Eight games on this Saturday, a surprisingly low amount that will be compensated for tomorrow. We begin with an ample dose of matinees, starting in...
Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Steve Mason will be in front of the goals. Columbus led off with a Derick Brassard goal, his tenth of the season, requiring no assistance. Chicago got on the board with a Jonathan Toews goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, coming off of Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith. Viktor Stalberg gave the Blackhawks a lead with his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Bryan Bickell and Dylan Olsen. Sharp helped Chicago extend the lead in the second period with his twenty-fourth of the year, guided in by Patrick Kane and Toews. Kane added on for the Blackhawks with his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Toews and Sharp. This prompted Allen York to relieve Mason. Chicago stayed relentless heading into the third period as Marcus Kruger potted his sixth of the year, with the help of Andrew Brunette and Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks kept going when Sami Lepisto scored, thanks to Dave Bolland. They held on from here on out for a 6-1 win, and the three stars went to Toews, Sharp, and Keith, with an honorable mention for Kane.
Back east a bit, the Battle of Pennsylvania is renewed with the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ilya Bryzgalov tended the twines. Pittsburgh opened with a Matt Cooke goal, his tenth of the season, an unassisted goal. Philadelphia tied it when Jaromir Jagr netted his fourteenth of the year, via Danny Briere. The Flyers took the lead on another Jagr goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the season, powered by Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen on the power play. The Penguins retied the game in the second period as Jordan Staal scored his eighteenth of the year shorthanded, with the help of Craig Adams. Pittsburgh gained the lead when Cooke busted loose for his second of the game and eleventh of the season, another shorthanded goal while down 5-on-3, an unassisted goal. Bryzgalov was pulled in favor of Sergei Bobrovsky at this time. Eric Wellwood helped tie things back up for the Flyers, and his goal also needed no assists. The Penguins took the lead back in the third period with the fourth of the year by Dustin Jeffrey, assisted by Cooke. Pittsburgh got some breathing room when Pascal Dupuis netted his thirteenth of the season, set up by Staal and Steve Sullivan. The Penguins were unstoppable, with James Neal depositing his thirtieth of the year, guided in by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. The Flyers did get a late goal to end at 6-4, with Wayne Simmonds putting his twenty-first of the campaign in the cage, and the lone helper belonged to James van Riemsdyk. The three stars ended up as Cooke, Jagr, and Staal.
Finishing off the matinee games, the St. Louis Blues bring in the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Brian Elliott will try to stop the puck. St. Louis led off on a Ryan Reaves goal, made possible by Scott Nichol and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues added on in the second period as Barret Jackman scored, with the help of Patrik Berglund and Jamie Langenbrunner. St. Louis extended the lead with an Andy McDonald power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk. The Blues kept going in the third period as Vlaidmir Sobotka nailed his third of the year, guided in by David Perron and Pietrangelo. This was all for the scoring with a final sitting at 4-0. The three stars were Jackman, Sobotka, and Reaves, while Elliott (13 save shutout), Pietrangelo, and Shattenkirk all deserve honorable mentions.
At the regular times, the Tampa Bay started us off by hosting the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Mathieu Garon were in the creases. Tampa Bay opened with a Tom Pyatt goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Teddy Purcell. The Lightning added on in he second period as Steven Stamkos netted his fortieth of the year, an unassisted goal. Washington cut it to 2-1 with a Brooks Laich goal, his eleventh of the campaign, made possible by Mathieu Perreault and Alexander Semin. There was no scoring in the third period, so this was a final, and Stamkos, Garon (23 for 24 in saves), and Purcell got the three stars.
Up to New York, with the Islanders welcoming the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Kevin Poulin began the game in goal, but Justin Peters relieved Ward for the third period. New York began with a Kyle Okposo goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Michael Grabner and Mark Streit. Carolina tied it with a Brandon Sutter goal, his thirteenth of the year, set up by Patrick Dwyer. The Hurricanes took the lead fifteen seconds into the second period as Jiri Tlusty sank his fourteenth of the season, via Jerome Samson. The Islanders tied it again with John Tavares making his twenty-third of the year, thanks to Andrew MacDonald and P.A. Parenteau. New York gained the lead with Frans Nielsen netting his twelfth of the campaign on the power play, powered by Tavares and Parenteau. Carolina got another equalizer with Jaroslav Spacek scoring his third of the season, with a lone assist by Eric Staal. The Islanders made it 4-3 just thirty-eight seconds into the third period, as Tavares scored his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, assisted by Matt Moulson and Streit. This was a final score, with the three stars being Tavares, Parenteau, and Sutter, while honorable mention is in place for Streit.
Out to the west, where the Vancouver Canucks host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Roberto Luongo guarded the cages. Vancouver opened with an Alexandre Burrows goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Daniel Sedin. The Canucks added on with Manny Malhotra potting his sixth of the year, thanks to Maxim Lapierre and Byron Bitz. Burrows kept Vancouver in charge in the second period with his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, fueled by Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Toronto got one back as Dion Phaneuf recorded his ninth of the year, with the help of Phil Kessel and John-Michael Liles. The Canucks took it back with a Daniel goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, on a lone Henrik helper, chasing Reimer in favor of Jonas Gustavsson. Vancouver extended the lead with a Sami Salo power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Daniel and Henrik, both of whom collected sock tricks. The Canucks stayed strong in the third period as Kevin Bieksa netted his sixth of the season, via Jannik Hansen and Henrik. The Maples Leafs cut the loss down to 6-2 with just twenty seconds left in the game as Nikolai Kulemin put away his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Luke Schenn and Clarke MacArthur. The three stars here went to Daniel, Henrik, and Burrows.
Down in Phoenix, the Coyotes welcomed the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Mike Smith are between the pipes. Phoenix led off with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Lauri Korpikoski and Keith Yandle. Dallas tied it in the second period when Michael Ryder scored his twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Loui Eriksson and Mike Ribeiro. The Coyotes took the game by a 2-1 score in overtime as Radim Vrbata made his twenty-eighth of the campaign, and Ray Whitney had the only assist. The three stars were Smith (30 for 31 in saves), Vrbata, and Boedker.
Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jonathan Quick are in the blue paint. Calgary gained a 1-0 lead in the third period as Michael Cammalleri potted his fourteenth of the campaign, with Tom Kostopolous getting the only helper. This was all for the scoring, and Kiprusoff (28 save shutout), Quick (17 for 18 in saves), and Cammalleri had the three stars.
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Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
NHL Day 135 2011-2012
Another seven game night for us tonight. We begin in...
Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the San Jose Sharks. Thomas Greiss and Justin Peters got the nods in the battle of backups. Carolina opened with a Jeff Skinner goal, his sixteenth of the season, courtesy of Jussi Jokinen. The Hurricanes added on as Justin Faulk notched his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jiri Tlusty and Eric Staal. Dan Boyle put San Jose on the board in the third period with his sixth of the season, an unassisted goal. Brent Burns tied it for the Sharks with his ninth of the year, coming off of Dominic Moore and Ryane Clowe. Carolina regained the lead with Jokinen depositing his eighth of the season, via Jamie McBain and Drayson Bowman. This was good for a 3-2 final, and the three stars were Jokinen, Skinner, and Peters (35 for 37 in saves).
Northward to New Jersey, as the Devils welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Martin Brodeur were guarding the cages. New Jersey led off with Adam Henrique registering his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise in the second period. The Devils added on as Alexei Ponikarovsky potted his tenth of the year, with the help of Dainius Zubrus and Matt Taormina. Anaheim got one back as Corey Perry put away his twenty-ninth of the season, guided in by Ryan Getzlaf and Jason Blake. The Ducks got a late third period equalizer when Sheldon Brookbank scored, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Nick Bonino. New Jersey took the game in the shootout with Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias scoring to overpower Teemu Selanne for a 3-2 win. The three stars belonged to Brodeur (36 for 38 in saves), Brookbank, and Perry, while Kovalchuk earns honorable mention.
North again, as the Buffalo Sabres bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ryan Miller will play goal. Buffalo started the scoring as Robyn Regehr netted the puck, with the help of Paul Gaustad and Nathan Gerbe. Montreal replied on a Tomas Kaberle goal, his second of the season, made possible by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The Sabres regained the lead as Tyler Myers put his fifth of the year in the twine, assisted by Ville Leino and Derek Roy. The Canadiens shot back with a power play goal for Scott Gomez, his second of the season, powered by Yannick Weber and Tomas Plekanec. Montreal gained the lead in the second period with a Chris Campoli goal, his second of the year, fueled by Ryan White. Buffalo tied it in the third period as Tyler Ennis recorded his fifth of the season, guided in by Leino and Drew Stafford. The tie was broken in the shootout with Pacioretty and Desharnais tallying for a 4-3 win. Desharnais, Myers, and Regehr had the three stars while Pacioretty and Leino get the honorable mentions.
South to Florida, as the Panthers host the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Jose Theodore are under the masks, and for those of you living in the past, Vokoun is with the Capitals while Theodore is with the Panthers. Florida was first to score when Tomas Fleischmann, another former Capital, put his nineteenth of the season in the net, thanks to Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell. Washington tied it in the third period as Alex Ovechkin scored his twenty-fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Mike Knuble. The Capitals earned the lead with a Semin goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, fueled by Dmitry Orlov. They held on to the end for a 2-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Semin, Thoedore (39 for 41 in saves), and Fleischmann.
Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Joey MacDonald have the green light in goal. Detroit opened it up with Johan Franzen's twenty-third of the season, assisted by Todd Bertuzzi and Pavel Datsyuk. Nashville evened the score in the second period as Nick Spaling sent his ninth of the year into the net, with Jordin Tootoo getting the lone assist. The Red Wings saved their home win streak with a late third period goal, Datsyuk's sixteenth of the campaign, guided in by Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom for a 2-1 win when time expired. MacDonald (20 for 21 in saves), Rinne (29 for 31 in saves), and Datsyuk had the three stars.
Into Canada, where the Winnipeg Jets bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Ondrej Pavelec are in the creases. Winnipeg led off with an Alex Burmistrov goal in the second period, his twelfth of the season, coming on helpers by Mark Stuart and Kyle Wellwood. Boston tied it as the third of the year by Jordan Caron crossed the goal line, helped along by Chris Kelly. The Jets took the lead again with Blake Wheeler's eleventh of the season, coming off of Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane. The Bruins tied it in the third period as David Krejci made his twelfth of the year, thanks to Tyler Seguin and Milan Lucic. Bryan Little reclaimed a Winnipeg lead with his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Little extended the Jets' lead a short bit later with his second of the game and sixteenth of he year, pushed through by Wheeler and Tobias Enstrom. This was the final goal, with the final sitting at 4-2, and the three stars were Wheeler, Pavelec (31 for 33 in saves), and Little.
We end the day in Edmonton, with the Oilers hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Nikolai Khabibulin got the starting nods from their coaches. Colorado got on the board late in the first period as Erik Johnson sank his fourth of the season, with the help of Mark Olver and Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche extended the lead in the second period when Olver scored, assisted by O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. Landeskog added on with his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Paul Stastny and O'Reilly, the latter getting a sock trick. Edmonton goal on the board as Ryan Jones netted his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Ben Eager and Jeff Petry. The third period was scoreless, so the final was 3-1, and the three stars were handed out to O'Reilly, Landeskog, and Olver.
Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the San Jose Sharks. Thomas Greiss and Justin Peters got the nods in the battle of backups. Carolina opened with a Jeff Skinner goal, his sixteenth of the season, courtesy of Jussi Jokinen. The Hurricanes added on as Justin Faulk notched his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jiri Tlusty and Eric Staal. Dan Boyle put San Jose on the board in the third period with his sixth of the season, an unassisted goal. Brent Burns tied it for the Sharks with his ninth of the year, coming off of Dominic Moore and Ryane Clowe. Carolina regained the lead with Jokinen depositing his eighth of the season, via Jamie McBain and Drayson Bowman. This was good for a 3-2 final, and the three stars were Jokinen, Skinner, and Peters (35 for 37 in saves).
Northward to New Jersey, as the Devils welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Martin Brodeur were guarding the cages. New Jersey led off with Adam Henrique registering his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise in the second period. The Devils added on as Alexei Ponikarovsky potted his tenth of the year, with the help of Dainius Zubrus and Matt Taormina. Anaheim got one back as Corey Perry put away his twenty-ninth of the season, guided in by Ryan Getzlaf and Jason Blake. The Ducks got a late third period equalizer when Sheldon Brookbank scored, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Nick Bonino. New Jersey took the game in the shootout with Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias scoring to overpower Teemu Selanne for a 3-2 win. The three stars belonged to Brodeur (36 for 38 in saves), Brookbank, and Perry, while Kovalchuk earns honorable mention.
North again, as the Buffalo Sabres bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ryan Miller will play goal. Buffalo started the scoring as Robyn Regehr netted the puck, with the help of Paul Gaustad and Nathan Gerbe. Montreal replied on a Tomas Kaberle goal, his second of the season, made possible by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The Sabres regained the lead as Tyler Myers put his fifth of the year in the twine, assisted by Ville Leino and Derek Roy. The Canadiens shot back with a power play goal for Scott Gomez, his second of the season, powered by Yannick Weber and Tomas Plekanec. Montreal gained the lead in the second period with a Chris Campoli goal, his second of the year, fueled by Ryan White. Buffalo tied it in the third period as Tyler Ennis recorded his fifth of the season, guided in by Leino and Drew Stafford. The tie was broken in the shootout with Pacioretty and Desharnais tallying for a 4-3 win. Desharnais, Myers, and Regehr had the three stars while Pacioretty and Leino get the honorable mentions.
South to Florida, as the Panthers host the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Jose Theodore are under the masks, and for those of you living in the past, Vokoun is with the Capitals while Theodore is with the Panthers. Florida was first to score when Tomas Fleischmann, another former Capital, put his nineteenth of the season in the net, thanks to Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell. Washington tied it in the third period as Alex Ovechkin scored his twenty-fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Mike Knuble. The Capitals earned the lead with a Semin goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, fueled by Dmitry Orlov. They held on to the end for a 2-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Semin, Thoedore (39 for 41 in saves), and Fleischmann.
Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Joey MacDonald have the green light in goal. Detroit opened it up with Johan Franzen's twenty-third of the season, assisted by Todd Bertuzzi and Pavel Datsyuk. Nashville evened the score in the second period as Nick Spaling sent his ninth of the year into the net, with Jordin Tootoo getting the lone assist. The Red Wings saved their home win streak with a late third period goal, Datsyuk's sixteenth of the campaign, guided in by Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom for a 2-1 win when time expired. MacDonald (20 for 21 in saves), Rinne (29 for 31 in saves), and Datsyuk had the three stars.
Into Canada, where the Winnipeg Jets bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Ondrej Pavelec are in the creases. Winnipeg led off with an Alex Burmistrov goal in the second period, his twelfth of the season, coming on helpers by Mark Stuart and Kyle Wellwood. Boston tied it as the third of the year by Jordan Caron crossed the goal line, helped along by Chris Kelly. The Jets took the lead again with Blake Wheeler's eleventh of the season, coming off of Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane. The Bruins tied it in the third period as David Krejci made his twelfth of the year, thanks to Tyler Seguin and Milan Lucic. Bryan Little reclaimed a Winnipeg lead with his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Little extended the Jets' lead a short bit later with his second of the game and sixteenth of he year, pushed through by Wheeler and Tobias Enstrom. This was the final goal, with the final sitting at 4-2, and the three stars were Wheeler, Pavelec (31 for 33 in saves), and Little.
We end the day in Edmonton, with the Oilers hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Nikolai Khabibulin got the starting nods from their coaches. Colorado got on the board late in the first period as Erik Johnson sank his fourth of the season, with the help of Mark Olver and Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche extended the lead in the second period when Olver scored, assisted by O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. Landeskog added on with his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Paul Stastny and O'Reilly, the latter getting a sock trick. Edmonton goal on the board as Ryan Jones netted his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Ben Eager and Jeff Petry. The third period was scoreless, so the final was 3-1, and the three stars were handed out to O'Reilly, Landeskog, and Olver.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
NHL Day 134 2011-2012
Seven games tonight, and we begin in...
New York, where the Rangers host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Martin Biron were the goalies of choice tonight. Chicago struck first as Jonathan Toews netted his twenty-eighth of the season on a penalty shot after Dan Girardi fell on the puck. The Blackhawks added on as Nick Leddy recorded his third of the year, thanks to Marian Hossa and Brent Seabrook. Chicago kept going on a Patrick Sharp goal, his twenty-third of the season, made possible by Toews. The Blackhawks extended the lead with Hossa potting his twenty-second of the year, with the help of Patrick Kane and Seabrook. New York got on the board in the second period as Marc Staal scored, assisted by Steve Eminger and Michael Rupp. The Rangers cut the final deficit to 4-2 with a Carl Hagelin goal, his ninth of the campaign, via Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan. Toews, Hossa, and Sharp collected the three stars, while Seabrook earns honorable mention.
Crossing to Pennsylvania, with the Flyers welcoming the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Ilya Bryzgalov picked up the starts in net. Buffalo opened the scoring with Jason Pominville sinking his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Tyler Myers and Derek Roy. The Sabres added on with Thomas Vanek recording his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe. Philadelphia got one back in the second period as Max Talbot netted his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Braydon Coburn and Matt Carle. The Flyers evened it on the power play with Wayne Simmonds' nineteenth of the year, pushed through by Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. Philadelphia chased Enroth when Simmonds put away his second of the game and twentieth of the season, another power play goal, powered by Hartnell and Giroux. Ryan Miller came on in relief. The Flyers extended the lead with an Erik Gustafsson goal fueled by Jakub Voracek and Giroux, the latter clinching a sock trick. Philadelphia kept rolling in the third period with Talbot's second of the game and sixteenth of the year, via Eric Wellwood and Sean Couturier. The Flyers added on again just thirty-one seconds later when Voracek found a home for his tenth of the season, made possible by Hartnell and Giroux, this time with the former having the sock trick. Philadelphia continued the tirade with a Hartnell goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, with assists provided by Matt Read and Giroux. The final landed at 7-2 with the three stars handed out to Giroux, Talbot, and Simmonds, while Hartnell and Voracek also receive honorable mentions.
South to Tampa Bay, as the Ligthning welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Dwayne Roloson are in the blue paint. San Jose was first on the scoreboard with a power play goal off the tape of Logan Couture, his twenty-fourth of the season, guided in by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Tampa Bay tied it with the thirty-eighth of the year from Steven Stamkos, assisted by Brendan Mikkelson and Steve Downie. The Lightning took the lead with power play goal by Teddy Purcell, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Mikkelson and Stamkos. The Sharks retied it in the second period on a Michal Handzus goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Jamie McGinn and Torrey Mitchell. Tampa Bay took the lead again on a Downie goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Eric Brewer and Victor Hedman. Twenty-nine seconds later, San Jose had tied it again, as Marc-Edouard Vlasic put his fourth of the year in the cage, via Ryane Clowe and Tommy Wingels. The Sharks gained the lead with Colin White scoring, helped along by McGinn and Mitchell. The Lightning got another equalizer with Stamkos registering his second of the game and thirty-ninth of the season, passed through Hedman and Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay gained the lead with Martin St. Louis sinking his seventeenth of the year, with helpers from Vincent Lecavalier and Purcell. San Jose tied it back up as Wingels put his second of the season in the twine, with the help of Couture and Dan Boyle. The Lightning took the game 6-5 in overtime as St. Louis put his second of the night and eighteenth of the year down, and Hedman and Stamkos provided the necessary assistance. The three stars were awarded to Stamkos, Couture, and Mikkelson, while St. Louis, Hedman, Downie, Purcell, Couture, Wingels, Boyle, Mitchell, and McGinn compose the long list of honorable mentions.
Northwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Brian Elliott will wear the masks tonight. New York drew first blood with a Frans Nielsen goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Michael Grabner and Andrew MacDonald. St. Louis tied it when Jason Arnott potted his thirteenth of the year, set up by Vladimir Sobotka and Roman Polak. The Blues took the lead with David Backes' eighteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alex Pietrangelo and T.J. Oshie. St. Louis extended the lead as Andy McDonald scored, with the help of Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Berglund. The Blues added on with a David Perron power play goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Piterangelo and Oshie. St. Louis kept rolling as Oshie put away his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Pietrangelo for a sock trick and Kent Huskins. There was no scoring in the third period, so the final was 5-1, and Pietrangelo, Elliott (26 for 27 in saves), and Oshie got the three stars.
North further to Minnesota, as the Wild bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Chris Mason and Niklas Backstrom got the starting nods. Minnesota struck first on a Devin Setoguchi goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Dany Heatley. Winnipeg tied it late in the first period with Evander Kane notching his twentieth of the year, thanks to Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets claimed the lead in the second period with another Kane goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the season, guided in by Kyle Wellwood and Alex Burmistrov. The Wild got an equalizer as Setoguchi nailed his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Nate Prosser and Marco Scandella. Minnesota took the lead in the third period as Koivu put his tenth of the season away, via Jared Spurgeon and Setoguchi. Winnipeg evened the ledger again on a Burmistrov goal, his eleventh of the year, set up by Byfuglien and Kane. The game went to a shootout, where the Jets used Blake Wheeler and Kane tallies to overpower the Wild's only goal from Erik Christensen for a 4-3 win. The three stars were Kane, Setoguchi, and Spurgeon, while the honorable mentions include Burmistrov, Byfuglien, and Koivu.
Well to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Dallas led off with an Adam Burish goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Jake Dowell and Tom Wandell. Calgary tied it late in the first period as Jarome Iginla notched his twenty-third of the year, thanks to Alex Tanguay and Olli Jokinen. The Stars took the lead again in the second period as Steve Ott put his ninth of the season in the cage, a power play goal powered by Mike Ribeiro. The Flames tied it in the third period as Michael Cammalleri recorded his thirteenth of the year, with the help of Jay Bouwmeester. Dallas took the game with a Ribeiro goal in overtime, his twelfth of the campaign, with assists provided by Michael Ryder and Trevor Daley. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Burish, and Lehtonen (25 for 26 in saves).
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings hosted the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. We begin with a first period fight night. First up, Phoenix's Shane Doan dueled with fellow captain Dustin Brown of Los Angeles. Later in the period, the Kings' Mike Richards dropped the mitts with Martin Hanzal of the Coyotes. Finally, rounding out the fight trick, Colin Fraser of Los Angeles went at it with Raffi Torres of Phoenix. Phoenix got the scoring started in the second period as Radim Vrbata netted his twenty-seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Ray Whitney and Keith Yandle. After a final third period dust-up between Kevin Westgarth of the Kings and Paul Bissonnette of the Coyotes, time expired and Phoenix won 1-0. The three stars were Smith (28 save shutout), Quick (20 for 21 in saves), and Vrbata.
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New York, where the Rangers host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Martin Biron were the goalies of choice tonight. Chicago struck first as Jonathan Toews netted his twenty-eighth of the season on a penalty shot after Dan Girardi fell on the puck. The Blackhawks added on as Nick Leddy recorded his third of the year, thanks to Marian Hossa and Brent Seabrook. Chicago kept going on a Patrick Sharp goal, his twenty-third of the season, made possible by Toews. The Blackhawks extended the lead with Hossa potting his twenty-second of the year, with the help of Patrick Kane and Seabrook. New York got on the board in the second period as Marc Staal scored, assisted by Steve Eminger and Michael Rupp. The Rangers cut the final deficit to 4-2 with a Carl Hagelin goal, his ninth of the campaign, via Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Callahan. Toews, Hossa, and Sharp collected the three stars, while Seabrook earns honorable mention.
Crossing to Pennsylvania, with the Flyers welcoming the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Ilya Bryzgalov picked up the starts in net. Buffalo opened the scoring with Jason Pominville sinking his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Tyler Myers and Derek Roy. The Sabres added on with Thomas Vanek recording his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe. Philadelphia got one back in the second period as Max Talbot netted his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Braydon Coburn and Matt Carle. The Flyers evened it on the power play with Wayne Simmonds' nineteenth of the year, pushed through by Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. Philadelphia chased Enroth when Simmonds put away his second of the game and twentieth of the season, another power play goal, powered by Hartnell and Giroux. Ryan Miller came on in relief. The Flyers extended the lead with an Erik Gustafsson goal fueled by Jakub Voracek and Giroux, the latter clinching a sock trick. Philadelphia kept rolling in the third period with Talbot's second of the game and sixteenth of the year, via Eric Wellwood and Sean Couturier. The Flyers added on again just thirty-one seconds later when Voracek found a home for his tenth of the season, made possible by Hartnell and Giroux, this time with the former having the sock trick. Philadelphia continued the tirade with a Hartnell goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, with assists provided by Matt Read and Giroux. The final landed at 7-2 with the three stars handed out to Giroux, Talbot, and Simmonds, while Hartnell and Voracek also receive honorable mentions.
South to Tampa Bay, as the Ligthning welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Dwayne Roloson are in the blue paint. San Jose was first on the scoreboard with a power play goal off the tape of Logan Couture, his twenty-fourth of the season, guided in by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Tampa Bay tied it with the thirty-eighth of the year from Steven Stamkos, assisted by Brendan Mikkelson and Steve Downie. The Lightning took the lead with power play goal by Teddy Purcell, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Mikkelson and Stamkos. The Sharks retied it in the second period on a Michal Handzus goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Jamie McGinn and Torrey Mitchell. Tampa Bay took the lead again on a Downie goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Eric Brewer and Victor Hedman. Twenty-nine seconds later, San Jose had tied it again, as Marc-Edouard Vlasic put his fourth of the year in the cage, via Ryane Clowe and Tommy Wingels. The Sharks gained the lead with Colin White scoring, helped along by McGinn and Mitchell. The Lightning got another equalizer with Stamkos registering his second of the game and thirty-ninth of the season, passed through Hedman and Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay gained the lead with Martin St. Louis sinking his seventeenth of the year, with helpers from Vincent Lecavalier and Purcell. San Jose tied it back up as Wingels put his second of the season in the twine, with the help of Couture and Dan Boyle. The Lightning took the game 6-5 in overtime as St. Louis put his second of the night and eighteenth of the year down, and Hedman and Stamkos provided the necessary assistance. The three stars were awarded to Stamkos, Couture, and Mikkelson, while St. Louis, Hedman, Downie, Purcell, Couture, Wingels, Boyle, Mitchell, and McGinn compose the long list of honorable mentions.
Northwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the New York Islanders. Al Montoya and Brian Elliott will wear the masks tonight. New York drew first blood with a Frans Nielsen goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Michael Grabner and Andrew MacDonald. St. Louis tied it when Jason Arnott potted his thirteenth of the year, set up by Vladimir Sobotka and Roman Polak. The Blues took the lead with David Backes' eighteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alex Pietrangelo and T.J. Oshie. St. Louis extended the lead as Andy McDonald scored, with the help of Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Berglund. The Blues added on with a David Perron power play goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Piterangelo and Oshie. St. Louis kept rolling as Oshie put away his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Pietrangelo for a sock trick and Kent Huskins. There was no scoring in the third period, so the final was 5-1, and Pietrangelo, Elliott (26 for 27 in saves), and Oshie got the three stars.
North further to Minnesota, as the Wild bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Chris Mason and Niklas Backstrom got the starting nods. Minnesota struck first on a Devin Setoguchi goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Dany Heatley. Winnipeg tied it late in the first period with Evander Kane notching his twentieth of the year, thanks to Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets claimed the lead in the second period with another Kane goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the season, guided in by Kyle Wellwood and Alex Burmistrov. The Wild got an equalizer as Setoguchi nailed his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Nate Prosser and Marco Scandella. Minnesota took the lead in the third period as Koivu put his tenth of the season away, via Jared Spurgeon and Setoguchi. Winnipeg evened the ledger again on a Burmistrov goal, his eleventh of the year, set up by Byfuglien and Kane. The game went to a shootout, where the Jets used Blake Wheeler and Kane tallies to overpower the Wild's only goal from Erik Christensen for a 4-3 win. The three stars were Kane, Setoguchi, and Spurgeon, while the honorable mentions include Burmistrov, Byfuglien, and Koivu.
Well to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Dallas led off with an Adam Burish goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Jake Dowell and Tom Wandell. Calgary tied it late in the first period as Jarome Iginla notched his twenty-third of the year, thanks to Alex Tanguay and Olli Jokinen. The Stars took the lead again in the second period as Steve Ott put his ninth of the season in the cage, a power play goal powered by Mike Ribeiro. The Flames tied it in the third period as Michael Cammalleri recorded his thirteenth of the year, with the help of Jay Bouwmeester. Dallas took the game with a Ribeiro goal in overtime, his twelfth of the campaign, with assists provided by Michael Ryder and Trevor Daley. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Burish, and Lehtonen (25 for 26 in saves).
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings hosted the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. We begin with a first period fight night. First up, Phoenix's Shane Doan dueled with fellow captain Dustin Brown of Los Angeles. Later in the period, the Kings' Mike Richards dropped the mitts with Martin Hanzal of the Coyotes. Finally, rounding out the fight trick, Colin Fraser of Los Angeles went at it with Raffi Torres of Phoenix. Phoenix got the scoring started in the second period as Radim Vrbata netted his twenty-seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Ray Whitney and Keith Yandle. After a final third period dust-up between Kevin Westgarth of the Kings and Paul Bissonnette of the Coyotes, time expired and Phoenix won 1-0. The three stars were Smith (28 save shutout), Quick (20 for 21 in saves), and Vrbata.
Now you can follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
NHL Day 133 2011-2012
We will run with five games this evening, and we begin in...
Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Marc-Andre Fleury tended the twines. Pittsburgh opened with a Jordan Staal goal, his seventeenth of the season, with a lone assist provided by Pascal Dupuis. Anaheim tied it on a Corey Perry goal in the second period, assisted by Bobby Ryan and Luca Sbisa as his twenty-eighth of the year. The Ducks took the lead in the third period with Teemu Selanne depositing his nineteenth of the season, thanks to Matt Beleskey and Sheldon Brookbank. This was it for scoring, leaving it at 2-1 for a final. The three stars were Selanne, Staal, and Perry.
Up to Montreal, where the Canadiens host their fierce rivals, the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Carey Price are between the pipes. Boston led off with an Andrew Ference goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Brad Marchand. Montreal tied it in the second period as Mathieu Darche netted his fifth of the year, a shorthanded goal with a lone helper from P.K. Subban. The Bruins took the lead again as Benoit Pouliot registered his ninth of the season, guided in by Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley. Boston extended their lead with a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Tyler Seguin and Zdeno Chara. The Canadiens got one back in the third period with a Max Pacioretty goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, via David Desharnais and Erik Cole. Montreal tied it when Cole found a place for his twenty-second of the year, an unassisted goal. The Bruins took the game 4-3 with a lone Seguin shootout tally. The three stars were awarded to Seguin, Cole, and Bergeron.
Well to the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Scott Clemmensen are the masked men. Ottawa struck first on Jim O'Brien goal, made possible by Nick Foligno and Brian Lee. Florida answered with Shawn Matthias recording his tenth of the season, courtesy of Mike Weaver. The Senators gained the lead again in the second period when Kaspars Daugavins put away his fourth of the year, thanks to Lee and Erik Condra. Ottawa added on with a Bobby Butler goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Milan Michalek and Jason Spezza. The Senators extended the lead again with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his twentieth of the year, a shorthanded goal passed through Daugavins, prompting Jose Theodore to replace Clemmensen. Ottawa kept going in the third period when Michalek scored his twenty-fifth of the season, with help from Erik Karlsson and Spezza. The Panthers pulled back a bit with Brian Campbell sinking his fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Sean Bergernheim and Tomas Fleischmann. The Senators got it back with a Filip Kuba power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, with Spezza and Alfredsson getting the assists, the former taking a sock trick as well. The final stuck at 6-2, and the three stars were handed out to Anderson (42 for 44 in saves), Daugavins, and Michalek, while Spezza, Alfredsson, and Lee get the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Edmonton, as the Oilers bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Nikolai Khabibulin get the starting nods. Toronto started the scoring with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his twenty-third of the season, made possible by Phil Kessel and Keith Aulie. The Maple Leafs added on quickly when Matthew Lombardi scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Cody Franson. Edmonton got one back as Ben Eager netted his seventh of the season, and Lennart Petrell picked up the only assist. The Oilers tied it in the second period as Taylor Hall deposited his twentieth of the year into the cage, receiving help from Sam Gagner and Andy Sutton. Toronto took the lead in the third period as Jake Gardiner made his third of the season on the power play, powered by Clarke MacArthur and Franson. Edmonton got another equalizer as Jordan Eberle put away his twenty-fifth of the year, via Ryan Whitney. The Maple Leafs won it 4-3 in overtime with the eighth of the campaign for Tim Connolly, and Lupul had the lone helper. The three stars belonged to Franson, Hall, and Lupul.
Finally, a tad to the west, the Vancouver Canucks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Roberto Luongo play in goal tonight. Vancouver opened thirteen seconds in with a David Booth goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. Giguere came out likely due to injury about three-quarters of the way through the first period, replaced by Semyon Varlamov. Colorado evened the score in the second period with an Erik Johnson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Milan Hejduk and David Jones. The Canucks gained the lead with a third period Jannik Hansen goal, his fourteenth of the season, courtesy of Cody Hodgson. Vancouver finished at 3-1 when Alexandre Burrows netted an empty net goal, his twentieth of the year, made possible by Chris Higgins and Ryan Kesler. Luongo (29 for 30 in saves), Booth, and Gabriel Landeskog had the three stars, while any point earner may claim the third slot.
Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Marc-Andre Fleury tended the twines. Pittsburgh opened with a Jordan Staal goal, his seventeenth of the season, with a lone assist provided by Pascal Dupuis. Anaheim tied it on a Corey Perry goal in the second period, assisted by Bobby Ryan and Luca Sbisa as his twenty-eighth of the year. The Ducks took the lead in the third period with Teemu Selanne depositing his nineteenth of the season, thanks to Matt Beleskey and Sheldon Brookbank. This was it for scoring, leaving it at 2-1 for a final. The three stars were Selanne, Staal, and Perry.
Up to Montreal, where the Canadiens host their fierce rivals, the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Carey Price are between the pipes. Boston led off with an Andrew Ference goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Brad Marchand. Montreal tied it in the second period as Mathieu Darche netted his fifth of the year, a shorthanded goal with a lone helper from P.K. Subban. The Bruins took the lead again as Benoit Pouliot registered his ninth of the season, guided in by Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley. Boston extended their lead with a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Tyler Seguin and Zdeno Chara. The Canadiens got one back in the third period with a Max Pacioretty goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, via David Desharnais and Erik Cole. Montreal tied it when Cole found a place for his twenty-second of the year, an unassisted goal. The Bruins took the game 4-3 with a lone Seguin shootout tally. The three stars were awarded to Seguin, Cole, and Bergeron.
Well to the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Scott Clemmensen are the masked men. Ottawa struck first on Jim O'Brien goal, made possible by Nick Foligno and Brian Lee. Florida answered with Shawn Matthias recording his tenth of the season, courtesy of Mike Weaver. The Senators gained the lead again in the second period when Kaspars Daugavins put away his fourth of the year, thanks to Lee and Erik Condra. Ottawa added on with a Bobby Butler goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Milan Michalek and Jason Spezza. The Senators extended the lead again with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his twentieth of the year, a shorthanded goal passed through Daugavins, prompting Jose Theodore to replace Clemmensen. Ottawa kept going in the third period when Michalek scored his twenty-fifth of the season, with help from Erik Karlsson and Spezza. The Panthers pulled back a bit with Brian Campbell sinking his fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Sean Bergernheim and Tomas Fleischmann. The Senators got it back with a Filip Kuba power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, with Spezza and Alfredsson getting the assists, the former taking a sock trick as well. The final stuck at 6-2, and the three stars were handed out to Anderson (42 for 44 in saves), Daugavins, and Michalek, while Spezza, Alfredsson, and Lee get the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Edmonton, as the Oilers bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Nikolai Khabibulin get the starting nods. Toronto started the scoring with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his twenty-third of the season, made possible by Phil Kessel and Keith Aulie. The Maple Leafs added on quickly when Matthew Lombardi scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Cody Franson. Edmonton got one back as Ben Eager netted his seventh of the season, and Lennart Petrell picked up the only assist. The Oilers tied it in the second period as Taylor Hall deposited his twentieth of the year into the cage, receiving help from Sam Gagner and Andy Sutton. Toronto took the lead in the third period as Jake Gardiner made his third of the season on the power play, powered by Clarke MacArthur and Franson. Edmonton got another equalizer as Jordan Eberle put away his twenty-fifth of the year, via Ryan Whitney. The Maple Leafs won it 4-3 in overtime with the eighth of the campaign for Tim Connolly, and Lupul had the lone helper. The three stars belonged to Franson, Hall, and Lupul.
Finally, a tad to the west, the Vancouver Canucks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Roberto Luongo play in goal tonight. Vancouver opened thirteen seconds in with a David Booth goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. Giguere came out likely due to injury about three-quarters of the way through the first period, replaced by Semyon Varlamov. Colorado evened the score in the second period with an Erik Johnson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Milan Hejduk and David Jones. The Canucks gained the lead with a third period Jannik Hansen goal, his fourteenth of the season, courtesy of Cody Hodgson. Vancouver finished at 3-1 when Alexandre Burrows netted an empty net goal, his twentieth of the year, made possible by Chris Higgins and Ryan Kesler. Luongo (29 for 30 in saves), Booth, and Gabriel Landeskog had the three stars, while any point earner may claim the third slot.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
NHL Day 132 2011-2012
Nine games this Tuesday evening, keeping with a recent theme of concentrating the games around a small period of time. We begin with a powerful match in the Eastern Conference as...
The Boston Bruins host the New York Rangers. Stud goalies getting the starts here are Henrik Lundqvist and Tim Thomas. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, set up by Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers added on with Ryan McDonagh notching his sixth of the year, an unassisted goal. New York struck again with a third period Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Anton Stralman. The final held at 3-0, and the three stars were awarded to Lundqvist (42 save shutout), Callahan, and McDonagh.
Also with a Northeast vs. Atlantic division match, the Buffalo Sabres take on the New Jersey Devils in upstate New York. Martin Brodeur and Ryan Miller will take to the cages. New Jersey led off with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, his twenty-third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. Buffalo evened the score in the second period when Jason Pominville netted his twenty-first of the year, an unassisted goal. The Devils took the lead in the third period on a Petr Sykora goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Adam Henrique and Kovalchuk. New Jersey added on with another Kovalchuk goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, guided in by Henrique and Mark Fayne. The Devils iced it at 4-1 with a Kovalchuk empty net goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign securing a hat trick, with Zach Parise recording the only assist. The three stars were given out to Kovalchuk, Brodeur (29 for 30 in saves), and Henrique.
Out west, the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Steve Mason got the starting nods. St. Louis struck first on a shorthanded goal by David Backes, his seventeenth of the season, set up by David Perron. Columbus tied it in the last second of the first period with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Mark Letestu and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets took a lead in the third period with a Derek Dorsett goal, his tenth of the season, helped along by Samuel Pahlsson and Antoine Vermette. This was the deciding goal of the 2-1 game, and the three stars belonged to Wisniewski, Dorsett, and Mason (31 for 32 in saves).
Southeast to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Mathieu Garon will try to stop the puck. Ottawa was first on the board with the tenth of the season by Erik Karlsson, assisted by Jason Spezza and Bobby Butler. The Senators extended their lead in the second period with a Spezza power play goal, his twenty-third of the year, powered by Filip Kuba and Karlsson. Ottawa added on with a third period goal by Spezza, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the season, made possible by Butler and Milan Michalek. Spezza finished his hat trick and iced the game at 4-0 with his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar as it found the empty cage. Spezza, Anderson (28 save shutout), and Karlsson had the three stars while Butler gets an honorable mention.
Northwest to Minnesota, with the Wild bringing in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Josh Harding were in the blue paint. Minnesota was first on the scoreboard with a Dany Heatley power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Mikko Koivu. Anaheim tied it on Niklas Hagman's third period goal, his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Ducks took the lead with Corey Perry potting his twenty-seventh of the season, with a lone helper by Luca Sbisa. This late goal made it 2-1, a final, with the three stars being Perry, Harding (23 for 25 in saves), and Heatley.
Backtracking to Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Joey MacDonald will have the green light in goal. Detroit led off with a Henrik Zetterberg power play goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom. The Red Wings added on with a Brad Stuart goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Darren Helm. Detroit extended the lead with Jiri Hudler netting his eighteenth of the season in the third period, helped along by Valtteri Filppula and Ian White. Dallas broke up the shutout late, leaving the score at 3-1 after Adam Burish put away his fifth of the year, assisted by Michael Ryder and Loui Eriksson. The three stars were handed out to Zetterberg, Helm, and MacDonald (20 for 21 in saves), while Detroit as a whole gets honorable mention for having the longest home winning streak ever.
South a bit to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Ryan Suter got Nashville on the board first with his seventh of the season, helped along by Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher. Chicago quickly evened the score with a Bryan Bickell goal, his sixth of the year, via Jamal Mayers and Andrew Shaw. The Predators retook the lead in the second period when Nick Spaling sank his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period as Marian Hossa deposited his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Duncan Keith. Nashville got the lead back with Ellis recording his third of the season, an David Legwand had the lone assist. This was it, as the Predators took a 3-2 win, and the three stars went to Ellis, Suter, and Hossa.
Crossing into Canada, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Ondrej Pavelec are between the irons. Winnipeg was first on the board as Chris Thorburn registered his third of the season, with the help of Jim Slater and Tanner Glass. New York tied it in the second period as Matt Moulson's twenty-fifth of the year found twine, a power play goal guided in by John Tavares. The Islanders gained the lead with a P.A. Parenteau goal in the third period, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Milan Jurcina and Brian Rolston. New York iced it at 3-1 with a Matt Martin empty net goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Parenteau. The three stars went out to Parenteau, Nabokov (37 for 38 in saves), and Thorburn.
Finally, we head west to Alberta, where the Calgary Flames welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Calgary opened with an Alex Tanguay goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Olli Jokinen and T.J. Brodie. The Flames extended the lead when Jokinen notched his eighteenth of the year, guided in by Tanguay and Jarome Iginla. Toronto got one back when Tyler Bozak netted his thirteenth of the season, thanks to Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Calgary answered in the second period with Paul Byron making his third of the year on a penalty shot created from a Dion Phaneuf hook. The Flames added on with Blake Comeau recording his fourth of the season, with assists provided by Michael Cammalleri and Mark Giordano. Calgary made it 5-1 with an Iginla goal, his twenty-second of the year, via Tanguay. This was a final, and the three stars went to Kiprusoff (41 for 42 in saves), Jokinen, and Byron, while Iginla and Tanguay get the honorable mentions.
The Boston Bruins host the New York Rangers. Stud goalies getting the starts here are Henrik Lundqvist and Tim Thomas. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, set up by Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers added on with Ryan McDonagh notching his sixth of the year, an unassisted goal. New York struck again with a third period Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Anton Stralman. The final held at 3-0, and the three stars were awarded to Lundqvist (42 save shutout), Callahan, and McDonagh.
Also with a Northeast vs. Atlantic division match, the Buffalo Sabres take on the New Jersey Devils in upstate New York. Martin Brodeur and Ryan Miller will take to the cages. New Jersey led off with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, his twenty-third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. Buffalo evened the score in the second period when Jason Pominville netted his twenty-first of the year, an unassisted goal. The Devils took the lead in the third period on a Petr Sykora goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Adam Henrique and Kovalchuk. New Jersey added on with another Kovalchuk goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, guided in by Henrique and Mark Fayne. The Devils iced it at 4-1 with a Kovalchuk empty net goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign securing a hat trick, with Zach Parise recording the only assist. The three stars were given out to Kovalchuk, Brodeur (29 for 30 in saves), and Henrique.
Out west, the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Steve Mason got the starting nods. St. Louis struck first on a shorthanded goal by David Backes, his seventeenth of the season, set up by David Perron. Columbus tied it in the last second of the first period with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Mark Letestu and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets took a lead in the third period with a Derek Dorsett goal, his tenth of the season, helped along by Samuel Pahlsson and Antoine Vermette. This was the deciding goal of the 2-1 game, and the three stars belonged to Wisniewski, Dorsett, and Mason (31 for 32 in saves).
Southeast to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Mathieu Garon will try to stop the puck. Ottawa was first on the board with the tenth of the season by Erik Karlsson, assisted by Jason Spezza and Bobby Butler. The Senators extended their lead in the second period with a Spezza power play goal, his twenty-third of the year, powered by Filip Kuba and Karlsson. Ottawa added on with a third period goal by Spezza, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the season, made possible by Butler and Milan Michalek. Spezza finished his hat trick and iced the game at 4-0 with his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar as it found the empty cage. Spezza, Anderson (28 save shutout), and Karlsson had the three stars while Butler gets an honorable mention.
Northwest to Minnesota, with the Wild bringing in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Josh Harding were in the blue paint. Minnesota was first on the scoreboard with a Dany Heatley power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Mikko Koivu. Anaheim tied it on Niklas Hagman's third period goal, his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Ducks took the lead with Corey Perry potting his twenty-seventh of the season, with a lone helper by Luca Sbisa. This late goal made it 2-1, a final, with the three stars being Perry, Harding (23 for 25 in saves), and Heatley.
Backtracking to Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Joey MacDonald will have the green light in goal. Detroit led off with a Henrik Zetterberg power play goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom. The Red Wings added on with a Brad Stuart goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Darren Helm. Detroit extended the lead with Jiri Hudler netting his eighteenth of the season in the third period, helped along by Valtteri Filppula and Ian White. Dallas broke up the shutout late, leaving the score at 3-1 after Adam Burish put away his fifth of the year, assisted by Michael Ryder and Loui Eriksson. The three stars were handed out to Zetterberg, Helm, and MacDonald (20 for 21 in saves), while Detroit as a whole gets honorable mention for having the longest home winning streak ever.
South a bit to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Ryan Suter got Nashville on the board first with his seventh of the season, helped along by Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher. Chicago quickly evened the score with a Bryan Bickell goal, his sixth of the year, via Jamal Mayers and Andrew Shaw. The Predators retook the lead in the second period when Nick Spaling sank his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period as Marian Hossa deposited his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Duncan Keith. Nashville got the lead back with Ellis recording his third of the season, an David Legwand had the lone assist. This was it, as the Predators took a 3-2 win, and the three stars went to Ellis, Suter, and Hossa.
Crossing into Canada, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Ondrej Pavelec are between the irons. Winnipeg was first on the board as Chris Thorburn registered his third of the season, with the help of Jim Slater and Tanner Glass. New York tied it in the second period as Matt Moulson's twenty-fifth of the year found twine, a power play goal guided in by John Tavares. The Islanders gained the lead with a P.A. Parenteau goal in the third period, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Milan Jurcina and Brian Rolston. New York iced it at 3-1 with a Matt Martin empty net goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Parenteau. The three stars went out to Parenteau, Nabokov (37 for 38 in saves), and Thorburn.
Finally, we head west to Alberta, where the Calgary Flames welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Calgary opened with an Alex Tanguay goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Olli Jokinen and T.J. Brodie. The Flames extended the lead when Jokinen notched his eighteenth of the year, guided in by Tanguay and Jarome Iginla. Toronto got one back when Tyler Bozak netted his thirteenth of the season, thanks to Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Calgary answered in the second period with Paul Byron making his third of the year on a penalty shot created from a Dion Phaneuf hook. The Flames added on with Blake Comeau recording his fourth of the season, with assists provided by Michael Cammalleri and Mark Giordano. Calgary made it 5-1 with an Iginla goal, his twenty-second of the year, via Tanguay. This was a final, and the three stars went to Kiprusoff (41 for 42 in saves), Jokinen, and Byron, while Iginla and Tanguay get the honorable mentions.
Monday, February 13, 2012
NHL Day 131 2011-2012
Only three games on this Monday evening, although this will be a low point for the week as the games will kick into high gear through the weekend. First up tonight...
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Carey Price tended the twines. Carolina opened on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Bryan Allen. The Hurricanes added on in the second period when Jaroslav Spacek scored his second of the year, with the help of Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. Tomas Plekanec got Montreal going with his twelfth of the season, where Chris Campoli had the only assist. The Canadiens tied it as Erik Cole recorded a power play goal, his twenty-first of the year, powered by David Desharnais and Tomas Kaberle. Montreal took the lead with another power play goal, Desharnais' eleventh of the season, made possible by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. Carolina retied it when Eric Staal scored a shorthanded goal, his fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes claimed the lead once again with a Jamie McBain goal, his fifth of the season, a power play goal set up by Staal and Justin Faulk. Staal finished it at 5-3 for Carolina with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, assisted by McBain. The three stars went to Staal, Cole, and Desharnais, while McBain gets an honorable mention.
In the states, the Washington Capitals host the San Jose Sharks. Backups Thomas Greiss and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. San Jose led off with a Joe Pavelski goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Dan Boyle and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks extended the lead in the second period with another Pavelski goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, courtesy of Logan Couture and Joe Thornton on the power play. San Jose added on again with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Pavelski and Couture. Washington got on the board with a second left in the frame, as Dmitry Orlov blasted his second of the year into the cage, with helpers provided by Jason Chimera and Roman Hamrlik. The Sharks answered it in the third period as Brent Burns put away his eighth of the season, thanks to Thornton and Pavelski. San Jose rolled along with another Ryane Clowe power play goal, his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Marleau and Thornton for a sock trick. The Capitals got one back when Hamrlik netted his second of the season, via Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle. Washington inched closer when Jeff Schultz scored, with the assistance of Mathieu Perreault. They lost 5-3, with the three stars being Pavelski, Thornton, and Couture, while Marleau and Hamrlik take the honorable mentions.
Finally, out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. In front of the nets are Jason LaBarbera and Roberto Luongo. Vancouver got the scoring started in the second period when David Booth scored his tenth of the season, with assists provided by Ryan Kesler and Aaron Rome. Phoenix tied it late in the third period as Keith Yandle notched his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Canucks won the game 2-1 with shootout tallies by Cody Hodgson, Alexander Edler, Booth, and Kesler to overpower the Coyotes' efforts by Ray Whitney, Gilbert Brule, and Mikkel Boedker. The three stars were given to Booth, Martin Hanzal, and Luongo (23 for 24 in saves).
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Carey Price tended the twines. Carolina opened on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Bryan Allen. The Hurricanes added on in the second period when Jaroslav Spacek scored his second of the year, with the help of Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. Tomas Plekanec got Montreal going with his twelfth of the season, where Chris Campoli had the only assist. The Canadiens tied it as Erik Cole recorded a power play goal, his twenty-first of the year, powered by David Desharnais and Tomas Kaberle. Montreal took the lead with another power play goal, Desharnais' eleventh of the season, made possible by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. Carolina retied it when Eric Staal scored a shorthanded goal, his fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes claimed the lead once again with a Jamie McBain goal, his fifth of the season, a power play goal set up by Staal and Justin Faulk. Staal finished it at 5-3 for Carolina with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, assisted by McBain. The three stars went to Staal, Cole, and Desharnais, while McBain gets an honorable mention.
In the states, the Washington Capitals host the San Jose Sharks. Backups Thomas Greiss and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. San Jose led off with a Joe Pavelski goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Dan Boyle and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks extended the lead in the second period with another Pavelski goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, courtesy of Logan Couture and Joe Thornton on the power play. San Jose added on again with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Pavelski and Couture. Washington got on the board with a second left in the frame, as Dmitry Orlov blasted his second of the year into the cage, with helpers provided by Jason Chimera and Roman Hamrlik. The Sharks answered it in the third period as Brent Burns put away his eighth of the season, thanks to Thornton and Pavelski. San Jose rolled along with another Ryane Clowe power play goal, his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Marleau and Thornton for a sock trick. The Capitals got one back when Hamrlik netted his second of the season, via Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle. Washington inched closer when Jeff Schultz scored, with the assistance of Mathieu Perreault. They lost 5-3, with the three stars being Pavelski, Thornton, and Couture, while Marleau and Hamrlik take the honorable mentions.
Finally, out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. In front of the nets are Jason LaBarbera and Roberto Luongo. Vancouver got the scoring started in the second period when David Booth scored his tenth of the season, with assists provided by Ryan Kesler and Aaron Rome. Phoenix tied it late in the third period as Keith Yandle notched his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Canucks won the game 2-1 with shootout tallies by Cody Hodgson, Alexander Edler, Booth, and Kesler to overpower the Coyotes' efforts by Ray Whitney, Gilbert Brule, and Mikkel Boedker. The three stars were given to Booth, Martin Hanzal, and Luongo (23 for 24 in saves).
Fantasy Hockey All-Stars week 17
1. Mike Smith, 4 W, 0.74 GAA, 119 SV, .975 SV%, 1 SO
2. Evgeni Malkin, 3 G, 5 A, +6, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 11 SOG
3. David Perron, 6 G, 1 A, +5, 4 PIM, 3 PPP, 10 SOG
4. Corey Perry, 4 , 0 A, +3, 10 PIM, 2 PPP, 23 SOG
5. Carey Price, 3 W, 1.30 GAA, 95 SV, .960 SV%, 1 SO
2. Evgeni Malkin, 3 G, 5 A, +6, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 11 SOG
3. David Perron, 6 G, 1 A, +5, 4 PIM, 3 PPP, 10 SOG
4. Corey Perry, 4 , 0 A, +3, 10 PIM, 2 PPP, 23 SOG
5. Carey Price, 3 W, 1.30 GAA, 95 SV, .960 SV%, 1 SO
Sunday, February 12, 2012
NHL Day 130 2011-2012
Seven games on an unusually busy Sunday afternoon in hockey. We begin with...
The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Henrik Lundqvist will get the starting nods in goal. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan goal, his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Anton Stralman and Brad Richards. Washington tied it in the second period with Alexander Semin notching his fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Jason Chimera and John Carlson. The Rangers regained the lead on a Ryan McDonagh tally, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Brian Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky. New York extended their lead in the third period when Brandon Prust scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal passed through by Dubinsky and Marc Staal. The Capitals pulled back to 3-2 with a Carlson goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Alex Ovechkin and Roman Hamrlik. They never tied it, so this was a final, and the three stars were McDonagh, Prust, and Dubinsky, while Carlson gets the honorable mention.
Staying in the same metro area, the New York Islanders welcome the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Evgeni Nabokov will be between the pipes. Frans Nielsen put New York ahead first with his tenth of the season, set up by P.A. Parenteau and Andrew MacDonald. Florida answered with a Tyson Strachan goal, fueled by Marcel Goc. The Panthers gained the lead in the second period as Tomas Fleischmann netted his eighteenth of the year, thanks to Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss. Florida added on with a power play goal by Weiss, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. The Panthers extended the lead again when Jack Skille's third of the year found twine, and the lone helper on the tally was Shawn Matthias. This was a final after a scoreless third period, and the three stars of the 4-1 game were Versteeg, Fleischmann, and Theodore (26 for 27 in saves).
Westward to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Steve Mason will wear the masks. Anaheim led off with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks extended the lead with a Perry power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, powered by Saku Koivu and Getzlaf. Columbus shot back with a Fedor Tyutin goal, his fourth of the season, also on the power play, with help from Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal. Anaheim took it back in the second period as Jason Blake recorded his fifth of the year, thanks to Getzlaf, who got a sock trick with the helper. The Ducks added on as Bobby Ryan potted a power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, made possible by Teemu Selanne and Cam Fowler. Anaheim rolled on with Perry finishing his hat trick on the power play with his twenty-sixth of the year, with assists provided by Ryan. The Blue Jackets answered with Aaron Johnson recording his third of the season, via James Wisniewski and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus got as close as 5-3 before time expired, this happening due to an Antoine Vermette power play goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, set up by Rick Nash and Tyutin. Perry, Getzlaf, and Tyutin had the three stars, while Ryan earns the honorable mention.
To the south, the Dallas Stars take on the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Los Angeles was first on the board with a Dwight King goal, made possible by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. The Kings extended the lead in the second period when Andrei Loktionov scored his second of the season, powered by Jack Johnson and Kopitar. Dallas got one back with Loui Eriksson depositing his eighteenth of the year, via Alex Goligoski and Mike Ribeiro. The Stars tied it with Michael Ryder sinking his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Eriksson and Goligoski in the third period. Los Angeles got the lead back with Jordan Nolan's goal, courtesy of Mike Richards and King. The Kings iced at 4-2 with Williams scoring an empty net goal, his eleventh of the year, an unassisted tally. The three stars were given to King, Eriksson, and Nolan, while Williams, Kopitar, and Goligoski got the honorable mentions.
Back northeast a bit, the St. Louis Blues host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jaroslav Halak will take to the twines. St. Louis started the scoring with Alex Pietrangelo netting his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of T.J. Oshie and Andy McDonald. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with David Perron notching his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo iced it for St. Louis in the third period with his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, an unassisted empty net goal. The three stars were handed out to Pietrangelo, Halak (25 save shutout), and McDonald.
East even farther to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the blue paint we have Mathieu Garon and Brent Johnson. Tampa Bay struck first with a Steve Downie goal, his tenth of the season, set up by Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on with another Downie goal eleven seconds later, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, coming off of Purcell and Brett Clark. Pittsburgh answered with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his thirty-first of the season, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Penguins got an equalizer in the second period when Chris Kunitz put away his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Letang and the goalie Johnson. Pittsburgh took the lead when Letang scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Kunitz and Neal. The Penguins extended their lead with Malkin's second of the game and thirty-second of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal, the latter wrapping up a sock trick. The third period was silent, leaving the final at 4-2, where Letang, Malkin, and Kunitz get the three stars and Neal, Downie, and Purcell get the honorable mentions.
Finally, a bit to the west, the Detroit Red Wings are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Joey MacDonald are in goal in place of their injured higher-ups. Detroit scored first as Niklas Kronwall put his twelfth of the season away, with the help of Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi on the power play. Philadelphia answered with a Brayden Schenn goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Danny Briere. Schenn gave the Flyers the lead in the second period with his eighth of the season and second of the night, and Braydon Coburn provided the lone assist. The Red Wings retied it with Pavel Datsyuk scoring his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johan Franzen and Ian White. Philadelphia retook the lead with Max Talbot registering his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Scott Hartnell and Matt Read. Detroit got another equalizer with Zetterberg netting his eleventh of the year, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Brad Stuart. The Red Wings gained the lead in the third period with Franzen registering his twenty-second of the season, via Nicklas Lidstrom and Zetterberg. This would hold for a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Franzen, while Zetterberg and Schenn also had honorable performances.
The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Henrik Lundqvist will get the starting nods in goal. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan goal, his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Anton Stralman and Brad Richards. Washington tied it in the second period with Alexander Semin notching his fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Jason Chimera and John Carlson. The Rangers regained the lead on a Ryan McDonagh tally, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Brian Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky. New York extended their lead in the third period when Brandon Prust scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal passed through by Dubinsky and Marc Staal. The Capitals pulled back to 3-2 with a Carlson goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Alex Ovechkin and Roman Hamrlik. They never tied it, so this was a final, and the three stars were McDonagh, Prust, and Dubinsky, while Carlson gets the honorable mention.
Staying in the same metro area, the New York Islanders welcome the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Evgeni Nabokov will be between the pipes. Frans Nielsen put New York ahead first with his tenth of the season, set up by P.A. Parenteau and Andrew MacDonald. Florida answered with a Tyson Strachan goal, fueled by Marcel Goc. The Panthers gained the lead in the second period as Tomas Fleischmann netted his eighteenth of the year, thanks to Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss. Florida added on with a power play goal by Weiss, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. The Panthers extended the lead again when Jack Skille's third of the year found twine, and the lone helper on the tally was Shawn Matthias. This was a final after a scoreless third period, and the three stars of the 4-1 game were Versteeg, Fleischmann, and Theodore (26 for 27 in saves).
Westward to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Steve Mason will wear the masks. Anaheim led off with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks extended the lead with a Perry power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, powered by Saku Koivu and Getzlaf. Columbus shot back with a Fedor Tyutin goal, his fourth of the season, also on the power play, with help from Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal. Anaheim took it back in the second period as Jason Blake recorded his fifth of the year, thanks to Getzlaf, who got a sock trick with the helper. The Ducks added on as Bobby Ryan potted a power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, made possible by Teemu Selanne and Cam Fowler. Anaheim rolled on with Perry finishing his hat trick on the power play with his twenty-sixth of the year, with assists provided by Ryan. The Blue Jackets answered with Aaron Johnson recording his third of the season, via James Wisniewski and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus got as close as 5-3 before time expired, this happening due to an Antoine Vermette power play goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, set up by Rick Nash and Tyutin. Perry, Getzlaf, and Tyutin had the three stars, while Ryan earns the honorable mention.
To the south, the Dallas Stars take on the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Los Angeles was first on the board with a Dwight King goal, made possible by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. The Kings extended the lead in the second period when Andrei Loktionov scored his second of the season, powered by Jack Johnson and Kopitar. Dallas got one back with Loui Eriksson depositing his eighteenth of the year, via Alex Goligoski and Mike Ribeiro. The Stars tied it with Michael Ryder sinking his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Eriksson and Goligoski in the third period. Los Angeles got the lead back with Jordan Nolan's goal, courtesy of Mike Richards and King. The Kings iced at 4-2 with Williams scoring an empty net goal, his eleventh of the year, an unassisted tally. The three stars were given to King, Eriksson, and Nolan, while Williams, Kopitar, and Goligoski got the honorable mentions.
Back northeast a bit, the St. Louis Blues host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jaroslav Halak will take to the twines. St. Louis started the scoring with Alex Pietrangelo netting his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of T.J. Oshie and Andy McDonald. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with David Perron notching his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo iced it for St. Louis in the third period with his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, an unassisted empty net goal. The three stars were handed out to Pietrangelo, Halak (25 save shutout), and McDonald.
East even farther to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the blue paint we have Mathieu Garon and Brent Johnson. Tampa Bay struck first with a Steve Downie goal, his tenth of the season, set up by Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on with another Downie goal eleven seconds later, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, coming off of Purcell and Brett Clark. Pittsburgh answered with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his thirty-first of the season, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Penguins got an equalizer in the second period when Chris Kunitz put away his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Letang and the goalie Johnson. Pittsburgh took the lead when Letang scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Kunitz and Neal. The Penguins extended their lead with Malkin's second of the game and thirty-second of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal, the latter wrapping up a sock trick. The third period was silent, leaving the final at 4-2, where Letang, Malkin, and Kunitz get the three stars and Neal, Downie, and Purcell get the honorable mentions.
Finally, a bit to the west, the Detroit Red Wings are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Joey MacDonald are in goal in place of their injured higher-ups. Detroit scored first as Niklas Kronwall put his twelfth of the season away, with the help of Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi on the power play. Philadelphia answered with a Brayden Schenn goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Danny Briere. Schenn gave the Flyers the lead in the second period with his eighth of the season and second of the night, and Braydon Coburn provided the lone assist. The Red Wings retied it with Pavel Datsyuk scoring his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johan Franzen and Ian White. Philadelphia retook the lead with Max Talbot registering his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Scott Hartnell and Matt Read. Detroit got another equalizer with Zetterberg netting his eleventh of the year, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Brad Stuart. The Red Wings gained the lead in the third period with Franzen registering his twenty-second of the season, via Nicklas Lidstrom and Zetterberg. This would hold for a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Franzen, while Zetterberg and Schenn also had honorable performances.
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