The Metropolitan Division cruised to win the 2022 NHL All Star Game in Las Vegas with a 6-4 win over the Pacific Division and a 5-3 win over the Central Division in the championship. Washington Capitals top liner Tom Wilson scored the first goal in the first game while Evgeny Kuznetsov opened the scoring in the final.
Wilson’s tally came off a fed from Kuznetsov just as we predicted 13 seconds into the All Star Game. It came with a shot in front of the net on the right angle. Just as we predicted the two did connect for a goal.
couldn't have asked for a better start pic.twitter.com/wDlgXTzw2X
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 5, 2022
Timo Meier tied it at 2:27 before Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers gave the Metro Division the lead at 3:08. Giroux would go on to win the All Star Game MVP. Sebastian Aho made it 3-1 at 3:20.
In the second the goals continued. Hometown guy Jonathan Marchessault scored at 2:57 and Jordan Eberle tied it at 4:27. Jack Hughes gave the Metro Division the lead at 6:16, Jake Guentzel scored at 7:40, then Jack Hughes at 8:51. Mark Stone made it a 6-4 game at 9:38 which would go on to be the final, eliminating the home Pacific Division.
The Central Division topped the Atlantic Division 8-5 which would set up the final between the Central and Metropolitan Division. Evgeny Kuznetsov would open the scoring 27 seconds into the contest with Frederik Anderson providing the assist.
so smooth pic.twitter.com/0ur9ng6Ysi
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 5, 2022
Clayton Keller tied it at 1:38. Claude Giroux gave the Metro Division the lead at 3:33. Chris Kreider extended it to 3-1 at 4:50. Nazem Kadri cut the deficit to one at 5:27. Then Jack Hughes made it 4-2 at 7:55.
In the second period Joe Pavelski scored at 1:19 before Giroux sealed the win at 2:42 as the Metro Division held on for the 5-3 win.
Kuznetsov enjoyed his time in Vegas and was all smiles:
"“People back home [in Russia] in general are serious, and there is not a lot of people like me smiling. They think I’m stupid, you know? Actually, I’m the opposite.”"
Wilson enjoyed being booed and kind of expected it:
"“I think it’s good. It’s great for the league. It’s passion. This is one of the best rinks in the league and they have passionate fans. The guys get a good chuckle out of it.”"
The Caps return to the ice for practice on Monday before taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets at home on Tuesday night.