My first NHL All-Star Game

This wasn't the way that I expected to feel when I was selected for my first NHL All-Star game. It was bittersweet because Jonesy is my linemate and my friend, and he really deserved it. I know he was looking forward to it.
But when I woke up from our flight back from Arizona and Bill Zito told me that I was next in line, I couldn't say no. I grew up watching the skills competition and the All-Star game, and it's a once in a lifetime experience to get to go.
Well, hopefully more than once in a lifetime.
Even though it was five in the morning, I immediately called my parents. When I invited them to drive down to Columbus to fly out with me, it didn't take long for them to say, "Yes."
Telling my parents, "I'm a NHL All-Star," was a pretty cool moment.

I knew that the weekend was supposed to be fun, but it was honestly more relaxed than I expected. I just tried to soak it all up like a sponge.
The best part was spending time with all of the guys. I got to see some old buddies, like Auston Matthews and Noah Hanifin, and I got to play with people I've looked up to since I was a kid.
When Crosby and Ovechkin joined the league, I was 10-years old. Of course, I imagined myself playing with them, but to have that actually happen, getting to know them, hearing their stories about their cities and their organizations … I've always wondered what it's like, so just to be around the guys and kind of get to know them was really cool.
While the weekend was great, I'm ready to move forward and get ready for this final push. The playoffs are always on my mind, but since my playoffs got cut short last year, it's gotten to be all I can think about.
These last couple months, we just have to go out there and find ways to win. The Metro Division is a tight race right now, so we have to find ways to get points every night.
It's going to be a fun last two months trying to battle our way into the playoffs, but we're looking forward to it. We know it's time to play our best hockey.
I can't wait to be back in that playoff atmosphere in Nationwide Arena.
See you in the playoffs,
- Zach