Kovalev leads East to All-Star win
Güncelleme Tarihi:
AFP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ocak 27, 2009 00:00
MONTREAL - Alexei Kovalev of the host Canadiens scored twice in regulation and netted the decisive shootout goal to lift the Eastern Conference to a 12-11 triumph over the West in the National Hockey League All-Star game on Sunday.
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals also scored in the shootout after a goal and two assists in regulation.
Kovalev and his three fellow Canadiens in the Eastern Conference starting lineup - Carey Price, Mike Komisarek and Andrei Markov - received boisterous support from the crowd.
"I think they've been like that since I got to Montreal," Kovalev said. "I don't remember one day that they wouldn't be so passionate and so excited. Just to come to this building and see open practice, or just regular practice, like I said, it's always been so exciting to be on the ice, surrounded by all these fans." The Canadiens mark their 100th anniversary this season, and the All-Star festivities were another chance for fans to celebrate the milestone.
"Obviously, having this event here in Montreal, it's just a great weekend for everybody," said Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau. "The fans have been here and cheering on the players every game. You know, I knew this was not going to be different tonight."
Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester each scored a pair of goals, while Edmonton Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray recorded two goals and an assist for the West.
Milan Hejduk of Colorado and Patrick Marleau of San Jose and Rick Nash of Columbus registered a goal and two assists apiece.
Thomas picked up the win for the second straight year, while Kovalev was named Most Valuable Player of the second-highest scoring All-Star Game in history. In 2001, the North America and World teams combined for 26 goals in Colorado.
Montrealdefenseman Komisarek was whistled for hooking Ryan Getzlaf of Anaheim in overtime. It was the first penalty called in an All-Star Game since 2000.
Kovalev and his three fellow Canadiens in the Eastern Conference starting lineup - Carey Price, Mike Komisarek and Andrei Markov - received boisterous support from the crowd.
"I think they've been like that since I got to Montreal," Kovalev said. "I don't remember one day that they wouldn't be so passionate and so excited. Just to come to this building and see open practice, or just regular practice, like I said, it's always been so exciting to be on the ice, surrounded by all these fans." The Canadiens mark their 100th anniversary this season, and the All-Star festivities were another chance for fans to celebrate the milestone.
"Obviously, having this event here in Montreal, it's just a great weekend for everybody," said Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau. "The fans have been here and cheering on the players every game. You know, I knew this was not going to be different tonight."
Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester each scored a pair of goals, while Edmonton Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray recorded two goals and an assist for the West.
Milan Hejduk of Colorado and Patrick Marleau of San Jose and Rick Nash of Columbus registered a goal and two assists apiece.
Thomas picked up the win for the second straight year, while Kovalev was named Most Valuable Player of the second-highest scoring All-Star Game in history. In 2001, the North America and World teams combined for 26 goals in Colorado.
Montrealdefenseman Komisarek was whistled for hooking Ryan Getzlaf of Anaheim in overtime. It was the first penalty called in an All-Star Game since 2000.