The accuracy shooting competition is measured by how quickly a player can break four targets in each corner of the net. The player takes a pass from behind the net and then rifles it at the corners, as the pressure builds with each miss.
NHL Skills Competition 2012: Jamie Benn Returns This Weekend After Appendectomy, Wins Accuracy Shooting Challenge
Rookie Matt Read took only six shots to break all four targets, as he opened up the competition with a time just north of 14 seconds. Hometown favorite Jason Spezza took 18 seconds to break all four targets, going high first and then rifling low to finish it off. The mercy rule was applied to Tyler Seguin, who took 30 seconds but was unable to break all four targets, giving Spezza the win for Team Alfredsson.
Steven Stamkos, the top goal-scorer in the NHL, struggled to hit the low targets and eventually just skated in to knock off the final one after 44 seconds. Jamie Benn, who is returning after an appendectomy, was impressive slowing down to make sure the puck was flat on the ice, and then breaking all four targets in just over 13 seconds.
Marian Hossa also had one of the more impressive times, busting all four targets in under 18 seconds. Hossa controlled the passes from Phil Kessel and Ryan Suter, and then took his time before ripping his shots.
Read and Benn advanced to the finals, where Read followed up his impressive first round performance by breaking all four targets in 16 seconds. The rookie showed no nerves on the league’s big stage in Ottawa. Benn quickly responded, however, hitting four of five shots and adding another point for Team Chara with a time of 10.2 seconds.
After three events, Team Chara and Team Alfredsson are tied with six points each.
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