Maybe you all won't think this is a good idea but....I'll give it a try......

JUMP

An Alternative to the All-Star Game

An All Star Game Alternative could be this....the league (or most of it) Takes 1-2 weeks off.  During that brief break.  The League schedules 4 or 5 of these Winter Classic  matchups. They can arrange some good matchups: 

Maybe you have rematches with the teams that competed the respective Conference Finals from the Season Prior. (EX: Habs v. Flyers and Hawks v. Sharks) 

Maybe you have a natural Rival or two (Isles v. Rags) or (Bruins v. Habs).....You can never really go wrong with the Red Wings vs. anyone.

Another idea would be a potential Stanley Cup matchup:  before this season started they may have chosen Devils v. Vancouver. 

I'm really just throwing out the idea....what games you choose would be a different conversation.  The NHL All Star game is a DUD.  Everyone knows it.  The Winter Classic has been a hit with everyone.  Why not run with it?! NO?

You have 4 games:   2 Primetime Games on Primetime TV- Like a Tuesday and Thurday Night and then a Weekend Doubleheader...!  It's a week-long showcase of the game and the league.