The game was a popular topic at the
2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend
, where 15 NHL All-Stars shared their thoughts.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes didn't hesitate: "The Eagles are going to win the Super Bowl."
Others joined Hayes on Team Philadelphia, including Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, Buffalo Bills fan and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and, unsurprisingly, South Jersey's own Johnny Gaudreau, a forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey said he has the Chiefs because, "I'm a [Dallas] Cowboys fan, have always been, so you just can't cheer for the Eagles."
Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry is also going with Kansas City "because I'm a Cowboys fan and I don't love the Eagles."
Morrissey and Terry were rebutted by Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
"It's kind of controversial because I'm from Dallas, but I would have to say Philadelphia," said Robertson, a native of Arcadia, California. He also said he "was obviously upset [but] there was a lot more people unhappy too" after the Cowboys lost 19-12 to the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Divisional Playoff game.
Seth Jones was born in Arlington, Texas, outside of Dallas, but echoed Robertson.
"I got the Eagles winning," the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman said. "I'm a Cowboys fan, but I think it's their year."
Forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who has since been traded to the New York Rangers by the St. Louis Blues, took some time to think before going with the expected answer.
"Chiefs," he said in support of a fellow Missouri-based team.
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov agreed. So did Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk.
"It's close to St. Louis," said Tkachuk, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, who was raised in the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield, Missouri.
For Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, it's all about the quarterbacks, in particular Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs.
"I'll bet on Mahomes," Fox said.
That made it seven All-Stars going with the Chiefs and seven with the Eagles. Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov was asked to break the tie but said, "I actually don't really watch football."
He then shifted final count to 8-7 in favor of the Eagles.
"Let's do Philadelphia," Svechnikov said.
