On this episode of the THN Pre-Game Show with Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos:

- The NHL is making a welcomed shift from theatrics to raw talent and skill with changes to this year's All-Star Skills competition.

- With the firing of head coach Craig Berube, what awaits the Blues as they enter the Drew Bannister era?

- Despite losing the team's leading scorer Kyle Connor to a knee injury, the Jets sit atop the Central Division and may be deserving of some respect.

- How good is Canada's team ahead of the World Junior Championship, and will players like Macklin Celebrini be able to leave their mark?

- What's with Alex Ovechkin's goal slump, and are the Washington Capitals still Cup contenders? Sammi Silber of THN's Capitals site joins the show to discuss.

- Who else are contenders or pretenders?

All that and so much more.

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