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Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:38 pm EST

Puck Daddy Photo Expedition: 2009 All-Star Game, Day 1

By Greg Wyshynski

This San Jose Sharks sweater is one in a series of NHL jerseys that have been frozen in blocks of ice and placed on a street leading to Bell Centre, in celebration of NHL All-Star Game Weekend. As far as cool stuff I've seen so far in Montreal, it's really going to be tough to top this. Not even Ovechkin tickling Malkin's palm comes close.

I tried to lick the Devils' jersey because someone double-dog dared me. It didn't end well.

This isn't an image from that ice block display. This is actually how the Dallas Stars are preserving Sergei Zubov in case they make the Western Conference playoffs.

This is a gigantic Sidney Crosby banner hanging on the side of the Bell Centre, promoting a player who, at best, will wave to the crowd before retiring to the players' longue this weekend. If you're wondering why the NHL wants to start handing out suspensions for star players who skip the all-star game ... well, the price of giant sponsorship banners for players who aren't in the all-star game isn't getting any cheaper.

For some reason, there's a poster of Boris Valabik crying in the fetal position right next to Sidney's ...

Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks is interviewed by E! Entertainment Television, and Puck Daddy's credibility SKYROCKETS!

We didn't get close enough to hear his thoughts on what Brad and Angelina will wear to the Oscars or Britney's comeback. And no truth to the rumor that this is actually a segment for the E! True Hollywood Story about the disappearance of Samuel Pahlsson this season ...

Finally, professional leagues always give out free swag to the media at events like this, usually in the form of some sort of sponsorship gift bag or a commemorative shirt or some such.

Well, the NHL must have noticed that Montreal is currently colder than Ricardo Montalbán on the surface of Pluto, because they've given the media pairs of mittens and a fur-lined, Fudd-like hat.

I'm not usually easily swayed by such bribery, but ...

... did I mention the lockout was a great idea, the NHL never fudges attendance figures and I absolutely adore the shootout as of this afternoon?

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48 Comments

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  1. Tito "TD" O'Dell
    1. Posted by Tito "TD" O'Dell Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:36 pm EDT

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    If You Seek Amy, that's a fine lookin' hat. Who's ride is that, btw?
    Having a wonderful time reading, but wish I was there.
    If you turn 90° to your left, you'll see the Ovation Bar, operated by Bruins' killer Yvon Lambert. Ask him about what he thought of Matteau's Game 7 double-OT goal in '94. He's almost as much of a Devil's fan as you are. At least he was at the time.
    Again, great stuff Wysh.
  2. N. Y. NIGHTMARE
    2. Posted by N. Y. NIGHTMARE Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:06 pm EDT

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    Charlie Murphy - You are cold as ICE!
    Kovalev sucks
  3. Kvan
    3. Posted by Kvan Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    ... did I mention the lockout was a great idea, the NHL never fudges attendance figures and I absolutely adore the shootout as of this afternoon? What next you'll try and pomote Sean Avery for the Bill Masterton trophy?
  4. Tito "TD" O'Dell
    4. Posted by Tito "TD" O'Dell Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:36 pm EDT

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    I bet you say that about all the Rangers who leave you.
  5. wutwut
    5. Posted by wutwut Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:30 pm EDT

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    I was hoping for a commentary on those pictures with them draped in the black sheets boy those are just plain creepy.
  6. carl_vs_mastershake
    6. Posted by carl_vs_mastershake Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:18 pm EDT

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    So that bottom picture is Canada's answer to the Fonz?
    Wysh are there any pictures of you you aren't striking an awful pose?
  7. Wrap Around Curl
    7. Posted by Wrap Around Curl Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:49 pm EDT

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    Wysh that hat is full of win.
  8. dfg
    8. Posted by dfg Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    "Players' longue"? Zat some kinda French thingie they got up there in Montreal?
  9. James Mirtle
    9. Posted by James Mirtle Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:19 pm EDT

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    Hah ... I was trying to get a shot of me in the damn hat but my camera's out of batteries. Pity.
    Maybe tomorrow.
  10. kstewy16
    10. Posted by kstewy16 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    Hell, if you don't want the hat, I'd take it Wysh. That thing looks sweet! Pens need to give those things away on hat night.
  11. Tito "TD" O'Dell
    11. Posted by Tito "TD" O'Dell Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:36 pm EDT

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    @ Mirtle
    Just don't let some stranger snap the pic. Montreal used to be a penal colony, y'know.
  12. bob loblaw
    12. Posted by bob loblaw Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:23 pm EDT

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    Lil' early for Montalban jokes aint it, Wysh?
    Do you think Sid is faking his knee injury? It's not the first time he's jammed on these events...
  13. Steve Hanson
    13. Posted by Steve Hanson Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    "Zee pain, Zee pain", cried Sid as he watched Steckel fly overhead.
    That one's pretty tame.
  14. Tito "TD" O'Dell
    14. Posted by Tito "TD" O'Dell Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:36 pm EDT

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    How about
    -The casket's interior is lined with soft Corinthian leather
    Too soon? Too obscure?
  15. Travis
    15. Posted by Travis Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:14 pm EDT

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    i wish we could preserve zubov like that.
    it'd be better than watching him play in the regular season and always knowing that in the next month or so he'll be back on the shelf again
  16. Travis
    16. Posted by Travis Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:14 pm EDT

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    he's like one of those limited time things at fast food places. enjoy it while it's available because it will go away soon
  17. leaffan93
    17. Posted by leaffan93 Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:37 pm EDT

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    +1 to the zubov comment wysh
    in retrospect maybe the islanders could have done that with their entire team in say 1979-1983......
  18. ibleedorangeandblack
    18. Posted by ibleedorangeandblack Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:27 pm EDT

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    @ Huet
    Volare! Volare! The kind of luxury that you CAN take with you...
  19. Bob
    19. Posted by Bob Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

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    Why aren't you wearing the mittens?
  20. Tuo
    20. Posted by Tuo Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:27 pm EDT

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    CAPTION CORRECTION:
    It's actually a perfect replica of Marty Turco, Season 2008-09
  21. Patty (in Dallas)
    21. Posted by Patty (in Dallas) Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:42 pm EDT

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    @Huet
    Too obscure? No. Too obvious!
  22. Whale4ever
    22. Posted by Whale4ever Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:59 pm EDT

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    Of course, Montalban was meant to be buried ALIVE, buried ALIVE, on Ceti Alpha VI.
    Upon the orders of a new incoming administration at Starfleet Command, interrogation policies and techniques within the United Federation of Planets were re-written. Politics ruled the day as he was released and found a home and loyal following in Afghanistan, picking up where he left off promoting eugenics research, hoping to ultimately build the perfect "Next One": an Eric Lindros without the soft-cell head, and Bonnie.
    Over one-quarter of our world became consumed and decimated due to this exercise in media madness.
    Montalban's son, Alexandre, was unavailable for comment; thanks to spy photos, he was evidently taking blood from a maternity-ward patient.
  23. knucklehead
    23. Posted by knucklehead Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    My God, it's nice to see Ted Williams could make the game, I didn't know he was a fan.
  24. tippyturtle
    24. Posted by tippyturtle Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:44 pm EDT

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    knucklehead - nice!
    I'm pretty sure I know what Bubba Banjo would say about that hat!
  25. lookche
    25. Posted by lookche Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:56 pm EDT

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    the only thing that last photo needs is a cigar and you'll have a new grossly unattractive headshot.
    (i do love you, Greg)

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