ATLANTA—In the real battle of the NHL videogame cover athletes, Eric Staal, who graces the cover of NHL 08, edged out Jason Spezza, cover boy for NHL 2K8, in the 56th NHL All-Star Game. Staal scored two goals, including his first shot on net, and added an assist on the game-winning goal to take home the MVP trophy and a new Dodge Journey SUV. Spezza, who also played for the Eastern Conference but on a different line than Staal, had two assists in the game, which the East won 8-7.

During the media session on Saturday morning, Staal’s podium was set up right across from Spezza’s. When asked if there was any type of rivalry developing between the competing representatives for the two hockey videogames, he smiled and said, “Not yet, but maybe after a few days we’ll see.”

Although Staal helped lead his team to a Stanley Cup Championship in 2006, Spezza’s Senators came up short last year in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks. Spezza was more active in the videogame category at the All-Star Game.

While EA Sports opted out of this year’s contest, 2K Sports held its second annual NHL 2K8 Challenge Presented by Dodge Nitro, which Spezza provided commentary for in front of a cheering crowd Saturday afternoon. The winner received a 2008 Dodge Nitro on center ice from Spezza. In addition, there was an Xbox 360 version of NHL 2K8 set up in the player’s lounger, where media interviewed the NHL stars. So the best NHL 2K8 player and Staal, the NHL 08 representative, both got new Dodge SUVs in Atlanta.