Legend Messier shines

Messier got a standing ovation

A Joe Sakic hat-trick failed to prevent the Eastern Conference winning the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.

The East triumphed 6-4 in St Paul, with 43-year-old Mark Messier claiming a goal and an assist and Daniel Alfredsson finding the net twice.

Colorado star Sakic was named All-Star MVP, but many of the plaudits went to Messier - possibly playing for the last time in the annual NHL showcase.

He set up the game's first goal for Adrian Aucoin for an All-Star game record 14th assist, one more than Ray Bourque had in 19 games.

Messier, who was already a Stanley Cup winner with Edmonton when 19-year-old Columbus All-Star Rick Nash was born, later levelled the game at 3-3.

It was his sixth goal in an All-Star game and his first since 1998, giving him 20 career points - breaking a tie with Gordie Howe for third place in All-Star history.

The crowd gave Messier a standing ovation before the game, and cheered his goal, even though it came for the opposing East.

Gary Roberts put the East ahead by slamming Alfredsson's long rebound past Vokoun less than a minute after Messier's goal.

Ottawa's Alfredsson made it 5-3 late in the second by swiping in a Mats Sundin shot.

There were only two goals scored in the first period and only two in the third.

The only goal against Martin Brodeur was by Sakic, who tied it at 1-1. His three goals equalled his total in his first eight All-Star games.