It's every NHL goalie's worst nightmare, where the best in the world are allowed to hot dog it without the worry of being leveled by a 6-foot something walking tree of a defenseman.
It's the NHL All-Star Game. For one afternoon, NHL stands for "No Hitting League."
The past nine All-Star games, more often than not, have resembled football scores. 12-9, 6-4, 6-5, 8-5, 14-12, 9-4, 8-6, 8-7, 11-7.
That said, there have been some memorable performances, albeit rarely, from a goaltender.
Some of the best players ever have taken All-Star Game MVP honors, among them Beliveau, Howe, Hull, Orr, Bossy, Gretzky, Lemieux, Bourque, Selanne, Heatley and Sakic.
Here is a look at my top ten favorites to add their name to All-Star Game lore this weekend in Atlanta:
10. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit
When you are surrounded by the talent these guys will have Sunday, it's a flip of the coin on who will drive away with the new wheels as the All-Star Game MVP. But now we're getting into the cream of the crop and Datsyuk, one of the craftiest in the game, should be turning heads in Atlanta. Teammate Henrik Zetterberg is skipping the game, but Datsyuk doesn't need him. Not here.
9. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose
A goalie as the game MVP? In your dreams. Maybe so, but Nabokov may be able to keep Eastern snipers at bay during his stint between the pipes. A longshot, sure, but Nabokov has been known to steal a game here and there. With Luongo and Brodeur taking the night off, Nabokov could sneak the spotlight.
8. Joe Thornton, San Jose
Geez, anyone see what Thornton has done with Jonathan Cheechoo? With the level of talent he'll have on his wings, Thornton should have a field day.
7. Jarome Iginla, Calgary
Clearly on anyone's short list as a Hart Trophy candidate this season, Iginla may put up the best numbers of his career. If there was any doubt, he'll prove this weekend he ranks among the world's best.
6. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit
Why? Because it is Nik Lidstrom. If you have any doubts, you haven't been paying a whole lot of attention the past decade and a half or so. Psst. Check out his trophy case.
5. Marian Hossa, Atlanta
Might be a bit of a wildcard here, but playing in front of the hometown fans should be incentive enough for Hossa. Throw in the fact he'll be looking to put on a show a month before the trade deadline, a dominating performance may allow Hossa to escape Atlanta for good.
4. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh
Finally, it's time for Malkin to emerge from Sid the Kid's long, ominous shadow. Taking Crosby's spot in the All-Star Game is the ideal stage for Malkin to show everyone that the Penguins may indeed the luckiest bloody team in the world.
3. Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay
Even in the midst of a banner season, Lecavalier should be looking to escape the doldrums of the Eastern Conference cellar-dwelling Lightning for an afternoon. It will show.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk
Like Hossa, Kovalchuk will be playing in front of his home fans and that should give him a spark, if he even needs one. Unfortunately, the guy below him on this list will also be in town as well.
1. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington
It's showtime for OV and this is just another stage. Sit back and watch. It could be something special.