Yesterday, we learned that Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Jaromir Jagr and John Scott were voted as NHL All-Star Game captains by the fans. Look at these players and tell me which one doesn’t exactly fit in with the criteria.
According to Webster’s, an all-star’s definition is a team “made up only or mostly of outstanding participants.” Sure, Scott isn’t a 50-goal guy, heck, he has been waived by Arizona three times this season. However, votes, which to some appear as joke votes from fans, for Scott piled up. The people wanted him to play, and so that’s what they get. Scott is now an all-star, and he will play in the game.
John Scott Should be Welcomed, Not Ridiculed, as an All-Star
Even though Scott is not among the NHL’s “elite” payers, he is still a great addition to the All-Star Game, and should be welcomed, not laughed at.
First off, many think of the All-Star Game as boring. It’s a high-scoring affair with two teams comprised of the NHL’s most talented players, as well as the ones who rack up points and are climbing the league’s leader boards. The most interesting part, in my opinion, is the skills competition.
I mean, to some fans, it has got to be a relief, or at least pleasant, to see someone able to play in the game who may not be the best guy on the roster, may not sport a captain’s “C” or may not score goals game-in and game-out. It is nice to see just your average goon make the roster of an All-Star Game.
It’s a statement that anyone can be an all-star, which sounds cheesy, but it’s true. If Scott was voted to be a captain, he will lead his team just like Ovechkin will lead his own. He gets the chance to play with greats.
“But he’s taking a spot away from a deserving player”
Each player will get a chance to play in the All-Star Game. Scott has never been. He’s a 6-foot-8 goon who’s been cut by his team multiple times and barely gets the chance to play. People decided to make a big joke out of him, and he’s your tough guy who intimidates the other team and wins almost every fight he’s in. Why not give him, just a normal guy, a shot?
Where in the rule book does it say that you need to score at least 50 points to be an all-star? That’s like saying that only Superman and those with superpowers can be a hero, and that’s like telling a 4-foot-1 girl that she must be 4-foot-2 to ride the ferris wheel at the carnival. It’s not fair to always judge a player by his stats.
Third off, fans: You all voted for him. He lead every single player in votes, and now it surprises me that so many people are angry that he’s playing. Why would you be mad when he won, fair and square? You all made this bed. Lie in it.
From my point of view, it’s refreshing to see someone besides Sidney Crosby or Steven Stamkos recognized by the league, even if it’s a goon like Scott, who has 11 points throughout his entire NHL career. He has over 500 penalty minutes and is an enforcer who can hit hard. That’s his job; it’s not to score 500 goals in his career. That’s the role that he plays; he’s a grinder, and him going to the All-Star Game gives every fourth liner, every fighter and every enforcer the knowledge that they can be recognized, too, and that they can also be an all-star.
Even if he was voted in as a joke, I like that he was actually named a captain. So calm down, let him play and enjoy the game. He’ll bring some fun into this game that so many of you call “boring” or “a joke.”
