Matthew Tkachuk enjoyed home comforts in the NHL All-Star Game, named MVP as the Atlantic Division beat the Central Division 7-5 on Saturday.

The Florida Panthers winger had seven points on the day, including five in the semi-final win over the Metropolitan Division, as he starred in front of the Panthers fans in Florida.

It was Tkachuk's second All-Star victory, having helped the Pacific Division win the 2020 All-Star title in his hometown of St. Louis.

Victory in Florida was a special occasion for Tkachuk, who hopes his teammates on the day enjoyed similar feelings.

"It's been an honour to play in front of them this whole year, and it's great that the other players in the league can see what a great place this is to play," he said, "I'm as happy as can be here."

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was another who shone, hitting a hat trick in the final, and he certainly had the same enjoyable experience.

"It was so much fun. I'm proud of how we won it. What a great group of guys. It was just a great weekend."

Victory for the Atlantic was their first after six previous ties in the divisional format, having fallen in the final in 2020.