NASHVILLE -- NHL benches are typically sacred areas, reserved for teams; for coaches, players and trainers. Occasionally they'll let a broadcaster on the bench for an interview, but it's normally a place where strategy is discussed, trash talk is expected and conversations are kept private.
None of that was true Saturday at Bridgestone Arena during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition. The benches were littered with people, from players' kids to reporters from the major networks, to NHL and NHLPA representatives.
It was unique, an experience, and NHL.com got to be a part of it.
Here is a chronological look at some of the best behind the scenes moments of the Skills Competition as seen and heard from the benches:
* Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr stops to chat with Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn at center ice.