what category.

Now it is all about the "atmosphere" and seeing players have fun while also showcasing their skills. Also, NHL really botched ASG with the drama about Scott and now one game suspensions on players who didn't attend because they wanted the weekend off. You are missing the point that it was the spirit of the event to brag about skill and demonstrate why they can even brag about it.

I'm not questioning the fun aspect of ASG, but morely I miss the spirit of competition rather than the spirit of fun; it suited hockey better with tensions so high.

Was there really tension in past all-star skill competitions ? As far as I can tell (and my first all-star game I remember was like 2003), it was all good-spirited and pretty relaxed. Players were there to give a good show to the audience.

Sure, yes, the competition aspect is part of what makes an all-star game interesting, but the real competition happens during the playoffs, when there's something to earn and to prove.

Originally Posted by Deadlyx39

Main reason why the competetive drive is gone is due to all of the international tournaments, such as the olympics, that put the best in the world against each other, but just on a bigger stage. The all-star game was no longer the best place for players to go head to head against each other anymore.

It has more to do that it isn't worth the trouble enough to risk injuries during that week-end. What is there to earn anyway ? A Honda Pilot + 90,000$ cash ? Kinda low for a hockey player with a multi-million contract.