It was a last chance for European fans to say goodbye to two of the most breathtaking players. Not surprisingly, the game didn’t disappoint with the two rosters combining for 29 goals. The East prevailed 18-11 thanks to Evgeny Kuznetsov’s four goal performance. The Cap prospect remains the best player not in the NHL. Just wait till he joins forces with Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. Ex-Coyote defenseman Deron Quint added two markers in the East’s victory.

Kovalchuk didn’t disappoint recording a hat trick in a losing cause for the West. He also electrified the crowd during the Master Show Super Skills Competition by winning the Captains’ Duel over ex-Pen Alexei Morozov. It was one of the most interesting duels that had them banking shots into nets facing the opposite way along with target practice and was topped off with Kovalchuk and Morozov figure skating. He was so much bigger than the woman figure skater but showed flair like the showman he is.

Of course, Datsyuk took the Shootout with another of his magic tricks floating a puck into the net. I liked the Puck Control relay. Datsyuk nearly caught up but the East prevailed. The West won the marquee event, which featured a Fastest Skater Team Relay. Even the goalies took part which was classic. During the Super Skills, they also got to shoot pucks into the opposite net.

It was a great celebration of hockey in Eastern Europe.