The least likely All-Star was voted the most valuable player of the NHL's first venture into three-on-three play at its midseason showcase, proving that the worst intentions can sometimes have an unimaginably good outcome.
A ride that began when enforcer John Scott was jokingly promoted as the Pacific Division captain in fan voting ended Sunday with Scott hoisted on players' shoulders while the crowd at Bridgestone Arena chanted "MVP!" in his honor. Scott, who had declined requests from the NHL and Arizona Coyotes to withdraw — and wasn't sure he'd play after he was traded to Montreal and sent to the minor leagues — won a car in fan balloting and the respect of teammates and opponents after the Pacific Division defeated the Atlantic, 1-0, to win the mini-tournament and split a $1-million prize.