Even the most passionate of hockey fans has trouble generating serious interest in the NHL All-Star Game, a goalies’ nightmare that saw John Tavares of the Islanders score four goals as Team Toews beat Team Foligno 17-12 on Sunday in Columbus.

ESPN.com’s Scott Burnside counters that the All-Star festivities are about more than the actual game, calling the weekend a “pleasant respite” in the middle of the season.