NHL February 9th 2013

Twelve Eleven games on today, as the Bruins and Lightning are postponed due to the blizzard in the Northeastern United States, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur will be in the creases. Pittsburgh quickly opened in the first period as Brandon Sutter scored a power play goal, his third of the season, assisted by Simon Despres and Tyler Kennedy. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Stefan Matteau scored, via Andy Greene and Adam Larsson. The Devils took the lead in the third period on an Adam Henrique power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Bobby Butler and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey padded the lead as Butler scored a power play goal, courtesy of Greene and Kovalchuk. This produced the 3-1 final, with Matteau, Butler, and Henrique picking up the three stars, while Kovalchuk, Greene, and Brodeur (24 for 25 in saves) receive the honorable mentions.

A short trip to Philadelphia, where the Flyers bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Ilya Bryzgalov will protect the nets. Carolina was first to score in the first period as Jiri Tlusty scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Eric Staal. Philadelphia tied it as Brayden Schenn scored his second of the season, passed from Kimmo Timonen and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers took the lead in the second period on a Matt Read goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Mike Knuble. The Hurricanes tied it on a Jeff Skinner goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Jordan Staal and Joni Pitkanen. Philadelphia retook the lead as Voracek scored his third of the year, with the help of Schenn and the goalie Bryzgalov. Carolina pulled even in the third period as Corvo scored, with a lone assist by Tim Gleason. The Flyers won 4-3 in overtime as Danny Briere potted his second of the campaign, fueled by Nicklas Grossmann and Schenn. Briere, Schenn, and Voracek were named the three stars, while Corvo gets the honorable mention.

West to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Jimmy Howard will make the starts. Detroit began in the second period on a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg. Edmonton tied it with a Justin Schultz power play goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Jordan Eberle and Teemu Hartikainen. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period on a Niklas Kronwall power play goal, coming off of Datsyuk and Zetterberg. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Datsyuk, Khabibulin (28 for 30 in saves), and Zetterberg.

Up in Canada, the Ottawa Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Backups Al Montoya and Ben Bishop will cover the spot starts. Winnipeg got going in the third period as Alexei Ponikarovsky scored his second of the season, with a lone assist by Kyle Wellwood. This stood for a 1-0 victory, where Montoya (33 save shutout), Bishop (36 for 37 in saves), and Mark Stuart got the three stars, while Ponikarovsky should have the third star.

West to San Jose, with the Sharks hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Antti Niemi are given the starting nods. The game was scoreless into the shootout, until Mikkel Boedker and Radim Vrbata both found the twine behind Niemi for a 1-0 Phoenix win. The three stars were Smith (33 save shutout), Niemi (21 save "shutout"), and Boedker.

Back east, the Boston Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightn........ Frozen... Please Wait...

Sorry for the delay, that game above has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Next up, the Washington Capitals host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. Washington started in the first period as Troy Brouwer scored his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from John Carlson. The Capitals added on with a Brouwer power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by the goalie Holtby. Washington extended the lead when Joel Ward recorded his fifth of the season, with the help of Eric Fehr and Mathieu Perreault. The Capitals padded the lead in the third period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Jason Chimera and Mike Ribeiro. Washington kept going as Perreault scored, thanks to Jeff Schultz and Ward. Scott Clemmensen relieved Theodore at this time. This was all they needed to win 5-0, with the three stars being Holtby (27 save shutout), Brouwer, and Ward, while Perreault gets an honorable mention.

Back north a bit, the New York Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Evgeni Nabokov have the green light to start. Buffalo led off in the first period with a Thomas Vanek goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Cody Hodgson and Jordan Leopold. New York tied it on a John Tavares goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Brian Strait and Brad Boyes. The Sabres took the lead back in the second period with a Christian Ehrhoff goal, fueled by Hodgson and Vanek. The Islanders tied it again as Colin McDonald scored, with assists provided by Casey Cizikas and Strait. The Sabres regained the lead as Alexander Sulzer recorded his third of the season, via Steve Ott and Mikhail Grigorenko. This stood as a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Miller (41 for 43 in saves), Tavares, and Vanek, while Strait receives an honorable mention.

Into Canada again, with the Montreal Canadiens hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Carey Price stand 200 feet apart. Leo Komarov struck first for Toronto, scoring a goal in the first period, helped along by Nikolai Kulemin. The Maple Leafs added on with a Tyler Bozak goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by James van Riemsdyk and John-Michael Liles. Toronto extended the lead in the second period with a van Riemsdk goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by Phil Kessel. The Maple Leafs padded the lead as Kessel scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. Toronto continued in the third period with a Korbinian Holzer goal, his second of the year, coming off of Colton Orr and Jay McClement. The Maples Leafs were relentless as Phaneuf scored a power play goal, set up by Kessel. This ended the scoring at 6-0, with the three stars going to Reimer (37 save shutout), van Riemsdyk, and Bozak, while Kessel and Phaneuf receive the honorable mentions.

Back in the states, the St. Louis Blues host the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Brian Elliott are the masked men. St. Louis opened in the first period with an Alex Steen power play goal, powered by Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk. Anaheim tied it as Bobby Ryan scored his third of the season, courtesy of Teemu Selanne and Francois Beauchemin. The Blues took the lead back as David Backes notched his second of the year, thanks to Andy McDonald and Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis padded the lead as David Perron score his third of the season, coming off of Shattenkirk and Patrik Berglund. The Ducks pulled back in the second period on a Selanne goal, his fourth of the year, via Saku Koivu and Ryan. Anaheim tied it on an Andrew Cogliano goal, fueled by Nick Bonino and Daniel Winnik. The Ducks took the lead with another Ryan goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, made possible by Selanne and Beauchemin. The Blues retied it in the third period as T.J. Oshie knocked in his fourth of the year, guided in by Backes. Anaheim retook the lead with a Koivu goal, his fourth of the season, pushed through by Ryan and Selanne, the latter getting a sock trick. St. Louis tied it as Chris Stewart potted his fifth of the year, a power play goal passed from Steen and McDonald. The Ducks would win in the shootout 6-5, but not without a fight, as Perron matched Koivu, Stewart cancelled out Corey Perry, and Steen kept pace with Ryan Getzlaf before Bonino potted the decisive goal. The three stars were awarded to Ryan, Selanne, and Backes, while Steen, Stewart, Koivu, Beauchemin, Shattenkirk, and McDonald all receive honorable mentions.

Northward to Minnesota, with the Wild hosting the Nashville Predators. Chris Mason is mismatched with Niklas Backstrom in goal. Nashville began in the first period as Paul Gaustad scored, with a lone assist from Craig Smith. Minnesota tied it in the second period on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his second of the season, made possible by Ryan Suter and Matt Cullen. The Wild won 2-1 in overtime with a Devin Setoguchi power play goal, powered by Mikko Koivu and Suter. The three stars belonged to Backstrom (25 for 26 in saves), Clutterbuck, and Setoguchi, while Suter gets the honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Vancouver, with the Canucks welcoming the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Cory Schneider will protect the nets. Calgary got going in the first period with a Lee Stempniak goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Matt Stajan and Blake Comeau. Vancouver tied it in the second period on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his third of the year, set up by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks took the lead as Jordan Schroeder scored a power play goal, powered by Alexander Edler and Burrows. Vancouver padded the lead as Kevin Bieksa recorded his second of the season, coming off of Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks kept going in the third period on a Chris Higgins goal, his second of the year, guided in by Maxim Lapierre and Bieksa. Vancouver iced it at 5-1 with another Schroeder goal, his second of the game, passed from Mason Raymond and Chris Tanev. The three stars were awarded to Schroeder, Henrik Sedin, and Schneider (33 for 34 in saves), while Bieksa, Daniel Sedin, and Burrows receive the honorable mentions.

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NHL February 8th 2013

One game on tonight, twelve tomorrow though. We begin and end in...

Dallas, as the Stars welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas began with a first period Trevor Daley power play goal, powered by Derek Roy and Loui Eriksson. The Stars added on as Jamie Benn scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Brenden Morrow and Alex Goligoski. Viktor Fasth relieved Hiller for the second period. Anaheim tied it on a Nick Bonino goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, assisted by Luca Sbisa and Corey Perry. Dallas replied in the third period as Eriksson scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Roy and Goligoski. This made it 3-1, with the three stars going to Daley, Lehtonen (20 for 21 in saves), and Benn, while Eriksson, Roy, and Goligoski get the honorable mentions.

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NHL February 7th 2013

Huge slate of games today, with twelve games starting within two hours of each other. We begin in...

Pittsburgh, where the Penguins host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Marc-Andre Fleury are given the starting nods. Washington led off in the first period as Mike Ribeiro scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Tomas Kundratek and Alex Ovechkin. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period on an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Paul Martin. The Penguins took the lead as Pascal Dupuis scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Braden Hotlby relieved Neuvirth at this time. Pittsburgh padded the lead as James Neal scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal, coming off of Kunitz and Malkin. The Penguins extended the lead when Matt Cooke netted his second of the season, with a lone assist by Brandon Sutter. Pittsburgh struck again as Crosby put away his fifth of the year, a power play goal passed from Malkin and Neal. The Capitals shot back in the third period with the third of the season by Ovechkin, a power play goal guided in by Ribeiro and Mike Green. This only made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars awarded to Malkin, Crosby, and Neal, while Ovechkin, Ribeiro, and Kunitz receive the honorable mentions.

Moving east to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Martin Brodeur will be in the creases. New Jersey got going in the second period as Adam Henrique scored his third of the season, thanks to Anton Volchenkov and Patrik Elias. Tampa Bay tied it with a Nate Thompson goal, his second of the year, made possible by Martin St. Louis. The Devils retook the lead as Ilya Kovalchuk scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal going in unassisted. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period on an Andy Greene power play goal, his second of the year, powered by David Clarkson and Elias. The Devils quickly padded the lead as Elias sank his third of the season, a power play goal coming off of Kovalchuk and Greene. The Lightning replied as Matt Carle potted his second of the year, with a lone St. Louis assist. This only made it 4-2, which was the margin of victory for New Jersey, and the three stars went to Kovalchuk, Elias, and Greene, while St. Louis gets the honorable mention.

Into New York City, with the New York Rangers hosting the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. The Rangers struck first in the first period as J.T. Miller scored, with the help of Chris Kreider and Marc Staal. The Rangers added on as Marian Gaborik recorded his sixth of the season, assisted by Staal and Brad Richards. The Islanders got one back in the second period as John Tavares scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Matt Moulson and Joe Finley. The Rangers answered on a Miller power play goal, his second of the game, powered by Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 as McDonagh put the puck in the empty net with no assists. The three stars went to Miller, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and McDonagh, while Staal gets an honorable mention.

West to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets welcoming the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Sergei Bovrovsky are the young goalies. Calgary was first to score in the first period as Roman Cervenka scored, with assists provided by Dennis Wideman and Jiri Hudler. Columbus tied it when Matt Calvert found twine, courtesy of Vinny Prospal and Tim Erixon. The Blue Jackets took the lead as Mark Letestu potted his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Derick Brassard and Jack Johnson. The Flames tied it on a Mikael Backlund goal, his third of the year, made possible by T.J. Brodie and Hudler. Calgary took the lead in the third period with a Lee Stempniak power play goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Jay Bouwmeester and the goalie Irving. Columbus retied it on a Prospal goal, his third of the year, pushed through by Letestu. The Flames won 4-3 in overtime on an Alex Tanguay goal, his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Jarome Iginla and Brodie. Tanguay, Letestu, and Hudler picked up the three stars while Brodie and Prospal receive the honorable mentions.

Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Ilya Bryzgalov have the green light to start. Florida started in the first period with a Jack Skille goal, fueled by Dmitry Kulikov and Mike Weaver. Philadelphia tied it as Jakub Voracek notched his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Kimmo Timonen and Claude Giroux. The Flyers took the lead in the second period as Matt Read put away his fourth of the year, courtesy of Mike Knuble and Sean Couturier. The Panthers tied it in the third period with a Stephen Weiss power play goal, powered by Tomas Fleischmann and Kulikov. Florida took the game 3-2 in the shootout with goals by Jonathan Huberdeau and Peter Mueller. The three stars were Theodore (30 for 32 in saves), Knuble, and Weiss, while Kulikov gets the honorable mention.

Moving along to Buffalo, where the Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj is mismatched with Ryan Miller in goal. Montreal began with a first period Tomas Plekanec goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Rene Bourque and Alexei Emelin. Buffalo tied it as Steve Ott scored his second of the year, thanks to Jochen Hecht. The Canadiens regained the lead in the second period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Brandon Prust and Raphael Diaz. The Sabres retied it as Tyler Ennis scored his fourth of the year, made possible by Marcus Foligno. Montreal took the lead back on an P.K. Subban power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens padded the lead in the third period as Plekanec scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, courtesy of Brian Gionta and Bourque. Buffalo chipped away as Thomas Vanek sank his ninth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Ennis and Foligno. The Sabres tied it with two seconds left as Vanek scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, with helpers provided by Ott and Ennis. The game was decided in a shootout, as Vanek and Jason Pominville lifted Buffalo 5-4 over a lone Alex Galchenyuk tally. The three stars were given to Vanek, Ennis, and Foligno, while Ott, Plekanec, and Bourque receive the honorable mentions.

Crossing into Canada, with the Ottawa Senators bringing in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Craig Anderson protect the nets. Ottawa opened in the first period as Erik Karlsson scored his fifth of the season, via Jakob Silfverberg and Zack Smith. Carolina tied it in the second period with a Chad LaRose goal, coming off of Drayson Bowman and Jay Harrison. The Senators took the lead back as Daniel Alfredsson potted his third of the year, assisted by Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. The Hurricanes tied it in the third period as Alexander Semin scored his second of the season, a power play goal, powered by Eric Staal and Tim Brent. Carolina won 3-2 in overtime as Harrison potted his second of the year, courtesy of Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner. Ward (45 for 47 in saves), Alfredsson, and Harrison got the three stars.

Back in the states, the St. Louis Blues host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Brian Elliott will make the starts. Detroit was first to score in the first period as Daniel Cleary scored, thanks to Tomas Tatar and Justin Abdelkader. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Jakub Kindl goal, set up by Cory Emmerton and Drew Miller. St. Louis got on the board in the second period as Alex Pietrangelo scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Kevin Shattenkirk. Detroit shot back as Emmerton scored, courtesy of Jordin Tootoo and Miller. The Red Wings added on with a Damien Brunner goal, his fifth of the year, assisted by Jonathan Ericsson and Henrik Zetterberg. Detroit finished the scoring at with a third period goal by Valtteri Filppula, his third of the season, going in unassisted. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars being Emmerton, Mrazek (26 for 27 in saves), and Miller.

Back north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec are the well-hyped goalies. Winnipeg got going in the second period with a Zach Redmond shorthanded goal, set up by Bryan Little and Tobias Enstrom. Toronto tied it on a shorthanded goal by Tyler Bozak, going in unassisted. The Jets took the lead in the third period on a Grant Clitsome goal, his second of the year, made possible by Little. The Maple Leafs retied it with a Matt Frattin goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Cody Franson and Nazem Kadri. Toronto took the lead on a Phil Kessel goal, passed from Bozak on the power play. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Bozak, Little, and Dion Phaneuf, while Reimer (23 for 25 in saves) or anyone who had a point could best Phaneuf.

Slightly to the south, the Minnesota Wild host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom are in the blue paint. Vancouver led off in the first period as Daniel Sedin scored his third of the season, with assists provided by Alexandre Burrows and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks added on as Chris Higgins scored a power play goal, powered by Maxim Lapierre and Jason Garrison. Vancouver extended the lead in the second period as Mason Raymond scored his fourth of the year, an unassisted power play goal. The Canucks struck again with a Jannik Hansen goal, his second of the season, fueled by Raymond and Alexander Edler. Minnesota got on the board in the third period as Tom Gilbert scored his third of the year,  power play goal, set up by Jonas Brodin and Matt Cullen. The three stars went to Raymond, Edler, and Brodin,

To the southeast, the Nashville Predators host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne tend the twines. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his second of the season, passed from David Legwand and Kevin Klein. The Predators struck again in the second period with a Colin Wilson goal, his second of the year, via Klein and Brandon Yip. Nashville extended the lead with another Wilson goal, his second of the game and third of the season, coming on the power play from Shea Weber and Mike Fisher. This was all they needed to win 3-0, with the three stars being Rinne (32 save shutout), Wilson, and Bourque, while Klein picks up an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Mike Smith guard the cages. Chicago started in the first period with a Viktor Stalberg goal, his third of the season, assisted by Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell. The Blackhawks added on as Patrick Kane notched his seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. Chicago padded the lead as Dave Bolland put away his fourth of the season, thanks to Kane and Sharp. The Blackhawks extended the lead with another Kane goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, coming on the power play via Sharp, who got a natural sock trick, and Duncan Keith. Phoenix got on the board in the second period with a Martin Hanzal power play goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Radim Vrbata and Mikkel Boedker. Chicago responded with a Toews goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks kept going as Bickell notched his second of the season, with a lone assist from Stalberg. Jason LaBarbera relieved Smith at this time. The Coyotes got one back in the third period as Raffi Torres scored, with the help of Kyle Chipchura. This only made it 6-2, the final, with Kane, Sharp, and Emery (22 for 24 in saves) getting the three stars, and Toews, Bickell, and Stalberg got the honorable mentions.

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NHL February 6th 2013

Three games only today, leading to a heavier schedule tomorrow. We begin with a rivalry game in...

Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price protect the nets. Montreal opened in the second period with a P.K. Subban power play goal, powered by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. Boston tied it in the third period on a Tyler Seguin goal in the third period, his second of the season, assisted by David Krejci. The Bruins took the lead as Krejci found twine with his third of the year, coming off of Milan Lucic and Seguin. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Rask (20 for 21 in saves), Seguin, and Subban, while Krejci gets the honorable mention.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Semyon Varlamov receive the starting nods. Anaheim got going with a first period goal by Sheldon Souray, his fourth of the season, made possible by Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on as Saku Koivu notched his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Teemu Selanne and Souray. Anaheim padded the lead in the second period as Francois Beauchemin scored his second of the season, via Daniel Winnik and Koivu. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars awarded to Koivu, Fasth (31 save shutout), and Souray.

The last game of the day comes from Edmonton, with the Oilers hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Devan Dubnyk are between the pipes. Edmonton led off with a second period Ales Hemsky goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. Dallas tied it as Jamie Benn scored his third of the year, courtesy of Jaromir Jagr and Brenden Morrow. The Stars took the lead as Derek Roy scored a power play goal, powered by Loui Eriksson and Michael Ryder. The Oilers tied it in the third period with a Justin Schultz power play goal, his third of the season, set up by Hemsky and Taylor Hall. Dallas won 3-2 in overtime when Jagr potted his third of the year, with the help of Benn and Stephane Robidas. The three stars went to Hemsky, Eriksson, and Jagr, while Benn gets an honorable mention.

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NHL February 5th 2013

There are ten games being played today, starting in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur tend the twines. New Jersey led off in the first period as Adam Henrique scored his second of the season, courtesy of Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. The Devils added on as Clarkson scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Stephen Gionta and Elias. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period with a Clarkson power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, powered by Andy Greene and Elias, the latter getting a sock trick. New York got on the board with a Chris Kreider goal, fueled by Brad Richards. This only made it 3-1, the final, with Brodeur (24 for 25 in saves), Clarkson, and Elias receiving the three stars.

Moving on to Long Island, the New York Islanders host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Evgeni Nabokov are the goalies. Pittsburgh opened in the first period on a James Neal power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Sidney Crosby. The Penguins extended the lead in the second period as Simon Despres scored his second of the year, thanks to Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the third period with a Brandon Sutter goal, his second of the season, coming off of Matt Cooke. New York got on the board as Michael Grabner scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders pulled closer with a Brad Boyes goal, his third of the season, assisted by Matt Moulson and Brian Strait. The Penguins iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Pascal Dupuis, his third of the year, set up by Paul Martin. The three stars belonged to Neal, Letang, and Boyes.

West to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick faces a lesser foe in Steve Mason. Columbus got going with a first period goal by Derek MacKenzie, assisted by Fedor Tyutin and Mark Letestu. Los Angeles tied it on a second period Anze Kopitar goal, his third of the season, coming off of Justin Williams and Drew Doughty. The Kings took the lead when Kopitar scored again, his second of the game and fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown. The Blue Jackets retied it with a Derick Brassard goal, his second of the season, made possible by Tim Erixon and Nick Foligno. Los Angeles retook the lead as Slava Voynov notched his second of the year, courtesy of Davis Drewiske and Justin Williams. The Kings extended the lead in the third period as Mike Richards scored, which completed his Gordie Howe Hat Trick, with the help of Williams, who got a sock trick, and Simon Gagne. This produced the 4-2 final, with Williams, Kopitar, and Brassard getting the three stars, while Richards picked up an honorable mention despite his dishonorable behavior.

Back east, the Washington Capitals host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ben Scrivens and Michal Neuvirth are called on to start. Toronto was first to score in the first period as James van Riemsdyk potted his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs extended the lead as van Riemsdyk scored again, his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Cody Franson and Phil Kessel. Washington got on the board as Marcus Johansson scored a power play goal, powered by Tomas Kundratek and Nicklas Backstrom. Toronto replied in the second period as Korbinian Holzer scored, thanks to Mark Fraser and Kessel. The Capitals pulled back in the third period on a Mike Ribeiro power play goal, his third of the season, assisted by Troy Brouwer and Alex Ovechkin. They failed to tie the game, falling 3-2, with the three stars going to van Riemsdyk, Johansson, and Kessel.

Up in Canada, the Ottawa Senators bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Craig Anderson are in the blue paint. Ottawa began with a first period Erik Karlsson goal, his fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Kyle Turris. Buffalo tied it on a Tyler Ennis goal, his third of the year, coming off of Drew Stafford and Jordan Leopold. The Senators took the lead back as Chris Phillips notched his fourth of the season, with the help of Peter Regin. Ottawa padded the lead as Daniel Alfredsson scored his second of the year, fueled by Mika Zibanejad. The Senators extended the lead in the second period with a Chris Neil goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Regin and Zack Smith. The Sabres shot back on a Leopold goal, via Jochen Hecht and Steve Ott. Buffalo pulled closer in the third period as Jason Pominville sank his sixth of the year, set up by Cody Hodgson and Adam Pardy. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3, and the three stars went to Alfredsson, Karlsson, and Turris, while Leopold and Regin got the honorable mentions.

Back in the states, the Detroit Red Wings welcome the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jimmy Howard are the veteran goalies. Calgary struck first in the first period on a Jarome Iginla goal, fueled by Alex Tanguay and Michael Cammalleri. The Flames added on as Curtis Glencross recorded his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman. Detroit got on the board in the second period with Johan Franzen's third of the year, a power play goal set up by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall. Calgary replied with a Wideman goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist from Matt Stajan. Leland Irving relieved an injured Kiprusoff for the third period. The Flames padded the lead as Mark Giordano scored, an unassisted power play goal. This made it 4-1, the final, with Iginla, Franzen, and Cammalleri getting the three stars,

Eastward to Philadelphia, with the Flyers hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Ilya Bryzgalov are between the pipes. Philadelphia started with a second period goal by Tom Sestito, coming off of Jakub Voracek and Brayden Schenn. Tampa Bay tied it in the third period with a Benoit Pouliot goal, his third of the season, fueled by Teddy Purcell and Tom Pyatt. The Flyers took the lead back with Sestito's second of the game, set up by Max Talbot and Ruslan Fedotenko. They held on to win 2-1, with the three stars going to Sestito, Bryzgalov (21 for 22 in saves), and Luke Schenn.

Northwest to Winnipeg, as the Jets bring in the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Ondrej Pavelec receive the starting nods. Florida opened in the first period with a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his third of the season, assisted by Drew Shore and Mike Weaver. Winnipeg tied it in the second period as Blake Wheeler potted his fourth of the year, with the help of Tobias Enstrom. The Panthers regained the lead as Tomas Fleischmann scored his third of the season, thanks to Brian Campbell and Kris Versteeg. The Jets tied it again as Mark Stuart scored, via Zach Redmond and Alex Burmistrov. Winnipeg won 3-2 in overtime with a power play goal by Bryan Little, his second of the year, powered by Redmond and Ron Hainsey. The three stars went to Little, Burmistrov, and Stuart, while Redmond gets the honorable mention.

Down in St. Louis, the Blues host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Brian Elliott protect the nets. Nashville led off with a first period goal by Ryan Ellis, his second of the season coming on the power play from Martin Erat and Colin Wilson. The Predators added on as Richard Clune scored, courtesy of Wilson and Paul Gaustad. Nashville extended the lead as Nick Spaling recorded his second of the year, via Brandon Yip and Roman Josi. The Predators kept going in the second period on a Kevin Klein goal, fueled by Jonathon Blum and Erat. Jake Allen relieved Elliott at this time. Nashville padded the lead with a Gabriel Bourque goal, made possible by Wilson, who got a sock trick. St. Louis got on the board as Alex Pietrangelo recorded his second of the season, a power play goal powered by T.J. Oshie. The Predators shot back in the third period as Erat notched his third of the year, thanks to Ellis and Blum. This produced the 6-1 final, with the three stars being Rinne (31 for 32 in saves), Erat, and Wilsno, while Ellis and Blum get the honorable mentions.

Finally, we end in San Jose, with the Sharks hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose struck first in the first period as Joe Pavelski scored his fifth of the season, assisted by Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Joe Thornton. The Sharks added on as Tommy Wingels scored, with the help of Michal Handzus and James Sheppard. Chicago got on the board as Brandon Saad scored, courtesy of Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews. San Jose replied with a Handzus goal, made possible by Wingels and Dan Boyle. The Blackhawks answered as Andrew Shaw netted his second of the year, thanks to Bryan Bickell and Viktor Stalberg. Chicago tied it with an unassisted Marcus Kruger goal. The Blackhawks gained the lead as Patrick Kane made his fifth of the season, via Toews. Chicago padded the lead in the third period as Kane scored again, his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Kruger and Seabrook en route to the empty net. The three stars were handed to Toews, Wingels, and Kane in the 5-3 game, while Kruger, Handzus, and Seabrook receive the honorable mentions.

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NHL Feburary 4th 2013

Five games on today, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and James Reimer receive the starting nods. Toronto began with a first period Matt Frattin goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov. Carolina tied it in the second period as Jordan Staal scored, thanks to Patrick Dwyer. The Hurricanes took the lead on an Eric Staal power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Jiri Tlusty and Tim Brent. Carolina added on in the third period as Justin Faulk scored his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Jeff Skinner and Alexander Semin. The Hurricanes padded the lead as Dwyer made his third of the year, with the help of Jordan Staal and Skinner, the latter getting a sock trick. This was all they needed for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Ward (41 for 42 in saves), Skinner, and Semin, while Dwyer and Jordan Staal receive the honorable mentions.

Way southwest to Phoenix, where the Coyotes host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Mike Smith are in the creases. Phoenix was first to score in the first period as Lauri Korpikoski scored his fourth of the season, passed from Keith Yandle. The Coyotes added on in the second period as Martin Hanzal potted his fourth of the year, via Radim Vrbata and Zbynek Michalek. Minnesota got on the board with the sixth of the season by Zach Parise, an unassisted goal. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Smith (21 for 22 in saves), Korpikoski, and Michalek.

Up north a bit, the Colorado Avalanche host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Dallas led off in the first period as Jamie Benn scored an unassisted goal. The Stars added on as Brenden Morrow scored, with assists provided by Jaromir Jagr and Benn. Colorado got on the board when Milan Hejduk scored, thanks to John Mitchell and Paul Stastny. The Avalanche tied it in the second period with the seventh of the season by P.A. Parenteau, assisted by Stastny and Jamie McGinn on the power play. Dallas gained the lead back with Benn's second of the game, fueled by Derek Roy and Aaron Rome. They held on to win 3-2, with the three stars going to Hejduk, Benn, and Parenteau, while Stastny gets an honorable mention.

Farther north, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Devan Dubnyk will occupy the blue paint. Edmonton struck first in the first period on an Ales Hemsky power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. The Oilers added on in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Ryan Smyth, set up by Anton Lander. Vancouver got on the board as Jannik Hansen scored, via Jordan Schroeder and Chris Higgins. The Canucks tied it in the third period as Kevin Bieksa scored, courtesy of Mason Raymond and Hansen. Vancouver won 3-2 in overtime as Chris Tanev scored, with assists provided by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The three stars went to Dubnyk (37 for 40 in saves), Hemsky, and Luongo (23 for 25 in saves), while Hansen gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Anaheim, where the Ducks welcome the San Jose Sharks. Backups Thomas Greiss and Viktor Fasth play goal. San Jose got going in the first period with a Logan Couture goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Andrew Desjardins and Tommy Wingels. Anaheim tied it in the third period as Saku Koivu scored his second of the year in the third period, an unassisted goal. The Ducks took the lead with a Sheldon Souray goal, his third of the season, coming off of Francois Beauchemin and Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim held on for the 2-1 win, with the three stars given to Souray, Fasth (25 for 26 in saves), and Getzlaf.

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Super Bowl XLVII from New Orleans, Louisiana

The Super Bowl determines the NFL champion in every season since it's inauguration in 1967. This year, the game is in the Superdome in New Orleans, where the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens do battle. Baltimore started in the first quarter with a Joe Flacco 13 yard touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin, and Justin Tucker supplied the extra point. San Francisco got on the board as David Akers made a 36 yard field goal. The Ravens shot back in the second quarter as Flacco tossed a 1 yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta, and Tucker booted the extra point. Baltimore extended the lead with a 56 yard touchdown to Juke-em' Jacoby Jones, and Tucker was true with the PAT. The 49ers got some back as Akers made a 27 yard field goal. The Ravens padded the lead as Jones returned the opening kickoff in the third quarter a record 109 yards for a touchdown, and Tucker made the extra point. The run was so electrifying, the lights went out during the next drive, causing a delay that could be called a second halftime (thankfully minus the Beyonce overload). San Francisco chipped back after the lights came back as Colin Kaepernick tossed a 31 yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree, and Akers knocked in the extra point. The 49ers pulled closer with a Frank Gore 6 yard touchdown run, and Akers again made the extra point. San Francisco kept closing the gap as Akers knocked in a 34 yard field goal. Baltimore padded the lead in the fourth quarter as Tucker nailed a 19 yard field goal. The 49ers got within range on a 15 yard touchdown run by Kaepernick, but the two-point pass attempt to Randy Moss failed. The Ravens gained some separation as Tucker kicked a 38 yard field goal. San Francisco got some "hey there" points when Ravens punter ran backwards through the end zone to kill the clock, resulting in a safety that made it 34-31, the final. The Baltimore Ravens are this season's Super Bowl Champions, and Ray Lewis can exit the game a winner, as well as possibly Ed Reed.

As usual, when a season ends, I like to make my plans known. It has been a great time working on the NFL in my second full season and third overall, and while there are ups and downs, it is always worth it in the end. As a blogger, the Thursday night games are great, but as a fantasy football manager, they can be a pain, to name just one example. Both of these activities are at a risk of being significantly reduced when I attend college. This likely means that I may have to miss part or all of the upcoming football season so I can focus on my studies. I've also alluded to missing the baseball season this year, and that remains a very likely situation. While it is not favorable to have to give up some of my work, it is necessary for my success in the future. I hope that you all, my readers, can understand that. I will continue to go with both the KHL and NHL through the ends of their playoff seasons. This means there will be hockey through June, but beyond that, I cannot say what lies ahead. I appreciate all of the support you readers give me, and I hope to be able to continue through the uncertainty to provide the same amount of coverage I have for over two years now.

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KHL and NHL February 3rd 2013

Five games across the two leagues today. The KHL will be on break until the 13th, so we will be down to one league for a bit after today. We begin the day in...

Bratislava, as Slovan hosts Lev Praha. Tomas Popperle and Jaroslav Janus will guard the cages. Praha opened in the first period with a Tomas Surovy goal, coming off of Marcel Hossa. Lev added on as Vitaly Karamnov scored, courtesy of Jiri Sekac and Toms Rachunek. Bratislava got on the board with a Jan Lipiansky goal, fueled by Roman Kukumberg. Praha shot back as Nathan Oystrick scored, with a lone assist from Jiri Novotny. Slovan pulled back with an unassisted goal by Peter Olvecky. Bratislava tied it with a Tomas Mikus goal, going down unassisted. Lev gained the lead back as Ondrej Nemec scored, via Novotny and Sami Lepisto. Slovan tied it again in the second period as Libor Hudacek scored, and Lipiansky had the only helper. Praha took the lead back in the third period as Martins Cipulis scored a goal, and Hossa was credited with the assist. This stood for a 5-4 win, with the three stars being Hossa, Novotny, and Lipiansky.

In North America, the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tomas Vokoun and Braden Holtby receive the starting nods. Pittsburgh was first to score with a first period goal by Paul Martin, his second of the season, assisted by Sidney Crosby. Washington tied with the second of the year for Mike Green, passed from Wojtek Wolski and Mike Ribeiro. The Penguins took the lead back as Matt Cooke scored, with the help of Deryk Engelland and Robert Bortuzzo. The Capitals tied it again in the second period as John Carlson scored, with a lone Nicklas Backstrom assist. Pittsburgh took the lead back on the thirdo f the season by Kris Letang, fueled by Brandon Sutter and Cooke. The Penguins padded the lead as Chris Kunitz scored his third of the year, courtesy of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead with another Kunitz goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season coming on the power play, with assists provided by Malkin and James Neal. Washington chipped back in the third period with a Ribeiro power play goal, his second of the year, coming off of Troy Brouwer and Alex Ovechkin. The Penguins iced it at 6-3 when Kunitz finished his hat trick with his fifth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Crosby, who got a sock trick, and Letang. The three stars were awarded to Kunitz, Ribeiro, and Malkin, while Crosby, Letang, and Cooke get the honorable mentions.

Up in Canada, the Montreal Canadiens host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Carey Price tend the twines. Ottawa led off in the first period as Jakob Silfverberg scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Patrick Wiercioch and Kyle Turris. Montreal tied it with David Desharnais' third of the year, via Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens took the lead on the second of the season by Erik Cole, assisted by Francis Bouillon and P.K. Subban. There was no more scoring, with the final being 2-1. Price (32 for 33 in saves), Desharnais, and Cole got the three stars.

Back stateside, the Buffalo Sabres host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Ryan Miller stand in the blue paint. Buffalo started in the first period with the eighth of the season by Thomas Vanek, assisted by Jason Pominville and Cody Hodgson. Florida tied it with a Shawn Matthias goal, fueled by Jerred Smithson. The Sabres retook the lead as Hodgson notched his fifth of the year, courtesy of Vanek. Buffalo added on in the second period as Alexander Sulzer scored his second of the season, via Vanek and Hodgson. The Panthers answered in the second period as George Parros found twine, with an assist provided by Stephen Weiss. Florida tied it with the fourth of the year by Peter Mueller, coming off of Drew Shore and Tomas Kopecky. The Panthers took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Brian Campbell, his fourth of the season, powered by Kopecky and Jonathan Huberdeau. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Vanek, Campbell, and Hodgson, while Kopecky gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we end on Long Island, as the New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Evgeni Nabokov are the veteran goalies. New Jersey finally got going in the third period on a Steve Bernier goal, his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Adam Henrique and Andy Greene. The Devils added on as Bernier scored again, his second of the game and third of the year, passed from Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta. New Jersey iced it at 3-0 with a David Clarkson empty net goal, his fifth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Greene. The three stars went to Bernier, Hedberg (22 save shutout), and Nabokov (24 for 26 in saves), while Greene gets an honorable mention.

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