LOS ANGELES --Wild right wing Marian Gaborik's first experience at an NHL All-Star weekend has been a blur. Gaborik competed in the YoungStars game Friday night in the Staples Center. The game was played four on four, and the goals came fast and often. Gaborik's team, coached by Los Angeles Kings broadcaster Jim Fox, lost 13-7 to ESPN commentator Barry Melrose's team. Atlanta rookie Ilya Koval-chuk scored six goals and was the game's most valuable player. "It was pretty fun," Gaborik said. "There were a lot of two-on-ones and three-on-ones. There was no defense at all out there. The goalies had to be great." Gaborik had two breakaways against Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo. Gaborik shot high on one and hit the left post on the other. "I had a couple of chances but didn't score," Gaborik said. "It was still a good game and a good time." Gaborik, who leads the Wild with 18 goals, said he was more interested in visiting with the other young players. He dressed near Ottawa Senators defenseman Karel Rachunek. "We got a chance to chat a bit," Gaborik said. "It's good to be selected. It was great to be around the big all-stars, too. It's something I've never seen before. It's good to see them to work. It makes you want to play hard."

ALL-STAR GAME REPORT: Weekend isn't lost on Wild's Gaborik ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BY: GREG JOHNSON, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2002