Scott scored two goals in the two games he was in and the underdog Pacific Division won the third period game, 1-0 over the Atlantic Division.
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Journeyman enforcer John Scott was named the Most Valuable Player of the NHL’s latest rendition of an all-star event Sunday in – where else?
Victor of a fan vote to captain the Pacific team, Scott absorbed criticism from some around hockey who felt he didn’t deserve a spot in the game, based on his five goals in 285 career games and a skill set which leans more toward hitting and the occasional fight than dangling and scoring.
The All-Star enforcer, who was voted into Sunday afternoon’s exhausting 3-on-3 tournament as a joke by thousands of prankster fans, owned the moment that was supposed to embarrass him – a moment Scott said recently that one National Hockey League official had urged him to turn down. Scott’s teammates even briefly lifted him onto their shoulders during a postgame interview.
Then Scott was traded from the Coyotes to the Canadiens, who sent him to St. John’s, Newfoundland, of the AHL, seemingly disqualifying him for the All-Star Game but turning him into a cause celebre.
And although the National Hockey League didn’t include him in its three nominees to vote for game MVP on Twitter, the social media site was flooded with write-in votes for him.
Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed Scott’s selection on Saturday, saying “he wanted to be here, and we’re happy he is”. I just can’t put it into words. If he would have won, it would have been another signature moment for one of the game’s most legendary players. It was kind of stand-up for them to let me come and play in this. Scott shined the light back on what it is like to be a role player in a league that is home to the best hockey players on the planet. The Central team came back with goals by Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Seguin, but Taylor Hall and Drew Doughty would put the nail in the coffin even though Roman Josi netted one last goal for the Central team. And being named MVP.
The Scott sub-plot wasn’t the only positive development from this All-Star weekend as the new format really worked out and was exciting to watch.
The final 20 minute game saw the Atlantic team take on the Pacific team. While there were many things the league botched, kudos for the outside the box thinking and making the necessary change to the game.
John Scott had an experience at the 2016 NHL All-Star weekend that couldn’t have been better even if it was scripted. “I think everyone’s just getting a little panicky now that I’m going”.
Danielle Scott was actually a very important part of his decision to play. I was bursting with happiness watching Scott and the other players have such a great time.
Of the four goals, two were scored by Florida players as Jagr tied the score at 2 before Aaron Ekblad tied it at 3.
On Sunday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, Scott made the most of his chance and made sure all of his haters regret it.
“We had a good weekend, everybody had fun and we ended up winning, so it turned out great”.
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“He said, ‘I’m proud of you”.
