Vegas, baby, Vegas

Kara Yorio of The Sporting News pushes the notion that the NHL should head to Sin City forthwith:

This week's All-Star Game in Dallas may have been a dazzling event, but the NHL still should take note of next month's NBA version of the midseason exhibition. Basketball's best will be playing in Las Vegas. It's a big step, and some say it means the NBA will put a franchise there someday.

The NHL should beat the NBA to it.

Yorio goes on to suggest that there's jackpot waiting in Vegas for the NHL:

So end the hypocrisy, start the hype. It would mean money and exposure and even some new fans.

[ . . . ]

The NHL once went west in search of new fans and riches. Go again. Follow the bright lights and stop short of the coast. Move the next relocating team to Vegas. Odds are, it'll pay off big.

While her idea makes sense in theory, I just can't see it happening. At least not while the current, dinosaur-esque Board of Governors are still around.

West beats East, 12-9

The 55th NHL All-Star Game took place in Dallas last night with the Western Conference topping the East 12-9. Buffalo Sabres forward Daniel Briere was named the game's MVP after recording a goal and four assists. Columbus' Rick Nash and Minnesota's Brian Rolston paced the West with two goals apiece.

The game may best be remembered not for what happened on the ice, but rather for conversations among the broadcasters. Miked for sound were New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur and Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco. They were both scheduled to have a running commentary with the broadcasters in booth -- until Brodeur's mike was destroyed by a Rolston slapshot.

Turco carried on brilliantly, though, and really seemed to enjoy what he was doing. The banter between Turco and the booth was genuine, witty, and, thankfully, not forced in any way. The funniest part was when Turco was talking to the booth only to have to make a save in the middle of a sentence -- and then kept going without missing a beat.

It was a gimmick to be sure, but one that worked fantastically.