Congratulations are in order for yesterday's post, the 500th on this blog in well under 500 days. Thanks to everyone who's stopped by to check it out. We are nearing 2,500 hits, so there's been quite a few of you out there. On to today's hockey, the last of the year, beginning with a few matinee games.
First up, the New York Islanders host the similarly colored Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Evgeni Nabokov picked up the starts. New York began with a John Tavares goal, his thirteenth of the season coming on the power play from P.A. Parenteau and Matt Moulson. Edmonton answered on a Sam Gagner goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Corey Potter and Andy Sutton. The Islanders answered back on a Moulson goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, assisted by Tavares and Kyle Okposo. New York added on in the second period with a Parenteau power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Moulson and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders made it 4-1 with Matt Martin's fourth of the year, courtesy of Josh Bailey and Michael Grabner. The third period was scoreless, so this was a final, and the three stars went to Tavares, Moulson, and Martin, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcomed the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur were in goal. New Jersey led off with Ilya Kovalchuk converting a penalty shot as his twelfth of the season, coming after Brooks Orpik covered the puck. The Devils added on with a David Clarkson goal, his thirteenth of the year coming on the power play from Patrik Elias and Kovalchuk. The scoring resumed with Pittsburgh in the third period as Chris Kunitz notched his thirteenth of the season on the power play, powered by Matt Niskanen and Steve Sullivan. New Jersey iced it 3-1 with an empty net goal by Zach Parise, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Elias and Kovalchuk. The three stars were Kovalchuk, Clarkson, and Elias.
Down to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Mathieu Garon play in the blue paint. Steven Stamkos put Tampa Bay on the board first with his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Steve Downie. Carolina tied it when Justin Faulk netted his second of the year, a power play goal made possible by Drayson Bowman and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period when Jay Harrison scored on the power play, his third of the season, pushed through by Staal and Jamie McBain. The Lightning retied it as Stamkos scored again, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, guided in by St. Louis and Downie. Stamkos finished a hat trick in the third period as he made his twenty-sixth of the season, a power play goal where St. Louis wrapped up a sock trick and Ryan Malone had the other assist. The Lightning kept going with a Teddy Purcell goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Malone and Brett Clark. Tampa Bay added on when Downie put his sixth of the season away, with the help of Malone, who earns a sock trick and Tom Pyatt. The final was 5-2, with the three stars awarded to Stamkos, St. Louis, and Downie, while Malone and Staal earn honorable mentions.
Up to Minnesota, where the Wild host the Phoenix Coyotes. Curtis McElhinney went up against Niklas Backstrom in net. Minnesota struck first in the second period as Pierre-Marc Bouchard netted his ninth of the season, courtesy of Nick Johnson and Matt Cullen. Phoenix answered on a Daymond Langkow power play goal, his sixth of the year, an unassisted tally. The Coyotes took the lead in the third period on a pair of Radim Vrbata goals, his seventeenth and eighteenth of the campaign, with assists doled out to Ray Whitney, Kyle Chipchura, and Keith Yandle. The Wild got one back as Cullen potted his tenth of the season a penalty shot. Whitney iced the game for Phoenix with his fourteenth of the year, and empty net goal made possible by Rostislav Klesla. Vrbata, Cullen, and Bouchard took home the three stars in the 4-2 game, while Whitney also played well.
Now at the regular times, the Winnipeg Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec received the starting nods. Toronto drew first blood with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eleventh of the season, from Carl Gunnarsson and Dion Phaneuf on the power play. Winnipeg answered in the second period with a Zach Bogosian power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Tobias Enstrom and Antti Miettinen. The Jets took the lead with an Andrew Ladd goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Kyle Wellwood and Johnny Oduya. The Maple Leafs replied on a Phil Kessel goal, his twenty-first of the season, set up by Tim Connolly and Phaneuf. Winnipeg took a 3-2 lead on another power play goal, this time Blake Wheeler's sixth of the year, thanks to Ron Hainsey and Miettinen. There was no third period scoring, leaving this as a final, and giving the three stars to Wheeler, Bogosian, and Kessel, while Miettinen and Phaneuf also played well.
Eastward to Buffalo, as the Sabres welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson will oppose Jhonas Enroth from 200 feet away. Buffalo led off with a Brad Boyes goal, his third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jordan Leopold and Marc-Andre Gragnani. Matt Carkner answered for Ottawa in the second period, and he was helped by Kyle Turris and Erik Condra. The Sabres took the lead back with a Paul Gaustad goal, his third of the year, via Leopold and Brayden McNabb. The Senators tied it up again on the fifth of the campaign by Chris Neil, fueled by Condra and Zack Smith. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Ottawa toppled Buffalo 3-2 on Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Bobby Butler tallies, overpowering scores by Boyes and Jason Pominville. The three stars were Enroth (44 for 46 in saves), Leopold, and Anderson (26 for 28 in saves), while Condra gets an honorable mention.
Across the Great Lakes, the Detroit Red Wings bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. Detroit busted things open in the second period with a Johan Franzen goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Drew Miller. Detroit made it 3-0 with Jiri Hudler notching his ninth of the campaign, with the help of Valtteri Filppula and Henrik Zetterberg. The third period was silent, so this was a final. The three stars were awarded to Howard (31 save shutout), Abdelkader, and Hudler.
South a tad to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Steve Mason are the masked men. Columbus got things going in the second period with the second of the season by John Moore, assisted by Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets added on with a Samuel Pahlsson goal, his second of the year, fueled by R.J. Umberger and Marc Methot. Washington got on the board in the third period with an unassisted Alex Ovechkin goal, his fifteenth of the season. Alexander Semin tied it for the Capitals on his tenth of the year, courtesy of Dennis Wideman and Nicklas Backstrom. Wideman quickly gave Washington the lead after that, netting his sixth of the season just twenty-eight seconds later, with the help of Marcus Johansson and Roman Hamrlik. The Capitals iced it 4-2 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Dmitry Orlov and Karl Alzner. The three stars were given to Ovechkin, Wideman, ad Pahlsson.
Back to Florida, where the Panthers host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Jose Theodore are in the creases, but Scott Clemmensen had to relieve Thoedore in the second period due to injury. Travis Moen got things started for Montreal with his ninth of the season, coming off of Lars Eller and Tomas Kaberle. Florida answered in the second period with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell on the power play. The Panthers added on in the third period with a Shawn Matthias goal, his seventh of the campaign, and Ed Jovanovski had the lone assist. Florida made it 3-1 with another Fleischmann goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the season, pushed through by Jason Garrison. The Canadiens made a late comeback attempt just eleven seconds later with an Erik Cole goal, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Yannick Weber and David Desharnais. The final held at 3-2 Panthers, and Fleischmann, Matthias, and Clemmensen (17 for 18 in saves) earned the three stars.
Across the southern end of the USA, the Anaheim Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere went up against his old team, while Jonas Hiller guarded the opposite goalmouth. Milan Hejduk got things going for Colorado on his tenth of the season, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly. Kyle Quincey added on for the Avalanche in the second period with his fourth of the year, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Kevin Porter. Colorado kept it up with a Chuck Kobasew goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Jay McClement and Ryan O'Byrne. Anaheim got on the board with a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Bobby Ryan and Saku Koivu. The Avalanche replied in the third period with another Hejduk goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The Ducks cut it down to 4-2, as close as it would get, when Ryan potted his thirteenth of the year, with a little help from Koivu and Cam Fowler. The three stars were O'Reilly, Hejduk, and Visnovsky, while Ryan and Koivu played well as well.
Back to the east a tad, as the Dallas Stars host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Dallas led off with a Loui Eriksson goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley. Boston answered when Tyler Seguin recorded his fifteenth of the year, with the help of David Krejci. Daley shot back for the Stars on his fourth of the season, and Tom Wandell picked up the lone assist. Dallas extended the lead with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Jamie Benn and Daley. Wandell pushed the Stars farther ahead with his second of the season in the second period, helped along by Adam Burish and Benn. The Bruins cut it down to 4-2 in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. This was a final, and the three stars belonged to Daley, Benn, and Wandell, with honorable mention for Krejci.
Finally, the last game of 2011 is in Los Angeles, where the Kings host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Quick tend the twines. Vancouver opened with a Kevin Bieksa goal, his fourth of the season, with help from Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles replied on a Brad Richardson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov. The Kings took the lead in the second period with Matt Greene nailing his second of the season, with the help of Loktionov. Los Angeles extended the lead with an Anze Kopitar goal, his eleventh of the year, guided in by Justin Williams and Jack Johnson. The Kings added on again with a power play goal by Williams, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Voynov and Jarret Stoll. This made it 4-1, the eventual final, and the three stars went to Greene, Kopitar, and Quick (27 for 28 in saves), while Loktionov and Voynov also played well.
Everyone please have a safe and happy New Year, and I appreciate the continued support. Best of luck to all in 2012.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
NHL Day 86 2011-2012
Just five games on tonight, beginning with...
The Washington Capitals hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Tomas Vokoun tend the twines. Washington led off with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist from the goalie Vokoun. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period with Nicklas Backstrom potting his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Alexander Semin and Roman Hamrlik. Buffalo got on the board when Jochen Hecht notched his fourth of the season, with help from Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Washington made it 3-1 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by Backstrom and Semin. This went to be finalized, with Vokoun (25 for 26 in saves), Ovechkin, and Backstrom getting the three stars, while Semin gets an honorable mention.
Up to the other nationals capital, as the Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames. Backups Leland Irving and Alex Auld are in net. Calgary led off with a Rene Bourque goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. The Flames added on with the fifteenth of the year for Curtis Glencross, a power play goal, powered by Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla. Calgary struck again with a Chris Butler goal, set up by Anton Babchuk and Mikael Backlund. Ottawa got on the board with a Nick Foligno goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar. The Senators pulled closer as Zack Smith recorded his eleventh of the year, coming off of Brian Lee and Chris Phillips. Ottawa tied it as Erik Karlsson registered his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The game went to overtime, where the Senators downed the Flames with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Karlsson and Chris Neil. The three stars were awarded to Alfredsson, Karlsson, and Bouwmeester in the 4-3 game.
To the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Scott Clemmensen received the starts, but Jose Theodore relieved Clemmensen in the first period. New York started off with a Carl Hagelin goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on with a Brad Richards goal, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Jeff Woywitka. New York extended the lead again with a Michael Del Zotto goal, his fifth of the season, with the assists provided by Richards and Hagelin. The Rangers kept the attack up in the second period, as Brandon Dubinsky netted his fourth of the year, guided in by McDonagh. Florida got on the board with the second of the season for Matt Bradley, pushed through by Erik Gudbranson. New York held on for a 4-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and Bradley, while Hagelin and McDonagh earn honorable mentions.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak are in front of the cages. Nashville was first to score, as Matt Halischuk deposited his eighth of the season, via Roman Josi. St. Louis replied with a T.J. Oshie goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of David Backes and David Perron. This tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where the Predators took the game 2-1 on a lone tally by Martin Erat, to topple the Blues. The three stars were handed out to Rinne (35 for 36 in saves), Halak (33 for 34 in saves), and Erat.
Finally, in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford will be playing from the creases. Justin Abdelkader opened things up for Detroit with his third of the season, thanks to Drew Miller and Danny Cleary. Chicago answered with the twenty-first of the year by Jonathan Toews, occurring on a penalty shot from a Nicklas Lidstrom hook. The Red Wings got the lead back on Todd Bertuzzi's second period goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Mike Commodore and Jonatha Ericsson. The Blackhawks retied it with Marian Hossa's goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Dan Carcillo and Nick Leddy. Chicago took the lead in the third period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his second of the season, set up by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp. The final was 3-2 Blackhawks, and the three stars were awarded to Hossa, Toews, and Seabrook.
The Washington Capitals hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Tomas Vokoun tend the twines. Washington led off with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist from the goalie Vokoun. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period with Nicklas Backstrom potting his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Alexander Semin and Roman Hamrlik. Buffalo got on the board when Jochen Hecht notched his fourth of the season, with help from Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Washington made it 3-1 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by Backstrom and Semin. This went to be finalized, with Vokoun (25 for 26 in saves), Ovechkin, and Backstrom getting the three stars, while Semin gets an honorable mention.
Up to the other nationals capital, as the Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames. Backups Leland Irving and Alex Auld are in net. Calgary led off with a Rene Bourque goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. The Flames added on with the fifteenth of the year for Curtis Glencross, a power play goal, powered by Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla. Calgary struck again with a Chris Butler goal, set up by Anton Babchuk and Mikael Backlund. Ottawa got on the board with a Nick Foligno goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar. The Senators pulled closer as Zack Smith recorded his eleventh of the year, coming off of Brian Lee and Chris Phillips. Ottawa tied it as Erik Karlsson registered his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The game went to overtime, where the Senators downed the Flames with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Karlsson and Chris Neil. The three stars were awarded to Alfredsson, Karlsson, and Bouwmeester in the 4-3 game.
To the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Scott Clemmensen received the starts, but Jose Theodore relieved Clemmensen in the first period. New York started off with a Carl Hagelin goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on with a Brad Richards goal, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Jeff Woywitka. New York extended the lead again with a Michael Del Zotto goal, his fifth of the season, with the assists provided by Richards and Hagelin. The Rangers kept the attack up in the second period, as Brandon Dubinsky netted his fourth of the year, guided in by McDonagh. Florida got on the board with the second of the season for Matt Bradley, pushed through by Erik Gudbranson. New York held on for a 4-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and Bradley, while Hagelin and McDonagh earn honorable mentions.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak are in front of the cages. Nashville was first to score, as Matt Halischuk deposited his eighth of the season, via Roman Josi. St. Louis replied with a T.J. Oshie goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of David Backes and David Perron. This tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where the Predators took the game 2-1 on a lone tally by Martin Erat, to topple the Blues. The three stars were handed out to Rinne (35 for 36 in saves), Halak (33 for 34 in saves), and Erat.
Finally, in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford will be playing from the creases. Justin Abdelkader opened things up for Detroit with his third of the season, thanks to Drew Miller and Danny Cleary. Chicago answered with the twenty-first of the year by Jonathan Toews, occurring on a penalty shot from a Nicklas Lidstrom hook. The Red Wings got the lead back on Todd Bertuzzi's second period goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Mike Commodore and Jonatha Ericsson. The Blackhawks retied it with Marian Hossa's goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Dan Carcillo and Nick Leddy. Chicago took the lead in the third period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his second of the season, set up by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp. The final was 3-2 Blackhawks, and the three stars were awarded to Hossa, Toews, and Seabrook.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
NHL Day 85 2011-2012
Nine games are going tonight as the year winds down a bit. We begin with...
The Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Cam Ward will play goal. Carolina led off with a Brandon Sutter goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Drayson Bowman. Toronto answered in the second period when Nazem Kadri made his third of the year, courtesy of Clarke MacArthur. The Maple Leafs grabbed the lead in the third period with a Nikolai Kulemin goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Darryl Boyce and Mikhail Grabovski. Toronto extended the lead when Joffrey Lupul notched his seventeenth of the year, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The Hurricanes got one back with an Eric Staal goal, his eighth of the season, thanks to Zac Dalpe and Jiri Tlusty. Carolina tied it with a Dalpe goal, set up by Tlusty and Staal. The game lasted to overtime, where Staal scored for the Hurricanes with his second of the game and ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Justin Faulk and Jamie McBain to win 4-3 over the Maple Leafs. The three stars went to Staal, Sutter, and Dalpe, while Tlusty had a good game too.
Up to New York, where the Islanders welcome the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Evgeni Nabokov tend the twines. Calgary opened with a Tim Jackman goal, assisted by Tom Kostopoulos and Brendan Morrison. New York tied it on an Andrew MacDonald goal in the second period, his third of the season, made possible by P.A. Parenteau and John Tavares. The Islanders went ahead in the third period on a Tavares goal, his twelfth of the year, set up by Kyle Okposo. New York iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Brian Rolston, his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Parenteau and Nielsen. Tavares, Nabokov (29 for 30 in saves), and MacDonald were the three stars, while Parenteau earns an honorable mentions.
Into Pennsylvania, with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting their in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury play in the creases. Pittsburgh led off with Jordan Staal recording his fifteenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. Philadelphia answered on a Kimmo Timonen power play goal, powered by Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers took the lead in the second period with the twelfth of the year by Jaromir Jagr, assisted by Giroux and Matt Carle to the chagrin of the home crowd. Philadelphia extended the lead on Matt Read's twelfth of the season, courtesy of Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek. The Penguins got one back in the third period as Kennedy put his fifth of the year away, thanks to Evgeni Malkin and Simon Despres. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with a Max Talbot empty net goal, his tenth of the campaign, with help from Voracek and Couturier. The three stars went to Giroux, Kennedy, and Read, while Couturier and Voracek also played well.
Far to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Mathieu Garon get the starting nods. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos goal, his twenty-third of the season, assisted by Pavel Kubina and Steve Downie. Montreal answered with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his eighth of the year coming on the power play from David Desharnais and Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens grabbed the lead in the second period when Desharnais netted his sixth of the season, with help from Andrei Kostitsyn and Diaz. Montreal struck again with an Erik Cole goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Max Pacioretty and Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning got one back as J.T. Wyman scored, coming off of Teddy Purcell and Matt Gilroy. Tampa Bay tied it in the third period on a Marc-Andre Bergeron goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Downie and Martin St. Louis. The Lightning took the lead when Vincent Lecavalier deposited his thirteenth of the year, set up by Wyman and Dominic Moore. This 4-3 score held up to be a final, and the three stars were awarded to Stamkos, Wyman, and Desharnais, while Diaz and Downie also played well.
Northwest to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Niklas Backstrom will oppose each other from the nets. Edmonton struck first with a Taylor Hall goal, his tenth of the season, helped along by Jordan Eberle and Tom Gilbert. Minnesota answered when Mikko Koivu netted his ninth of the year, pushed through by Marek Zidlicky and Greg Zanon. The Wild took the lead with a Jarod Palmer goal in the second period, with a lone assist by Kyle Brodziak. Minnesota extended the lead with Pierre-Marc Bouchard recording his eighth of the season, thanks to Zidlicky and Zanon. The Oilers got one back with Ladislav Smid netting his third of the year, courtesy of Hall and Ben Eager. The Wild replied with Dany Heatley's twelfth of the season, made possible by Zidlicky for a sock trick and Koivu. Devan Dubnyk replaced Khabibulin in the Edmonton goal for the third period. The Oilers got one back in the third period with a Shawn Horcoff goal, his eighth of the year, with Ryan Smyth getting the lone helper. This was it for the scoring, giving Minnesota a 4-3 win. The three stars were officially Matt Kassian, Nate Prosser, and Palmer, while much more deserving players would be Zidlicky, Koivu, Zanon, or Hall.
North again to Winnipeg, where the Jets welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Backups Jonathan Bernier and Chris Mason are in front of the goals. The game was completely scoreless until an Evander Kane goal in overtime, his eighteenth of the campaign, assisted by Ron Hainsey and Blake Wheeler. Mason (31 save shutout), Bernier (26 for 27 in saves), and Tobias Enstrom got the three stars, while Kane is most deserving.
Southward quite a ways to Dallas, with the Stars hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason takes on a returning-from-injury goalie, Kari Lehtonen. Columbus got on the board first with the eleventh of the season for Rick Nash, assisted by Ryan Johansen. Dallas tied it with a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fifth of the year, and the assists came from Radek Dvorak and Nicklas Grossman. The Blue Jackets took the lead back with a second period Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by John Moore and Mark Letestu. Columbus extended the lead in the third period on another Nash goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the year, courtesy of Moore and Nikita Nikitin. The Blue Jackets finished it at 4-1 with a Fedor Tyutin empty net goal, his third of the campaign, pushed through by R.J. Umberger and Marc Methot. The three stars were given to Nash, Mason (36 for 37 in saves), and Lehtonen (25 for 28 in saves), while Moore also performed well.
Moving into the Rockies, with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Colorado was on the board first with a Kevin Porter goal, his third of the season, thanks to Paul Stastny and Gabriel Landeskog. Phoenix tied it with Mikkel Boedker sinking his sixth of the year, with help from Kyle Chipchura and Taylor Pyatt. The Avalanche took the lead back on Stefan Elliott goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by T.J. Galiardi and Kyle Quincey. The Coyotes got another equalizer as Boedker potted his second of the game and seventh of the year, guided in by Pyatt and Chipchura. Colorado took the lead back in the third period when Landeskog notched his eighth of the season, via Chuck Kobasew and Shane O'Brien. This was the decisive tally, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 win, and the three stars were Landeskog, Varlamov (25 for 27 in saves), and Boedker, while Chipchura and Pyatt also played well.
Finally, we wrap up in Anaheim, where the Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Jonas Hiller play between the pipes. Vancouver was first on the board with a Henrik Sedin netting his tenth of the season, courtesy of Alexandre Burrows. The Canucks extended the lead with a Cody Hodgson goal, his eighth of the year, thanks to Dale Weise and Keith Ballard. Vancouver attacked again in the second period with a Mason Raymond goal, his fourth of the season, pushed through by Ryan Kesler and Alexander Edler. The Canucks kept going with Daniel Sedin scoring his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Henrik and Kevin Bieksa. Dan Ellis relieved Hiller at this time. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Bobby Ryan goal, his twelfth of the season, aided by Teemu Selanne and Luca Sbisa. The Ducks got another with Nick Bonino netting his second of the year, with the help of Andrew Gordon and Matt Beleskey. Vancouver made it 5-2 with Daniel's second of the game and seventeenth of the campaign, assisted by Henrik and Burrows. This was a final, and the three stars were given to Henrik, Ryan, and Edler, while Burrows and Daniel were the honorable mentions.
The Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Cam Ward will play goal. Carolina led off with a Brandon Sutter goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Drayson Bowman. Toronto answered in the second period when Nazem Kadri made his third of the year, courtesy of Clarke MacArthur. The Maple Leafs grabbed the lead in the third period with a Nikolai Kulemin goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Darryl Boyce and Mikhail Grabovski. Toronto extended the lead when Joffrey Lupul notched his seventeenth of the year, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The Hurricanes got one back with an Eric Staal goal, his eighth of the season, thanks to Zac Dalpe and Jiri Tlusty. Carolina tied it with a Dalpe goal, set up by Tlusty and Staal. The game lasted to overtime, where Staal scored for the Hurricanes with his second of the game and ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Justin Faulk and Jamie McBain to win 4-3 over the Maple Leafs. The three stars went to Staal, Sutter, and Dalpe, while Tlusty had a good game too.
Up to New York, where the Islanders welcome the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Evgeni Nabokov tend the twines. Calgary opened with a Tim Jackman goal, assisted by Tom Kostopoulos and Brendan Morrison. New York tied it on an Andrew MacDonald goal in the second period, his third of the season, made possible by P.A. Parenteau and John Tavares. The Islanders went ahead in the third period on a Tavares goal, his twelfth of the year, set up by Kyle Okposo. New York iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Brian Rolston, his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Parenteau and Nielsen. Tavares, Nabokov (29 for 30 in saves), and MacDonald were the three stars, while Parenteau earns an honorable mentions.
Into Pennsylvania, with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting their in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury play in the creases. Pittsburgh led off with Jordan Staal recording his fifteenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. Philadelphia answered on a Kimmo Timonen power play goal, powered by Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers took the lead in the second period with the twelfth of the year by Jaromir Jagr, assisted by Giroux and Matt Carle to the chagrin of the home crowd. Philadelphia extended the lead on Matt Read's twelfth of the season, courtesy of Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek. The Penguins got one back in the third period as Kennedy put his fifth of the year away, thanks to Evgeni Malkin and Simon Despres. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with a Max Talbot empty net goal, his tenth of the campaign, with help from Voracek and Couturier. The three stars went to Giroux, Kennedy, and Read, while Couturier and Voracek also played well.
Far to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Mathieu Garon get the starting nods. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos goal, his twenty-third of the season, assisted by Pavel Kubina and Steve Downie. Montreal answered with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his eighth of the year coming on the power play from David Desharnais and Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens grabbed the lead in the second period when Desharnais netted his sixth of the season, with help from Andrei Kostitsyn and Diaz. Montreal struck again with an Erik Cole goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Max Pacioretty and Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning got one back as J.T. Wyman scored, coming off of Teddy Purcell and Matt Gilroy. Tampa Bay tied it in the third period on a Marc-Andre Bergeron goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Downie and Martin St. Louis. The Lightning took the lead when Vincent Lecavalier deposited his thirteenth of the year, set up by Wyman and Dominic Moore. This 4-3 score held up to be a final, and the three stars were awarded to Stamkos, Wyman, and Desharnais, while Diaz and Downie also played well.
Northwest to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Niklas Backstrom will oppose each other from the nets. Edmonton struck first with a Taylor Hall goal, his tenth of the season, helped along by Jordan Eberle and Tom Gilbert. Minnesota answered when Mikko Koivu netted his ninth of the year, pushed through by Marek Zidlicky and Greg Zanon. The Wild took the lead with a Jarod Palmer goal in the second period, with a lone assist by Kyle Brodziak. Minnesota extended the lead with Pierre-Marc Bouchard recording his eighth of the season, thanks to Zidlicky and Zanon. The Oilers got one back with Ladislav Smid netting his third of the year, courtesy of Hall and Ben Eager. The Wild replied with Dany Heatley's twelfth of the season, made possible by Zidlicky for a sock trick and Koivu. Devan Dubnyk replaced Khabibulin in the Edmonton goal for the third period. The Oilers got one back in the third period with a Shawn Horcoff goal, his eighth of the year, with Ryan Smyth getting the lone helper. This was it for the scoring, giving Minnesota a 4-3 win. The three stars were officially Matt Kassian, Nate Prosser, and Palmer, while much more deserving players would be Zidlicky, Koivu, Zanon, or Hall.
North again to Winnipeg, where the Jets welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Backups Jonathan Bernier and Chris Mason are in front of the goals. The game was completely scoreless until an Evander Kane goal in overtime, his eighteenth of the campaign, assisted by Ron Hainsey and Blake Wheeler. Mason (31 save shutout), Bernier (26 for 27 in saves), and Tobias Enstrom got the three stars, while Kane is most deserving.
Southward quite a ways to Dallas, with the Stars hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason takes on a returning-from-injury goalie, Kari Lehtonen. Columbus got on the board first with the eleventh of the season for Rick Nash, assisted by Ryan Johansen. Dallas tied it with a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fifth of the year, and the assists came from Radek Dvorak and Nicklas Grossman. The Blue Jackets took the lead back with a second period Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by John Moore and Mark Letestu. Columbus extended the lead in the third period on another Nash goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the year, courtesy of Moore and Nikita Nikitin. The Blue Jackets finished it at 4-1 with a Fedor Tyutin empty net goal, his third of the campaign, pushed through by R.J. Umberger and Marc Methot. The three stars were given to Nash, Mason (36 for 37 in saves), and Lehtonen (25 for 28 in saves), while Moore also performed well.
Moving into the Rockies, with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Colorado was on the board first with a Kevin Porter goal, his third of the season, thanks to Paul Stastny and Gabriel Landeskog. Phoenix tied it with Mikkel Boedker sinking his sixth of the year, with help from Kyle Chipchura and Taylor Pyatt. The Avalanche took the lead back on Stefan Elliott goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by T.J. Galiardi and Kyle Quincey. The Coyotes got another equalizer as Boedker potted his second of the game and seventh of the year, guided in by Pyatt and Chipchura. Colorado took the lead back in the third period when Landeskog notched his eighth of the season, via Chuck Kobasew and Shane O'Brien. This was the decisive tally, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 win, and the three stars were Landeskog, Varlamov (25 for 27 in saves), and Boedker, while Chipchura and Pyatt also played well.
Finally, we wrap up in Anaheim, where the Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Jonas Hiller play between the pipes. Vancouver was first on the board with a Henrik Sedin netting his tenth of the season, courtesy of Alexandre Burrows. The Canucks extended the lead with a Cody Hodgson goal, his eighth of the year, thanks to Dale Weise and Keith Ballard. Vancouver attacked again in the second period with a Mason Raymond goal, his fourth of the season, pushed through by Ryan Kesler and Alexander Edler. The Canucks kept going with Daniel Sedin scoring his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Henrik and Kevin Bieksa. Dan Ellis relieved Hiller at this time. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Bobby Ryan goal, his twelfth of the season, aided by Teemu Selanne and Luca Sbisa. The Ducks got another with Nick Bonino netting his second of the year, with the help of Andrew Gordon and Matt Beleskey. Vancouver made it 5-2 with Daniel's second of the game and seventeenth of the campaign, assisted by Henrik and Burrows. This was a final, and the three stars were given to Henrik, Ryan, and Edler, while Burrows and Daniel were the honorable mentions.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
NHL Day 84 2011-2012
Even less games on tonight, with only six on the slate, beginning in...
New Jersey, as the Devils host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Martin Brodeur play in the blue paint. New Jersey struck first with a Petr Sykora goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Patrik Elias and the goalie Brodeur. Sykora added on for the Devils in the second period with his second of the game and tenth of the year, courtesy of Elias and Anton Volchenkov. Zach Parise kept New Jersey in control with his twelfth of the season, with helpers provided by Mark Fayne and Adam Henrique. Buffalo got on the board with a Thomas Vanek goal, his eighteenth of the year, coming on the power play from Jordan Leopold and Drew Stafford. The third period was silent, leaving the score at 3-1, and allowing Sykora, Elias, and Adam Larsson to be rewarded with the three stars.
Into Washington, where the Capitals welcome the New York Rangers. Martin Biron and Tomas Vokoun will be in front of the cages. Marcus Johansson put Washington on the board first with his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jeff Halpern. New York replied with the third of the year by Brandon Dubinsky, thanks to Ryan Callahan. The Capitals took the lead back in the second period when Troy Brouwer potted his tenth of the season, courtesy of John Carlson. Washington extended the lead on an Alexander Semin goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Semin gave the Capitals a 4-1 lead in the third period on his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, with Ovechkin picking up the only helper. This was a final, where Semin, Ovechkin, and Brouwer had the three stars.
Down to the south and west with the Nashville Predators hosting the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. The scoring opened in the third period on a Nashville goal, specifically the sixth of the season for Jordin Tootoo, assisted by Jonathon Blum and Francis Bouillon. Minnesota tied it on a Dany Heatley goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Nate Prosser and Mikko Koivu. The Predators took the game in the shootout on a lone Wilson tally, topping the Wild 2-1. The three stars went to Rinne (34 for 35 in saves), Harding (24 for 25 in saves), and Blum.
Staying in the Midwest, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Corey Crawford will tend the twines. Los Angeles was first on the board with a second period goal by Trent Hunter, his second of the season, helped along by Kyle Clifford and Colin Fraser. The Kings extended the lead in the third period on a Jarret Stoll goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Justin Williams and Drew Doughty. The 2-0 score lasted throughout the rest of the game to be finalized, with Quick (38 save shutout), Hunter, and Crawford (36 for 38 in saves).
Heading southwest again to Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask opposes Jason LaBarbera in goal. Boston drew first blood when David Krejci registered his seventh of the season, coming off of Nathan Horton and Brad Marchand. Phoenix tied it on a Ray Whitney goal, his thirteenth of the year, with help from Daymond Langkow and David Schlemko. The tie lasted all the way into overtime, where Dennis Seidenberg made his second of the campaign for the Bruins, and helping him were Benoit Pouliot and Chris Kelly for the 2-1 victory over the Coyotes. The three stars were LaBarbera (27 for 29 in saves), Whitney, and Schlemko.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi are guarding the nets. Vancouver opened with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fifteenth of the season, and Henrik Sedin and Alexander Edler picked up the assists. The Canucks added on with a second period power play goal by Ryan Kesler, his tenth of the year, powered by Edler and Kevin Bieksa. San Jose got on the board when Logan Couture scored his sixteenth of the season, guided in by Patrick Marleau. The Sharks tied it when Joe Thornton potted his seventh of the year, an unassisted power play goal. The tie lasted to overtime, where Andrew Ebbett secured a 3-2 Vancouver victory with his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Bieksa and Jannik Hansen. The three stars were given to Luongo (33 for 35 in saves), Ebbett, and Marleau, while Bieksa and Edler both played well.
New Jersey, as the Devils host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Martin Brodeur play in the blue paint. New Jersey struck first with a Petr Sykora goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Patrik Elias and the goalie Brodeur. Sykora added on for the Devils in the second period with his second of the game and tenth of the year, courtesy of Elias and Anton Volchenkov. Zach Parise kept New Jersey in control with his twelfth of the season, with helpers provided by Mark Fayne and Adam Henrique. Buffalo got on the board with a Thomas Vanek goal, his eighteenth of the year, coming on the power play from Jordan Leopold and Drew Stafford. The third period was silent, leaving the score at 3-1, and allowing Sykora, Elias, and Adam Larsson to be rewarded with the three stars.
Into Washington, where the Capitals welcome the New York Rangers. Martin Biron and Tomas Vokoun will be in front of the cages. Marcus Johansson put Washington on the board first with his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jeff Halpern. New York replied with the third of the year by Brandon Dubinsky, thanks to Ryan Callahan. The Capitals took the lead back in the second period when Troy Brouwer potted his tenth of the season, courtesy of John Carlson. Washington extended the lead on an Alexander Semin goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Semin gave the Capitals a 4-1 lead in the third period on his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, with Ovechkin picking up the only helper. This was a final, where Semin, Ovechkin, and Brouwer had the three stars.
Down to the south and west with the Nashville Predators hosting the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. The scoring opened in the third period on a Nashville goal, specifically the sixth of the season for Jordin Tootoo, assisted by Jonathon Blum and Francis Bouillon. Minnesota tied it on a Dany Heatley goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Nate Prosser and Mikko Koivu. The Predators took the game in the shootout on a lone Wilson tally, topping the Wild 2-1. The three stars went to Rinne (34 for 35 in saves), Harding (24 for 25 in saves), and Blum.
Staying in the Midwest, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Corey Crawford will tend the twines. Los Angeles was first on the board with a second period goal by Trent Hunter, his second of the season, helped along by Kyle Clifford and Colin Fraser. The Kings extended the lead in the third period on a Jarret Stoll goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Justin Williams and Drew Doughty. The 2-0 score lasted throughout the rest of the game to be finalized, with Quick (38 save shutout), Hunter, and Crawford (36 for 38 in saves).
Heading southwest again to Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask opposes Jason LaBarbera in goal. Boston drew first blood when David Krejci registered his seventh of the season, coming off of Nathan Horton and Brad Marchand. Phoenix tied it on a Ray Whitney goal, his thirteenth of the year, with help from Daymond Langkow and David Schlemko. The tie lasted all the way into overtime, where Dennis Seidenberg made his second of the campaign for the Bruins, and helping him were Benoit Pouliot and Chris Kelly for the 2-1 victory over the Coyotes. The three stars were LaBarbera (27 for 29 in saves), Whitney, and Schlemko.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi are guarding the nets. Vancouver opened with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fifteenth of the season, and Henrik Sedin and Alexander Edler picked up the assists. The Canucks added on with a second period power play goal by Ryan Kesler, his tenth of the year, powered by Edler and Kevin Bieksa. San Jose got on the board when Logan Couture scored his sixteenth of the season, guided in by Patrick Marleau. The Sharks tied it when Joe Thornton potted his seventh of the year, an unassisted power play goal. The tie lasted to overtime, where Andrew Ebbett secured a 3-2 Vancouver victory with his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Bieksa and Jannik Hansen. The three stars were given to Luongo (33 for 35 in saves), Ebbett, and Marleau, while Bieksa and Edler both played well.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
NHL Day 83 2011-2012
Down to seven games on tonight, beginning in...
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the Penguins hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Marc-Andre Fleury are tending the twines. Carolina began with a Tim Brent goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Tim Gleason. Pittsburgh answered in the second period when James Neal made his twenty-first of the year, courtesy of Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins took the lead in the third period when Steve Sullivan notched his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Malkin and Neal. Pittsburgh extended the lead on a Pascal Dupuis goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Tyler Kennedy and Zbynek Michalek. The Penguins added on again with a Jordan Staal goal, his fourteenth of the season, set up by Kennedy. The Hurricanes got one back with Tuomo Ruutu potting his fourteenth of the year, with the help of Jussi Jokinen and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The final was 4-2, with the three stars going to Staal, Neal, and Kennedy, while Malkin earns honorable mention.
Over to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Steve Mason are responsible for stopping the puck. Columbus first dented the scoreboard in the second period when Derick Brassard notched his fourth of the season, coming off of Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen. Calgary tied it in the third period with a Jarome Iginla power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Olli Jokinen and Derek Smith. The game went into a shootout, where a lone tally by Iginla lifted the Flames over the Blue Jackets by a 2-1 score. The three stars belonged to Kiprusoff (27 for 28 in saves), Iginla, and Mason (25 for 26 in saves).
Southward to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Jose Theodore made the starts. Florida began with the second of the season for Erik Gudbranson, and Tim Kennedy had the lone assist. Mikhail Grabovski replied for Toronto in the second period on his ninth of the year, thanks to Cody Franson and Nikolai Kulemin. The Panthers quickly replied with a Bill Thomas goal, made possible by Evgenii Dadonov and Mark Cullen. Florida chased Reimer with a Michal Repik power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Jason Garrison and Brian Campbell. Jonas Gustavsson was the relieving goaltender. The Panthers took little notice, striking again with a Kris Versteeg power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, fueled by Campbell and Tomas Kopecky. The Maple Leafs got back on track as Dion Phaneuf scored his fifth of the season, and Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul had the helpers. Toronto got another back in the third period with Grabovski's second of the game and tenth of the year, a power play goal, with Clarke MacArthur and Franson picking up the assists. Florida answered when Tomas Fleischmann put away his thirteenth of the season, via Matt Bradley and Campbell, the latter getting a sock trick. The final stood at 5-3, and the three stars were awarded to Repik, Grabovski, and Campbell, while Franson deserves an honorable mention.
Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. St. Louis struck first with a Matt D'Agostini power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Jason Arnott. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with Alex Steen making his thirteenth of the year, helped along by Arnott and Shattenkirk on the power play. Detroit got on the board with a Nicklas Lidstrom goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Pavel Datsyuk and Ian White. The Red Wings tied it in the third period with a Datsyuk goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by White and Bertuzzi. Detroit took the lead on the eighth of the season for Niklas Kronwall, set up by Valtteri Filppula. This was good enough for a 3-2 victory, and the three stars belonged to Datsyuk, Shattenkirk, and Lidstrom. Arnott and White earned honorable mentions.
Up into Canada, as the Montreal Canadiens host the Ottawa Senators. Carey Price and Craig Anderson received the starting nods. Ottawa was first on the board when Zack Smith netted his tenth of the season, coming from Sergei Gonchar and Colin Greening. Montreal replied with a shorthanded Lars Eller goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Mathieu Darche and Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens took the lead when Tomas Plekanec potted his eighth of the season, assisted by Darche and Diaz. Montreal extended the lead with Michael Cammalleri depositing his seventh of the year, and Louis Leblanc and Diaz got the assists, the latter converting a natural sock trick. The Canadiens struck again in the second period with Leblanc recording his second of the season, with helpers provided by Cammalleri and Hal Gill. Montreal continued its attack with a P.K. Subban goal, his third of the year, guided in by Erik Cole. The Senators finally provided an answer with a Jason Spezza goal, his thirteenth of the season, helped along by Milan Michalek and Daniel Alfredsson. The Canadiens replied in the third period when Cole put his fourteenth of the year away, a power play goal powered by Plekanec and Subban to make it 6-2. The three stars went to Price (33 for 35 in saves), Cole, and Diaz, while the honorable mentions include Cammalleri, Leblanc, Subban, Plekanec, and Darche.
Back to Florida again, this time in Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Mathieu Garon are in the blue paint. Bruno Gervais got Tampa Bay on the board first with his third of the season, assisted by Adam Hall. Philadelphia replied when Scott Hartnell sank his seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Claude Giroux and Jaromir Jagr. The Lightning got the lead back in the second period when Steven Stamkos scored his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Brett Clark and Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay added on with a Steve Downie goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Teddy Purcell and Pavel Kubina. The Lightning continued with another Stamkos goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, coming on the power play via Downie and Martin St. Louis. Tampa Bay iced it at 5-1 with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his twelfth of the year, and St. Louis had the only assist. Garon (31 for 32 in saves), Stamkos, and Downie took home the three stars, while St. Louis gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will play goal. Winnipeg struck first with an Evander Kane goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Blake Wheeler and Alex Burmistrov. The Jets got back to work in the second period with a Tim Stapleton power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Andrew Ladd and Tobias Enstrom. Winnipeg added on with another Kane goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the season, helped along by Chris Thorburn and Stapleton. The Jets extended the lead again with Jim Slater's seventh of the year, guided in by Tanner Glass. Colorado got on the board with a Kevin Porter goal, his second of the campaign, made possible by David Van der Gulik and Cody McLeod. The final was 4-1 and the three stars were awarded to Kane, Pavelec (32 for 33 in saves), and Paul Stastny, while Stapleton also played well.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the Penguins hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Marc-Andre Fleury are tending the twines. Carolina began with a Tim Brent goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Tim Gleason. Pittsburgh answered in the second period when James Neal made his twenty-first of the year, courtesy of Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins took the lead in the third period when Steve Sullivan notched his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Malkin and Neal. Pittsburgh extended the lead on a Pascal Dupuis goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Tyler Kennedy and Zbynek Michalek. The Penguins added on again with a Jordan Staal goal, his fourteenth of the season, set up by Kennedy. The Hurricanes got one back with Tuomo Ruutu potting his fourteenth of the year, with the help of Jussi Jokinen and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The final was 4-2, with the three stars going to Staal, Neal, and Kennedy, while Malkin earns honorable mention.
Over to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Steve Mason are responsible for stopping the puck. Columbus first dented the scoreboard in the second period when Derick Brassard notched his fourth of the season, coming off of Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen. Calgary tied it in the third period with a Jarome Iginla power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Olli Jokinen and Derek Smith. The game went into a shootout, where a lone tally by Iginla lifted the Flames over the Blue Jackets by a 2-1 score. The three stars belonged to Kiprusoff (27 for 28 in saves), Iginla, and Mason (25 for 26 in saves).
Southward to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Jose Theodore made the starts. Florida began with the second of the season for Erik Gudbranson, and Tim Kennedy had the lone assist. Mikhail Grabovski replied for Toronto in the second period on his ninth of the year, thanks to Cody Franson and Nikolai Kulemin. The Panthers quickly replied with a Bill Thomas goal, made possible by Evgenii Dadonov and Mark Cullen. Florida chased Reimer with a Michal Repik power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Jason Garrison and Brian Campbell. Jonas Gustavsson was the relieving goaltender. The Panthers took little notice, striking again with a Kris Versteeg power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, fueled by Campbell and Tomas Kopecky. The Maple Leafs got back on track as Dion Phaneuf scored his fifth of the season, and Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul had the helpers. Toronto got another back in the third period with Grabovski's second of the game and tenth of the year, a power play goal, with Clarke MacArthur and Franson picking up the assists. Florida answered when Tomas Fleischmann put away his thirteenth of the season, via Matt Bradley and Campbell, the latter getting a sock trick. The final stood at 5-3, and the three stars were awarded to Repik, Grabovski, and Campbell, while Franson deserves an honorable mention.
Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. St. Louis struck first with a Matt D'Agostini power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Jason Arnott. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with Alex Steen making his thirteenth of the year, helped along by Arnott and Shattenkirk on the power play. Detroit got on the board with a Nicklas Lidstrom goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Pavel Datsyuk and Ian White. The Red Wings tied it in the third period with a Datsyuk goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by White and Bertuzzi. Detroit took the lead on the eighth of the season for Niklas Kronwall, set up by Valtteri Filppula. This was good enough for a 3-2 victory, and the three stars belonged to Datsyuk, Shattenkirk, and Lidstrom. Arnott and White earned honorable mentions.
Up into Canada, as the Montreal Canadiens host the Ottawa Senators. Carey Price and Craig Anderson received the starting nods. Ottawa was first on the board when Zack Smith netted his tenth of the season, coming from Sergei Gonchar and Colin Greening. Montreal replied with a shorthanded Lars Eller goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Mathieu Darche and Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens took the lead when Tomas Plekanec potted his eighth of the season, assisted by Darche and Diaz. Montreal extended the lead with Michael Cammalleri depositing his seventh of the year, and Louis Leblanc and Diaz got the assists, the latter converting a natural sock trick. The Canadiens struck again in the second period with Leblanc recording his second of the season, with helpers provided by Cammalleri and Hal Gill. Montreal continued its attack with a P.K. Subban goal, his third of the year, guided in by Erik Cole. The Senators finally provided an answer with a Jason Spezza goal, his thirteenth of the season, helped along by Milan Michalek and Daniel Alfredsson. The Canadiens replied in the third period when Cole put his fourteenth of the year away, a power play goal powered by Plekanec and Subban to make it 6-2. The three stars went to Price (33 for 35 in saves), Cole, and Diaz, while the honorable mentions include Cammalleri, Leblanc, Subban, Plekanec, and Darche.
Back to Florida again, this time in Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Mathieu Garon are in the blue paint. Bruno Gervais got Tampa Bay on the board first with his third of the season, assisted by Adam Hall. Philadelphia replied when Scott Hartnell sank his seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Claude Giroux and Jaromir Jagr. The Lightning got the lead back in the second period when Steven Stamkos scored his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Brett Clark and Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay added on with a Steve Downie goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Teddy Purcell and Pavel Kubina. The Lightning continued with another Stamkos goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, coming on the power play via Downie and Martin St. Louis. Tampa Bay iced it at 5-1 with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his twelfth of the year, and St. Louis had the only assist. Garon (31 for 32 in saves), Stamkos, and Downie took home the three stars, while St. Louis gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will play goal. Winnipeg struck first with an Evander Kane goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Blake Wheeler and Alex Burmistrov. The Jets got back to work in the second period with a Tim Stapleton power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Andrew Ladd and Tobias Enstrom. Winnipeg added on with another Kane goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the season, helped along by Chris Thorburn and Stapleton. The Jets extended the lead again with Jim Slater's seventh of the year, guided in by Tanner Glass. Colorado got on the board with a Kevin Porter goal, his second of the campaign, made possible by David Van der Gulik and Cody McLeod. The final was 4-1 and the three stars were awarded to Kane, Pavelec (32 for 33 in saves), and Paul Stastny, while Stapleton also played well.
Fantasy Football All-Stars week 16
First and foremost, congratulations to all of the champions out there this week. A grueling four months is best rewarded with the gold, isn't it? Next, the studs that saved your seasons at all positions:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees
Running Back: Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, DeAngelo Williams, Kevin Smith
Wide Receiver: Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall, Julio Jones
Tight End: Jared Cook, Brandon Pettigrew
Kicker: Graham Gano, David Akers, Dave Rayner
Team Defense: Buffalo, Pittsburgh
Defensive Player: Jairus Byrd, Jerod Mayo
Now, for my performances this week. Out of my twenty teams, I had 5 first place, 0 second place, 4 third place, and 3 fourth place finishes. I also had 6 teams who did not make the playoffs. In addition, next week I have 2 teams playing for various prizes. One is a championship and one is a third place game. Breaking it down, I'm guaranteed to have half of my teams in the top 3, and 70% in the playoffs in their respective leagues. In my opinion, it's been a pretty good season, and I'm happy to have provided assistance for anyone in their pursuit of a championship as well.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees
Running Back: Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, DeAngelo Williams, Kevin Smith
Wide Receiver: Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall, Julio Jones
Tight End: Jared Cook, Brandon Pettigrew
Kicker: Graham Gano, David Akers, Dave Rayner
Team Defense: Buffalo, Pittsburgh
Defensive Player: Jairus Byrd, Jerod Mayo
Now, for my performances this week. Out of my twenty teams, I had 5 first place, 0 second place, 4 third place, and 3 fourth place finishes. I also had 6 teams who did not make the playoffs. In addition, next week I have 2 teams playing for various prizes. One is a championship and one is a third place game. Breaking it down, I'm guaranteed to have half of my teams in the top 3, and 70% in the playoffs in their respective leagues. In my opinion, it's been a pretty good season, and I'm happy to have provided assistance for anyone in their pursuit of a championship as well.
Monday, December 26, 2011
NHL Day 82 2011-2012
Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Tonight, there are ten games on as the NHL gets back to business, beginning with...
The Minnesota Wild hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Niklas Backstrom were given goaltending duties. Minnesota opened with the seventh of the season for Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a power play goal powered by Dany Heatley and Kyle Brodziak. Colorado tied it with a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Matt Duchene. The Wild got the lead back with Cal Clutterbuck netting his tenth of the season, via Mikko Koivu and Heatley. Gabriel Landeskog tied it for the Avalanche on his seventh of the year, with helpers provided by David Van der Gulik and T.J. Galiardi. Colorado took the lead in the third period when Jan Hejda scored his fourth of the season, thanks to O'Reilly and Van der Gulik. Galiardi put the Avalanche up 4-2 with his sixth of the year, made possible by Hejda alone. This was a final, with the three stars being Landeskog, Clutterbuck, and O'Reilly, while Hejda, Galiardi, and Van der Gulik also had strong showings.
Another edition in the Battle of New York, as the Rangers host the Islanders again. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist were called on to play goal. The Rangers struck first in the second period of the fifth of the season for Carl Hagelin, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers added on in the third period when as Hagelin scored again, his second of the game and sixth of the year, made possible by Del Zotto and Callahan. The Rangers iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Marian Gaborik, his twenty-second of the campaign, fueled by Anton Stralman. The three stars were Lundqvist (28 save shutout), Hagelin, and Del Zotto, with Callahan as an honorable mention.
Heading upstate, the Buffalo Sabres host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Ryan Miller started the game, but Tomas Vokoun replaced Neuvirth early in the first period for the following reasons. Buffalo struck first on the power play as Jason Pominville notched his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Drew Stafford and Jordan Leopold. The Sabres extended the lead with an unassisted Matt Ellis goal, his second of the year. Buffalo chased Neuvirth on a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his third of the season, thanks to Jochen Hecht and Thomas Vanek. Brayden McNabb kept the Sabres going with a power play goal powered by Brad Boyes and Derek Roy. Washington got on the board in the second period with Mathieu Perreault registering his fourth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Capitals got another back in the third period when Alex Ovechkin potted his twelfth of the season, a power play goal, fueled by Nicklas Backstrom and Dennis Wideman. The final was 4-2, with the three stars going to McNabb, Leopold, and Stafford.
Down to Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Cam Ward got the coach's approval for playing goal. Carolina opened with a shorthanded Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the season, and Tim Gleason had the lone assist. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the second period with Tuomo Ruutu potting his thirteenth of the year, courtesy of Alexei Ponikarovsky and Tim Brent. Carolina rolled on with an Anthony Stewart goal, his fifth of the season, pushed through by Andreas Nodl and Brent. New Jersey got on the board in the third period when David Clarkson put his twelfth of the year in the cage, thanks to Anton Volchenkov and Kurtis Foster. The Devils got as close as 3-2 when Adam Henrique deposited his tenth of the season, and Clarkson and Volchenkov picked up the assists. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by the goalie Cam Ward (you are not reading this incorrectly, this is a true story), officially going in unassisted but it certainly looked to have gotten a fair amount of help from the opponents. The three stars were Sutter, Ward (23 for 25 in saves, goal), and Clarkson. Volchenkov and Brent get honorable mentions.
Westward to St. Louis, with the Blues hosting the Dallas Stars. Richard Bachman and Jaroslav Halak were between the pipes. St. Louis led off with a Chris Stewart goal, his sixth of the season, a power play goal made possible by David Backes and Carlo Colaiacovo. Dallas tied it in the second period when Mike Ribeiro netted his sixth of the year, courtesy of Alex Goligoski and Steve Ott. The Blues took the lead back when Adam Cracknell scored, and the lone assist came from Scott Nichol. St. Louis added on with a Jason Arnott power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Patrik Berglund and Kevin Shattenkirk with three seconds left in the second period. Andrew Raycroft relieved Bachman in the third period. The Blues added on again with Evgeny Grachev's goal in the third period, with helpers from David Perron and Berglund. The Stars got one back with Eric Nystrom netting his twelfth of the year, via Radek Dvorak and Vernon Fiddler. Dallas pulled closer on a Michael Ryder goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Jamie Benn. St. Louis iced it as Stewart put away his second of the game and seventh of the year into an empty net for a 5-3 score, and Perron had the lone assist. The three stars were awarded to Perron, Grachev, and Brenden Morrow, while Stewart and Berglund showed well.
Down a little to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Pekka Rinne will be in the creases. Detroit led off with a Valtteri Filppula goal, his eleventh of the season, and Henrik Zetterberg had the lone assist. The Red Wings added on in the second period with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen. Detroit extended the lead again with a Danny Cleary netting his ninth of the season, thanks to Drew Miller. Filppula added on in the third period for the Red Wings with his second of the game and the twelfth of the year, with help from Justin Abdelkader and Cory Emmerton. Nashville got on the board with a Jonathon Blum goal, his third of the campaign, coming off of Jordin Tootoo. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Howard (31 for 32 in saves), Filppula, and Datsyuk.
Staying in the general Midwest area, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Corey Crawford do battle from the nets in a match of underwhelming starters. Chicago opened the scoring in the second period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Nick Leddy. Viktor Stalberg added on for the Blackhawks with his eighth of the year, and Brent Seabrook got the assist. Stalberg extended the Chicago lead with his second of the game and ninth of the season, fueled by Dave Bolland and Duncan Keith. Columbus got on the board in the third period as James Wisniewski netted his second of the year, with the help of Derek MacKenzie and Mark Letestu. The Blackhawks replied with Hossa's sixteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Bolland and Andrew Brunette. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Stalberg, Crawford (37 for 38 in saves), and Hossa.
Northwest to Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Vancouver was first to score when Andrew Ebbett potted his second of the season, thanks to Chris Higgins and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks added on with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Henrik Sedin and Keith Ballard. Vancouver extended the lead again as Ebbett scored again, his second of the game and third of the season, made possible by Jannik Hansen and Cody Hodgson. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a power play goal by Jordan Eberle, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Corey Potter and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Canucks got it back with a shorthanded Alexandre Burrows goal, his fourteenth of the season, with an assist from Ryan Kesler. The Oilers answered on the power play as Ryan Smyth netted his fourteenth of the year, powered by Ryan Jones and Sam Gagner. Vancouver got going again in the third period with a Kesler goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Burrows and Alexander Edler. Potter got the goal back for Edmonton in the form of his third of the year, and Eberle had the only assist. The final was 5-3, with Burrows, Eberle, and Kesler as the three stars. Ebbett earns an honorable mention.
Down the coast to Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Jonathan Quick wear the goalie masks. Los Angeles drew first blood with a Rob Scuderi goal, set up by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. Phoenix tied it on a Raffi Torres goal, his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings took the lead back with Brad Richardson making his second of the year, thanks to Slava Voynov and Kopitar. The Coyotes retied it when Torres struck again, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Patrick O'Sullivan and David Schlemko. Los Angeles grabbed the lead back in the third period on Willie Mitchell's second of the year, fueled by Dustin Penner and Justin Williams. The Kings added on with Dustin Brown sinking his ninth of the season, via Jack Johnson, chasing away LaBarbera in favor of Curtis McElhinney. Phoenix replied with a Daymond Langkow goal, his fifth of the year, and the assists were provided by Mikkel Boedker and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The final was 4-3 with the three stars being Kopitar, Torres, and Mitchell.
Finally, the Battle of California rages on as the San Jose Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Luca Sbisa put Anaheim ahead first, and he was helped by George Parros and Nick Bonino. San Jose got on the board late in the frame with a Joe Pavelski goal, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Joe Thornton and Jason Demers. The Ducks regained the lead in the second period as Bobby Ryan put his eleventh of the year away, unassisted. Jamie McGinn tied it again for the Sharks with his eighth of the season, and Justin Braun and Colin White picked up the assists. Anaheim took the lead again with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Matt Beleskey and Andrew Gordon. The final held up at 3-2 with the three stars belonging to Ryan, Cogliano, and McGinn.
The Minnesota Wild hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Niklas Backstrom were given goaltending duties. Minnesota opened with the seventh of the season for Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a power play goal powered by Dany Heatley and Kyle Brodziak. Colorado tied it with a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Matt Duchene. The Wild got the lead back with Cal Clutterbuck netting his tenth of the season, via Mikko Koivu and Heatley. Gabriel Landeskog tied it for the Avalanche on his seventh of the year, with helpers provided by David Van der Gulik and T.J. Galiardi. Colorado took the lead in the third period when Jan Hejda scored his fourth of the season, thanks to O'Reilly and Van der Gulik. Galiardi put the Avalanche up 4-2 with his sixth of the year, made possible by Hejda alone. This was a final, with the three stars being Landeskog, Clutterbuck, and O'Reilly, while Hejda, Galiardi, and Van der Gulik also had strong showings.
Another edition in the Battle of New York, as the Rangers host the Islanders again. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist were called on to play goal. The Rangers struck first in the second period of the fifth of the season for Carl Hagelin, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers added on in the third period when as Hagelin scored again, his second of the game and sixth of the year, made possible by Del Zotto and Callahan. The Rangers iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Marian Gaborik, his twenty-second of the campaign, fueled by Anton Stralman. The three stars were Lundqvist (28 save shutout), Hagelin, and Del Zotto, with Callahan as an honorable mention.
Heading upstate, the Buffalo Sabres host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Ryan Miller started the game, but Tomas Vokoun replaced Neuvirth early in the first period for the following reasons. Buffalo struck first on the power play as Jason Pominville notched his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Drew Stafford and Jordan Leopold. The Sabres extended the lead with an unassisted Matt Ellis goal, his second of the year. Buffalo chased Neuvirth on a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his third of the season, thanks to Jochen Hecht and Thomas Vanek. Brayden McNabb kept the Sabres going with a power play goal powered by Brad Boyes and Derek Roy. Washington got on the board in the second period with Mathieu Perreault registering his fourth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Capitals got another back in the third period when Alex Ovechkin potted his twelfth of the season, a power play goal, fueled by Nicklas Backstrom and Dennis Wideman. The final was 4-2, with the three stars going to McNabb, Leopold, and Stafford.
Down to Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Cam Ward got the coach's approval for playing goal. Carolina opened with a shorthanded Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the season, and Tim Gleason had the lone assist. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the second period with Tuomo Ruutu potting his thirteenth of the year, courtesy of Alexei Ponikarovsky and Tim Brent. Carolina rolled on with an Anthony Stewart goal, his fifth of the season, pushed through by Andreas Nodl and Brent. New Jersey got on the board in the third period when David Clarkson put his twelfth of the year in the cage, thanks to Anton Volchenkov and Kurtis Foster. The Devils got as close as 3-2 when Adam Henrique deposited his tenth of the season, and Clarkson and Volchenkov picked up the assists. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by the goalie Cam Ward (you are not reading this incorrectly, this is a true story), officially going in unassisted but it certainly looked to have gotten a fair amount of help from the opponents. The three stars were Sutter, Ward (23 for 25 in saves, goal), and Clarkson. Volchenkov and Brent get honorable mentions.
Westward to St. Louis, with the Blues hosting the Dallas Stars. Richard Bachman and Jaroslav Halak were between the pipes. St. Louis led off with a Chris Stewart goal, his sixth of the season, a power play goal made possible by David Backes and Carlo Colaiacovo. Dallas tied it in the second period when Mike Ribeiro netted his sixth of the year, courtesy of Alex Goligoski and Steve Ott. The Blues took the lead back when Adam Cracknell scored, and the lone assist came from Scott Nichol. St. Louis added on with a Jason Arnott power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Patrik Berglund and Kevin Shattenkirk with three seconds left in the second period. Andrew Raycroft relieved Bachman in the third period. The Blues added on again with Evgeny Grachev's goal in the third period, with helpers from David Perron and Berglund. The Stars got one back with Eric Nystrom netting his twelfth of the year, via Radek Dvorak and Vernon Fiddler. Dallas pulled closer on a Michael Ryder goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Jamie Benn. St. Louis iced it as Stewart put away his second of the game and seventh of the year into an empty net for a 5-3 score, and Perron had the lone assist. The three stars were awarded to Perron, Grachev, and Brenden Morrow, while Stewart and Berglund showed well.
Down a little to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Pekka Rinne will be in the creases. Detroit led off with a Valtteri Filppula goal, his eleventh of the season, and Henrik Zetterberg had the lone assist. The Red Wings added on in the second period with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen. Detroit extended the lead again with a Danny Cleary netting his ninth of the season, thanks to Drew Miller. Filppula added on in the third period for the Red Wings with his second of the game and the twelfth of the year, with help from Justin Abdelkader and Cory Emmerton. Nashville got on the board with a Jonathon Blum goal, his third of the campaign, coming off of Jordin Tootoo. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Howard (31 for 32 in saves), Filppula, and Datsyuk.
Staying in the general Midwest area, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Corey Crawford do battle from the nets in a match of underwhelming starters. Chicago opened the scoring in the second period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Nick Leddy. Viktor Stalberg added on for the Blackhawks with his eighth of the year, and Brent Seabrook got the assist. Stalberg extended the Chicago lead with his second of the game and ninth of the season, fueled by Dave Bolland and Duncan Keith. Columbus got on the board in the third period as James Wisniewski netted his second of the year, with the help of Derek MacKenzie and Mark Letestu. The Blackhawks replied with Hossa's sixteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Bolland and Andrew Brunette. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Stalberg, Crawford (37 for 38 in saves), and Hossa.
Northwest to Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Vancouver was first to score when Andrew Ebbett potted his second of the season, thanks to Chris Higgins and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks added on with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Henrik Sedin and Keith Ballard. Vancouver extended the lead again as Ebbett scored again, his second of the game and third of the season, made possible by Jannik Hansen and Cody Hodgson. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a power play goal by Jordan Eberle, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Corey Potter and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Canucks got it back with a shorthanded Alexandre Burrows goal, his fourteenth of the season, with an assist from Ryan Kesler. The Oilers answered on the power play as Ryan Smyth netted his fourteenth of the year, powered by Ryan Jones and Sam Gagner. Vancouver got going again in the third period with a Kesler goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Burrows and Alexander Edler. Potter got the goal back for Edmonton in the form of his third of the year, and Eberle had the only assist. The final was 5-3, with Burrows, Eberle, and Kesler as the three stars. Ebbett earns an honorable mention.
Down the coast to Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Jonathan Quick wear the goalie masks. Los Angeles drew first blood with a Rob Scuderi goal, set up by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. Phoenix tied it on a Raffi Torres goal, his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings took the lead back with Brad Richardson making his second of the year, thanks to Slava Voynov and Kopitar. The Coyotes retied it when Torres struck again, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Patrick O'Sullivan and David Schlemko. Los Angeles grabbed the lead back in the third period on Willie Mitchell's second of the year, fueled by Dustin Penner and Justin Williams. The Kings added on with Dustin Brown sinking his ninth of the season, via Jack Johnson, chasing away LaBarbera in favor of Curtis McElhinney. Phoenix replied with a Daymond Langkow goal, his fifth of the year, and the assists were provided by Mikkel Boedker and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The final was 4-3 with the three stars being Kopitar, Torres, and Mitchell.
Finally, the Battle of California rages on as the San Jose Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Luca Sbisa put Anaheim ahead first, and he was helped by George Parros and Nick Bonino. San Jose got on the board late in the frame with a Joe Pavelski goal, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Joe Thornton and Jason Demers. The Ducks regained the lead in the second period as Bobby Ryan put his eleventh of the year away, unassisted. Jamie McGinn tied it again for the Sharks with his eighth of the season, and Justin Braun and Colin White picked up the assists. Anaheim took the lead again with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Matt Beleskey and Andrew Gordon. The final held up at 3-2 with the three stars belonging to Ryan, Cogliano, and McGinn.
Monday Night Football week 16
This week, the New Orleans Saints hosted the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta opened on a 34 yard field goal for Matt Bryant. New Orleans answered with a Pierre Thomas touchdown run of 4 yards, and John Kasay made the extra point. The Falcons answered on a Matt Ryan touchdown pass of 21 yards to Julio Jones, and Bryant was there with the extra point. The Saints got the lead back on a Drew Brees touchdown pass, going 8 yards for Marques Colston, and Kasay made another extra point. New Orleans would take a 21-10 lead into the locker room when Brees tossed Jimmy Graham a 9 yard touchdown pass, and Kasay supplied the PAT. Brees kept the Saints going in the third quarter by lobbing a 24 yard touchdown to Robert Meachem, and Kasay made another extra point. Atlanta got a few points back when Bryant nailed a 51 yard field goal. New Orleans answered with Kasay's 29 yard field goal. The Falcons replied in the fourth quarter with a 30 yard field goal. The Saints went defensive on the next touchdown as Malcom Jenkins returned a Julio Jones fumble for 30 yards and a touchdown, and Kasay made the extra point again. New Orleans made it 45-16 with Brees passing to Darren Sproles for a 9 yard touchdown connection, and Kasay was there with the extra point. The Saints go to 12-3 while the Falcons are now 9-6.
Fantasy Hockey All-Stars week 11
1. Roberto Luongo, 2 W, 1.34 GAA, 99 SV, .961 SV%, 1 SO
2. Tuukka Rask, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 30 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
3. Ray Whitney, 2 G, 2 A, +1, 10 PIM, 3 PPP, 6 SOG
4. Curtis Glencross, 4 G, 1 A, +5, 0 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Erik Karlsson, 2 G, 2 A, +5, 0 PIM, 2 PPP, 7 SOG
Bit of a fractured week with the holiday in there, and we're about halfway through the hockey season now. The next 2-3 months are very important as you make your playoff pushes.
2. Tuukka Rask, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 30 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
3. Ray Whitney, 2 G, 2 A, +1, 10 PIM, 3 PPP, 6 SOG
4. Curtis Glencross, 4 G, 1 A, +5, 0 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Erik Karlsson, 2 G, 2 A, +5, 0 PIM, 2 PPP, 7 SOG
Bit of a fractured week with the holiday in there, and we're about halfway through the hockey season now. The next 2-3 months are very important as you make your playoff pushes.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday Night Game week 16
Big NFC North rivalry game tonight as the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears. Green Bay opened with Aaron Rodgers passing to Jermichael Finley for 2 yards and a touchdown, with Mason Crosby making the extra point. Chicago got on the board when Robbie Gould made a 35 yard field goal in the second quarter. The score at halftime was 14-3 Packers because Rodgers threw a 2 yard touchdown to James Jones, followed by a Crosby extra point. . The Bears got going in the third quarter with a Kahlil Bell rush, resulting in fumble which was landed on by Edwin Williams in the end zone, and Gould made his extra point. Green Bay answered with Rodgers finding Jordy Nelson, who did a catch and run for 55 yards and a touchdown, and Crosby tacked on a PAT. Rodgers then looked back to Jones to extend the Packers lead, on a 7 yard touchdown connection, and Crosby made another extra point. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay kept going with Rodgers passing 2 yards for another touchdown to Nelson, and Crosby made the extra point. Chicago got a few back with Josh McCown passing 1 yard to Kellen Davis for a touchdown, and then he ran the ball in on the successful two point conversion. Gould cut the deficit to 35-21 with a late 30 yard field goal, the eventual final. The Packers are now 14-1 while the Bears fell out of the playoff race at 7-8.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
NFL Late Games week 16
Only three games going on late today, beginning with...
The Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers at Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams have playoff hopes on the line. Detroit led off with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson made the extra point. The Lions rolled on with Hanson making a 50 yard field goal. Stafford kept Detroit going in the second quarter with a touchdown pass to Kevin Smith for 3 yards, and Hanson again made the extra point. The score at halftime was 24-0 as Stafford tossed Calvin Johnson a touchdown pass of 14 yards and Hanson applied a PAT. San Diego got on the board in the third quarter with Philip Rivers throwing to Malcom Floyd for an 11 yard play resulting in a touchdown, allowing Nick Novak the extra point. Novak also kicked a 22 yard field goal for the Chargers. Detroit replied with a 6 yard touchdown run by Smith, and Hanson was there with the extra point. The Lions iced the game with Cliff Avril picking off Rivers and returning it 4 yards for a touchdown, allowing Hanson the extra point for a 38-10 final. Detroit goes to 10-5 and clinches a playoff spot, while San Diego sits at 7-8 and in serious trouble.
Down to Dallas, with the Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia drew first blood with a 13 yard Michael Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles led 14-0 at the half with Vick throwing a touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin for 5 yards, and Henery again added the PAT. Henery made a 43 yard field goal for Philadelphia in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Henery nailed a field goal from 51 yards away. Dallas avoided the shutout in the waning minute of the last quarter as Stephen McGee threw 4 yards to Miles Austin, and Dan Bailey kicked an extra point for a 20-7 final. Philadelphia, while out of the playoffs, is 7-8, while the Cowboys now have to fight for their spot at 8-7.
Finishing the day off, we go to Seattle, where the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle struck first with Tarvaris Jackson throwing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. San Francisco got on the board in the second quarter with David Akers kicking a 53 yard field goal. Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 10-3 lead to take into halftime with a 19 yard field goal. The 49ers came out on the attack in the third quarter, allowing Frank Gore to run 4 yards for a touchdown and Akers made the extra point. Akers then his a 29 yard field goal for San Francisco. Akers extended the 49ers lead in the fourth quarter with a 44 yard field goal. Seattle replied on a 4 yard touchdown run for a touchdown, something not yet to occur this season against the San Francisco defense, and Hauschka added the PAT. The 49ers took the game though, as Akers was true from 39 yards on a field goal to make it 19-17. San Francisco goes to 12-3 while Seattle is 7-8, and the latter was eliminated from playoff contention by the Detroit victory.
The Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers at Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams have playoff hopes on the line. Detroit led off with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson made the extra point. The Lions rolled on with Hanson making a 50 yard field goal. Stafford kept Detroit going in the second quarter with a touchdown pass to Kevin Smith for 3 yards, and Hanson again made the extra point. The score at halftime was 24-0 as Stafford tossed Calvin Johnson a touchdown pass of 14 yards and Hanson applied a PAT. San Diego got on the board in the third quarter with Philip Rivers throwing to Malcom Floyd for an 11 yard play resulting in a touchdown, allowing Nick Novak the extra point. Novak also kicked a 22 yard field goal for the Chargers. Detroit replied with a 6 yard touchdown run by Smith, and Hanson was there with the extra point. The Lions iced the game with Cliff Avril picking off Rivers and returning it 4 yards for a touchdown, allowing Hanson the extra point for a 38-10 final. Detroit goes to 10-5 and clinches a playoff spot, while San Diego sits at 7-8 and in serious trouble.
Down to Dallas, with the Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia drew first blood with a 13 yard Michael Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles led 14-0 at the half with Vick throwing a touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin for 5 yards, and Henery again added the PAT. Henery made a 43 yard field goal for Philadelphia in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Henery nailed a field goal from 51 yards away. Dallas avoided the shutout in the waning minute of the last quarter as Stephen McGee threw 4 yards to Miles Austin, and Dan Bailey kicked an extra point for a 20-7 final. Philadelphia, while out of the playoffs, is 7-8, while the Cowboys now have to fight for their spot at 8-7.
Finishing the day off, we go to Seattle, where the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle struck first with Tarvaris Jackson throwing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. San Francisco got on the board in the second quarter with David Akers kicking a 53 yard field goal. Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 10-3 lead to take into halftime with a 19 yard field goal. The 49ers came out on the attack in the third quarter, allowing Frank Gore to run 4 yards for a touchdown and Akers made the extra point. Akers then his a 29 yard field goal for San Francisco. Akers extended the 49ers lead in the fourth quarter with a 44 yard field goal. Seattle replied on a 4 yard touchdown run for a touchdown, something not yet to occur this season against the San Francisco defense, and Hauschka added the PAT. The 49ers took the game though, as Akers was true from 39 yards on a field goal to make it 19-17. San Francisco goes to 12-3 while Seattle is 7-8, and the latter was eliminated from playoff contention by the Detroit victory.
NFL Early Games week 16
This Saturday morning, there are ten games on. We begin with...
The Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati opened with a Mike Nugent field goal of 24 yards. The Bengals added on with Andy Dalton throwing an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati kept going in the second quarter with Dalton throwing 19 yards to Jerome Simpson, who finished the play with a solid front flip into the end zone, allowing Nugent another extra point. Nugent made it 20-0 at half time for the Bengals with a 41 yard field goal. Nugent kept kicking in the third quarter, adding on a 32 yard field goal for Cincinnati. Arizona got on the board in the fourth quarter when John Skelton tossed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely made the PAT. The Cardinals pulled closer after Skelton found Jeff King for a 2 yard touchdown connection, but the two point attempt failed on Skelton's run. Feely made it 23-16 with a 29 yard field goal for Arizona. The Bengals would weather the storm from here and hold on to improve to 9-6 while the Cardinals fell to 7-8.
To New Jersey, where the New York Jets host the New York Giants for tri-state supremacy. The Jets got going with a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Josh Baker for 5 yards, and Nick Folk kicked the extra point. Lawrence Tynes answered for the Giants by kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead with an impressive Eli Manning touchdown pass, 99 yards on the catch and run by Victor Cruz, and Tynes blasted in the PAT. This left the score at 10-7 for halftime. The Giants added on in the third quarter with a 14 yard touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw, and Tynes kicked another extra point. Sanchez got the Jets a little closer again by running 1 yard to find a touchdown, and Folk was there with the extra point. The Giants got back on their game by sacking Sanchez for a safety. Bradshaw put the game out of reach at 29-14 with a 19 yard touchdown run, and Tynes secured victory for the Giants with the extra point. The Giants are now 8-7 and in control of their playoff hopes while the Jets fall to the same mark and lose most of their advantage in determining their fate.
Southwest to Tennessee, where the Titans welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee opened with a Rob Bironas field goal from 51 yards. The Titans added on when Matt Hasselbeck threw 55 yards to Jared Cook for a touchdown, and Bironas tacked on the extra point. Jacksonville got a few back with Maurice Jones-Drew rushing 10 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Scobee added an extra point. In the second quarter, Tennessee extended the lead on a Jamie Harper touchdown run of 1 yard, and Bironas was there with the extra point. The Jaguars cut the score to 17-10 at the half when Scobee nailed a 39 yard field goal. The Titans replied in the third quarter when Bironas made a 51 yard field goal. Bironas kept kicking in the fourth quarter for Tennessee, as he made a 35 yard field goal. Jacksonville pulled back with Greg Jones running 1 yard for a touchdown, allowing Scobee another PAT. This made it 23-17, improving the Titans to 8-7 and knocking the Jaguars down to 4-11.
Back to the Northeast, as the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Dan Carpenter field goal from 47 yards out. Matt Moore kept the Dolphins going with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall in the second quarter, and Carpenter added on the extra point. Moore continued with a 1 yard touchdown to Charles Clay, and Carpenter's extra point made it 17-0 at the half. New England got on the board in the third quarter with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal of 45 yards. The Patriots kept going with Tom Brady throwing a 1 yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch, and Gostkowski supplied the PAT. New England tied it as Brady took matters in his own hands by rushing a yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski's extra point tied the game. Gostkowski gave the Patriots the lead in the fourth quarter with a 42 yard field. New England extended the lead with Brady again rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski successfully made the extra point. Moore tried to rally the Dolphins with a touchdown pass to Davone Bess for 15 yards, followed by a Carpenter extra point to make it 27-24. This would not be enough to win, allowing the Patriots to go to 12-3 while Miami fell to 5-10.
Staying nearby, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore got going with Joe Flacco's touchdown pass to Ed Dickson for 5 yards, and Shayne Graham made the extra point. Graham added a 48 yard field goal for the Ravens. Flacco got Baltimore a few more points by passing to Ray Rice, who took the ball 42 yards for a touchdown, and Graham made the extra point again. The score was 17-0 heading into the locker rooms. Graham kicked a 43 yard field goal in the third quarter for the Ravens. Cleveland got on the board as Joshua Cribbs returned a Sam Koch punt for 84 yards and a touchdown, allowing Phil Dawson to make a PAT. The Browns cut it to 20-14 in the fourth quarter as Seneca Wallace threw 6 yards to Evan Moore for a touchdown, and Dawson made another extra point. This would be a final, with Baltimore becoming 11-4 and Cleveland 4-11.
Westward to Kansas City, where the Chiefs fight with the Oakland Raiders to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Oakland struck first with Sebastian Janikowski kicking a 28 yard field goal. Kansas City replied with a 23 yard field goal by Ryan Succop, and the 3-3 tie lasted through the second quarter into halftime. The Raiders gained the lead in the third quarter with Carson Palmer tossing a 61 yard touchdown reception to Denarius Moore, and Janikowski was there with the extra point. The Chiefs got some back with Succop nailing a 20 yard field goal. Janikowski answered for Oakland on a 31 yard field goal. Kansas City tied it when Kyle Orton found Dwayne Bowe on a 3 yard touchdown pass, and Succop's extra point would eventually force an overtime. In the fifth quarter, the Raiders won 16-13 on a Janikowski 36 yard field goal, improving them to 8-7 and knocking the Chiefs out of the playoff picture at 6-9.
Back to the East coast, where the Washington Redskins host the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota opened on Ryan Longwell's 36 yard field goal. Adrian Peterson added on for the Vikings in the second quarter by rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Longwell added an extra point. Washington got on the board with Rex Grossman throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Donte' Stallworth, and Graham Gano made the extra point. Gano evened the score at 10 just before halftime with a 26 yard field goal for the Redskins. Washington added on in the third quarter as Gano nailed a 53 yard field goal. Minnesota answered with a Joe Webb rushing touchdown of 9 yards, and Longwell was successful with the PAT. Grossman answered back for the Redskins on a 4 yard touchdown connection with Jabar Gaffney, and Gano made another extra point. The Vikings replied when Webb passed 17 yards to Kyle Rudolph, but Longwell blew the extra point here to leave the score at 23-20. Gano tied it for Washington by kicking a 25 yard field goal. Webb answered back for Minnesota on an 8 yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin, and Longwell redeemed himself with the extra point. The kickers traded field goals to make it 33-26, with Longwell good at 23 yards and Gano true from 47. Minnesota went to 3-12 while Washington fell to 5-10.
Down south a bit, the Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina opened with DeAngelo Williams running 8 yards for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare made the extra point. Mare also added a 21 yard field goal for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second quarter when Josh Freeman lobbed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn, and Connor Barth made the extra point. Carolina answered on a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, a 91 yard play when all said and done, with Mare icing it on an extra point. Barth answered back for the Buccaneers with a 41 yard field goal. The Panthers took a 20-10 lead into the locker rooms as Mare made a 19 yard field goal. Williams got things back on track for Carolina in the third quarter by rushing 22 yards to get a touchdown, and Mare supplied the extra point. Newton helped the Panthers cause when he found Jonathan Stewart on an 11yard touchdown pass, and Mare again made the PAT. Newton took matters in to his own hands when he rushed 49 yards for another Carolina touchdown, and Mare was there with the extra point again. Newton aired it out in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey for 8 yards, and Mare again made the extra point for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got a few back when Freeman rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, but they failed on the two point conversion and would lose heavily by a 48-16 score. Carolina is now 6-9 and the Buccaneers are 4-11.
Back to the north, where the Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos. Denver led off with a Tim Tebow touchdown run of 1 yard, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Buffalo got going in the second quarter with Dave Rayner kicking a 28 yard field goal. The Bills next touchdown was special, as Leodis McKelvin returned a Britton Colquitt punt for 80 yards and a touchdown, as Rayner blasted in the extra point. C.J. Spiller kept Buffalo strong with a 4 yard touchdown run just before half, and Rayner's extra point made it 17-7 heading into the locker rooms. The Broncos came out of the gate in the third quarter on the arm of Tebow, who threw 173yards to Daniel Fells for a touchdown, and Prater was there wit the extra point. The Bills wiped it out for the most part with a pair of 25 yard field goals by Rayner. Rayner also kicked a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter for Buffalo. The Bills ended up winning 40-14 when Jairus Byrd and Spencer Johnson picked Tebow off in rapid succession, as Byrd went 37 yards and Johnson went 17 yards to take each pick back for a touchdown. Rayner made both extra points. The Bills improved to 6-9 while the Broncos playoff chances got more muddled at 8-7.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the St. Louis Rams. Pittsburgh opened with Shaun Suisham kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Steelers led 10-0 at halftime when John Clay ran 10 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham made the extra point. Pittsburgh kept going in the third quarter with Suisham kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers were unstoppable by the fourth quarter as Rashard Mendenhall ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Suisham made the PAT. Pittsburgh wound up winning 27-0 due to a 2 yard Isaac Redman touchdown run, and Suisham's extra point. The Steelers are now 11-4 while the Rams are 2-13.
The Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati opened with a Mike Nugent field goal of 24 yards. The Bengals added on with Andy Dalton throwing an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati kept going in the second quarter with Dalton throwing 19 yards to Jerome Simpson, who finished the play with a solid front flip into the end zone, allowing Nugent another extra point. Nugent made it 20-0 at half time for the Bengals with a 41 yard field goal. Nugent kept kicking in the third quarter, adding on a 32 yard field goal for Cincinnati. Arizona got on the board in the fourth quarter when John Skelton tossed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely made the PAT. The Cardinals pulled closer after Skelton found Jeff King for a 2 yard touchdown connection, but the two point attempt failed on Skelton's run. Feely made it 23-16 with a 29 yard field goal for Arizona. The Bengals would weather the storm from here and hold on to improve to 9-6 while the Cardinals fell to 7-8.
To New Jersey, where the New York Jets host the New York Giants for tri-state supremacy. The Jets got going with a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Josh Baker for 5 yards, and Nick Folk kicked the extra point. Lawrence Tynes answered for the Giants by kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead with an impressive Eli Manning touchdown pass, 99 yards on the catch and run by Victor Cruz, and Tynes blasted in the PAT. This left the score at 10-7 for halftime. The Giants added on in the third quarter with a 14 yard touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw, and Tynes kicked another extra point. Sanchez got the Jets a little closer again by running 1 yard to find a touchdown, and Folk was there with the extra point. The Giants got back on their game by sacking Sanchez for a safety. Bradshaw put the game out of reach at 29-14 with a 19 yard touchdown run, and Tynes secured victory for the Giants with the extra point. The Giants are now 8-7 and in control of their playoff hopes while the Jets fall to the same mark and lose most of their advantage in determining their fate.
Southwest to Tennessee, where the Titans welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee opened with a Rob Bironas field goal from 51 yards. The Titans added on when Matt Hasselbeck threw 55 yards to Jared Cook for a touchdown, and Bironas tacked on the extra point. Jacksonville got a few back with Maurice Jones-Drew rushing 10 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Scobee added an extra point. In the second quarter, Tennessee extended the lead on a Jamie Harper touchdown run of 1 yard, and Bironas was there with the extra point. The Jaguars cut the score to 17-10 at the half when Scobee nailed a 39 yard field goal. The Titans replied in the third quarter when Bironas made a 51 yard field goal. Bironas kept kicking in the fourth quarter for Tennessee, as he made a 35 yard field goal. Jacksonville pulled back with Greg Jones running 1 yard for a touchdown, allowing Scobee another PAT. This made it 23-17, improving the Titans to 8-7 and knocking the Jaguars down to 4-11.
Back to the Northeast, as the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Dan Carpenter field goal from 47 yards out. Matt Moore kept the Dolphins going with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall in the second quarter, and Carpenter added on the extra point. Moore continued with a 1 yard touchdown to Charles Clay, and Carpenter's extra point made it 17-0 at the half. New England got on the board in the third quarter with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal of 45 yards. The Patriots kept going with Tom Brady throwing a 1 yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch, and Gostkowski supplied the PAT. New England tied it as Brady took matters in his own hands by rushing a yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski's extra point tied the game. Gostkowski gave the Patriots the lead in the fourth quarter with a 42 yard field. New England extended the lead with Brady again rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski successfully made the extra point. Moore tried to rally the Dolphins with a touchdown pass to Davone Bess for 15 yards, followed by a Carpenter extra point to make it 27-24. This would not be enough to win, allowing the Patriots to go to 12-3 while Miami fell to 5-10.
Staying nearby, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore got going with Joe Flacco's touchdown pass to Ed Dickson for 5 yards, and Shayne Graham made the extra point. Graham added a 48 yard field goal for the Ravens. Flacco got Baltimore a few more points by passing to Ray Rice, who took the ball 42 yards for a touchdown, and Graham made the extra point again. The score was 17-0 heading into the locker rooms. Graham kicked a 43 yard field goal in the third quarter for the Ravens. Cleveland got on the board as Joshua Cribbs returned a Sam Koch punt for 84 yards and a touchdown, allowing Phil Dawson to make a PAT. The Browns cut it to 20-14 in the fourth quarter as Seneca Wallace threw 6 yards to Evan Moore for a touchdown, and Dawson made another extra point. This would be a final, with Baltimore becoming 11-4 and Cleveland 4-11.
Westward to Kansas City, where the Chiefs fight with the Oakland Raiders to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Oakland struck first with Sebastian Janikowski kicking a 28 yard field goal. Kansas City replied with a 23 yard field goal by Ryan Succop, and the 3-3 tie lasted through the second quarter into halftime. The Raiders gained the lead in the third quarter with Carson Palmer tossing a 61 yard touchdown reception to Denarius Moore, and Janikowski was there with the extra point. The Chiefs got some back with Succop nailing a 20 yard field goal. Janikowski answered for Oakland on a 31 yard field goal. Kansas City tied it when Kyle Orton found Dwayne Bowe on a 3 yard touchdown pass, and Succop's extra point would eventually force an overtime. In the fifth quarter, the Raiders won 16-13 on a Janikowski 36 yard field goal, improving them to 8-7 and knocking the Chiefs out of the playoff picture at 6-9.
Back to the East coast, where the Washington Redskins host the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota opened on Ryan Longwell's 36 yard field goal. Adrian Peterson added on for the Vikings in the second quarter by rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Longwell added an extra point. Washington got on the board with Rex Grossman throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Donte' Stallworth, and Graham Gano made the extra point. Gano evened the score at 10 just before halftime with a 26 yard field goal for the Redskins. Washington added on in the third quarter as Gano nailed a 53 yard field goal. Minnesota answered with a Joe Webb rushing touchdown of 9 yards, and Longwell was successful with the PAT. Grossman answered back for the Redskins on a 4 yard touchdown connection with Jabar Gaffney, and Gano made another extra point. The Vikings replied when Webb passed 17 yards to Kyle Rudolph, but Longwell blew the extra point here to leave the score at 23-20. Gano tied it for Washington by kicking a 25 yard field goal. Webb answered back for Minnesota on an 8 yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin, and Longwell redeemed himself with the extra point. The kickers traded field goals to make it 33-26, with Longwell good at 23 yards and Gano true from 47. Minnesota went to 3-12 while Washington fell to 5-10.
Down south a bit, the Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina opened with DeAngelo Williams running 8 yards for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare made the extra point. Mare also added a 21 yard field goal for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second quarter when Josh Freeman lobbed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn, and Connor Barth made the extra point. Carolina answered on a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, a 91 yard play when all said and done, with Mare icing it on an extra point. Barth answered back for the Buccaneers with a 41 yard field goal. The Panthers took a 20-10 lead into the locker rooms as Mare made a 19 yard field goal. Williams got things back on track for Carolina in the third quarter by rushing 22 yards to get a touchdown, and Mare supplied the extra point. Newton helped the Panthers cause when he found Jonathan Stewart on an 11yard touchdown pass, and Mare again made the PAT. Newton took matters in to his own hands when he rushed 49 yards for another Carolina touchdown, and Mare was there with the extra point again. Newton aired it out in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey for 8 yards, and Mare again made the extra point for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got a few back when Freeman rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, but they failed on the two point conversion and would lose heavily by a 48-16 score. Carolina is now 6-9 and the Buccaneers are 4-11.
Back to the north, where the Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos. Denver led off with a Tim Tebow touchdown run of 1 yard, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Buffalo got going in the second quarter with Dave Rayner kicking a 28 yard field goal. The Bills next touchdown was special, as Leodis McKelvin returned a Britton Colquitt punt for 80 yards and a touchdown, as Rayner blasted in the extra point. C.J. Spiller kept Buffalo strong with a 4 yard touchdown run just before half, and Rayner's extra point made it 17-7 heading into the locker rooms. The Broncos came out of the gate in the third quarter on the arm of Tebow, who threw 173yards to Daniel Fells for a touchdown, and Prater was there wit the extra point. The Bills wiped it out for the most part with a pair of 25 yard field goals by Rayner. Rayner also kicked a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter for Buffalo. The Bills ended up winning 40-14 when Jairus Byrd and Spencer Johnson picked Tebow off in rapid succession, as Byrd went 37 yards and Johnson went 17 yards to take each pick back for a touchdown. Rayner made both extra points. The Bills improved to 6-9 while the Broncos playoff chances got more muddled at 8-7.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the St. Louis Rams. Pittsburgh opened with Shaun Suisham kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Steelers led 10-0 at halftime when John Clay ran 10 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham made the extra point. Pittsburgh kept going in the third quarter with Suisham kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers were unstoppable by the fourth quarter as Rashard Mendenhall ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Suisham made the PAT. Pittsburgh wound up winning 27-0 due to a 2 yard Isaac Redman touchdown run, and Suisham's extra point. The Steelers are now 11-4 while the Rams are 2-13.
Friday, December 23, 2011
NHL Day 79 2011-2012
Eleven games on the last day before the holiday break. We begin with the...
New York Islanders hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Evgeni Nabokov are in between the pipes. Toronto led off with the tenth of the season for Clarke MacArthur, assisted by Tim Connolly and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs extended the lead on Nazem Kadri's second of the year, a power play goal set up by Mikhail Grabovski and Jake Gardiner. Toronto kept going with a Carl Gunnarsson goal, fueled by Connolly and MacArthur. New York got on the board with Kyle Okposo netting his sixth of the season, via Mike Mottau and Josh Bailey. The Islanders pulled closer in the second period with a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his fifth of the year powered by Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. The Maple Leafs pushed back with a shorthanded Joey Crabb goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Tyler Bozak. New York answered with John Tavares pushing his eleventh of the year over the goal line, thanks to Parenteau and Travis Hamonic. Toronto iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Joffrey Lupul, his sixteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The three stars went to MacArthur, Tavares, and Connolly, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Martin Brodeur got the starting nods. New Jersey opened the scoring in the second period with Ilya Kovalchuk on the power play, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Kurtis Foster and Patrik Elias. The Devils added on with an Alexander Urbom goal, made possible by Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk. New Jersey kept up the attack with Adam Henrique registering his ninth of the year, thanks to Matt Taormina and Zach Parise. Washington got on the board in the third period with a Brooks Laich goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Dennis Wideman and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals pulled even closer with the twelfth of the year for Jason Chimera, assisted by Alexander Semin. Washington tied it with Chimera sinking his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, guided in by Laich and Semin. The Devils went on to win 4-3 via the shootout, where Kovalchuk and Elias tallied to down the Capitals. Earning the three stars were Kovalchuk, Chimera, and Laich, while Elias and Semin earn honorable mentions.
Over to Boston, where the Bruins welcome in the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Tuukka Rask will be in the nets. Boston struck first on a Brad Marchnd goal, his thirteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal coming from Patrice Bergeron and Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins added on with a power play goal by Milan Lucic, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Bergeron and Nathan Horton. Boston extended the lead with Benoit Pouliot sinking his seventh of the season, with the help of Chris Kelly. The Bruins were relentless when Seidenberg scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Marchand. At the end of the period, Scott Clemmensen came on in relief of Theodore. Boston stayed strong in the second period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his third of the year, made possible by Marchand and Andrew Ference. The Bruins continued the blitz with Bergeron scoring a power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Zdeno Chara and David Krejci. Boston made it 7-0 when Marchand potted his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, as Chara and Tyler Seguin provided assists. The Bruins doled out more punishment as Marchand finished his hat trick with his fifteenth of the season, and the helpers came from Seguin and Adam McQuaid. The final was 8-0, with Marchand, Rask (30 save shutout), and Bergeron earning the three stars, while Seidenberg, Chara, and Seguin earn honorable mentions.
South to Carolina, with the Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Cam Ward put on the goalie pads. Carolina led off with Andreas Nodl scoring his second of the campaign, thanks to Riley Nash and Jamie McBain. Ottawa replied with Filip Kuba potting his third of the season, with help from Nick Foligno and Kyle Turris. The Hurricanes would take the game 2-1 in overtime on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Jussi Jokinen. The three stars were Ruutu, Nodl, and Ward (22 for 23 in saves).
A Winter Classic Preview is next, as the New York Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Philosopher Ilya Bryzgalov takes on the fashionable Henrik Lundqvist in net. New York was first on the board in the second period as Derek Stepan recorded his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Stu Bickel. The Rangers extended their lead when Ruslan Fedotenko sank his fifth of the year, via Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. New York kept scoring in the third period as Marian Gaborik netted his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Anton Stralman and Michael Del Zotto. Philadelphia got on the board with Andrej Meszaros registering his fifth of the year, with the help of Matt Carle and Scott Hartnell on the power play. The Rangers answered promptly to make it 4-1 as Ryan Callahan deposited his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dan Girardi and Del Zotto. The Flyers made it 4-2 on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Meszaros and Matt Read. This was a final, where the three stars were given out to Lundqvist (28 for 30 in saves), Bickel, and Dubinsky, while Meszaros and Del Zotto also played well.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Richard Bachman are in the blue paint. Dallas opened on a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Radek Dvorak and Sheldon Souray. The Stars added on with Loui Eriksson potting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Trevor Daley and Michael Ryder. Dallas chased Rinne when Steve Ott nailed his sixth of the season, coming off of Daley and Mike Ribeiro. Anders Lindback came on in relief. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Matt Halischuk goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Blake Geoffrion and Jerred Smithson. The Predators pulled closer with the eighth of the season off the tape of Martin Erat, pushed through by Ryan Suter and Shea Weber on the power play. The Stars got one back when Ribeiro netted his fifth of the year, via Brenden Morrow and Ott. In the third period, Nashville pulled back a little closer with a David Legwand power play goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Colin Wilson and Craig Smith. Dallas quickly tallied back with Jamie Benn making his ninth of the year, guided in by Eriksson and Ryder. The Stars iced it at 6-3 with Ryder notching his thirteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Eriksson, and Ryder, while Daley and Ott also played well.
Way to the north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ondrej Pavelec guard the cages. Pittsburgh struck first with a Joe Vitale goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Alexandre Picard. Winnipeg tied it on an Alex Burmistrov goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane. The Penguins grabbed the lead in the third period on a James Neal goal, his twentieth of the season, fueled by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Pittsburgh extended the lead with the thirteenth of the year for Jordan Staal, a power play goal powered by Kunitz and Steve Sullivan. The Penguins kept the blitz going with Pascal Dupuis recording his tenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 4-1 with the three stars being Kunitz, Neal, and Zbynek Michalek, while point earners have an argument to make.
Back to the south, as the Phoenix Coyotes host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jason LaBarbera will make the starts. Alex Steen got St. Louis on the board first in the second period with his twelfth of the season, and a lone helper was provided by Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix quickly tied it on a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, and Michal Rozsival had the lone assist. The Blues regained the lead late in the frame on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Roman Polak and Evgeny Grachev. St. Louis extended the lead on a Jason Arnott goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Kris Russell and Grachev. The Coyotes got one back when Keith Yandle potted his fifth of the season, with the help of Raffi Torres and Cal O'Reilly. They failed to get an equalizer, leaving the final at 3-2. The three stars went to D'Agostini, Steen, and Doan, with Grachev as an honorable mention.
A little to the north, the Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and fellow French-Canadian Jean-Sebastien Giguere are under the goalie masks. Tampa Bay was first to score as Pavel Kubina put his second of the season in the mesh, and Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis had the assists. Colorado tied it in the second period with Ryan O'Reilly potting his eighth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Milan Hejduk. The Avalanche went on to win 2-1 in overtime on a Matt Duchene goal, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Gabriel Landeskog. Duchene, O'Reilly, and Kubina were the three stars.
Northwest of that, the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Roberto Luongo got the starting nods. Calgary got on the board with a third period Curtis Glencross goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists from Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester. The Flames added on with the third of the year for Mikael Backlund, and the lone helper was provided by Lee Stempniak. Vancouver got on the board when Dan Hamhuis deposited his third of the campaign, thanks to Kevin Bieksa and Cody Hodgson. Calgary iced it with Olli Jokinen scoring his twelfth of the year into the empty net with assistance from Iginla and Glencross for a 3-1 win. The three stars were Irving (29 for 30 in saves), Alexandre Burrows, and Glencross, with Iginla for honorable mention.
Finally, the Battle of California continues when the San Jose Sharks welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose got things started in the second period with Logan Couture netting his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty on the power play. The game went to a shootout, where the Sharks topped the Kings on a lone tally by Clowe. The three stars were awarded to Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Niemi (28 for 29 in saves), and Quick (34 for 35 in saves), while Clowe should be named MVP.
Happy holidays to everybody out there. Football will be posted a day late, as the games are on Saturday. I will have them out on Sunday. Hockey is off until Monday, so enjoy the break if there's nothing on for you.
New York Islanders hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Evgeni Nabokov are in between the pipes. Toronto led off with the tenth of the season for Clarke MacArthur, assisted by Tim Connolly and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs extended the lead on Nazem Kadri's second of the year, a power play goal set up by Mikhail Grabovski and Jake Gardiner. Toronto kept going with a Carl Gunnarsson goal, fueled by Connolly and MacArthur. New York got on the board with Kyle Okposo netting his sixth of the season, via Mike Mottau and Josh Bailey. The Islanders pulled closer in the second period with a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his fifth of the year powered by Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. The Maple Leafs pushed back with a shorthanded Joey Crabb goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Tyler Bozak. New York answered with John Tavares pushing his eleventh of the year over the goal line, thanks to Parenteau and Travis Hamonic. Toronto iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Joffrey Lupul, his sixteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The three stars went to MacArthur, Tavares, and Connolly, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Martin Brodeur got the starting nods. New Jersey opened the scoring in the second period with Ilya Kovalchuk on the power play, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Kurtis Foster and Patrik Elias. The Devils added on with an Alexander Urbom goal, made possible by Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk. New Jersey kept up the attack with Adam Henrique registering his ninth of the year, thanks to Matt Taormina and Zach Parise. Washington got on the board in the third period with a Brooks Laich goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Dennis Wideman and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals pulled even closer with the twelfth of the year for Jason Chimera, assisted by Alexander Semin. Washington tied it with Chimera sinking his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, guided in by Laich and Semin. The Devils went on to win 4-3 via the shootout, where Kovalchuk and Elias tallied to down the Capitals. Earning the three stars were Kovalchuk, Chimera, and Laich, while Elias and Semin earn honorable mentions.
Over to Boston, where the Bruins welcome in the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Tuukka Rask will be in the nets. Boston struck first on a Brad Marchnd goal, his thirteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal coming from Patrice Bergeron and Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins added on with a power play goal by Milan Lucic, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Bergeron and Nathan Horton. Boston extended the lead with Benoit Pouliot sinking his seventh of the season, with the help of Chris Kelly. The Bruins were relentless when Seidenberg scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Marchand. At the end of the period, Scott Clemmensen came on in relief of Theodore. Boston stayed strong in the second period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his third of the year, made possible by Marchand and Andrew Ference. The Bruins continued the blitz with Bergeron scoring a power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Zdeno Chara and David Krejci. Boston made it 7-0 when Marchand potted his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, as Chara and Tyler Seguin provided assists. The Bruins doled out more punishment as Marchand finished his hat trick with his fifteenth of the season, and the helpers came from Seguin and Adam McQuaid. The final was 8-0, with Marchand, Rask (30 save shutout), and Bergeron earning the three stars, while Seidenberg, Chara, and Seguin earn honorable mentions.
South to Carolina, with the Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Cam Ward put on the goalie pads. Carolina led off with Andreas Nodl scoring his second of the campaign, thanks to Riley Nash and Jamie McBain. Ottawa replied with Filip Kuba potting his third of the season, with help from Nick Foligno and Kyle Turris. The Hurricanes would take the game 2-1 in overtime on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Jussi Jokinen. The three stars were Ruutu, Nodl, and Ward (22 for 23 in saves).
A Winter Classic Preview is next, as the New York Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Philosopher Ilya Bryzgalov takes on the fashionable Henrik Lundqvist in net. New York was first on the board in the second period as Derek Stepan recorded his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Stu Bickel. The Rangers extended their lead when Ruslan Fedotenko sank his fifth of the year, via Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. New York kept scoring in the third period as Marian Gaborik netted his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Anton Stralman and Michael Del Zotto. Philadelphia got on the board with Andrej Meszaros registering his fifth of the year, with the help of Matt Carle and Scott Hartnell on the power play. The Rangers answered promptly to make it 4-1 as Ryan Callahan deposited his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dan Girardi and Del Zotto. The Flyers made it 4-2 on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Meszaros and Matt Read. This was a final, where the three stars were given out to Lundqvist (28 for 30 in saves), Bickel, and Dubinsky, while Meszaros and Del Zotto also played well.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Richard Bachman are in the blue paint. Dallas opened on a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Radek Dvorak and Sheldon Souray. The Stars added on with Loui Eriksson potting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Trevor Daley and Michael Ryder. Dallas chased Rinne when Steve Ott nailed his sixth of the season, coming off of Daley and Mike Ribeiro. Anders Lindback came on in relief. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Matt Halischuk goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Blake Geoffrion and Jerred Smithson. The Predators pulled closer with the eighth of the season off the tape of Martin Erat, pushed through by Ryan Suter and Shea Weber on the power play. The Stars got one back when Ribeiro netted his fifth of the year, via Brenden Morrow and Ott. In the third period, Nashville pulled back a little closer with a David Legwand power play goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Colin Wilson and Craig Smith. Dallas quickly tallied back with Jamie Benn making his ninth of the year, guided in by Eriksson and Ryder. The Stars iced it at 6-3 with Ryder notching his thirteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Eriksson, and Ryder, while Daley and Ott also played well.
Way to the north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ondrej Pavelec guard the cages. Pittsburgh struck first with a Joe Vitale goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Alexandre Picard. Winnipeg tied it on an Alex Burmistrov goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane. The Penguins grabbed the lead in the third period on a James Neal goal, his twentieth of the season, fueled by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Pittsburgh extended the lead with the thirteenth of the year for Jordan Staal, a power play goal powered by Kunitz and Steve Sullivan. The Penguins kept the blitz going with Pascal Dupuis recording his tenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 4-1 with the three stars being Kunitz, Neal, and Zbynek Michalek, while point earners have an argument to make.
Back to the south, as the Phoenix Coyotes host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jason LaBarbera will make the starts. Alex Steen got St. Louis on the board first in the second period with his twelfth of the season, and a lone helper was provided by Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix quickly tied it on a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, and Michal Rozsival had the lone assist. The Blues regained the lead late in the frame on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Roman Polak and Evgeny Grachev. St. Louis extended the lead on a Jason Arnott goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Kris Russell and Grachev. The Coyotes got one back when Keith Yandle potted his fifth of the season, with the help of Raffi Torres and Cal O'Reilly. They failed to get an equalizer, leaving the final at 3-2. The three stars went to D'Agostini, Steen, and Doan, with Grachev as an honorable mention.
A little to the north, the Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and fellow French-Canadian Jean-Sebastien Giguere are under the goalie masks. Tampa Bay was first to score as Pavel Kubina put his second of the season in the mesh, and Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis had the assists. Colorado tied it in the second period with Ryan O'Reilly potting his eighth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Milan Hejduk. The Avalanche went on to win 2-1 in overtime on a Matt Duchene goal, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Gabriel Landeskog. Duchene, O'Reilly, and Kubina were the three stars.
Northwest of that, the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Roberto Luongo got the starting nods. Calgary got on the board with a third period Curtis Glencross goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists from Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester. The Flames added on with the third of the year for Mikael Backlund, and the lone helper was provided by Lee Stempniak. Vancouver got on the board when Dan Hamhuis deposited his third of the campaign, thanks to Kevin Bieksa and Cody Hodgson. Calgary iced it with Olli Jokinen scoring his twelfth of the year into the empty net with assistance from Iginla and Glencross for a 3-1 win. The three stars were Irving (29 for 30 in saves), Alexandre Burrows, and Glencross, with Iginla for honorable mention.
Finally, the Battle of California continues when the San Jose Sharks welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose got things started in the second period with Logan Couture netting his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty on the power play. The game went to a shootout, where the Sharks topped the Kings on a lone tally by Clowe. The three stars were awarded to Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Niemi (28 for 29 in saves), and Quick (34 for 35 in saves), while Clowe should be named MVP.
Happy holidays to everybody out there. Football will be posted a day late, as the games are on Saturday. I will have them out on Sunday. Hockey is off until Monday, so enjoy the break if there's nothing on for you.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
NHL Day 78 2011-2012
Eight games on as we head into the second to last day before the holiday break. First up, we have a rivalry match between...
The New York Rangers in the Madison Square Garden, hosting the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Martin Biron will be playing in the creases. Brandon Dubinsky put the Rangers up first with his second of the season, assisted by Stu Bickel and the goalie Biron. The Islanders tied it on a power play goal in the second period, P.A. Parenteau's sixth of the year, powered by Mark Streit and Matt Moulson. The Rangers regained the lead with Marian Gaborik depositing his twentieth of the season, via Artem Anisimov. The Rangers extended the lead on Michael Del Zotto's fourth of the year, with helpers by Brandon Prust and Anton Stralman. The Islanders got one back as Moulson put away his sixteenth of the season, a power play goal, guided in by John Tavares and Streit. The Rangers made it 4-2 on a John Mitchell empty net goal, his second of the year, helped along by Dubinsky and Stralman. The three stars in this game were Del Zotto, Biron (24 for 26 in saves), and Anisimov, while Moulson, Streit, Dubinsky, and Stralman also all played well.
Northward to Toronto, as the Maple Leafs welcome in the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and James Reimer tend the twines. Jason Pominville put Buffalo ahead first in the second period with his eleventh of the season, a power play goal with a lone assist by Thomas Vanek. Toronto tied it on Dave Steckel's sixth of the year, courtesy of Luke Schenn and Joey Crabb. The Maple Leafs grabbed the lead with Phil Kessel netting his twentieth of the season, coming off of Joffrey Lupul and Dion Phaneuf. The Sabres retied it on a Derek Roy goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, thanks to Pominville. Toronto regained the lead with a Nazem Kadri goal, helped along by Clarke MacArthur. This made it 3-2, good enough for a win, and the three stars were Kessel, Reimer (40 for 42 in saves), and Pominville.
Staying in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Florida Panthers. Current Panther backup Scott Clemmensen opposes another former Panther backup in net, in the form of Craig Anderson. Ottawa led off with a Chris Neil power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Daniel Alfredsson. Florida tied it in the second period with Michal Repik making a power play goal, with help from Tomas Fleischmann and Kris Versteeg. The Senators grabbed the lead again in the third period, as Alfredsson netted his tenth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Neil. The Panthers got another equalizer with Shawn Matthias netting his sixth of the season, another power play goal, fueled by Brian Campbell and Mike Santorelli. Ottawa grabbed the lead back with Karlsson registering his fourth of the year, as Alfredsson and Colin Greening picked up the helpers. Florida got a late equalizer again with Tomas Kopecky potting his fifth of the season, first having seen the tape of Versteeg and Matt Bradley. The Senators took the game 4-3 in overtime on the third of the year for Bobby Butler, via Kyle Turris and Jared Cowen. The three stars were given to Alfredsson, Neil, and Butler, while Versteeg and Karlsson are given honorable mention.
Back to the states, where the Nashville Predators are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis Sanford and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. Nashville led off by a power play goal off the tape of Mike Fisher, his seventh of the season, with helpers provided by Sergei Kostitsyn and Ryan Suter. Columbus tied the game when Jeff Carter recorded his eighth of the year, and the lone assist came from Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets took the lead on another Carter goal, his ninth of the season, a power play goal from Rick Nash and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus kept on the attack with a power play goal by Ryan Johansen, his sixth of the year, fueled by R.J. Umberger and Derick Brassard. Carter completed the hat trick and added on to the Blue Jackets lead with his tenth of the season, another power play goal, made possible by Nash and Nikita Nikitin. The Predators got one back in the second period as Patric Hornqvist put away his ninth of the year, assisted by Shea Weber and David Legwand. Columbus replied with the second of the game and seventh of the season for Johansen, coming off of Umberger and Brassard on the power play. Nashville shot back with a Nick Spaling goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Colin Wilson and Jordin Tootoo. The Predators clawed back with Roman Josi netting his second of the season, thanks to Francis Bouillon and Martin Erat. Nashville tied it late in the third period when Legwand scored on the power play, his ninth of the year, pushed through by Wilson and Weber. The Predators struck again later in the third period to take a 6-5 lead with the seventh of the campaign by Erat, set up by Suter and Weber, the latter tallying a sock trick. They weathered on to the end nine seconds later and won, with the three stars being Erat, Carter, and Legwand, while honorable mentions include Johansen, Brassard, Nash, Umberger, Weber, Suter, and Wilson.
Back into Canada again, as the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ondrej Pavelec will try to stop the puck. Blake Wheeler got Winnipeg on the board first with his fourth of the season, a power play goal guided in by Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom. The Jets added on with a Tanner Glass goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Nik Antropov and Kyle Wellwood. Winnipeg extended the lead in the second period on another Wheeler goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Ron Hainsey and the goalie Pavelec. The Jets iced it at 4-0 in the third period with a Tim Stapleton goal, set up by Wheeler and Zach Bogosian. The three stars were awarded to Wheeler, Pavelec (27 save shutout), and Glass.
To the southwest a tad, as the Calgary Flames host the Detroit Red Wings. Ty Conklin and Miikka Kiprusoff are manning the cages. Calgary drew first blood with a power play goal by Curtis Glencross, his twelfth of the season, powered by Olli Jokinen and T.J. Brodie. The Flames added on in the second period with a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the year, fueled by Brendan Morrison and Tim Jackman. Calgary extended the lead with Glencross striking again, his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, assisted by Jay Bouwmeester. Detroit got on the board when Jiri Hudler struck in his eighth of the year in the third period, thanks to Jonathan Ericsson. The Red Wings made it interesting with an Ian White goal, his fifth of the campaign, made possible by Pavel Datsyuk for a 3-2 score. The Flames held on to this score as a margin of victory, and the three stars were Glencross, Datsyuk, and Jackman.
In northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Nikolai Khabibulin get the starting nods. Edmonton led off with a Jordan Eberle goal, his fourteenth of the season, an unassisted power play goal. The Oilers added on with Ryan Smyth recording his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Ladislav Smid and Tom Gilbert. Edmonton extended the lead again with Lennart Petrell notching his third of the season, shorthanded and unassisted. The Oilers attacked again with Eberle potting his second of the night and fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Potter. Minnesota got on the board with the tenth of the season for Dany Heatley, fueled by Jared Spurgeon and Matt Cullen. The final was 4-1 and the three stars were given to Eberle, Khabibulin (30 for 31 in saves), and Smyth.
Finally, the Battle of California is fired up again when the Los Angeles Kings host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Jonathan Quick are called on to play goal. Niklas Hagman got things started for Anaheim in the second period with his sixth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Luca Sbisa. Los Angeles tied it with the twelfth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Drew Doughty. The Kings took the lead with Dustin Brown recording his eighth of the season in the third period, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Doughty. Visnovsky got a late equalizer for the Ducks on his third of the year, made possible by Hagman and Toni Lydman. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Jarret Stoll and Brown led Los Angeles to a 3-2 victory over Anaheim, whose one tally from Corey Perry wasn't quite enough. The three stars were Doughty, Visnovsky, and Brown, while Hagman also played well.
The New York Rangers in the Madison Square Garden, hosting the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Martin Biron will be playing in the creases. Brandon Dubinsky put the Rangers up first with his second of the season, assisted by Stu Bickel and the goalie Biron. The Islanders tied it on a power play goal in the second period, P.A. Parenteau's sixth of the year, powered by Mark Streit and Matt Moulson. The Rangers regained the lead with Marian Gaborik depositing his twentieth of the season, via Artem Anisimov. The Rangers extended the lead on Michael Del Zotto's fourth of the year, with helpers by Brandon Prust and Anton Stralman. The Islanders got one back as Moulson put away his sixteenth of the season, a power play goal, guided in by John Tavares and Streit. The Rangers made it 4-2 on a John Mitchell empty net goal, his second of the year, helped along by Dubinsky and Stralman. The three stars in this game were Del Zotto, Biron (24 for 26 in saves), and Anisimov, while Moulson, Streit, Dubinsky, and Stralman also all played well.
Northward to Toronto, as the Maple Leafs welcome in the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and James Reimer tend the twines. Jason Pominville put Buffalo ahead first in the second period with his eleventh of the season, a power play goal with a lone assist by Thomas Vanek. Toronto tied it on Dave Steckel's sixth of the year, courtesy of Luke Schenn and Joey Crabb. The Maple Leafs grabbed the lead with Phil Kessel netting his twentieth of the season, coming off of Joffrey Lupul and Dion Phaneuf. The Sabres retied it on a Derek Roy goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, thanks to Pominville. Toronto regained the lead with a Nazem Kadri goal, helped along by Clarke MacArthur. This made it 3-2, good enough for a win, and the three stars were Kessel, Reimer (40 for 42 in saves), and Pominville.
Staying in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Florida Panthers. Current Panther backup Scott Clemmensen opposes another former Panther backup in net, in the form of Craig Anderson. Ottawa led off with a Chris Neil power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Daniel Alfredsson. Florida tied it in the second period with Michal Repik making a power play goal, with help from Tomas Fleischmann and Kris Versteeg. The Senators grabbed the lead again in the third period, as Alfredsson netted his tenth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Neil. The Panthers got another equalizer with Shawn Matthias netting his sixth of the season, another power play goal, fueled by Brian Campbell and Mike Santorelli. Ottawa grabbed the lead back with Karlsson registering his fourth of the year, as Alfredsson and Colin Greening picked up the helpers. Florida got a late equalizer again with Tomas Kopecky potting his fifth of the season, first having seen the tape of Versteeg and Matt Bradley. The Senators took the game 4-3 in overtime on the third of the year for Bobby Butler, via Kyle Turris and Jared Cowen. The three stars were given to Alfredsson, Neil, and Butler, while Versteeg and Karlsson are given honorable mention.
Back to the states, where the Nashville Predators are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis Sanford and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. Nashville led off by a power play goal off the tape of Mike Fisher, his seventh of the season, with helpers provided by Sergei Kostitsyn and Ryan Suter. Columbus tied the game when Jeff Carter recorded his eighth of the year, and the lone assist came from Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets took the lead on another Carter goal, his ninth of the season, a power play goal from Rick Nash and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus kept on the attack with a power play goal by Ryan Johansen, his sixth of the year, fueled by R.J. Umberger and Derick Brassard. Carter completed the hat trick and added on to the Blue Jackets lead with his tenth of the season, another power play goal, made possible by Nash and Nikita Nikitin. The Predators got one back in the second period as Patric Hornqvist put away his ninth of the year, assisted by Shea Weber and David Legwand. Columbus replied with the second of the game and seventh of the season for Johansen, coming off of Umberger and Brassard on the power play. Nashville shot back with a Nick Spaling goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Colin Wilson and Jordin Tootoo. The Predators clawed back with Roman Josi netting his second of the season, thanks to Francis Bouillon and Martin Erat. Nashville tied it late in the third period when Legwand scored on the power play, his ninth of the year, pushed through by Wilson and Weber. The Predators struck again later in the third period to take a 6-5 lead with the seventh of the campaign by Erat, set up by Suter and Weber, the latter tallying a sock trick. They weathered on to the end nine seconds later and won, with the three stars being Erat, Carter, and Legwand, while honorable mentions include Johansen, Brassard, Nash, Umberger, Weber, Suter, and Wilson.
Back into Canada again, as the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ondrej Pavelec will try to stop the puck. Blake Wheeler got Winnipeg on the board first with his fourth of the season, a power play goal guided in by Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom. The Jets added on with a Tanner Glass goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Nik Antropov and Kyle Wellwood. Winnipeg extended the lead in the second period on another Wheeler goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Ron Hainsey and the goalie Pavelec. The Jets iced it at 4-0 in the third period with a Tim Stapleton goal, set up by Wheeler and Zach Bogosian. The three stars were awarded to Wheeler, Pavelec (27 save shutout), and Glass.
To the southwest a tad, as the Calgary Flames host the Detroit Red Wings. Ty Conklin and Miikka Kiprusoff are manning the cages. Calgary drew first blood with a power play goal by Curtis Glencross, his twelfth of the season, powered by Olli Jokinen and T.J. Brodie. The Flames added on in the second period with a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the year, fueled by Brendan Morrison and Tim Jackman. Calgary extended the lead with Glencross striking again, his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, assisted by Jay Bouwmeester. Detroit got on the board when Jiri Hudler struck in his eighth of the year in the third period, thanks to Jonathan Ericsson. The Red Wings made it interesting with an Ian White goal, his fifth of the campaign, made possible by Pavel Datsyuk for a 3-2 score. The Flames held on to this score as a margin of victory, and the three stars were Glencross, Datsyuk, and Jackman.
In northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Nikolai Khabibulin get the starting nods. Edmonton led off with a Jordan Eberle goal, his fourteenth of the season, an unassisted power play goal. The Oilers added on with Ryan Smyth recording his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Ladislav Smid and Tom Gilbert. Edmonton extended the lead again with Lennart Petrell notching his third of the season, shorthanded and unassisted. The Oilers attacked again with Eberle potting his second of the night and fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Potter. Minnesota got on the board with the tenth of the season for Dany Heatley, fueled by Jared Spurgeon and Matt Cullen. The final was 4-1 and the three stars were given to Eberle, Khabibulin (30 for 31 in saves), and Smyth.
Finally, the Battle of California is fired up again when the Los Angeles Kings host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Jonathan Quick are called on to play goal. Niklas Hagman got things started for Anaheim in the second period with his sixth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Luca Sbisa. Los Angeles tied it with the twelfth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Drew Doughty. The Kings took the lead with Dustin Brown recording his eighth of the season in the third period, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Doughty. Visnovsky got a late equalizer for the Ducks on his third of the year, made possible by Hagman and Toni Lydman. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Jarret Stoll and Brown led Los Angeles to a 3-2 victory over Anaheim, whose one tally from Corey Perry wasn't quite enough. The three stars were Doughty, Visnovsky, and Brown, while Hagman also played well.
Thursday Night Game week 16
This week, the Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans. Houston opened with an Arian Foster touchdown run of 9 yards and a Neil Rackers extra point. Adam Vinatieri answered for Indianapolis with a 23 yard field goal. Rackers got it back for the Texans with a 44 yard field goal. The Colts replied in the second quarter on Vinatieri's boot kicking a 32 yard field goal for a 10-6 halftime score. The kickers exchanged field goals of 35 for Rackers and 47 for Vinatieri in the third quarter before trading again straight up in the fourth on 31 yard kicks. Indianapolis sealed the deal late with a 1 yard Reggie Wayne touchdown reception off a Dan Orlovsky pass, and Vinatieri's extra point made it 19-16. The Colts go to 2-13 while the Texans are now 10-5.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
NHL Day 77 2011-2012
Just six games on, even if it feels like a little bit more than that, beginning with...
The Carolina Hurricanes welcoming the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Cam Ward were given starting duties. Phoenix opened on a Ray Whitney goal, his twelfth of the season, coming from Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Martin Hanzal on the power play. Carolina tied it with Tuomo Ruutu netting his eleventh of the year, with the help of Alexei Poinkarovsky and Jussi Jokinen. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period with Andreas Nodl scoring, thanks to Jaroslav Spacek. Carolina extended the lead when Jiri Tlusty recorded his seventh of the season, and the lone assist was by Justin Faulk. The Coyotes got one back as Cal O'Reilly sank his second of the year, fueled by David Rundblad and Kyle Chipchura. Phoenix tied it in the third period when Rostislav Klesla scored, coming off of Lauri Korpikoski and Daymond Langkow. The Coyotes took the lead when Korpikoski sank his ninth of the season, via Derek Morris and Whitney. This made it 4-3, an eventual final, where the three stars are Korpikoski, Whitney, and Ruutu.
In the Midwest, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Montreal Canadiens. Official backups Peter Budaj and Corey Crawford get to make the spot starts. Montreal led off in the second period when Andrei Kostitsyn made his tenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Tomas Plekanec and Raphael Diaz. Chicago tied it with the eighth of the year for Andrew Brunette, courtesy of Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks got the lead with Patrick Sharp registering his eighteenth of the season, and Marian Hossa had the lone assist. Chicago extended the lead as Viktor Stalberg notched his seventh of the year, and the lone helper came from Bryan Bickell. Jonathan Toews made it at 4-1 for the Blackhawks with his twentieth of the season, and Seabrook had the only assist. Chicago ended ahead 5-1 due to Bickell's fourth of the year, with help from Stalberg and Brandon Pirri. Crawford (20 for 21 in saves), Brunette, and Sharp had the three stars, while Seabrook and Bickell get honorable mentions.
Down to Texas, where the Dallas Stars host the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Richard Bachman play between the pipes. Dallas quickly struck first with Michael Ryder finding a place for his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn. Philadelphia tied it on Claude Giroux's seventeenth of the year, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell. The Flyers took the lead on a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Kimmo Timonen and Giroux. Philadelphia added on in the second period when Jagr potted his eleventh of the year, also a power play goal, thanks to Giroux and Timonen. The Flyers rolled on in the third period with an Andrej Meszaros goal, made possible by Giroux for a sock trick and Hartnell as his fourth of the campaign. This made it 4-1, and the three stars were Giroux, Jagr, and Timonen, while Hartnell also has a solid case.
North and west to Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jean-Sebastien Giguere get the starting nods. Paul Stastny put Colorado on the board first with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Matt Hunwick and Stefan Elliott. The Avalanche added on with Cody McLeod potting his second of the year, fueled by Kevin Porter and Jan Hejda. St. Louis got going when David Backes netted his eleventh of the season, guided in by Carlo Colaiacovo. The Blues tied it on a Chris Stewart goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Patrik Berglund and David Perron. Colorado got the lead back with Jay McClement putting his sixth of the season away, passed from Brad Malone and Shane O'Brien. This made it 3-2, which lasted until the end, and gave the three stars to Giguere (37 for 39 in saves), McClement, and Backes.
Up to Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Roberto Luongo will be the masked men. Vancouver struck first on a Chris Higgins goal, his tenth of the season, coming from Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks added on as Cody Hodgson put his seventh of the year away, helped along by Jannik Hansen and Manny Malhotra. Detroit got on the board when Todd Bertuzzi scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Ian White and Pavel Datsyuk. Vancouver answered with Alexandre Burrows recording his thirteenth of the year, pushed through by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Red Wings got it back in the second period with a Drew Miller goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Darren Helm and Danny Cleary. The Canucks replied back when Alexander Edler netter a shorthanded goal, his sixth of the year, with a feeder pass from Hansen. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars being Edler, Luongo (38 for 40 in saves), and Hansen.
Finally in San Jose, the Sharks hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. In goal were Mathieu Garon and Antti Niemi. Benn Ferriero got San Jose going first with his second of the season, coming from Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. The Sharks extended the lead on a Joe Pavelski goal, his fourteenth of the year, fueled by Brent Burns and Thornton. San Jose added on with the third of the season for Andrew Desjardins, and Andrew Murray picked up an assist. Dwayne Roloson relieved Garon at this time. The Sharks kept on the attack with Logan Couture sinking his thirteenth of the year, pushed through by Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe. San Jose was unstoppable when Couture scored again, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michal Handzus and Clowe. Dominic Moore put Tampa Bay on the board with his third of the year, set up by Eric Brewer. The Sharks got going again in the third period when Burns nailed his sixth of the campaign, and he got assistance from Handzus. The Lightning answered on a Martin St. Louis goal, his tenth of the season, and a lone assist came from Teddy Purcell. San Jose iced it t 7-2 with Marleau notching his thirteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. Couture, Clowe, and Thornton took home the three stars while Marleau, Burns, and Handzus earned honorable mentions.
The Carolina Hurricanes welcoming the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Cam Ward were given starting duties. Phoenix opened on a Ray Whitney goal, his twelfth of the season, coming from Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Martin Hanzal on the power play. Carolina tied it with Tuomo Ruutu netting his eleventh of the year, with the help of Alexei Poinkarovsky and Jussi Jokinen. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period with Andreas Nodl scoring, thanks to Jaroslav Spacek. Carolina extended the lead when Jiri Tlusty recorded his seventh of the season, and the lone assist was by Justin Faulk. The Coyotes got one back as Cal O'Reilly sank his second of the year, fueled by David Rundblad and Kyle Chipchura. Phoenix tied it in the third period when Rostislav Klesla scored, coming off of Lauri Korpikoski and Daymond Langkow. The Coyotes took the lead when Korpikoski sank his ninth of the season, via Derek Morris and Whitney. This made it 4-3, an eventual final, where the three stars are Korpikoski, Whitney, and Ruutu.
In the Midwest, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Montreal Canadiens. Official backups Peter Budaj and Corey Crawford get to make the spot starts. Montreal led off in the second period when Andrei Kostitsyn made his tenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Tomas Plekanec and Raphael Diaz. Chicago tied it with the eighth of the year for Andrew Brunette, courtesy of Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks got the lead with Patrick Sharp registering his eighteenth of the season, and Marian Hossa had the lone assist. Chicago extended the lead as Viktor Stalberg notched his seventh of the year, and the lone helper came from Bryan Bickell. Jonathan Toews made it at 4-1 for the Blackhawks with his twentieth of the season, and Seabrook had the only assist. Chicago ended ahead 5-1 due to Bickell's fourth of the year, with help from Stalberg and Brandon Pirri. Crawford (20 for 21 in saves), Brunette, and Sharp had the three stars, while Seabrook and Bickell get honorable mentions.
Down to Texas, where the Dallas Stars host the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Richard Bachman play between the pipes. Dallas quickly struck first with Michael Ryder finding a place for his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn. Philadelphia tied it on Claude Giroux's seventeenth of the year, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell. The Flyers took the lead on a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Kimmo Timonen and Giroux. Philadelphia added on in the second period when Jagr potted his eleventh of the year, also a power play goal, thanks to Giroux and Timonen. The Flyers rolled on in the third period with an Andrej Meszaros goal, made possible by Giroux for a sock trick and Hartnell as his fourth of the campaign. This made it 4-1, and the three stars were Giroux, Jagr, and Timonen, while Hartnell also has a solid case.
North and west to Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jean-Sebastien Giguere get the starting nods. Paul Stastny put Colorado on the board first with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Matt Hunwick and Stefan Elliott. The Avalanche added on with Cody McLeod potting his second of the year, fueled by Kevin Porter and Jan Hejda. St. Louis got going when David Backes netted his eleventh of the season, guided in by Carlo Colaiacovo. The Blues tied it on a Chris Stewart goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Patrik Berglund and David Perron. Colorado got the lead back with Jay McClement putting his sixth of the season away, passed from Brad Malone and Shane O'Brien. This made it 3-2, which lasted until the end, and gave the three stars to Giguere (37 for 39 in saves), McClement, and Backes.
Up to Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Roberto Luongo will be the masked men. Vancouver struck first on a Chris Higgins goal, his tenth of the season, coming from Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks added on as Cody Hodgson put his seventh of the year away, helped along by Jannik Hansen and Manny Malhotra. Detroit got on the board when Todd Bertuzzi scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Ian White and Pavel Datsyuk. Vancouver answered with Alexandre Burrows recording his thirteenth of the year, pushed through by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Red Wings got it back in the second period with a Drew Miller goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Darren Helm and Danny Cleary. The Canucks replied back when Alexander Edler netter a shorthanded goal, his sixth of the year, with a feeder pass from Hansen. This made it 4-2, a final, with the three stars being Edler, Luongo (38 for 40 in saves), and Hansen.
Finally in San Jose, the Sharks hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. In goal were Mathieu Garon and Antti Niemi. Benn Ferriero got San Jose going first with his second of the season, coming from Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. The Sharks extended the lead on a Joe Pavelski goal, his fourteenth of the year, fueled by Brent Burns and Thornton. San Jose added on with the third of the season for Andrew Desjardins, and Andrew Murray picked up an assist. Dwayne Roloson relieved Garon at this time. The Sharks kept on the attack with Logan Couture sinking his thirteenth of the year, pushed through by Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe. San Jose was unstoppable when Couture scored again, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michal Handzus and Clowe. Dominic Moore put Tampa Bay on the board with his third of the year, set up by Eric Brewer. The Sharks got going again in the third period when Burns nailed his sixth of the campaign, and he got assistance from Handzus. The Lightning answered on a Martin St. Louis goal, his tenth of the season, and a lone assist came from Teddy Purcell. San Jose iced it t 7-2 with Marleau notching his thirteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. Couture, Clowe, and Thornton took home the three stars while Marleau, Burns, and Handzus earned honorable mentions.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
NHL Day 76 2011-2012
Another seven games on tonight, beginning with the New Jersey Devils hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur have control of the cages. New Jersey opened on a Travis Zajac goal, fueled by Dainius Zubrus and Petr Sykora. New York answered in the second period as Artem Anisimov netted his seventh of the season, thanks to Derek Stepan and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers took the lead in the third period with Gaborik scoring his eighteenth of the year, with assists from Anisimov and Stepan. New York added on with a shorthanded Carl Hagelin goal, his fourth of the season, with the lone helper by Stu Bickel. The Rangers iced it 4-1 with Gaborik's second of the game, an empty net goal going in unassisted. The three stars were Lundqvist (30 for 31 in saves), Anisimov, and Hagelin, while Stepan and Gaborik make good choices as well.
Into Washington, where the Capitals welcome the Nashville Predators. Anders Lindback and Michal Neuvirth get the starting nods. Washington led off when the eleventh of the season by Alex Ovechkin went into the net, assisted by Karl Alzner and John Carlson. Nicklas Backstrom extended the Capitals lead on his twelfth of the year, with a lone assist by Roman Hamrlik. Sergei Kostitsyn put Nashville on the board in the third period with his fifth of the season, made possible by Shea Weber. Washington answered with Alexander Semin finding a place for his seventh of the year, thanks to Marcus Johansson and Backstrom. The Capitals added on again with Troy Brouwer recording his ninth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Dennis Wideman and Johansson. The final was 4-1, and Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Johansson took home the three stars.
Up to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Marc-Andre Fleury will tend the twines. Chris Kunitz got things going for Pittsburgh by scoring his twelfth of the season, via Evgeni Malkin and Matt Niskanen on the power play. In the second period, the Penguins extended their lead with James Neal potting his nineteenth of the year, and Malkin and Niskanen picked up the helpers again. Pittsburgh added on with the fourth of the season for Tyler Kennedy, assisted by Ben Lovejoy and Malkin, the latter getting a sock trick. Chicago got on the board in the third period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his nineteenth of the year, guided in by Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks pulled closer on a Stalberg goal, his sixth of the season, pushed through by Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. The comeback attempt fell short, leaving the Penguins to a 3-2 victory, with the three stars as Malkin, Fleury (36 for 38 in saves), and Stalberg, while Niskanen also played well.
Southward to Florida, where the Panthers welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jose Theodore have the green light to play goal. Phoenix struck first when Ray Whitney netted a power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Radim Vrbata. The Coyotes extended the lead on Vrbata goal, his sixteenth of the year, with Keith Yandle and Whitney getting the helpers on the power play. Florida got on the board with Brian Campbell making his third of the season, guided in by Kris Versteeg and Jason Garrison. This 2-1 score lasted through the third period to the end, although during this frame, Jason LaBarbera had to relieve an injured Smith in net. The three stars belonged to Whitney, Campbell, and Shawn Matthias, although Vrbata also played well.
Crossing to Canada in the north, where the Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Craig Anderson are in between the pipes. Ottawa opened on the ninth of the season by Zack Smith, assisted by Chris Neil and Matt Carkner. Buffalo tied it in the second period on the power play, as Jordan Leopold potted his sixth of the year, powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Thomas Vanek. The Senators took the lead back in the third period on an Erik Condra goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Kyle Turris. Ottawa extended the lead on Erik Karlsson's third of the year, a power play goal fueled by Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. The Senators tied it with another Condra goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign finding the empty net with assistance from Karlsson only. Condra, Anderson (22 for 23 in saves), and Miller (35 for 38 in saves) earned the three stars.
To the west, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Ondrej Pavelec are playing goal. New York opened with the fifth of the season by P.A. Parenteau, helped along by Matt Moulson and John Tavares. Winnipeg tied it as Nik Antropov made his fifth of the year, coming off of Johnny Oduya. The Islanders regained control with the tenth of the season by Michael Grabner, made possible by Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald. The Jets tied it on Andrew Ladd registering his eleventh of the year with Antrpov and Kyle Wellwood's assistance. Evgeni Nabokov relieved Montoya late in the second period. The tie lasted into a shootout, where New York beat Winnipeg as Parenteau and Frans Nielsen tallied. The three stars were awarded to Antropov, Tavares, and Pavelec (31 for 33 in saves), while Parenteau has a good case.
Westward again to today's finale, with the Calgary Flames hosting the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Miikka Kiprusoff man the nets. Curtis Glencross put Calgary on the board early with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Jarome Iginla and Chris Butler. Minnesota tied it with a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Jared Spurgeon and Matt Cullen. Iginla put the Flames back in the lead in the second period with his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Derek Smith and Olli Jokinen. The score held up at 2-1 for a Calgary win, with Iginla, Mikael Backlund, and Kiprusoff (29 for 30 in saves) as the three stars.
Into Washington, where the Capitals welcome the Nashville Predators. Anders Lindback and Michal Neuvirth get the starting nods. Washington led off when the eleventh of the season by Alex Ovechkin went into the net, assisted by Karl Alzner and John Carlson. Nicklas Backstrom extended the Capitals lead on his twelfth of the year, with a lone assist by Roman Hamrlik. Sergei Kostitsyn put Nashville on the board in the third period with his fifth of the season, made possible by Shea Weber. Washington answered with Alexander Semin finding a place for his seventh of the year, thanks to Marcus Johansson and Backstrom. The Capitals added on again with Troy Brouwer recording his ninth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Dennis Wideman and Johansson. The final was 4-1, and Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Johansson took home the three stars.
Up to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Marc-Andre Fleury will tend the twines. Chris Kunitz got things going for Pittsburgh by scoring his twelfth of the season, via Evgeni Malkin and Matt Niskanen on the power play. In the second period, the Penguins extended their lead with James Neal potting his nineteenth of the year, and Malkin and Niskanen picked up the helpers again. Pittsburgh added on with the fourth of the season for Tyler Kennedy, assisted by Ben Lovejoy and Malkin, the latter getting a sock trick. Chicago got on the board in the third period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his nineteenth of the year, guided in by Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks pulled closer on a Stalberg goal, his sixth of the season, pushed through by Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. The comeback attempt fell short, leaving the Penguins to a 3-2 victory, with the three stars as Malkin, Fleury (36 for 38 in saves), and Stalberg, while Niskanen also played well.
Southward to Florida, where the Panthers welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jose Theodore have the green light to play goal. Phoenix struck first when Ray Whitney netted a power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Radim Vrbata. The Coyotes extended the lead on Vrbata goal, his sixteenth of the year, with Keith Yandle and Whitney getting the helpers on the power play. Florida got on the board with Brian Campbell making his third of the season, guided in by Kris Versteeg and Jason Garrison. This 2-1 score lasted through the third period to the end, although during this frame, Jason LaBarbera had to relieve an injured Smith in net. The three stars belonged to Whitney, Campbell, and Shawn Matthias, although Vrbata also played well.
Crossing to Canada in the north, where the Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Craig Anderson are in between the pipes. Ottawa opened on the ninth of the season by Zack Smith, assisted by Chris Neil and Matt Carkner. Buffalo tied it in the second period on the power play, as Jordan Leopold potted his sixth of the year, powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Thomas Vanek. The Senators took the lead back in the third period on an Erik Condra goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Kyle Turris. Ottawa extended the lead on Erik Karlsson's third of the year, a power play goal fueled by Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. The Senators tied it with another Condra goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign finding the empty net with assistance from Karlsson only. Condra, Anderson (22 for 23 in saves), and Miller (35 for 38 in saves) earned the three stars.
To the west, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Ondrej Pavelec are playing goal. New York opened with the fifth of the season by P.A. Parenteau, helped along by Matt Moulson and John Tavares. Winnipeg tied it as Nik Antropov made his fifth of the year, coming off of Johnny Oduya. The Islanders regained control with the tenth of the season by Michael Grabner, made possible by Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald. The Jets tied it on Andrew Ladd registering his eleventh of the year with Antrpov and Kyle Wellwood's assistance. Evgeni Nabokov relieved Montoya late in the second period. The tie lasted into a shootout, where New York beat Winnipeg as Parenteau and Frans Nielsen tallied. The three stars were awarded to Antropov, Tavares, and Pavelec (31 for 33 in saves), while Parenteau has a good case.
Westward again to today's finale, with the Calgary Flames hosting the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Miikka Kiprusoff man the nets. Curtis Glencross put Calgary on the board early with his eleventh of the season, assisted by Jarome Iginla and Chris Butler. Minnesota tied it with a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Jared Spurgeon and Matt Cullen. Iginla put the Flames back in the lead in the second period with his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Derek Smith and Olli Jokinen. The score held up at 2-1 for a Calgary win, with Iginla, Mikael Backlund, and Kiprusoff (29 for 30 in saves) as the three stars.
Fantasy Football All-Stars week 15
For those of you who had good weeks in the early parts of the playoffs, these following players might be part of the reason why.
Quarterback: Drew Brees
Running Back: C.J. Spiller
Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson
Tight End: Aaron Hernandez
Kicker: Ryan Succop
Team Defense: Seattle
Defensive Player: Jacob Lacey
A lot of leagues are going for championships this week. Best of luck to everyone, and hopefully I'll have something to show for my efforts as well.
Quarterback: Drew Brees
Running Back: C.J. Spiller
Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson
Tight End: Aaron Hernandez
Kicker: Ryan Succop
Team Defense: Seattle
Defensive Player: Jacob Lacey
A lot of leagues are going for championships this week. Best of luck to everyone, and hopefully I'll have something to show for my efforts as well.
Monday, December 19, 2011
NHL Day 75 2011-2012
Just six games on tonight, beginning in...
Toronto, where the Maple Leafs host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and James Reimer will be guarding the cages. Los Angeles led off with Justin Williams scoring his fifth of the season, assisted by Drew Doughty and Rob Scuderi. Toronto tied it with John-Michael Liles potting his fourth of the year, coming off of Tyler Bozak. The Kings took the lead in the second period with a power play goal for Dustin Brown, his seventh of the season, powered by Simon Gagne and Anze Kopitar. The Maple Leafs evened things out again in the third period on Matt Frattin's fourth of the year, made possible by Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. Los Angeles would defeat Toronto in the shootout on a lone Brown tally, to win 3-2. Quick (31 for 33 in saves), Reimer (40 for 42 in saves), and Brown picked up the three stars.
Stateside, the Boston Bruins host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price opposes Tim Thomas in goal. Boston was first to score as the sixth of the season for Benoit Pouliot went in, with the help of Rich Peverley. Montreal tied it as Tomas Plekanec served up his seventh of the year, via Michael Cammalleri and Travis Moen. The Bruins reclaimed the lead in the season period with the sixth of the season by David Krejci, off the lone helper by Andrew Ference. Boston added on in the third period with Brad Marchand netting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Tyler Seguin and Patrice Bergeron. The Canadiens got one back as Erik Cole shelved his thirteenth of the campaign late in the game, with helpers provided by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The final was 3-2, with the three stars being Thomas (33 for 35 in saves), Pouliot, and Marchand.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Richard Bachman receive the starting nods. Dallas led off as Brenden Morrow sank his seventh of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott. The Stars added on in the second period with Alex Goligoski's third of the year, a power play goal powered by Sheldon Souray and Loui Eriksson. Dallas extended the lead again quickly with Ribeiro sinking his fourth of the season, and the assists went to Morrow and Stephane Robidas. Anaheim got on the board with Teemu Selanne sinking his eleventh of the year, thanks to Corey Perry and Lubomir Visnovsky on the power play. The Ducks pulled even closer with Visnovsky potting a power play goal, fueled by Cam Fowler and Selanne as his second of the season. Anaheim tied it when Nick Bonino scored, with guidance from Fowler and Matt Beleskey. The Stars regained the lead as Michael Ryder notched his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Eriksson and Jamie Benn. Dallas made it 5-3 on the eleventh of the season for Eric Nystrom, aided by Vernon Fiddler and Radek Dvorak. This would last to the end, giving the three stars to
Northwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will be in the blue paint. Philadelphia drew first blood as the sixteenth of the season for Scott Hartnell found twine, thanks to Jakub Voracek and Jaromir Jagr on the power play. Colorado answered in the second period when Gabriel Landeskog sank his sixth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Erik Johnson. The Avalanche took the lead with a T.J. Galiardi goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Brad Malone and Paul Stastny. The Flyers got an equalizer in the third period with Wayne Simmonds netting his tenth of the year, via Danny Briere and Hartnell. Colorado would defeat Philadelphia 3-2 in the shootout with Milan Hejduk, Matt Duchene, and Ryan O'Reilly all tallying to overpower Briere and James van Riemsdyk. Giguere (31 for 33 in saves), Landeskog, and Briere earned the three stars.
Northward farther to Edmonton, as the Oilers welcome in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Nikolai Khabibulin man the nets. Detroit struck first as Danny Cleary potted his eighth of the season, and the lone assist belonged to Jakub Kindl. Edmonton tied it as Ryan Jones scored in the second period, his eleventh of the year, from Sam Gagner and Eric Belanger. The Red Wings took the lead back with Jiri Hudler recording his seventh of the season, with help from Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula. The Oilers retied the game when Jordan Eberle scored in the last second of the middle period, a power play goal with assists from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall as his thirteenth of the year. Detroit got the lead again in the third period when Drew Miller deposited his sixth of the campaign, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom and Darren Helm. This made it 3-2, and the Red Wings held on to win, leaving the three stars to Pavel Datsyuk, Khabibulin (25 for 28 in saves), and Eberle, while other point earners have valid arguments.
Westward as we end in Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Roberto Luongo are tending the twines. Vancouver led off with a power play goal by Henrik Sedin, his ninth of the season, set up by Daniel Sedin and Alexander Edler. The Canucks added on in the third period with Ryan Kesler on the power play, his eighth of the year, assisted by Daniel and Henrik. Vancouver struck again on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his twelfth of the season, giving Daniel a sock trick alongside Henrik's assist. The Canucks iced it 4-0 with a Jannik Hansen goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Cody Hodgson and Manny Malhotra. The three stars were simply Luongo (33 save shutout), Henrik, and Daniel.
Toronto, where the Maple Leafs host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and James Reimer will be guarding the cages. Los Angeles led off with Justin Williams scoring his fifth of the season, assisted by Drew Doughty and Rob Scuderi. Toronto tied it with John-Michael Liles potting his fourth of the year, coming off of Tyler Bozak. The Kings took the lead in the second period with a power play goal for Dustin Brown, his seventh of the season, powered by Simon Gagne and Anze Kopitar. The Maple Leafs evened things out again in the third period on Matt Frattin's fourth of the year, made possible by Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. Los Angeles would defeat Toronto in the shootout on a lone Brown tally, to win 3-2. Quick (31 for 33 in saves), Reimer (40 for 42 in saves), and Brown picked up the three stars.
Stateside, the Boston Bruins host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price opposes Tim Thomas in goal. Boston was first to score as the sixth of the season for Benoit Pouliot went in, with the help of Rich Peverley. Montreal tied it as Tomas Plekanec served up his seventh of the year, via Michael Cammalleri and Travis Moen. The Bruins reclaimed the lead in the season period with the sixth of the season by David Krejci, off the lone helper by Andrew Ference. Boston added on in the third period with Brad Marchand netting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Tyler Seguin and Patrice Bergeron. The Canadiens got one back as Erik Cole shelved his thirteenth of the campaign late in the game, with helpers provided by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The final was 3-2, with the three stars being Thomas (33 for 35 in saves), Pouliot, and Marchand.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Richard Bachman receive the starting nods. Dallas led off as Brenden Morrow sank his seventh of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott. The Stars added on in the second period with Alex Goligoski's third of the year, a power play goal powered by Sheldon Souray and Loui Eriksson. Dallas extended the lead again quickly with Ribeiro sinking his fourth of the season, and the assists went to Morrow and Stephane Robidas. Anaheim got on the board with Teemu Selanne sinking his eleventh of the year, thanks to Corey Perry and Lubomir Visnovsky on the power play. The Ducks pulled even closer with Visnovsky potting a power play goal, fueled by Cam Fowler and Selanne as his second of the season. Anaheim tied it when Nick Bonino scored, with guidance from Fowler and Matt Beleskey. The Stars regained the lead as Michael Ryder notched his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Eriksson and Jamie Benn. Dallas made it 5-3 on the eleventh of the season for Eric Nystrom, aided by Vernon Fiddler and Radek Dvorak. This would last to the end, giving the three stars to
Northwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will be in the blue paint. Philadelphia drew first blood as the sixteenth of the season for Scott Hartnell found twine, thanks to Jakub Voracek and Jaromir Jagr on the power play. Colorado answered in the second period when Gabriel Landeskog sank his sixth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Erik Johnson. The Avalanche took the lead with a T.J. Galiardi goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Brad Malone and Paul Stastny. The Flyers got an equalizer in the third period with Wayne Simmonds netting his tenth of the year, via Danny Briere and Hartnell. Colorado would defeat Philadelphia 3-2 in the shootout with Milan Hejduk, Matt Duchene, and Ryan O'Reilly all tallying to overpower Briere and James van Riemsdyk. Giguere (31 for 33 in saves), Landeskog, and Briere earned the three stars.
Northward farther to Edmonton, as the Oilers welcome in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Nikolai Khabibulin man the nets. Detroit struck first as Danny Cleary potted his eighth of the season, and the lone assist belonged to Jakub Kindl. Edmonton tied it as Ryan Jones scored in the second period, his eleventh of the year, from Sam Gagner and Eric Belanger. The Red Wings took the lead back with Jiri Hudler recording his seventh of the season, with help from Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula. The Oilers retied the game when Jordan Eberle scored in the last second of the middle period, a power play goal with assists from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall as his thirteenth of the year. Detroit got the lead again in the third period when Drew Miller deposited his sixth of the campaign, courtesy of Nicklas Lidstrom and Darren Helm. This made it 3-2, and the Red Wings held on to win, leaving the three stars to Pavel Datsyuk, Khabibulin (25 for 28 in saves), and Eberle, while other point earners have valid arguments.
Westward as we end in Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Roberto Luongo are tending the twines. Vancouver led off with a power play goal by Henrik Sedin, his ninth of the season, set up by Daniel Sedin and Alexander Edler. The Canucks added on in the third period with Ryan Kesler on the power play, his eighth of the year, assisted by Daniel and Henrik. Vancouver struck again on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his twelfth of the season, giving Daniel a sock trick alongside Henrik's assist. The Canucks iced it 4-0 with a Jannik Hansen goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Cody Hodgson and Manny Malhotra. The three stars were simply Luongo (33 save shutout), Henrik, and Daniel.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)