Greg Wyshynski: The NHL All-Star Game has seen several different formats since the 1940s, beginning with the defending Stanley Cup champion taking on a group of all-stars from the league's other five teams. That's still a novel concept, but -- given the roster churn that occurs today thanks to the salary cap -- the defending champ could have 30 percent new players in the following season.
We've had conference vs. conference, North America vs. the World, the NHL Fantasy Draft and today's iteration, which features 3-on-3 hockey in a four-division mini-tournament. We've also had years where the NHL has dropped the All-Star Game altogether, in favor of a best-on-best tournament with the Russians.