A few weeks ago, the topic of discussion was the transformation of the NHL All-Star Game and it's stirring new platform. Shortly after, another all-star game altering announcement broke on the NHL’s social media accounts.
NHL’s Instagram account was well read, with the 6'8" frame projecting off of thousands of smart phones in the U.S. and Canada. The caption read, “Your Pacific Division #NHLAllStar captain."
Sure enough, it was John Scott.
In Scott’s nine-year comical career, he has tallied a total of 11 points and 542 penalty minutes. Let’s make sure to clear up, however, that in every season, his games played were stints. He was never a permanent player.
Given that, his career point totals were achieved in 11 straight games by Central Division captain Patrick Kane. And his 542 penalty minutes is more than half of what 43-year-old and Atlantic Division captain Jaromir Jagr has calculated.
When the nonsense is put into perspective, hardcore sports fans are not necessarily happy about what the all-star game has come to. After all, Scott’s election is probably the tip of the iceberg for this whole mess. You can’t appoint a more unqualified candidate.
Last season, Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons was voted into the all-star game. While it stirred up some controversy, it couldn't have been denied when an entire country pulled into Zemgus’ way. All the love to you, Latvia.
By the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season, Zemgus found peace with a 30 point performance, which is still 19 points more than Scott's career totals. By the time the all-star break starts, in any given season, 30 points is around the average for most players who qualify for a game among their adroit peers. It was clear controversy when Zemgus earned a ticket to fly down to Columbus and play in the contest. Even Zemgus felt awkward and misplaced.
At this moment, some say that because of Scott’s credentials, and the fact that he is in the all-star game, that the spirit of the special contest has vanquished. That maybe the game should just be called the 'NHL Most Popular Game.' Sounds lame, but that is what it is turning out to be.
On the contrary, most who think that are wrong. In fact, the spirit has risen; and it’s a movement. Scott's embracing the challenge, players are embracing it, the media is embracing it, and most importantly, the fans are embracing it. Heck, they put him in the position in the first place.
Even former all-star, Jeremy Roenick, put up a $10,000 bet that if Scott breaks Roenick’s record in the accuracy contest that Roenick will donate $10,000 to a charity of Scott’s choice. He may donate regardless. Who knows?
You don't have to be a rocket surgeon to predict that the 2016 All-Star Game will make history. Three-on-three hockey accompanied by a new format of teams accompanied by the one and only, John Scott.
At the end of the day…
I just hope that this doesn't turn into the norm. I hope, and I really hope, that this was just some sort of bucket list idea that the fans put together. If a repeated offense commences next year, then the NHL will have to either shut down fan input completely or position some sort of an electoral college that will be able to filter out some of the fan’s suggestions. If not, up and coming young players such as Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid may find themselves cheated out of a position because the fan base thought it would be “funny” to pronounce a goon.
Somehow, Chicago’s Artemi Panarin has already found himself in this position.
