The NHL All-Star Game is a special event, and this year’s was no exception. Jim Montgomery, the head coach of the Atlantic Division team, experienced it firsthand, with his son Colin by his side offering up coaching tips. The Atlantic Division went on to win the All-Star title on Saturday afternoon at FLA Live Arena, with two of Montgomery’s players, David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark, playing a big part in the victory.
Pastrnak scored two breakaway goals and had an assist, while Ullmark stopped 10 of 13 shots across the two games. Ullmark even picked up an assist in the first game when he corralled a puck in front of his crease and sent a lengthy saucer pass through the neutral zone to Montreal’s Nick Suzuki.
Montgomery was thoroughly impressed by Ullmark’s performance, noting that it is “really hard to do” with so much talent on the ice. Ullmark credited the defensive efforts and compete level of his Atlantic Division teammates for the success, adding that he was “lucky sometimes as well.”
Pastrnak said it was a special experience, and that everyone was joking about wanting to win right away. He added that Ullmark does it all year, so it didn’t surprise him that he had a special night.
Ullmark said that he will look back on his first All-Star experience with plenty of fond memories, noting that he met some cool people and had great conversations.
Overall, it was a memorable All-Star Game, with Montgomery, Pastrnak, and Ullmark all playing a big part in the Atlantic Division’s victory.
Source: www.nhl.com