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NHL, Predators stars enjoying the Tampa experience at All Star Weekend

Video report by Cutler Klein

The NHL’s stars shined bright in Tampa, Florida this weekend at the 2018 NHL All Star Game.

On the red carpet prior to the game, Nashville Predators head coach Peter Laviolette and goaltender Pekka Rinne marveled at the number of Predators fans in attendance in Tampa. Rinne also had a hard time comparing this weekend to Nashville’s All Star weekend back in 2016.

In addition, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was grateful for the opportunity to coach in the All Star Game in his home city. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski lauded Tampa’s fans and the turnout this weekend.

Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau thought this weekend shows the growth the American hockey has undergone in the last few decades. Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews had a good time seeing some old friends and making some new ones.

Finally, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson had a little fun with the Gasparilla pirates this weekend in Tampa.

Stay tuned for more coverage of All Star Weekend in Tampa.

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Justin is the author of "The Making of Smashville." An award-winning reporter, in 2013, he received the Silver Medal in the Best Sports Reporter Category for The Tennessean's Toast of Music City reader's poll. In 2014 & 2015, Justin was voted as the Best Sports Reporter in Nashville. In 2014, PenaltyBoxRadio.com received the silver medal as Best Blog in Nashville. In 2015, the website received the award for Best Sports Blog in Music City. In 2016, the site was awarded 2nd place as Best Blog in Nashville. He has been a featured guest on "NHL Tonight" on NHL Network, "Inside Sports Sunday on WSMV-TV, "All Things Considered" on NPR, "Road to the Cup" on WKRN-TV, "Sportsline" on NewsC hannel 5+, "Predators Playoffs Today" on ESPN 102.5 The Game, TSN 1290 Winnipeg, Sportsnet 590 The Fan - Toronto, TSN 1260 Edmonton, WGR Sports Radio 550 - Buffalo, and featured in The Ringer, Saturday Down South and The Tennessean. Credentialed by the Nashville Predators, the NHL (Stanley Cup Final, Draft, All Star Game), WCHA and CHL.

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