NHL Shootout: N. America Beats World, 14-12

D E N V E R, Feb. 5 -- It was the worst day ever for goalies in a setting that is never good for the men in the nets.

The usually high-scoring NHL All-Star game outdid itself in its51st edition as the North America team beat the World squad 14-12Sunday.

“I know it’s hard to believe in a game like this, but I madesome great saves,” said Martin Brodeur, the winning goalie despiteallowing five third-period goals. “It was exhausting out there fora goalie. Once a year for this is enough.”

Bill Guerin had three goals and added two assists to win the MVPaward. He joined Tony Amonte and Doug Weight on a U.S. line thatcombined for six goals and seven assists.

MVP Award 'Shocking'

“It’s still kind of shocking to me, but it’s been great,” saidGuerin, an All-Star rookie at 30. “I didn’t expect this. I justwanted to come and have a good time.”

The effort overshadowed the anticipated return of Mario Lemieuxto the All-Star game. Lemieux had a goal and an assist in his ninthappearance at the event.

Alexei Kovalev brought the World to 12-11 with 5:32 left andsnapped the combined record of 22 goals in 1993.

The game was the third penalty-free All-Star game. Last year’s9-4 contest won by the World team had one. In the first three yearsof the North America against the World format, an average of 14goals were scored.

“This is the All-Star game, people don’t expect a 4-2 or 4-1game,” said Patrick Roy, North America’s most-effective goalieallowing only three goals.

Lemieux Tallies on Breakaway

Lemieux returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team he owns,in late December after a 3½-year retirement. The 35-year-oldcenter, a three-time All-Star MVP, gave North America a 5-4 lead inthe second period with his 12th career All-Star goal. He assistedon the first of two goals by Simon Gagne.

Lemieux, who took a game-high nine shots, played in only 16games this season, tallying 16 goals and 16 assists. His goal cameon a classic rush against Roman Cechmanek.