It’s the unofficial halfway point of the NHL season, and that can mean only one thing: the All-Star Game! After the Skills Competition was completed on Friday, we can move to the semifinals, and the first cab off the rank is the Pacific Division against the Metropolitan Division.
Just like we have been doing for the entire season so far, we will preview all three All-Star Games, and provide you with our expert NHL picks for the games. This means that you not only get enjoyment out of watching some intriguing matches, but also make extra cash while doing so!
Look below to find our free NHL picks, as we preview the first semifinal of the All-Star Games.
Denis Kirilov
The Pacific Division is a favourite to win the whole All-Star Game weekend. However, their performance suggests otherwise as two of their top players, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, are still trying to find their rhythm after not being able to help their Oilers throughout the past two months. They might be among the top players in the individual standings, but the current circumstances aren’t in their favour. Johnny Gaudreau and Troy Terry will also help the team in offensive positions, but I don’t think they will be able to break the defence of the Metropolitan Division.
The Metropolitan Division will feature players like Sebastian Aho from the Carolina Hurricanes and Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers. The Finnish forward is surely coming on a positive note after winning the accuracy shooting challenge on Friday. Alexander Ovechkin tested positive for Covid-19 and will be forced to miss the All-Star Game. However, I think that the Metropolitan Division’s defence will be able to make the difference in the match. Hence, I will trust their better form and I will hope to see them in the Grand Final on Sunday.
Denis’ NHL Pick: Metropolitan Division
Tony Battalio
The Pacific Division is perhaps the weakest division in the National Hockey League so far this season. Their roster in this All-Star tournament includes: their capitan Connor McDavid, his right hand man Leon Draisaitl, John Gibson, and Johnny Gaudreau. They will bring a mix of vets and young guys as they take on the Metropolitan Division which was supposed to be led by Alexander Ovechkin before COVID changed those plans. They are going to have their hands full with a star studded Metropolitan Division but they can pull out a win as well so don’t sleep on the Pacific.
Tom Wilson and Jonathan Marchessault have been added to the 2022 NHL All Star Game.
Claude Giroux replaces Alex Ovechkin as captain of the Metropolitan Division. pic.twitter.com/OFCRnvaUUi
— Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) February 2, 2022
The Metropolitan Division brings a great roster to this year’s National Hockey League All-Star Game weekend. Featured for the Metropolitan is players like Claude Giroux, Sebastian Aho, Jake Guentzel, and Zach Werenski, Zach won the fountain face off competition last night. The Metropolitan brings a solid mix of young guys and veterans as well as they will look to win this mini tournament. As for the result of their game with the Pacific Division, I have the Metropolitan picking up the victory.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Metropolitan Division
Jeffery Thomas
The Pacific Division will likely be the crowd favorites with 3 members of the host city Las Vegas Knights on the team and are also probably the odds on favorite to win the whole thing. Any team that has Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on their side in a 3 on 3 format, where there will be less defensive resistance stands a great chance. For the Metro Division they are looked at as the team with the least amount of chance to win this tournament. They have lost their captain, Alex Ovechkin, who was replaced by Tom Wilson.
Also their leading goal scorer, Chris Kreider doesn’t fit as well as some of the other stars for this format, as he scored most of his goals parked out in front of the net, as opposed to creating chances in open ice. It’s going to be a weird blend of players who won’t be so comfortable trying to mesh and take down this Pacific team. Out of the 5 previous versions of this ASG format, the Pacific has reached the championship round in 4 and I think they’ll add to this tally on Saturday. They have the better blend of talents and will score at ease. The Metros defensive pairing of Werenski and Pelech will have a long day in this one as the Pacific rides the emotion of their fans and rolls through this round to another championship appearance.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Pacific Division
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
