The Rangers Tribune

Rehashing a Memorable All-Star Weekend in Ottawa

OTTAWA -- Ever since I started blogging here on The Rangers Tribune back in 2009, I've been fortunate enough to be a part of some incredible experiences. The past few days I've spent here in Ottawa for the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend certainly rank up there as far as events I've been able to cover for the blog and share with my readers. Maybe it's because there were four representatives of the Rangers here that I was able to talk to, or maybe it's because we are in the midst of one of the best New York Rangers seasons in quite some time. Whatever it is, this weekend felt special and was an experience I will never forget for as long as I live. And what makes it even better is that I was able to share it with a broad audience in all of my readers. 

Having now covered two All-Star Weekends with press credentials, there's no doubt in my mind that Saturday - the day of the Skills Competition - is the most enjoyable, at least in my eyes. That may seem somewhat strange since the main event takes place on Sunday when the actual game is played, but from a blogger's perspective, there is more opportunity to round up original content for the site on day one. 

Saturday is much looser than Sunday is, and I think that has a lot to do with the players being able to represent their teams while among the league's best in an event that is designed for creativity and self-expression. Both years now, the Rangers' participants have been much more easily accessible and it gives me the opportunity to talk to them about what we want to hear them talk about the most - the Rangers. You saw that on Saturday when I spoke to Lundqvist, Gaborik, Girardi and Hagelin about their individual performances this season, as well as that of the entire Rangers team. 

I feel like since I am a fan delivering content to other fans, I am more inclined to ask the questions you want to hear answers to than the beat writers are. I guess only you, the reader, can be the final judge of that, but I think the Rangers gave me some pretty solid stuff on Saturday when I spoke with them. Especially Henrik Lundqvist, who went as far as to say this year's Ranger team is the best he's played on since coming to New York. 

That's the sort of stuff I think you guys want to hear and not necessarily the content the beat writers are going to pull from the players. Think about it; I'm doing this as a hobby out of passion while the beats are doing it to make a living. There's a different sense of motivation and connection there, at least I think. 

That's the reason why this weekend, as well as last year's in Raleigh, was such a memorable experience for myself and the blog. Plus, it makes for an interesting read for you guys. 

Ottawa really did a tremendous job as the host city this year. They constantly had different events going on to bring the fans together to celebrate the game, which is really what this weekend is all about. They were very organized, the hometown fans were great (unless you're looking at it from a Maple Leafs perspective), and the hospitality here was flawless. Along with Montreal, I believe this was one of the better-hosted All-Star Weekends I've attended. 

As you know, I've been sharing the atmosphere with readers by posting pictures I've taken on the blog throughout the weekend. Before I officially wrap-up my All-Star coverage, I still have a few more to share with you from Sunday... 

 Cool shot before the game when the crowd was asked to raise their cell phones in the air.

 Henrik had his own wall at ScotiaBank Place.

 Speaking of Lundqvist, that's his locker prior to yesterday's All-Star Game. 

Lastly, this was right after the game when the media began crowding around his locker. I had to fight for position to snap that one. 

I really hope you guys enjoyed reading my blogs just as much as I enjoyed writing them this weekend live from Ottawa. It was a great way to celebrate the month in which marks the three-year anniversary of The Rangers Tribune. 

But now it's back to New York for me, where the New York Rangers will look to continue their impressively strong season with a deep run into the playoffs. This starts the most exciting part of the NHL season, so buckle your belts!

You can read all of my All-Star Weekend coverage, interviews included, by clicking here. 

Marian Gaborik Wins MVP in Team Chara's All-Star Game Victory

OTTAWA -- With three participants in tonight's 2012 NHL All-Star Game at ScotiaBank Place, the New York Rangers were bound to steal the spotlight in some way, shape or form. That form came in the play of forward Marian Gaborik, who not only scored on his goaltender back in New York, Henrik Lundqvist, twice, but also finished the night with four points (3g, 1a) to earn the game's Most Valuable Player Award. 

The rivalry between Rangers teammates Gaborik and Lundqvist had grown ever since Marian was drafted by Team Chara to confirm that he would be going up against Hank in the All-Star Game. Between the Twitter war and the in-person trash talking, it was quite an interesting situation to watch unfold from a fan's perspective. 

Gabby spoke about what's gone on between him and Lundqvist following the game...

"I tried to get into his mind over the whole weekend," Gaborik told the media (myself included). "I think it was a pretty good challenge against him and it worked out better for me."

Despite Gaborik coming out the victor in the rivalry, he was quick to give Lundqvist much credit and state that the war will not continue beyond this point...

"We always have a good competition, even in practice," he said. "It's a challenge to score on him. He's one of the best."

Gaborik cannot take full credit for his performance tonight, though, as he was teamed up with some pretty talented linemates in Pavel Datsyuk and fellow Slovak Marian Hossa on Team Chara's first offensive line. Gaborik spoke about playing alongside those two following the game...

"With Marian [Hossa], we've played together at the international level," Gaborik said. "And with Pavel [Datsyuk], he's one of the best. He's got it all and is a pure talent. It was a lot of fun."

Datsyuk assisted on Gaborik's first goal of the game, which actually opened the scoring for both teams at ScotiaBank Place. The beautiful passing between the two ended with Gaborik one-timing the puck just over a sprawled Lundqvist to give Team Chara a 1-0 lead. What came after, though, was where the real prize was at. 

As Lundqvist lay in his crease after allowing the goal to his teammate, Gaborik skated out to the circle, went down to one knee and replicated Artem Anisimov's 'rifle' celebration in Henrik's direction - a celebration he said he had planned, but acknowledged that he did not do as well as Anisimov did earlier in the year. When asked about that celebration afterwards, Lundqvist jokingly told us that he believes the league should take a look at it.

"I have to think about what kind of penalty that is," Lundqvist said smiling. "I think Anisimov was twenty-five hundred bucks, right?"

But just as Gaborik did he, Lundqvist gave his buddy credit for the points he put up in the contest...

"After he scored the first one I couldn't believe it. He had a good game - unbelievable player and it was fun to see him out there."

Going back to what I was saying before the game, it means a lot for the organization to be so well represented in a league-wide event like this, especially in the midst of such a successful year from several standpoints. And now to have their top offensive player take center stage and win MVP makes it that more special. 

That includes head coach John Tortorella, who although was coaching the opposing team, had to be happy to see Marian be acknowledged as the game's best player. Gaborik was asked about Tortorella's thoughts on his celebration, which Torts reportedly (jokingly) told NBC he should be fined for...

"He's just mad that we won the game," said Gaborik. 

* Henrik Lundqvist played the first period between the pipes for Team Alfredsson, allowing just three goals on 12 shots against. I say "just" three goals because it's not easy to keep your GAA low in an All-Star game with all of the skill out there and nonchalant defensive play. He made a few impressive pad saves as well, which had the crowd on hand standing on their feet. 

* Defenseman Dan Girardi logged 15:20 of ice time on the blue-line for Team Alfredsson, which is about half of what he plays on a nightly basis for the Rangers. Dan picked up an assist when his shot from the point was deflected to the back of the net by Jason Spezza in the first period, and, by no surprise, he was credited with one blocked shot tonight. I guess he just couldn't help himself. 

* All in all, it was a great showing for the New York Rangers here in Ottawa this weekend, but now it's back to the grind of the regular season. There's still plenty of work to be done and playoff games to be played. This weekend was a nice break from the intensity of the regular season, but now it's crunch time. 

Come back tomorrow as I recap the weekend that was here in Ottawa, and share some pictures I took behind-the-scenes before and after today's game. I had a blast covering the event live, and I hope you enjoyed reading. 

Good night from Ottawa. 

Rangers Prepared to Shine in 2012 NHL All-Star Game

OTTAWA -- The New York Rangers have garnered plenty of attention this season between beginning the season in Europe, participating in the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia, and also being one of the teams featured in HBO's 24/7 series for a month. Now they enter this afternoon's 2012 NHL All-Star Game with three representatives skating on the ice, and one behind the bench as a coach in John Tortorella. Being the first place team in the Eastern Conference at the moment, the Blueshirts here in Ottawa have been hot commodities among the media, especially Henrik Lundqvist, who is the alternate captain of Team Alfredsson. 

"I was really happy and honored that Alfie [Daniel Alfredsson] picked me [to be assistant captain]," Lundqvist said on Saturday. "That adds to the whole experience I think."

But, by right, a team that has found the path to success and as a result climbed to the top of the league standings-wise should be well represented in a tilt that celebrates the game's top talents. And having all of this extra attention has made the weekend a tad more exciting and memorable for the New York participants. 

Some downplay All-Star Weekend and the meaning behind it, but to the players, it truly is an honor to be here and regarded as one of the best performers in the league this season. Think of it from defenseman Dan Girardi's perspective, as he told me yesterday that he never thought he'd be here. Now, not only is he going to be playing in this afternoon's much-anticipated game, but he's also been able to share the experience with his fellow teammates as well as his wife and son, who joined him on the trip to Ottawa. 

"It's a pretty big honor to be here with these players," Girardi told me. "It means a lot."

Girardi will be paired with Elex Edler of the Vancouver Canucks on defense for Team Alfredsson this evening. He will be going up against Rangers teammate Marian Gaborik, who will be skating on the first offensive line for Team Chara in the game. 

In fact, Gaborik will be teamed up with Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and fellow Slovak Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks. That's a pretty wicked offensive trio with a tremendous skill-set, so Gaborik may be able to get the best of his rival for the weekend, Henrik Lundqvist. 

Gaborik told me yesterday that he had not placed a bet on the game with Henrik, but that they were planning to work something out. Nonetheless, the trash talk between the two has been heavy, both in person and on Twitter...

 

 

 

The Lundqvist-Gaborik rivalry is one of the larger storylines heading into the contest today at ScotiaBank Place, and I honestly cannot wait to get both of their thoughts on the outcome after the final buzzer sounds tonight. That's going to be must-read material for sure. 

"With me and Gabby, the talks have been going on for a while," Lundqvist said. "So we'll see what happens."

Either way, the Rangers will steal some of spotlight in a game that is watched league-wide, being that they have several members of the organization here participating. For the team, the organization and its fans, it's healthy to have three different types of skilled players in Lundqvist, Girardi and Gaborik here in Ottawa. If you think about it, it's the perfect representation of the blend the Rangers have put together on their roster this season. 

"We have a perfect balance," Gaborik told me when I asked him about the Rangers' consistency this season. 

And three of the most important members of that "balance" will be taking center stage in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game today, in addition to the head coach who's put that balance together perfectly this season. 

Photo Collection: Behind-the-Scenes at the 2012 All-Star Skills Competition

OTTAWA -- Yesterday afternoon I brought you into the NHL's 2012 All-Star Weekend Fan Fair with one of these "Photo Collection" posts, showing readers the main attraction here in Ottawa aside from the actual events over at ScotiaBank Place. Today, following an eventful night at the arena on Saturday, I will bring you behind-the-scenes of the 2012 All-Star Skills Competition with round two of my photo collections here on the blog. 

So right now, picture yourself walking through the doors of ScotiaBank Place, and then going down stairs into a winding tunnel that brings you to the home and away locker rooms. If you followed those directions correctly, you would see the following....

This is the locker room of the Ottawa Senators, which has also housed Team Alfredsson this weekend. Getting the chance to be in both locker rooms, the home team one is ten times nicer than the away one. Oh, and notice the Senators logo in the center of the room is covered with a mat, this way no one can 'step' on it. 

The view from the home team bench at ScotiaBank Place. I'm not even sure if I was allowed on, but I followed Tod McLellan - coach of the San Jose Sharks - onto it with his two sons, so no one was stopping me. 

Henrik Lundqvist's locker. Weird unknown fact about him: He sprays all of his equipment down with a spray bottle containing water before hitting the ice. I'm guessing to cool it down and loosen everything up.

Dan Girardi's locker, which happened to be next to that of the Flyers' Scott Hartnell. Those two chatted it up quite a bit, which may come as a surprise to many of you. Lundqvist and Giroux seem to have a friendly relationship as well. 

 For the few seconds head coach John Tortorella did show his face before the Skill Competition, I managed to snap a picture of him talking with Sheriff Brendan Shanahan. That could've been a very interesting conversation. 

Carl Hagelin being interviewed by MSG Network after the Skills Competition. When I interviewed him, the kid wouldn't stop talking. Not that I'm complaining about that, but he's just a normal kid that loves to have conversation. Pretty cool.

John Tavares of the New York Islanders. Like Hagelin, he too is a very down-to-earth guy. Despite being an Islander, I like him a lot. 

 Big "Z" Zdeno Chara soon after blasting his 108.8 mph bomb in the hardest shot competition. I didn't even attempt to interview him because there's no chance in hell I'm reaching that high. 

I plan to take more photos when I'm back in the locker rooms before and after this evening's All-Star Game, and those will most likely be posted here tomorrow. For today, though, I will have more interviews with the Rangers to share, so keep a heads up for those. 

If you didn't already read my interview with Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist from last night, you can do so by clicking here. 

Lundqvist Talks All-Star, Rangers as Team Alfredsson Wins Skills Competition

OTTAWA - I don't think anyone can argue the fact that the Skills Competition is the most entertaining event of the NHL's annual All-Star Weekend. The actual game can get exciting at times, sure, but it simply does not contain the creativity and personal expression that the Skills Competition does. This event allows the players to remove the business-class face they put on during the regular season and have some fun with the top talents in the league. Because of this, the fans are more responsive and amped up, just as they were tonight at ScotiaBank Place in Ottawa. 

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist reinforced that point when talking to the media (myself included) at his locker after his Team Alfredsson defeated Team Chara, 21-12, in the first half of All-Star Weekend...

"We're just trying to have fun and enjoy ourselves," Lundqvist said. "Guys are more relaxed and we're just trying to make sure the fans have a good time."

The fans on hand as well as those watching on television surely had a good time, seeing a 108.8 mph slap shot from Zdeno Chara, or Pavel Datsyuk weaving his way through cones in a silky-smooth manner, or even the more kid-like stunts pulled by Corey Perry and his mini-stick and Patrick Kane and his superman cape. As I said in a previous article this weekend, All-Star Weekend is about the fans and their enjoyment of the game, and the players most definitely entertained them by putting on a show this evening. 

Fans of the Rangers were pleased early as rookie forward Carl Hagelin defeated hometown player Colin Greening to win the Fastest Skater Competition. Hagelin's best time around the cones and up center ice came during his 12.993 second lap, which he followed up with a 13.218 second lap in the finals to grab the title. 

His goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, was asked to share thoughts on Carl's speed afterwards...

"He was just Carl," said Lundqvist. "He was just flying out there. It was great. His strength makes his first couple strides so much faster than most other guys."

I then sort of took control of the media bunch around Lundqvist, and asked him a few questions of my own since he was unavailable before the Skills Competition earlier this afternoon. My first was about Marian Gaborik, who I pointed out repeatedly kept skating over to Hank on the opposing bench to exchange some trash talk...

"Yeah, we had some talks going on the last few days," Lundqvist said laughingly. "Nothing happened today, but I'll probably face him tomorrow."

I tried to egg Henrik on a bit from there, stating that Gabby did not even make it past the first round of the elimination shootout to face his goaltender. But Henrik kept his focused persona and continued to talk about tomorrow's showdown...

"No, but I look forward to facing him tomorrow. Going against the best players in the world, it's a great challenge. We'll see what happens tomorrow."

I then shifted the focus to the Rangers, because let's face it, I think Henrik much rather talk about them and we much rather hear about them as opposed to the All-Star hoopla. I asked Lundqvist if the weekend was any more special to him being that he was representing the first place club in the Eastern Conference...

"You don't really think about where you are in the standings being here," he said. "You're just proud and happy being here. Wherever you are in the standings, you're here to represent the club and to do the best you can to promote the sport."

From there I went with my go-to question of what's made the Rangers such a consistent team this season - something I asked both Dan Girardi and Marian Gaborik earlier in the day...

"We work really hard," said Lundqvist. "Our consistency has been really good and I think that's the way you stay at the top part of the standings. It's not being better than the rest of the teams, it's being consistent and playing the same game every night three or four times a week. That's the toughest part, but if you do it most of the nights you are going to have a better chance to get wins."

And lastly, I dropped the bomb you've all been asking me to. I asked Lundqvist if the general consensus in the Rangers locker room is that they can go all the way and win a Stanley Cup this season...

"It's early. I can only say that I'm excited where we are right now and what we have as a team. It's probably the best team I've played on since I got to New York," he went on to say. "The attitude is good, but there's so many good teams out there that I think it's pretty open. But it's been an exciting year."

That'll do it for me tonight in Ottawa, but I'll be right back at it tomorrow before and after the All-Star game with more quotes from the locker rooms. I hope you are enjoying my behind-the-scenes coverage so far, and if you haven't already, read my interviews with Dan Girardi, Carl Hagelin and Marian Gaborik from earlier by clicking here. 

Rangers Tribune Chats with Dan Girardi, Marian Gaborik and Carl Hagelin at All-Star Weekend

OTTAWA -- When walking through the media-designated doors here at ScotiaBank Place earlier this evening, I was having trouble locating the locker rooms in the winding tunnels underneath the arena. You'd think the locker rooms would have some sort of bold sign outside to make them easily accessible, but that wasn't the case. Anyway, I was getting towards the end of the tunnel when Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik, Dan Girardi and Carl Hagelin all came walking in as a pack (picture). They obviously knew where they were going, so I joined the herd. 

The first player I was able to speak with was Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, who had just finished showing Flyers forward Scott Hartnell the extra padding the Blueshirts put in their gloves in order to prevent hand injuries when blocking shots. Yes, a Ranger and a Flyer were actually conversing in the locker room. 

I first asked Girardi what has made the Rangers such a consistent hockey team this season, which I asked all of the Rangers I had the chance to chat with. 

"Everyone kind of buying into our system," Girardi said. "Torts [John Tortorella] puts together a gameplan for us, and when we do it right and play good defensively, we're gonna get the wins and that's obviously why we're at the top right now in the East. We have a defense-first mentality and let the offense take care of itself later."

I then asked Girardi to talk about what it means to be here with the league's best in the midst of a career year, and also to be able to bring his family along with him...

"It means a lot obviously," he said. "It means a lot for the Rangers and my family - they'll be here tonight and tomorrow. It's a great honor to be here with all of these great players because I never thought I'd be here. I'm gonna enjoy every moment of it."

The last topic I had Girardi comment on was the play of his partner in New York, Ryan McDonagh, and how Ryan's play makes his job a tad easier...

"He's stepped in with Staalsy [Marc Staal] being out and he's done a good job for us. He has a lot of skill and has stepped up his game for us for sure."

I then moved down the row of lockers where Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin was sitting and just admiring the atmosphere in the Senators' home locker room. My first question to him was, going into the season, if he ever had envisioned himself having as big of an impact in New York as he has, or even being a part of All-Star Weekend for that matter...

"No, no," he said laughingly. "This season I was prepared to play in the A [AHL] to start out, and hopefully get a couple games in the NHL. I didn't expect to play this many games and especially not to be here. It's pretty incredible."

He then spoke about what's made him so successful at the NHL level this season, and the key to his game...

"I just try to use my speed," Hagelin said. "I've been fortunate to play with good guys and we keep winning - I think that's key. When I came up we went on a winning streak and the coach normally doesn't want to change a winning team, so that's key."

Finally, out of personal curiosity, I had to ask him how it was playing in the Winter Classic as a rookie for the Rangers...

"It was incredible. Being around the cameras there for a month and then playing outdoors and getting a win being down 2-0, it was pretty amazing. You kinda miss having HBO around."

 Also, I was the first to tell Hagelin of all the great comments head coach John Tortorella has made about him in the media. He said he doesn't really read articles online, so this was the first time he was hearing of them. As I said them, Carl's smile grew into a huge grin. Pretty cool stuff. 

And last but not least, I headed over to the locker room of Team Chara, where Rangers forward Marian Gaborik sat preparing his equipment. I spoke with Gabby about his lackluster season with the Rangers last year, and asked what's changed in his game this year that has brought him success...

"This year I feel pretty good physically," Gabby said. "We have a very strong team and a very balanced team, so hopefully we can keep it up."

Which then led me to my next question about what's made the club so consistent this season...

"Everything. Great goaltending, all four lines are contributing so there's perfect balance on our team."

From there I asked Gabby about his linemate Derek Stepan, and the chemistry those two have developed...

"He's matured as a hockey player," said Marian. "He's young and he keeps improving, so it's been fun."

Before leaving, I asked if he and Hank had a bet going for this weekend yet...

"Not yet, but we have to work something out."

Check back after tonight's Skills Competition for more quotes from the locker rooms. Hopefully I get comments from Henrik Lundqvist and John Tortorella, who were unavailable beforehand. 

Photo Collection: NHL Fan Fair at All-Star Weekend '12

OTTAWA -- This is the fourth straight All-Star Weekend I've attended in my day, and I've come to find that the NHL always does a great job of finding a way to bring all of the fans together in one place to celebrate the game outside of the actual Skills Competition and All-Star Game. For the third straight year, they held the "NHL Fan Fair", this time bringing it into the city of Ottawa. It's always a big hit among the fans of the host city as well as those who made the trip from elsewhere (as could be seen by the lines just to get in). Thankfully my media pass overrode the rules in that situation. 

The biggest attraction, of course, was the player autograph station. While I was there, Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames was sitting down with fans, but I did notice that Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi was scheduled to sign later this afternoon.

Aside from the autographs, you could also take pictures with the various trophies that are awarded each year in the NHL, including the Stanley Cup. I stood there and watched fans with the Cup for about ten seconds, and pretty much every one of them touched it. Either they're ignorant or just don't care about the curse. I should note that none of those people were Ranger fans - we're smarter than that.

Anyway, I managed to snap some pictures while walking around. Enjoy....

This was right outside the convention center where the Fan Fair was taking place. Each team had their jersey frozen over in ice, which is something like they did in Montreal three years ago. Unfortunately Raleigh, North Carolina didn't exactly have the climate conditions to pull off such a stunt last year.

This young lad aspires to be the next King of the Crease. Funny that he smiled and held the jersey up while I took the picture - I didn't even ask him to.

The target shooting booth was also a big hit. Clearly they didn't feel the need to challenge participants with Brodeur in net, though. 

How could you have an NHL Fan Fair without an NHL 12 tournament? Too bad I didn't have more time, because I probably would've wiped up if I played.

With the Fan Fair now out of the way, it's almost time for me to head over to ScotiaBank Place with my press credentials for some pre-Skills Competition interviews. The arena doors open for the media at 3:30 p.m., and as of right now I'm not too sure whether or not the players will be there at that time as well. Whenever they do arrive, I'll be sure to hit up the Rangers' lockers, as well as head coach John Tortorella, for some blog-worthy content. 

Any interviews I do get during that time will be posted here some time before the Skills Competition begins. I would say at least one to two hours before, so keep checking back on the blog and my Twitter (@NickMonteRT) for those. 

I hope you guys are enjoying my live coverage from Ottawa so far, because it only gets better from here!

Tortorella: "It's About the Players", High Praise for Girardi

OTTAWA -- Head coach John Tortorella is normally a control-freak when it comes to coaching his hockey club, but he will be taking a step back to simply enjoy the experience while behind the bench of Team Alfredsson during the 2012 All-Star Weekend. When meeting with the press on Friday afternoon, Tortorella continuously urged that this weekend's events are all about the players and showcasing the skill that the game of hockey possesses. He, in no way, will be interfering with that as co-coach alongside Todd McLellan of the San Jose Sharks. 

For Tortorella, as it should be with the players as well, attending All-Star Weekend is more about representing your organization/team than it is representing yourself. The fact that the New York Rangers are so well represented with four players and a coach says something about where they rank among other teams in the NHL and what they've been able to accomplish this season. They are among the best, that's for sure. 

Here's a video of Tortorella's presser, in which he not only talks about All-Star Weekend, but also extensively discusses Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi and why he belongs here with the league's top talents....

 

Well, we now have official confirmation that Landon Girardi is, in fact, in the house. I know that was a question many of you had on your minds after the young lad stole the spotlight in HBO's 24/7. 

Girardi deserves the recognition and praise he is receiving from around the league this weekend, and I think he owes a lot of that to Tortorella. Torts stated multiple times earlier in the year that Girardi deserved to be an All-Star for his contributions, and the league clearly listened. If you recall, Girardi was not one of Torts' favorites when John first became coach of the Rangers. Now, three years later, look how far that relationship has come. 

This will not be the last you will hear from Tortorella and the other Rangers in attendance as I will be hitting the locker rooms prior to tonight's Skill Competition at ScotiaBank Place. I don't know how accessible Tortorella is going to be, but he is obviously number one on my list for an interview. I have plenty of questions I would like to ask him, but if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments. 

Also, I plan on getting Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik's pre-competition thoughts before the two 'rivals' hit the ice against each other this evening. These two have even brought their trash talk to Twitter - it's been fun to watch and hopefully I can pull more of it out of them. 

And again, if you have any questions you would like me to ask any of the Rangers in attendance, or coach Torts for that matter, don't hesitate to leave them in the comments or tweet them at me (@NickMonteRT). 

Although this weekend is supposed to be about the players, I also think a lot of it is about the fans of the game as well. It's a celebration of sorts of the top talent in this wonderful league that we are fans of. And since most of you are not here in Ottawa, my goal is to bring the experience - the celebration - to you with behind-the-scenes coverage. 

I promise, I won't disappoint. Plus, today is my birthday and what better way to spend it than interviewing professional hockey players? These experiences are like a dream come true for me.

Skills Competition Lineups Announced

OTTAWA -- The captains of both Team Alfredsson and Team Chara held private meetings earlier this afternoon to decide their lineups for the 2012 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, which will take place tomorrow night at ScotiaBank Place. As Team Alfredsson head coach John Tortorella confirmed in a press conference today, the coaches do not have any input on the Skills Competition lineups as they leave the duty entirely up to the players. 

As far as Rangers players go, Marian Gaborik will be participating in the Challange Relay and Elimination Shootout for Team Chara. Notice he did not elect to take part in the Fastest Skater competition. Carl Hagelin, however, will be in that competition, and according to captain Daniel Alfredsson, he is the favorite to win. Hagelin will also be Team Alfie's rookie participant in the Elimination Shootout. 

Meanwhile, Dan Girardi will be a passer in the Accuracy Shooting competition and Henrik Lundqvist will be a goaltender in the Elimination Shootout. Hank decided to let Brian Elliot participate in the goaltender's edition of the Fastest Skater contest, claiming that he isn't "that fast". 

Here are the complete Skills Competition lineups, per the NHL:

TEAM CHARA

Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater

All-Star backwards: Brian Campbell
Goalie: Jimmy Howard
Rookie: Colin Greening
All-Star: Phil Kessel
All-Star: Marian Hossa

All-State NHL Breakaway Challenge

Rookie: Ryan Johansen
All-Star: Patrick Kane
All-Star: Corey Perry
Goalie: Carey Price

Canadian Tire NHL Accuracy Shooting

Rookie: Cody Hogdson
All-Star: Tyler Seguin
All-Star: Jamie Benn
All-Star: Marian Hossa
Passer: Phil Kessel
Passer: Ryan Suter
Passer: Jordan Eberle
Passer: Brian Campbell

G Series NHL Skills Challenge Relay

One-timer passer: Ryan Suter
One-timer right-handed: Dennis Wideman
One-timer right-handed: Jarome Iginla
One-timer right-handed: Joffrey Lupul
Passing accuracy: Patrick Kane
Puck control: Pavel Datsyuk
Stick handling: Gabriel Landeskog
Target shooter: Marian Gaborik
One-timer passer: Jordan Eberle
One-timer left-handed: Dion Phaneuf
One-timer left-handed: Zdeno Chara
One-timer left-handed: Jamie Benn
Passing accuracy: Kimmo Timonen
Puck control: Raphael Diaz
Stick handling: Evgeni Malkin
Target shooter: Phil Kessel

* Note: Two rookies must participate per team

Blackberry NHL Hardest Shot

Rookie: Luke Adam
All-Star: Dennis Wideman
All-Star: Dion Phaneuf
All-Star: Zdeno Chara

Tim Hortons NHL Elimination Shootout

Rookie: Colin Greening
All-Star: Pavel Datsyuk
All-Star: Evgeni Malkin
All-Star: Corey Perry
All-Star: Tyler Seguin
All-Star: Marian Gaborik
All-Star: Patrick Kane
All-Star: Jarome Iginla
All-Star: Jamie Benn
All-Star: Joffrey Lupul
All-Star: Kimmo Timonen
All-Star: Ryan Suter
Goalie: Carey Price
Goalie: Tim Thomas
Goalie: Jimmy Howard

TEAM ALFREDSSON

Bridgestone NHL Fastest Skater

All-Star backwards: Kris Letang
Goalie: Jonathan Quick
Rookie: Carl Hagelin
All-Star: Keith Yandle
All-Star: Erik Karlsson

All-State Insurance NHL Breakaway Challenge

Rookie: Sean Couturier
All-Star: John Tavares
All-Star: Logan Couture
Goalie: Brian Elliott

Canadian Tire NHL Accuracy Shooting

Rookie: Matt Read
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: Steven Stamkos
All-Star: Daniel Sedin
Passer: Alex Edler
Passer: Dan Girardi
Passer: Claude Giroux
Passer: Henrik Sedin

G Series NHL Skills Challenge Relay

One-timer passer: Nick Johnson
One-timer right-handed: Shea Weber
One-timer right-handed: Kris Letang
One-timer right-handed: Steven Stamkos
Passing accuracy: Henrik Sedin
Puck control: Milan Michalek
Stick handling: Logan Couture
Target shooter: James Neal
One-timer passer: Alex Edler
One-timer left-handed: Keith Yandle
One-timer left-handed: Scott Hartnell
One-timer left-handed: John Tavares
Passing accuracy: Daniel Sedin
Puck control: Craig Smith
Stick handling: Claude Giroux
Target shooter: Jason Pominville

* Note: Two rookies must participate per team

Blackberry NHL Hardest Shot

Rookie: Justin Faulk
All-Star: Daniel Alfredsson
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: Shea Weber 

Tim Hortons NHL Elimination Shootout

Rookie: Carl Hagelin
All-Star: Steven Stamkos
All-Star: John Tavares
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: Claude Giroux
All-Star: Daniel Alfredsson
All-Star: James Neal
All-Star: Milan Michalek
All-Star: Jason Pominville
All-Star: Kris Letang
All-Star: Erik Karlsson
All-Star: Daniel Sedin
Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist
Goalie: Brian Elliott
Goalie: Jonathan Quick

Lundqvist, Gaborik Exchange Trash Talk, Hagelin Talks All-Star Weekend

There was a little suspense during last night's All-Star Fantasy Draft as Rangers forward Marian Gaborik remained on the board into the later rounds of the selection process, with Henrik Lundqvist still needing to fill a few forward slots as the assistant captain of Team Alfedsson. As I suggested on Twitter, it seemed as if Lundqvist and Gaborik had the wish of competing against each other this weekend, which Lundqvist would later confirm to be true. 

Gaborik would ultimately be selected by fellow Slovak Zdeno Chara, therefore granting his wish of going against his goaltender back in New York. Following the draft, the two exchanged some trash talk leading up to the weekend's festivities....

 

Joining Lundqvist on Team Alfredsson will also be Rangers forward Carl Hagelin. Hagelin's squad of rookies - captained by Sean Couturier of the Flyers - was paired with what ended up becoming the hometown team, and will be going up against Team Chara and its rookies during Saturday's Skills Competition. 

Hagelin spoke about All-Star Weekend and his success thus far following the draft....

 

As for me, I am scheduled to fly out to Ottawa later this afternoon and from there will be picking up my press credentials. As you know, The Rangers Tribune will be your home for all of the latest All-Star related news and analysis as I will be bringing you live coverage from behind-the-scenes in Ottawa. 

I'm going to do my best to reach out to each member of the Rangers, including head coach John Tortorella, for an interview but I cannot make any guarantees. Hagelin seems like he has a lot to say, so he may be my main target on Saturday night.

I'll be sure to let you all know via Twitter (@NickMonteRT) when I have an interview going up on the blog, and will also be updating the "Latest All-Star News" box on top of the site with links to my latest material (newest listed first). I figured that would be the easiest way for everyone to see and access the most recent content over the course of the weekend. 

See ya in Ottawa!