COLUMBUS, Ohio – It was an offensive showcase with a record setting 29 goals for the NHL All-Star Game at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus for the 2015 Honda NHL All-Star Game where Team Toews defeated Team Foligno (17-12). Every skater on Team Toews had at least one point. Hockey fans knew there would be no defense or hitting but were completely wowed by the offense. 
A number of records were broken on Sunday, one being the previous record of 26 goals at the 2001 North America vs. World Game in Denver.
Many players were deserving of the MVP nomination; Columbus Blue Jackets Ryan Johansen won over the fans with his performance and showmanship.
He was the first pick for the 2015 NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft presented by DraftKings on Friday. Playing to the crowd in the Breakaway Challenge his first attempt was to reveal he was wearing an Ohio State University sweater, on the 2nd attempt using 7-year-old Cole Vogt (trainer Mike Vogt’s son) to assist, and then finally on the 3rd getting players to join him in a ‘Flying V’.
He had two goals and two assists in the All-Star Game.
Only one MVP could be chosen but arguments for other deserving candidates could be made for Philadelphia Flyers Jakub Voracek’s hat trick and three assists who tied Mario Lemiuex’s All-Star record for most points in a game (6) and New York Islanders John Tavares record-tying four goals.
Captain Jonathan Toews had five points (one goal and four assists).
The Columbus Blue Jackets cannon, used to commemorate home goals, will be remembered long by fans and media, going off a record 11 times on Sunday.
It’s still not known why the cannon did not fire for Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane’s goal in the third. Is it possible they ran out of ammunition?
With all the extraordinary shots and goals behind us, the NHL moves onto the second half of the season. Players return to their home teams to ready themselves for the hard-hitting Stanley Cup Play-offs.
Stars of the Game: Ryan Johansen (Blue Jackets), John Tavares (Islanders), Jakub Voracek (Flyers)
Thanks to the National Hockey, Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus, Ohio for a great weekend.
Photos by JohnRothwell@prohockeynews.com
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