By Dave Brown

With a 21 goal outburst over the weekend, the NHL All-Star game did not disappoint. Fans were introduced to the league’s newest hero “Super Kane” during the breakaway competition, and were reacquainted with the power of the “Z factor,” as Zdeno Chara broke his own record with a blistering 108.8 mph shot in the hardest shot event.

Team Chara won the All-Star game on Sunday afternoon 12-9 in front of an Ottawa crowd that would have preferred to see a different outcome.

In the game spotlight this week:
Tuesday, look for the Sedin brothers to get back to business, as the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks take to the ice against “Super Kane” who is without line mate Jonathan Toews. The two Sedin’s may prove to be Kryptonite, and the Canucks win this one 3-2 at home.

Wednesday night, the Washington Capitals face division rival Florida in a key showdown with outright first place on the line, Capitals by a goal, 3-2.

Thursday, the Nashville Predators, bring “Slashville” to Broad Street in a showdown of East vs. West. With star defeneman Chris Pronger still out for the Flyers, look for All-Stars Giroux and Hartnell to carry the team for a victory and pick up a win, 4-2.

Saturday and Sunday will be a test for the defending Cup Champion, Boston Bruins, as they are at home to Pittsburgh, and then traveling to Washington on Sunday. Expect a pair of losses for the Bruins, 3-2 and 4-2 respectively, as Malkin is hot as ever, and Ovechkin will be fresh off his suspension and ready to go.