Calls for suspension rising after superstars embarrassing effort during All Star weekend
With the NHL All Star weekend in the rearview, the event was an overall success.
However, there's always one instance that will always be remembered as a negative which fell in the All-Star skills competition.
The revamped format was not the issue, it was one NHL superstar's behaviour that was the problem with many fans and league officials.
It became clear that Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov had no desire to being at the All-Star game let alone participating in the Skills competition.
His weak effort and zero interest in showing his talents to the fans drew the ire of many fans who booed him as this was an opportunity to promote the game to the fans well having all the stars together.
Some All Stars skip out on the event which leads to a suspension and it's clear that Kucherov would rather have done this than play in front of these fans.
Even some former players including former Senators goalie Patrick Lalime who works for TVA sports weighed in on what he witnessed and gave his brutally honest opinion.
"I saw league representatives [after Kucherov's actions], and they were not very, very happy. It was a lack of respect and a lack of class towards hockey.
I feel like he loved it even more; the crowd was booing him, and he took even more time." - Via TVA Sports
I feel like he loved it even more; the crowd was booing him, and he took even more time." - Via TVA Sports
It remains to be seen on whether the Lightning will have a discussion with Kucherov with league officials as he is an employee of the NHL through the Lightning organization and was selected to represent the team at this event.
I doubt Gary Bettman and his staff wanted to be embarrassed like this.
| POLL | ||
4 FEVRIER | 357 ANSWERS Calls for suspension rising after superstars embarrassing effort during All Star weekend Should the NHL consider suspending Nikita Kucherov for a game for his terrible effort at the skills competion? | ||
| Yes | 163 | 45.7 % |
| No | 194 | 54.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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