The 2011 NHL All-Star Game has been exactly what you'd expect from an exhibition with a collection of stars. No hitting, not much defense, and some of the best passers and scorers in the sport just having fun.
The first goal of the period for Team Staal was a perfect example. Team Lidstrom turned the puck over in its defensive zone to Claude Giroux, who sent a perfect pass across the face of the net to Patrick Sharp. Sharp's slapshot looked like it would have beat even his best efforts from last night's Hardest Shot competition. Sharp is making a strong push to win the MVP Award, as he also has two assists today.
Five minutes later, Alex Ovechkin got the second assist on a goal for Kris Letang, which might be the first time a Capitals player has done anything nice for a Penguins player this season.
But Team Lidstrom came back, scoring three goals unanswered against Carey Price, with goals coming from Anze Kopitar (his second), Steven Stamkos, and Danny Briere. Nicklas Lidstrom's squad finished the period with a 7-6 lead.