His nomination was historic: Leon Draisaitl was the first German in 19 years to participate in the NHL Allstar match. But then the event for the hockey professional was over quickly. With the team of the Pacific Division, the national team defeated the selection of the Central Division in the semifinals 4:10 and retired.
The 23-year-old Draisaitl played at the show event in San Jose in the US state of California 6:48 minutes, but remained without a point scorer. "We were not ready," said the German after the end. The forward of the Edmonton Oilers was annoyed by the bad start with two quick goals conceded, but only briefly. "It was about the fun and it was great to be out there. There was a lot of class traveling."
The day before, Draisaitl had inspired the so-called "Skills Competition". The aim was to meet targets in a demonstration for the spectators in the shortest possible time, such as cardboard mates and tiny gates, which faced obstacles. In the fight for the title as best passer, he sat down in 1: 09,088 minutes. Second was Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes (1: 18.530). Draisaitl, the fourth German Allstar in NHL history, received the winner's check for $ 25,000.
Distraction from the disappointing league routine
Brianna Decker was faster than he was. The American Olympic champion needed three seconds less than he for the various passes before the official competition, but took part out of competition. A hockey outfitter later paid tribute to his strong performance and announced that he was paying Decker $ 25,000, as much as Draisaitl had received.
The final of the Allstar Games, which has been played as a three-by-three tournament since 2016, was won by the Metropolitan Division team. In the duel with the professionals from the Central Relay, the team sat down to the Canadian superstar Sidney Crosby 10: 5 by. Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders) each scored two goals and three assists in the final.
The All-Star weekend was also a welcome break from the league's daily routine with the Edmonton Oilers for Draisaitl, who are struggling to qualify for the playoffs. In the troubled team, Draisaitl stands out alongside Oilers captain Connor McDavid. With so far 27 goals and 34 assists, the German place occupies ten of the NHL scorer list.