Breakaway Challenge Looks Challenging

At last year's All-Star game in Atlanta, the NHL introduced the Breakaway Challenge to to the Skills Competition. A chance for the league's most skilled players to show off their best moves and then have them voted on by a panel of d-list celebrities. It didn't go over so great.

This year the NHL has made some adjustments including giving the players a time limit, and instead of no-name actors and washed up former sports stars, fans will have the chance to vote for their favourite player. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I hope Montreal and Pittsburgh fans are well behaved that night, and no ballot stuffing occurs. But just to be safe, maybe the networks should tape delay the breakaway challenge and show it about an hour later in those two cities.

The participants in the Breakaway Challenge are:
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
Alex Kovalev, Montreal Canadiens
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Bragging rights are on the line and all 5 players are taking it seriously. According to the NHL anyhow who have just released a video of the players practicing their moves for the competition. Well I should say that Getzlaf, Ovechkin, and Kane appear to be taking it seriously and practicing as neither Crosby or Kovalev are anywhere to be seen in the video.

But who's to say, maybe they're practicing extra hard and don't want anybody to see it. Perhaps they've assembled a team of scientists and physics experts to help them develop the greatest move that's ever been seen which will completely blow our minds. Or perhaps they just know that Habs and Pens fans will vote like crazy for them anyhow, so really what's the point.

Here's the video of the three players practicing. Personally my favourite part of it has nothing to do with any of the moves, but rather when Ryan Getzlaf shows up some kid who's parents probably paid a buttload of money to get him on the ice to meet Getzlaf. That'll show you for having an advantage in life, you spoiled brat.