In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes Flyers RW Wayne Simmonds, one of four black players in yesterday's NHL All-Star Game, was named the game's MVP. Simmonds was asked what winning the award "meant to him as far as the league’s growth and exposure." He said, "You’re starting to see different ethnicities, not only black, but it’s starting to open up a little bit, and that’s the goal here. We’re trying to spread the game. We’re not necessarily trying to change the look of it, but just get different people in it and you get different avenues" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/30).
THE NEXT GENERATION: In Las Vegas, Steve Carp notes watching Oilers C Connor McDavid, Flames LW Johnny Gaudreau, Maple Leafs C Auston Matthews, Jets RW Patrik Laine and Devils LW Taylor Hall "thrive" in the All-Star environment and "display their immense talents shows the game is in good hands moving forward to the next generation of potential superstars." The players "comport themselves with humility and dignity." They "will be next to lead and these guys will hopefully be around for a long time to enjoy as they prepare the next batch of young stars to fall into place" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 1/30).
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Saturday discussed the Raiders' possible move to Las Vegas and if it would have any effect on the Golden Knights. Bettman: "We’re not focused on the Raiders. We’ll see if they ultimately wind up there. The thing that’s true is the Vegas Golden Knights are alive and well. They’re going to be there. There’s no speculation. It’s not contingent. There aren’t a whole bunch of things that have to happen. This team is there for the community and will be there" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 1/29).
PUCK EYES: Bettman said that the NHL "is working" on the issue of better replay technology. Bettman: "We do have the best replay system in the business. All the other leagues have gone to school on us. Centralization, we were the first to do it and to have constant communication with the buildings. We have lots and lots of cameras and we spare no expense." On the specific issue of being able to clearly see a puck cross the goal line, Bettman said, "You will be able to know it was there, the technology will tell you. That would be aspirational, something that we're working on. But it isn't ready for prime time. Because anything we install better work, and it better work right" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/29).
