37th National Hockey League All-Star Game - Highlights

Highlights

For the first time, the NHL named honourary captains for each team. Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Glenn Hall was named the honourary captain of the Campbell Conference, while Guy Lafleur, who had retired only three months previous, represented the Wales Conference. Lafleur returned to the game four years later, and thus became the only person to play in the NHL after serving as an honourary All-Star captain. The ceremonial faceoff was performed by Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau and used a puck that he had taken into outer space.

Mario Lemieux entered the game facing criticism from former NHL coach, and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation commentator, Don Cherry who stated that Lemieux was a "floater" in reference to Lemieux's lack of defensive play during the season. The 19-year-old rookie dismissed Cherry's arguments, stating that "the Penguins asked me to play offensively, not to care about my defensive play." Lemieux recorded two goals, including the game winner, and added an assist to earn honours as the game's most valuable player. Lemieux is the only player in All-Star Game history to win the award in his rookie year.

Edmonton's Mike Krushelnyski and Boston's Ray Bourque were named the second and third stars of the game. Bourque led all players offensively by recording four assists for the Wales Conference while Krushelnyski led the Campbell Conference with three assists. Neither of the Flames representatives scored. The game featured an increased European flavour when compared to previous All-Star Games. Four European players participated. Swedes Anders Hedberg and Pelle Lindbergh played for the Wales Conference. Swede Thomas Gradin, Czech Miroslav Frycer and Finn Jari Kurri represented the Campbell Conference. Hedberg and Frycer each scored a goal for their respective conferences.