NHL All-Star game: Eastern conference wins 8-7.

The NHL presented the 2008 All-Star game yesterday in Atlanta. Many important players missed the match.

Sidney Crosby and Dany Heatley were not present to the annual classic because of injuries while star goaltenders Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo decided to stay home. Both goaltenders wanted to avoid an injury with the barrage of shots the goaltenders have to face during those games. A very discutable decision from both goaltenders. Both Brodeur and Luongo were voted in by the fans.

The 18 644 fans gathered at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta were showered with a lot of goals scored. Rick Nash opened the score for the Western conference team only 12 seconds after the initial puck drop, a new All-Star game record. The old record of 19 seconds was held by Ted Lindsay since 1950.

The Eastern conference led by 5-1 after the first period but lost their lead as the game went on. Late into the third period, the score was tied again at 7-7. Marc Savard scored the winning goal for the Eastern conference with only 21 seconds to go to the match.

Eric Staal was named the player of the match with his offensive production of two goals and an assist on the winning goal by Savard.

The annual classic will move to Montreal next year. The Canadiens will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the club next year and the NHL decided to award to the city the All-Star game for the occasion.

(Picture: Eric Staal, Canadian Press.)