Certified Sniper: Brock Nelson, the NHL’s Most Accurate Shooter

For years, New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson has sniped goaltenders left and right, but until this season, an All-Star appearances was never in the cards. But after lighting the lamp 19 times in the first half of the season, the NHL chose Nelson to be the Islanders representative down in South Beach for the 2023 NHL All-Star festivities.

Brock Nelson was chosen to take part in the Accuracy Shooting competition, against Florida Panthers Sasha Barkov, Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl, Philadelphia Flyers Kevin Hayes, New Jersey Devils Jack Hughes, Calgary Flames Nazem Kadri, Tampa Bay Lightning Nikita Kucherov, Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid, New York Rangers Artemi Panarin, and St. Louis Blues Vladimir Tarasenko.

After the first round, Nelson came in second place, hitting all four targets in 12.126 seconds. McDavid, otherwise known as “McJesus” stunned the crowd by hitting all four in under 10 seconds.

Nelson with a 12.126! 🎯

He’s moving on to the semifinals 👏 pic.twitter.com/l4JnyuY7PS

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2023

Then came the second round, as Brock Nelson knocked off rival Artemi Panarin, with ease.

Brock Nelson is heading to the Finals! pic.twitter.com/zHroqcZ6cN

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2023

And then came the finals, against Nazem Kadri, who knocked off Connor McDavid, in a stunner. Brock Nelson continued to snipe, as he tends to do, shining in the finale, winning the competition.

YOUR 2023 ACCURACY SHOOTING WINNER. #LGI | @Enterprise pic.twitter.com/OGmVuCGTYW

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 4, 2023

“It was cool. Some nerves, and some excitement going into it, not really knowing what to expect,” Brock Nelson said. “That was a good time. It was fun.”

Nelson, along with Ilya Sorokin and Bo Horvat (Pacific Division), will take part in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game today, which kicks off at 3 PM ET.

NYI HOCKEY NOW

NYI Hockey Now chatted with Jon Goyens, head coach of the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) this past summer about what it takes for a player to switch positions, the importance of hockey parents not subjecting their children to just one forward position, and if Mat Barzal could benefit from a positional change to the win.

Here are three players that the New York Islanders should target to add much-needed depth to a thin roster.

NATIONAL HOCKEY NOW

Boston Hockey Now: NHL Insider Believes Pastrnak Forced Bruins Hand.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: One of the most recognizable NHL players, Sidney Crosby, has grown to appreciate the NHL All-Star Festivities over the years, find out why.

Florida Hockey Now: A complete guide to the 2023 All-Star weekend in Sunrise, Florida.

Montreal Hockey Now: Hockey x Golf at the All-Star Skills Competition. Yup, you read that right. Nick Suzuki sunk a birdie to win the first-ever Pitch’n Puck Challenge.

Colorado Hockey Now: Step right up and watch Mikko Rantanen dunk Sidney Crosby into a Dunk Tank.

Washington Hockey Now: Crosby and Alex Ovechkin team up at the Skills competition for a viral heartwarming moment with Ovi Jr.

LA Hockey Now: We all know the Los Angeles Kings have a great prospect pool, but apparently, it’s not the best, according to The Athletic. Find out what they ranked and why.