When you take a moment to think about it, what can really be said to preview an All-Star game? Almost regardless of the sport under examination, All-Star games are an exhibition of offensive skill. Sure, defenders are invited to show up, but really this is their moment to shine on the other half of the field.
I’ll admit to writing this on Friday afternoon before the teams have been picked because ultimately it doesn’t matter who is on what team for these things.
In terms of how the All-Star game compares to the regular season there are a couple interesting things to keep an eye on though.
- Who will be facing off against Greg Gurenlian? Beast made short work of his FOAcademy colleague Brendan Fowler when the Lizards played the Hounds. But Beast is yet to face Kelly this season. My hope is that those two end up on the same team for some possible foreshadowing down the stretch.
- Which defensive player will score the most points? Ryan Flanagan, Kyle Hartzell, Jesse Bernhardt, Scott Ratliff – these are all guys who can make a difference in the offensive end. The ASG is the perfect forum for them to try something new. If only Brett Queener were in this year’s contest.
- Which Jesse Schwartzman will show up? Yeah, the whole exhibition thing and all, but when faced with the best of the best how will Schwartzman perform in his allotted half of play? Believe it or not, playing well in the ASG may give Schwartzman a bit of momentum when he returns to the Outlaws.
- How many goals will we see? These things tend to be high scoring affairs. Will the score get so high that it’s simply absurd? We’ll find out. The record for goals by a team in an ASG is 31 in 2008.
- Who will be ASG MVP? Fun fact, Casey Powell is the only Powell brother who has not been named ASP MVP. Mikey did it first in 2005, and Ryan in that 2008 barnburner. CP22? Nada.
For the most part, though, the All-Star Game is a time to relax and enjoy some of the best lacrosse players in the world having a go at it. Let’s not overthink this; just have fun.
