(Sunrise) The Atlantic Division won the three-on-three tournament at the NHL All-Star Game on Saturday.
The Atlantic defeated the Central Division 7-5 in the final to wrap up the weekend festivities.
The first semi-final duel was won 6-4 by the Central Division against the Pacific Division. The Atlantic then joined the Central in the final thanks to a score of 10-6 against the Metropolitan division.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin scored a hat trick in the Finals.
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, named All-Star Game MVP, had a goal and an assist in the final.
He had three goals and two assists in the semifinals.
“It’s an honor to play in front of the Panthers fans this season,” Tkachuk said of the crowd support since being traded by the Calgary Flames. It’s nice that other players can see what a beautiful place it is. »
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner finished the final game with three assists.
“It was fun to be here,” said the forward. It was a good game and several players put all their effort into it. »
The Pacific Division semifinal loss also marked the last time Bo Horvat, who was traded by the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Islanders earlier this week, played with former teammate Elias Pettersson.
Both completed a play that allowed Pettersson to score.
Horvat said he was happy to play with Pettersson, in a situation his teammate described as “the last time”.
“It was kind of sad to know that was the last time we were going to play together,” Horvat said. I’m happy that we were able to score a goal together and take advantage of this last chance. I will miss him very much. He’s a good person and a good player. He will achieve many good things in the future. »
Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, who coached the Pacific team, started the duo of Horvat and Pettersson for his game.
“We thought it would be pretty good,” Cassidy said. You give him the starting face-off and have him make the transition from Combine that way. »
In the other semi-final, the Metropolitan’s loss saw a possible last appearance together in the All-Star game of Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin cut short.
“You try to show up and have fun enjoying the moment,” Crosby said when asked if he enjoyed the atmosphere more, playing his fifth All-Star game and his fourth with Ovechkin. Hope it wasn’t our last. That’s the best way to see it. »
Those two players in the same unit, that’s something the opponent noticed as well.
“It’s pretty rare to see them play together,” said Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. It was really cool to see that. »
The NHL has also announced that the 2024 All-Star Game will be presented in Toronto. This is the first time since 2000 that the city will host the event.
“I’m sure Toronto will do a great job,” Crosby said. The city will be eager to host the event and there will be a lot of atmosphere. »