The 56th NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta was a star studded event that kept fans on their feet. It was a story of comebacks and clock beating shots that will not soon be forgotten.

The All-Star Game was eventful, although not for penalties. Both the ECS and the WCS were only penalized a total of zero minutes. With both teams playing at full strength for 60 minutes, neither team had an advantage.

Western Conference Stars struck first and fast. Just 12 seconds into the game, Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets) scored, unassisted. WCS, 1-0

A minute and eight seconds later the Eastern Conference Stars answered with a goal. Eric Stall (Carolina Hurricanes) was assisted by Brain Campbell (Buffalo Sabers) and Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins). Tied, 1-1

After an eight minute back and forth across the ice, ECS Andrei Markov (Montreal Canadians) scored a goal. Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers) and Marian Hossa (Atlanta Thrashers) assisted. ECS, 2-1

The Easterners had found a rhythm and began a two minute drill that would open their lead. At 13:35 into the first period, Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) fought in a goal with assists from Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators) and Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning). ECS, 3-1

Two minutes later, Brian Campbell scored a goal of his own, assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning). ECS, 4-1

Eastern fans were on their feet in another two minutes, when Alexander Ovechkin scored his second goal of the period. Martin St. Louis and Jason Spezza assisted. ECS, 5-1

The second period was not as productive, but no fewer attempts were made by either team. Halfway through the period, Western fans cheered as Rick Nash scored his second goal. Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) assisted. ECS, 5-2

WCS were attempting to close the gap. 15:08 into the second period, Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks) scored with the assistance of Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks) and Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks). ECS, 5-3

41 seconds after the puck was dropped for the third period, WCS scored another goal. This time, Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks) evaded the goalie with the help of Ed Jovanovski (Phoenix Coyotes). ECS, 5-4

Determined to come back, WCS took just over a minute to get back to the goal. Rick Nash scored for a third time. Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames) got the assist. Tied, 5-5

The roller coaster ride had begun. ECS answered with a goal two minutes later by Marian Hossa. Scott Gomez (New York Rangers) and Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins) assisted. ECS, 6-5

One minute would not tick off of the game clock before the WCS tied again. Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames) scored a goal with assists from Ryan Getslaf and Jason Arnott (Nashville Predators). Tied, 6-6

At 10:57 of the third period, the WCS would retake the lead lost in the first. Marian Gaborik (Minnesota Wild) scored a goal for the WCS, with an assist from Henrik Sedin. WCS, 7-6

Eric Staal came to the rescue with his second goal for the ECS. Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers) and Marc Savard (Boston Bruins) assisted. Tied, 7-7

Surely, the game would go to overtime as the 19th minute clicked on the game clock. All of the fans were on their feet for this nail biter.

With only 20.9 seconds left in the All-Star Game, with assists from Brain Campbell and Eric Staal, Marc Savard scored a goal to put the Eastern Conference Stars in the lead. ECS, 8-7

Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes) was named MVP for his three goals and his assist in the game winning goal by Marc Savard. This MVP award breaks the four year streak of the losing team winning the award. Other contenders for the award were Ovechkin and Nash.

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