The Kings, Gretzky and the All-Star Game

Now that the hoopla of the NHL’s All-Star weekend is over, let’s tell the truth: This event has become a joke.

What kind of “game” is this, anyway? Ninety shots on goal! Almost no penalties called! And with no hitting or defense, the NHL’s best goaltenders were made to look like inept buffoons. My wife and I are season ticket-holders for the Kings and, as badly as they have played, the game televised by NBC didn’t look half as good as the NHL hockey we see every night.

TOM LEYKIS

Los Angeles