2022 nhl all star game skills competition

2022 nhl all star game skills competition

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The 2022 NHL All-Star Skills Competition took place Friday as some of the best hockey players in the world put their skills to the test at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It was a night full of surprises, including a loss for Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid in the Fastest Skater Challenge and a controversial win for Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo in the Breakaway Challenge. 

Let's take a look at the event winners and highlights ahead of the NHL All-Star Game, which will take place Saturday night. 


Fastest Skater: Jordan Kyrou (13.550 seconds)

In a surprising upset, St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou won the NHL's Fastest Skater competition with a time of 13.550 seconds. 

McDavid, who won the event three straight times from 2017 to '19, finished fourth in the event. 

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

Jordan Kyrou with a MASSIVE upset in the fastest skater competition. His 13.550 time unseats former champ Connor McDavid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> 💨 <a href="https://t.co/wFqP9212UO">pic.twitter.com/wFqP9212UO</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Fastest Skater:<br>Jordan Kyrou - 13.550s<br>Adrian Kempe - 13.585s<br>Chris Kreider - 13.664s<br>Connor McDavid - 13.690s<br>Cale Makar - 13.834s<br>Kyle Connor - 13.851s<br>Dylan Larkin - 14.116s<br>Evgeny Kuznetsov - 14.559s

Kyrou also competed in the AHL's Fastest Skater challenge as a player for the San Antonio Rampage in 2019. He placed second with a time of 13.520, which would have placed fourth in the NHL's version of the competition that campaign.

Blues skating coach John Standbrook wasn't surprised that Kyrou was selected to compete this year, suggesting that a player's acceleration on the ice can be estimated by their vertical jump. Kyrou's 34-inch jump is much higher than the NHL average. 

“That’s really the defining aspect of why Jordy is so damn good,” Standbrook told The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. “Think of a car, all right. You’ve got two VWs on the line, and they’re both going to come across the line at the same time."


Save Streak: Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jack Campbell (9 saves)

Tampa Bay Lightning star Andrei Vasilevskiy and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell teamed up to give the Atlantic Division a win in this year's Save Streak challenge. The duo combined for nine straight saves. 

Tampa Bay Lightning @TBLightning

🤜🤛<a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MapleLeafs</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/8bLRvjSIJN">pic.twitter.com/8bLRvjSIJN</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Save Streak:<br>ATL Campbell/Vasilevskiy - 9<br>CEN Talbot/Saros - 5<br>PAC Demko/Gibson - 3<br>MET Andersen/Jarry - 2

The win should come as no surprise. Vasilevskiy has been one of the best goaltenders in the NHL over the last several years and won the Vezina Trophy during the 2018-19 season. Campbell, meanwhile, is in the midst of one of his best NHL seasons with a .925 save percentage and 2.30 goals-against average. 

The Central Division tandem of Cam Talbot and Juuse Saros finished second, making five straight saves. 


Fountain Face-Off: Zach Werenski (25.634 seconds)

In the first-ever edition of the Fountain Face-Off, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski took home the victory with a time of 25.634 seconds. 

The Fountain Face-Off is one of the most unique events in NHL All-Star Skills Competition history, with the event taking place in the iconic Bellagio fountains. Players traveled by boat to the "rink" and had to shoot five pucks into five targets in the least amount of time. 

Werenski topped Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi in the head-to-head final. Former USA women's hockey star Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson finished third.

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Fountain Faceoff<br><br>Final<br>Zach Werenski - 25.634s<br>Roman Josi - 47.454s<br><br>RD 1<br>Roman Josi - 11.855s<br>Zach Werenski - 15.163s<br>Jocelyne Lamoureux - 16.253s<br>Nick Suzuki - 22.155s<br>Claude Giroux - 22.688s<br>Mark Stone - 24.696s<br>Jordan Eberle - 27.934s<br>Jonathan Huberdeau - 39.915s

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

3-time Olympian Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson absolutely ripping through the Fountain Face-Off :eyes: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/cObAB6YLAf">pic.twitter.com/cObAB6YLAf</a>

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

THE VIEWS &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; 🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/0yoe9cOjLV">pic.twitter.com/0yoe9cOjLV</a>

Before Friday, the NHL's accuracy shooting challenge had typically been performed on a standard rink. 


Hardest Shot: Victor Hedman (103.2 mph)

Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman won this year's Hardest Shot competition, with a 103.2 mph slap shot to seal the victory. New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech finished second with a 102.2 mph shot. 

NHL GIFs @NHLGIFs

Hedman wins Hardest Shot at 103.2 MPH! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/kDMT5Fsld1">pic.twitter.com/kDMT5Fsld1</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Hardest Shot:<br>Victor Hedman - 103.2 mph<br>Adam Pelech - 102.2 mph<br>Tom Wilson - 101.1 mph<br>Timo Meier - 100.1 mph

Hedman is the first Swedish player to win the Hardest Shot challenge since Fredrik Modin in 2001, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. He is also the third straight defenseman to win the competition. 

However, Zdeno Chara's record of 108.8 mph, which he set in 2012, will stand for at least one more year. It's hard to imagine anyone ever breaking the mark, though Shea Weber almost did in 2016 with a 108.1 mph shot. 


Breakaway Challenge: Alex Pietrangelo (64 points)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo won the Breakaway Challenge with 64 points thanks to actor Jon Hamm, who gave him a score of 19 for the event...even though he missed the net.

Some might say Trevor Zegras, who wore the "Average Joes" jersey from Dodgeball, was robbed. Others might say Jack Hughes, who pulled off a stunning magician routine, deserved the W. Either way, Pietrangelo is the winner. 

Vegas Golden Knights @GoldenKnights

Marching to the beat of his own drum 🥁 <a href="https://t.co/EjZijfgYDd">pic.twitter.com/EjZijfgYDd</a>

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

The Hangover starring Alex DeBrincat and... Derek Carr❓ WHAT 🐅 <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLBlackhawks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxQ2AzqLfj">pic.twitter.com/vxQ2AzqLfj</a>

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball" <br><br>Apparently you can also have disgusting hands, is Trevor Zegras for real with this?! 🤢 <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnaheimDucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9RwnS9krj">pic.twitter.com/s9RwnS9krj</a>

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

Is that Ovi? No, it's Kirill the Thrill showing love to the Gr8 <a href="https://twitter.com/mnwild?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mnwild</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1dbhbcD8W">pic.twitter.com/H1dbhbcD8W</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Breakaway Challenge:<br>Alex Pietrangelo - 64<br>Jack Hughes - 59<br>Trevor Zegras - 58<br>Alex DeBrincat - 54<br>Kirill Kaprizov - 47

It should also be mentioned that Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov had a nice tribute to Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with his breakaway attempt, and he likely should have received a slightly higher score. Ovechkin was unable to compete in the All-Star festivities after being placed in COVID-19 protocols.


21 in '22: Joe Pavelski

This 21 in '22 event was new this year. Five players faced a full deck of oversized cards set up on a rack. The shooters had to reach 21 points without going over and do it in as few shots as possible, similar to blackjack. 

Each round was won by the first player to reach 21 or whoever had the highest hand. The first player to win two rounds won the event.

Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski couldn't miss.

Dallas Stars @DallasStars

And 21 AGAIN? You can't make this up! ♥♠♦♣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/171Maah7kr">pic.twitter.com/171Maah7kr</a>

Dallas Stars @DallasStars

Ace on the first shot, 21 on the second?<br><br>Looks like Joe DID bring Roope and Robo to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> weekend! <a href="https://t.co/YiS6CdMj31">pic.twitter.com/YiS6CdMj31</a>

Dallas Stars @DallasStars

Ace of Spades? <br><br>Hello again, Roope. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/tRMhtEaYsK">pic.twitter.com/tRMhtEaYsK</a>

Dallas Stars @DallasStars

Shot ☝ IS AN ACE!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/AzFiPlVciI">pic.twitter.com/AzFiPlVciI</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> 21 in ‘22<br>W - Joe Pavelski: 21 + A + Q<br>Steven Stamkos: 21 + A + 4<br>Nazem Kadri: 21 + missed<br>Auston Matthews: 21<br>Brady Tkachuk: 21

This was definitely a fun challenge, but don't expect it to return for next year's All-Star festivities, which will take place at the home of the Florida Panthers. 


Accuracy Shooting: Sebastian Aho (10.937 seconds)

Carolina Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho won the Accuracy Shooting challenge by hitting all four targets in 10.937 seconds. He didn't miss any of his shots.

NHL GIFs @NHLGIFs

.<a href="https://twitter.com/SebastianAho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SebastianAho</a> goes 4-for-4! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/9YWquzzAVm">pic.twitter.com/9YWquzzAVm</a>

NHL News @PuckReportNHL

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLAllStar</a> Accuracy Shooting:<br>Sebastian Aho - 10.937s<br>Jake Guentzel - 12.017s<br>Troy Terry - 13.491s<br>Rasmus Dahlin - 17.205s<br>Johnny Gaudreau - 17.811s<br>Clayton Keller - 18.997s<br>Patrice Bergeron - 20.947s<br>Jonathan Marchessault - 27.782s<br>Leon Draisaitl - 36.543s

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry finished second and third, respectively, outperforming Patrice Bergeron and Leon Draisaitl. 


What's Next?

The 2022 NHL All-Star Game will take place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. It will be the sixth time the event features a three-game, three-on-three tournament. 

Who won the skills competition 2022?

Evan Mobley nailed a half-court shot with 5.5 seconds remaining to seal the win in the Skills Challenge for Team Cavs.

Who won the Skills Challenge 2022 NHL?

Joe Pavelski wins Las Vegas 21 in '22 skills competition on Vegas Strip.

What time is the NHL All

The Golden Knights and the city of Las Vegas will host the 2022 Honda NHL® All-Star Weekend Feb. 4‑5, which will include the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills™ presented by DraftKings Sportsbook on Friday, Feb. 4 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports) and the 2022 Honda NHL® All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb.

Who won the All

The events did not disappoint, as Sabrina Ionescu won the Skills Challenge and Allie Quigley made history with her fourth 3-Point Contest title.