NHL March 2nd 2013

We have nine games today, the first of which comes from...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Ottawa Senators. Ben Bishop and Ilya Bryzgalov receive the starting nods. Philadelphia got going in the second period as Jakub Voracek scored his ninth of the season, courtesy of Ruslan Fedotenko and Luke Schenn. The Flyers added on as Wayne Simmonds scored his ninth of the year, via Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. Ottawa got on the board with a Marc Methot goal, coming off of Colin Greening. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars being Bryzgalov (33 for 34 in saves), Bishop (39 for 41 in saves), and Voracek.

Over in Boston, the Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Anton Khudobin are in the creases. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Teddy Purcell and Marc-Andre Bergeron. The Lightning added on as Alex Killorn scored his third of the year, a power play goal, set up by Purcell and Martin St. Louis. Boston got on the board in the second period as Tyler Seguin notched his fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Dougie Hamilton and David Krejci. The Bruins tied it as Rich Peverley scored his third of the year, thanks to Adam McQuaid and Daniel Paille. Boston took the lead in the third period as Brad Marchand scored his eleventh of the season, via Patrice Bergeron on the power play. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Marchand, Seguin, and Purcell.

Into Buffalo, as the Sabres host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Ryan Miller guard the cages. Buffalo began in the second period with a Jason Pominville shorthanded goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Cody Hodgson and Mike Weber. New Jersey tied it on a Steve Bernier goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Mark Fayne and Stephen Gionta. The Devils took the lead in the third period as Adam Henrique scored his fifth of the season, a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Sabres retied it as Pominville sank his second of the game and ninth of the year, via Cody Hodgson and Steve Ott. Buffalo gained the lead on a Jochen Hecht goal, fueled by Mikhail Grigorenko. New Jersey tied it again with an Andrei Loktionov goal, set up by Stefan Matteau and Ilya Kovalchuk. The game was decided in the shootout with Sabres tallies coming from Pominville and Tyler Ennis, lifting them to a 4-3 victory. The three stars were handed to Pominville, Miller (28 for 31 in saves), and Ennis, while Hodgson gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Ondrej Pavelec are the masked men. Washington struck first in the second period as Matt Hendricks scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Mike Ribeiro and John Erskine. The Capitals added on in the third period as Troy Brouwer scored his ninth of the year, courtesy of Nicklas Backstrom. Washington extended the lead on a Ribeiro goal, his seventh of the campaign, guided in by Alex Ovechkin and Eric Fehr. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Holtby (35 save shutout), Ribeiro, and Zach Bogosian, while any point-earner can take the third slot.

Back east, the Montreal Canadiens host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tomas Vokoun and Carey Price are in the blue paint. Montreal was first to score in the first period as Brandon Prust potted his third of the season, with a lone Tomas Kaberle assist. Pittsburgh tied it on a Brandon Sutter power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Kris Letang and Beau Bennett. The Canadiens retook the lead in the second period as Max Pacioretty scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Brendan Gallagher and Kaberle. The Penguins tied it again as Chris Kunitz recorded his tenth of the year, via Sidney Crosby and Deryk Engelland. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Matt Cooke goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Brooks Orpik and Letang. The Penguins extended the lead as Cooke scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. Montreal shot back with a Brian Gionta goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Francis Bouillon and Lars Eller. The Canadiens tied it in the last second of the period on a P.K. Subban goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Gallagher and Pacioretty. Montreal edged ahead once more as David Desharnais scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Alexei Emelin and Andrei Markov. Pittsburgh pulled even with another Kunitz goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, pushed through by Crosby and Letang, the latter earning a sock trick. The Penguins regained the lead on a Crosby goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Letang and Kunitz. The Canadiens got another equalizer as Gionta scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, with assists provided by Eller and Emelin. The game went into overtime, where Pittsburgh kicked the extra point won 7-6 with another Sutter goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, assisted by Simon Despres and James Neal. The three stars were given to Sutter, Pacioretty, and Crosby, while Letang, Kunitz, Cooke, Gionta, Kaberle, Gallagher, Eller, and Emelin all receive honorable mentions for their multi-point efforts.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Cam Ward have the green light to start, but just over two minutes into the game, Theodore left with an injury and was replaced by Scott Clemmensen. Carolina started with a Jussi Jokinen goal in the first period, his third of the season, assisted by Riley Nash and Justin Faulk. The Hurricanes added on as Jiri Tlusty scored his tenth of the year, with a lone helper from Alexander Semin. Carolina extended the lead as Jokinen scored again, his second of the game and fourth of the season, guided in by Nash. Florida got on the board with a Shawn Matthias goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Jerred Smithson and George Parros. The Hurricanes replied in the second period as Nash scored, with the help of Patrick Dwyer and Jokinen. Carolina padded the lead as Eric Staal notched his eleventh of the season, set up by Semin. The Panthers chipped back on a Filip Kuba goal, with assists provided by Marcel Goc and Tyson Strachan. The Hurricanes iced it at 6-2 in the third period with Eric Staal's second of the game and twelfth of the year, coming off of Semin and Jamie McBain. The three stars were given to Nash, Jokinen, and Semin, while Eric Staal gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Phoenix, as the Coyotes welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Mike Smith protect the nets. Anaheim opened with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Saku Koivu and Toni Lydman. Phoenix tied it as Matthew Lombardi scored his second of the year, thanks to Raffi Torres and Shane Doan. The Coyotes took the lead in the second period with a Lauri Korpikoski goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by David Moss and Keith Yandle. The Ducks tied it as Cogliano scored his second of the night and seventh of the year, coming off of Ben Lovejoy. Anaheim gained the lead again on another Cogliano goal, completing his hat trick with his eighth of the season, made possible by Daniel Winnik. Phoenix tied it again in the third period as Korpikoski scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Antoine Vermette. The Ducks edged ahead as Koivu scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Bobby Ryan and Luca Sbisa. The Coyotes got the equalizer with a Steve Sullivan goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mikkel Boedker. Phoenix won 5-4 with a lone shootout tally by Sullivan. The three stars went to Korpikoski, Cogliano, and Kyle Chipchura, while Koivu or Sullivan is more deserving of the third star.

Up in Vancouver, the Canucks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Cory Schneider are between the pipes. Vancouver led off in the first period with a Dan Hamhuis goal, his second of the season, guided in by Alexander Burrows and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Justin Williams scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Jake Muzzin and Anze Kopitar. The Canucks took the lead back as Mason Raymond scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Jannik Hansen and David Booth. The Kings retied it as Jordan Nolan potted his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Vancouver took the lead back again with a Daniel Sedin, his eighth of the season, coming off of Henrik Sedin and Burrows. The Canucks added on as Hansen scored his fourth of the year, via Raymond and Hamhuis. Vancouver iced it at 5-2 with a Chris Higgins empty net goal, his fifth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Henrik Sedin, Raymond, and Daniel Sedin, while Hamhuis, Hansen, and Burrows receive the honorable mentions.

Finally, we end in San Jose, as the Sharks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Antti Niemi tend the twines. San Jose began in the first period as Dan Boyle scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture. The Sharks added on in the second period as Joe Pavelski scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Couture and Thornton. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Gabriel Bourque, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Nick Spaling. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Thornton, Couture, and Boyle.

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Western Conference Quarterfinal: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl VS. Severstal Cherepovets

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Severstal Cherepovets in the KHL Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Arena 2000, Yaroslavl, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv. Yaroslavl got going in the first period with a power play goal by Alexei Kalyuzhny, powered by Staffan Kronwall and Alexander Guskov. Cherepovets tied it in the second period as Gennady Stolyarov scored, with the help of Stanislav Yegorshev and Vadim Shipachyov. Severstal took the lead in the third period with a Shipachyov goal, fueled by Bogdan Kiselevish and Stolyarov. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Shipachyov, Koshechkin (31 for 32 in saves), and Stolyarov. Severstal takes an early 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Arena 2000, Yaroslavl, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv. Yaroslavl began in the first period with a Daniil Apalkov goal, fueled by Emil Galimov and Sergei Plotnikov. Cherepovets tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Alexander Ryazantsev, powered by Mikhail Anisin and Linus Videll. Lokomotiv took the lead back in the third period when Staffan Kronwall scored a power play goal, set up by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Alexander Guskov. This held up for a 2-1 win, and the three stars were Kronwall, Sanford (33 for 34 in saves), and Apalkov. The series shifts across the lake tied at 1.

Game 3: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. Yaroslavl opened in the first period with a Staffan Kronwall goal, assisted by Stephen Dixon. Cherepovets tied it in the second period as Mikhail Anisin scored, thanks to Alexei Medvedev. Lokomotiv took the lead back with a Sergei Plotnikov goal, and Emil Galimov had the lone helper. Severstal tied it in the third period when Stanislav Yegorshev scored, courtesy of Gennady Stolyarov and Anisin. Cherepovets gained the lead on a Nikita Alexeyev goal, set up by Teemu Laasko and Niclas Bergfors. They held on for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Anisin, Koshechkin (21 for 23 in saves), and Alexeyev. Severstal takes the series lead back at 2-1.

Game 4: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. Cherepovets struck first in the first period as Alexei Medvedev scored, with the help of Petr Caslava and Evgeny Ketov. Yaroslavl tied it on an unassisted goal by Alexander Chernikov. Lokomotiv took the lead on a power play goal by Alexander Guskov, powered by Sergei Plotnikov and Staffan Kronwall. Severstal retied it on an unassisted second period goal from Mikhail Anisin. For the next nearly 90 minutes of game time, the goalies dominated, until just 1:12 remained in the third overtime, where Denis Kazionov came through with the game winner, helped along by Ketov and Medvedev. The three stars in the 3-2 marathon game were Koshechkin (48 for 50 in saves), Sanford (80 for 83 in saves. Yes, 80 for 83 in saves, you read that correctly), and Kazionov, while Medvedev and Ketov get the honorable mentions. Severstal has Lokomotiv on the brink of elimination with a 3-1 series lead, which is very much earned after this game.

Game 5: Arena 2000, Yaroslavl, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv. Yaroslavl led off in the second period as Mikelis Redlihs scored, thanks to Yury Petrov and Maxim Semyonov. Cherepovets tied it on a Mikhail Anisin goal, set up by Vadim Berdnikov and Gennady Stolyarov. Lokomotiv took the lead back as Alexei Kalyuzhny scored a power play goal, powered by Stephen Dixon and Staffan Kronwall. Severstal retied it in the third period as Anisin scored a power play goal, made possible by Petr Caslava and Stolyarov. Yaroslavl took the lead again on a Kronwall power play goal, assisted by Dixon and Kalyuzhny. They stood their ground to take a 3-2 victory, with the three stars being Kronwall, Kalyuzhny, and Dixon, while Anisin and Stolyarov receive the honorable mentions. Lokomotiv stays alive but is still behind 3-2 in the series, and must go on the road to continue the fight. 

Game 6: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Curtis Sanford for Lokomotiv and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. Cherepovets started in the first period on an Alexander Fedoseyev goal, assisted by Pavel Dedunov. Yaroslavl tied it in the second period with an Alexander Guskov power play goal, powered by Stephen Dixon and Staffan Kronwall. Severstal took the lead back in third period as Evgeny Ketov converted a penalty shot he earned after being tripped on a breakaway by Kronwall. Cherepovets extended the lead as Ketov scored again, with the help of Denis Kazionov. This made it 3-1, a final, with the three stars being Ketov, Koshechkin (24 for 25 in saves), and Fedoseyev. Severstal wins the series 4-2, completing the quarterfinal round in the west. 

NHL March 1st 2013

Only three games on tonight, the first of which comes from...

St. Louis, as the Blues host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Jaroslav Halak are between the pipes. Edmonton started in the first period as Taylor Hall scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Jordan Eberle and Justin Schultz. The Oilers added on with a Ryan Whitney goal twenty-three seconds later, fueled by Ryan Smyth and Nail Yakupov. St. Louis got on the board in the second period as Jaden Schwartz scored his second of the year, via T.J. Oshie and David Backes. The Blues tied it as Kevin Shattenkirk netted his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Vladimir Sobotka and Chris Stewart. St. Louis took the lead in the third period as Sobotka scored his second of the year, assisted by Adam Cracknell and Chris Porter. The Blues iced it at 4-2 with a Backes goal, his third of the campaign, set up by Oshie and Schwartz. The three stars were Schwartz, Sobotka, and Cracknell, while Backes and Oshie receive the honorable mentions.

Up in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Ray Emery are the backups making spot starts. Columbus quickly led off in the first period as Vinny Prospal recorded his seventh of the season, thanks to Derek Dorsett and Mark Letestu. Chicago tied it on a Viktor Stalberg goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Brandon Saad and Patrick Kane. The Blue Jackets took the lead back in the second period as Artem Anisimov scored his fifth of the season, via Cam Atkinson. The Blackhawks retied it as Patrick Sharp scored his fifth of the year, coming off of Duncan Keith. Chicago gained the lead on a Bryan Bickell goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. Columbus tied it as Ryan Johansen scored, with helpers provided by Nick Foligno and R.J. Umberger. The Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime as Brent Seabrook recorded his third of the year, passed from Jonathan Toews and Stalberg. The three stars were given to Bickell, Prospal, and Emery (19 for 22 in saves), while Stalberg deserves the third slot.

Finally, we end in Anaheim, with the Ducks hosting the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper and Jonas Hiller receive the starting nods. Anaheim opened in the first period as Ryan Getzlaf scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Corey Perry and Kyle Palmieri. The Ducks extended the lead as Teemu Selanne scored his sixth of the year, with the help of Luca Sbisa and Bobby Ryan. Anaheim added on in the second period as Matt Beleskey goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Daniel Winnik and Andrew Cogliano. Minnesota got on the board in the third period as Kyle Brodziak scored his second of the year, going in unassisted. The Wild pulled closer as Devin Setoguchi scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Mike Rupp and Ryan Suter. They failed to tie the game, falling 3-2, with the three stars going to Getzlaf, Hiller (31 for 33 in saves), and Beleskey.

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NHL February 28th 2013

Eleven games to close out the second month of the year, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Tuukka Rask are called on for the starts. Boston got going in the second period on a Nathan Horton goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic. Ottawa tied it in the second period as Jim O'Brien scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Zack Smith and Kaspars Daugavins. The Bruins won 2-1 in overtime on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his fourth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Dennis Seidenberg. The three stars were handed to Bergeron, Horton, and Rask (30 for 31 in saves).

Down in New York, the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon is mismatched with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. New York was first to score in the first period as Carl Hagelin potted his seventh of the season, via Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on with a Derek Stepan goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi. Tampa Bay got on the board as Martin St. Louis scored his fifth of the season, courtesy of Eric Brewer and Steven Stamkos. New York replied in the second period as Marc Staal scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by J.T. Miller and Rick Nash. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 in the third period on a Nash goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Brad Richards and McDonagh. The three stars were given to Callahan, Lundqvist (24 for 25 in saves), and Hagelin, while Nash and McDonagh receive the honorable mentions.

South to Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward are the veteran goalies. Pittsburgh began with a first period goal by Chris Kunitz, his ninth of the season, passed from Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. Carolina tied it on an Eric Staal goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Alexander Semin and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period with a Tlusty goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Eric Staal and Tim Gleason. Carolina added on with a Jeff Skinner goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by Patrick Dwyer and Joe Corvo. The Hurricanes extended the lead with Tlusty's second of the game and ninth of the season, courtesy of Semin and Eric Staal. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 4-1 final, with the three stars being Eric Staal, Tlusty, and Ward (26 for 27 in saves), while Semin gets an honorable mention.

Back in New York, the Islanders host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer returns from injury standing 200 feet from Evgeni Nabokov. New York led off with a Josh Bailey goal, fueled by Kyle Okposo and Andrew MacDonald. Toronto tied it as Nazem Kadri scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Mark Fraser. The Islanders took the lead back in the second period when Lubomir Visnovsky scored, with the help of Casey Cizikas and Colin McDonald. The Maple Leafs tied it again on a Kadri goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, guided in by Fraser and Cody Franson. Toronto took the lead as James van Riemsdyk notched his twelfth of the season, helped along by Dave Steckel and Colton Orr. The Maple Leafs extended the lead as Kadri finished his hat trick with his eighth of the year, made possible by Mike Kostka and Carl Gunnarsson. New York got one back in the third period on a MacDonald goal, set up by Okposo and Mark Streit. The Islanders tied it as Okposo sank his second of the season, an unassisted goal. Toronto took the game 5-4 in overtime on a Dion Phaneuf goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur. The three stars were awarded to Kadri, Okposo, and Phaneuf, while MacDonald and Fraser pick up the honorable mentions.

Backtracking to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Scott Clemmensen are in the creases. Buffalo struck first in the first period as Nathan Gerbe scored, courtesy of Steve Ott and Tyler Ennis. The Sabres added on as Ennis scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Thomas Vanek and Ott. Florida got on the board with a power play goal by Drew Shore, his second of the year, set up by Dmitry Kulikov and Brian Campbell. The Panthers tied it as Marcel Goc scored his second of the season, thanks to Tomas Fleischmann and Jack Skille. Buffalo regained the lead as Gerbe potted his second of the game, via Ott, who got a sock trick, and Mike Weber. Florida tied it in the third period as Campbell scored his sixth of the year, coming off of Goc. The Sabres won the game 4-3 in the shootout on tallies by Vanek and Jason Pominville. The three stars were handed to Gerbe, Miller (40 for 43 in saves) and Campbell, while Ennis, Ott, and Goc get the honorable mentions.

Way northwest to Winnipeg, where the Jets host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec are between the pipes. Winnipeg quickly started just eight seconds into the first period with Andrew Ladd's eleventh of the season, assisted by Bryan Little and Zach Bogosian. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Andrei Loktionov scored his second of the year, via Alexei Ponikarovsky and Henrik Tallinder. The Jets took the lead back in the third period as Ladd scored his second of the game and twelfth of the season, fueled by Dustin Byfuglien and Grant Clitsome. Winnipeg finished the scoring at 3-1 as Blake Wheeler put his seventh of the year into the empty net, set up by Ladd and Ron Hainsey. The three stars went to Ladd, Pavelec (22 for 23 in saves), and Byfuglien.

Down in St. Louis, the Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jaroslav Halak guard the cages. Chicago quickly opened in the first period as Jonathan Toews scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Brandon Saad and Marian Hossa. Ray Emery replaced Crawford after the first period. The Blackhawks extended the lead in the third period as Andrew Shaw scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Bryan Bickell. Chicago padded the lead on another Toews goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, passed from Nick Leddy and Hossa. This produced a 3-0 final, with the three stars belonging to Toews, Emery (15 for 15 in saves in relief), and Duncan Keith, while Hossa gets the honorable mention.

Further to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Kari Lehtonen are the masked men. Edmonton began in the first period as Sam Gagner scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Jeff Petry and Alex Hemsky. The Oilers added on with a Justin Schultz goal, his fifth of the year, with helpers provided by Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall. Edmonton padded the lead when Petry scored his second of the season, via Hemsky and Lennart Petrell. The Oilers extended the lead in the third period as Hemsky scored a power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Eberle and Schultz. Edmonton kept going as Ben Eager scored, thanks to Petrell. Dallas avoided the shutout when Jaromir Jagr scored his sixth of the campaign, courtesy of Alex Goligoski and Antoine Roussel. This produced a 5-1 final, with Dubnyk (33 for 34 in saves), Gagner, and Hemsky getting the three stars, while Eberle, Schultz, Petry, and Petrell all get honorable mentions.

West to Phoenix, where the Coyotes host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Mike Smith tend the twines. Minnesota was first to score in the first period as Jason Zucker scored his third of the season, with the help of Matt Cullen and Devin Setoguchi. The Wild extended the lead with a Dany Heatley goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Ryan Suter. Minnesota added on with a second goal by Heatley, his seventh of the season, assisted by Cullen and Setoguchi. Phoenix got on the board with a Rostislav Klesla goal, coming off of Kyle Chipchura and Mikkel Boedker. The Wild shot back as Jared Spurgeon scored a power play goal, powered by Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. Jason LaBarbera relieved Smith in the third period. The Coyotes chipped back in the third period on a Keith Yandle goal, his third of the year, fueled by Derek Morris and Boedker. Phoenix got another as Shane Doan netted his fifth of the season, via Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Steve Sullivan. Heatley, Backstrom (25 for 28 in saves), and Cullen receive the three stars, while either Setoguchi or Boedker could take the second slot.

Up in Colorado, the Avalanche host the Calgary Flames. Joey MacDonald and Semyon Varlamov have the green light to play goal. Calgary led off in the first period with a Jay Bouwmeester goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Sven Baertschi and Jiri Hudler. The Flames added on as Michael Cammalleri recorded his sixth of the year, thanks to Lee Stempniak and Steve Begin. Calgary padded the lead as Jarome Iginla potted his fourth of the season, assisted by Matt Stajan and Hudler. Colorado got on the board in the second period on a Ryan O'Byrne goal, made possible by Matt Duchene and P.A. Parenteau. The Avalanche pulled closer with a David Jones goal, his third of the year, coming off of Gabriel Landeskog and Paul Stastny. The Flames shot back on another Iginla goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Hudler, who got a sock trick, and Alex Tanguay. Colorado chipped away as Landeskog put away his second of the year, with an assist provided by Jan Hejda. The Avalanche tied it on a Stastny goal, his fifth of the season, helped along by Landeskog and Jones. Colorado gained the lead with a Duchene goal, his seventh of the year, set up by Jamie McGinn and Parenteau. This stood for a 5-4 win, with the three stars being Landeskog, Duchene, and Shane O'Brien, while Iginla, Hudler, Stastny, Jones, or Parenteau could all take the third slot.

Finally, we end in San Jose, with the Sharks hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Antti Niemi protect the nets. San Jose finally got going in the third period as Logan Couture potted his eighth of the season, with assists from Joe Thornton and Douglas Murray. Detroit tied it on a Tomas Tatar goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson. The Red Wings won 2-1 in the shootout with a lone tally by Damien Brunner. The three stars went to Gustavsson (25 for 26 in saves), Niemi (33 for 34 in saves), and Patrick Marleau, while Brunner or anyone who recorded a point could take the third slot.

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Western Conference Quarterfinal: SKA St. Petersburg VS. Atlant Moscow Oblast (Mytishchi)

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between SKA St. Petersburg and Atlant Moscow Oblast (Mytishchi) in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Stanislav Galimov for Atlant and Ilya Ezhov for SKA. Game 1 was scoreless until overtime, where St. Petersburg won 1-0 on a Patrick Thoresen goal, assisted by Petr Prucha on the power play. The three stars were Thoresen, Ezhov (16 save shutout), and Galimov (36 for 37 in saves). SKA owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Stanislav Galimov for Atlant and Ivan Kasutin for SKA. St. Petersburg opened in the first period on an Alexander Kucheryavenko goal, assisted by Artemy Panarin and Maxim Afinogenov. SKA added on in the second period as Kevin Dallman scored a power play goal, powered by Tony Martensson and Petr Prucha. St. Petersburg extended the lead with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, fueled by Alexander Osipov and Viktor Tikhonov. SKA kept going in the third period with an Anton Buardasov goal, coming off of Fyodor Fedorov and Ivan Nepryayev. St. Petersburg padded the lead with a Dallman goal, set up by Tikhonov and Teemu Ramstedt. SKA struck again as Burdasov converted the penalty shot he was awarded for being tripped on a breakaway by Jonas Frogren. St. Petersburg iced it at 7-0 with a Tikhonov goal, with a lone assist by Varnakov. The three stars were given to Dallman, Burdasov, and Tikhonov, while Varnakov gets an honorable mention. SKA will head on the road with a 2-0 series lead in hand.

Game 3: Mytishchi Arena, Mytishchi, Russia. In goal: Ilya Ezhov for SKA and Stanislav Galimov for Atlant. St. Petersburg led off in the first period with an unassisted goal by Alexander Kucheryavenko. Mytishchi answered in the second period on an Oleg Yashin goal, fueled by Sergei Shmelyov. Atlant took the lead with an Andreas Engqvist power play goal, powered by Alexei Mikhnov and Maxim Mayorov. Mytishchi extended the lead with a power play goal by Mikhail Glukhov, with a lone assist from Dmitry Kosmachyov. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars going to Galimov (40 for 41 in saves), Engqvist, and Yashin. SKA still holds on to a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Mytishchi Arena, Mytishchi, Russia. In goal: Ivan Kasutin for CSKA and Stanislav Galimov for Atlant. St. Petersburg started in the first period with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, fueled by Artemy Panarin and Teemu Ramstedt. SKA added on with a power play goal by Panarin, powered by Kevin Dallman and Ramstedt. St. Petersburg extended the lead in the second period as Fyodor Fedorov scored, thanks to Tnoy Martensson and Ivan Nepryayev. SKA padded the lead with an unassisted goal recorded by Maxim Chudinov. St. Petersburg kept going in the third period on a Martensson goal, coming off of Viktor Tikhonov and Patrick Thoresen. SKA struck again with a power play goal by Alexander Osipov, set up by Panarin and Ramstedt, the latter getting a sock trick. Mytishchi avoided the shutout with a late Ivan Vishnevsky goal, with a lone helper from Sandis Ozolins. This made it 6-1, a final, with the three stars being Panarin, Ramstedt, and Kasutin (27 for 28 in saves), while Martensson gets an honorable mention. SKA has Atlant on their guard, holding a 3-1 lead over them.

Game 5: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Stanislav Galimov for Atlant and Ivan Kasutin for SKA. St. Petersburg began in the first period with an Artemy Panarin goal, assisted by Alexander Osipov and Mikhail Varnakov. SKA added on as Varnakov scored an unassisted goal in the second period. St. Petersburg extended the lead with a Tony Martensson scoring, thanks to Viktor Tikhonov. SKA struck again with another Martensson goal, set up by Tikhonov and Patrick Thoresen. St. Petersburg padded the lead as Alexander Kucheryavenko put away the puck, with helpers provided by Osipov and Maxim Chudinov. SKA kept going in the third period as Thoresen scored a power play goal, powered by Martensson. St. Petersburg iced it at 7-0 with a Varnakov goal, coming off of Teemu Ramstedt and Panarin. The three stars were handed to Martensson, Varnakov, and Panarin, while Thoresen, Tikhonov, and Osipov receive the honorable mentions. SKA finally put Atlant out of the playoffs with a 4-1 series win.

NHL February 27th 2013

Four games on tonight, starting in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ben Scrivens receive the starting nods. Toronto led off in the first period as Frazer McLaren scored his second of the season, assisted by Mike Brown and Jay McClement. Montreal tied it with a goal by Alexei Emelin, fueled by Colby Armstrong and Travis Moen. The Canadiens took the lead in the second period on a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov. The Maple Leafs tied it again as Clarke MacArthur scored his fifth of the season, courtesy of Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson. Montreal took the lead in the third period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Josh Gorges and David Desharnais. The Canadiens added on as Pacioretty potted his second of the game and sixth of the season, via Desharnais. Montreal iced it at 5-2 with a Brian Gionta empty net goal, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Pacioretty, Desharnais, and Price (21 for 23 in saves).

South to Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Ilya Bryzgalov are in the creases. Philadelphia struck first in the first period as Claude Giroux scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Scott Hartnell. The Flyers added on with a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Hartnell and Giroux. Philadelphia extended the lead in the second period as Simon Gagne scored a power play goal, set up by Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. The Flyers padded the lead as Max Talbot scored, courtesy of Luke Schenn and Bruno Gervais. Philipp Grubauer relieved Holtby at this time. Washington avoided the shutout as Joel Ward scored his sixth of the campaign, via Tom Poti and Jay Beagle. This produced a 4-1 final score, with the three stars going to Giroux, Hartnell, and Gagne,

Way west to Anaheim, as the Ducks bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Viktor Fasth tend the twines. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on Nick Bonino's fifth of the season, assisted by Emerson Etem. The Ducks added on as Kyle Palmieri scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim extended the lead as Palmieri scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, with assists again provided by Perry and Getzlaf. The Ducks padded the lead as Palmieri finished his natural hat trick with his seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Perry and Getzlaf, both of whom got sock tricks. Nashville got one board as Craig Smith scored his third of the season, coming off of Kevin Klein and Richard Clune. Anaheim shot back as Saku Koivu scored a power play goal, his sixth of the year, set up by Bobby Ryan and Francois Beauchemin. Chris Mason relieved Rinne in the third period. The scoring was already over though, and the Ducks won 5-1. The three stars were given to Palmieri, Getzlaf, and Perry.

Staying in California, we end with the Los Angeles Kings hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Bernier are the masked men. Detroit began in the first period as Kyle Quincey scored an unassisted goal. Los Angeles tied it in the third period as Jeff Carter scored his eleventh of the season, a power play goal, powered by Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. The Kings took the lead on a Kopitar goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Dwight King and Trevor Lewis. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Bernier (32 for 33 in saves), Kopitar, and Niklas Kronwall, while any other point-earner could take the third slot.

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NHL February 26th 2013

Nine games on tonight, beginning in...

D.C., as the Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Braden Holtby are the overrated goaltenders. Washington led off in the first period with a Nicklas Backstrom power play goal, his second of the season, made possible by Mike Ribeiro and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals added on as John Erskine scored his second of the year in the second period, fueled by Backstrom and John Carlson. Washington padded the lead in the third period with a Carlson goal, his third of the campaign, guided in by Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars awarded to Holtby, 33 save shutout), Backstrom, and Ward, while Carlson gets an honorable mention.

West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Dallas Stars. Richard Bachman and Sergei Bobrovsky are between the pipes. Dallas began in the first period as Brenden Morrow scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Cody Eakin and Alex Goligoski. Columbus tied it in the second period on a Nikita Nikitin goal, his second of the year, coming off of Fedor Tyutin and Mark Letestu. The Stars took the lead back as Derek Roy potted his second of the season, with the help of Jordie Benn and Antoine Roussel. The Blue Jackets pulled even again on a Derek Dorsett goal, his third of the year, assisted by Letestu and Vinny Prospal. Dallas regained the lead with a Roussel goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Brenden Dillon and Stephane Robidas. Columbus tied it again in the third period when Cam Atkinson scored his second of the year, via Adrian Aucoin and Nick Foligno. The Stars took the lead back as Eakin potted his third of the season, helped along by Reilly Smith and Robidas. The Blue Jackets tied it late with an R.J. Umberger goal, his third of the year, passed from Foligno. Dallas won 5-4 in overtime as Loui Eriksson notched his sixth of the campaign, set up by Roy and Dillon. The three stars were given to Eriksson, Roussel, and Letestu, while Eakin, Roy, Dillon, Robidas, and Foligno all get honorable mentions for their efforts.

Back in the east, the New York Rangers host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Henrik Lundqvist guard the cages. Winnipeg got going in the second period as Olli Jokinen scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Evander Kane and Ron Hainsey. The Jets extended the lead as Kane potted his eighth of the year, with the help of Anthony Peluso and Nik Antropov. New York got on the board as Ryan Callahan scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Steve Eminger and Dan Girardi. Winnipeg replied with another Jokinen goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, guided in by Peluso and Grant Clitsome. The Rangers replied in the third period with a Taylor Pyatt goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Anton Stralman and Marc Staal. The Jets answered with a Kane goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, pushed through by Alex Burmistrov and Hainsey. New York pulled back as Stralman scored his third of the season, assisted by Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards. They couldn't tie the game, losing 4-3, with the three stars belonging to Kane, Callahan, and Jokinen, while Stralman, Hainsey, and Peluso receive the honorable mentions.

Out on Long Island, the New York Islanders host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Evgeni Nabokov man the creases. Boston was first to score in the first period as Adam McQuaid found twine, with assists provided by Tyler Seguin and Patrice Bergeron. New York tied it with a Casey Cizikas goal, his second of the season, coming off of Josh Bailey and Andrew MacDonald. The Bruins took the lead in the second period with the tenth of the year by Brad Marchand, fueled by Andrew Ference and Bergeron. Boston extended the lead as David Krejci scored his fifth of the season, courtesy of Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton. The Bruins iced it at 4-1 with a Gregory Campbell empty net goal, his second of the year, passed from Seguin and Dennis Seidenberg. The three stars were handed to Rask (36 for 37 in saves), Marchand, and Bergeron, while Seguin gets an honorable mention.

South to Tampa Bay, as the Lightning bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Mathieu Garon receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay struck first as Steven Stamkos scored his fourteenth of the season, with the help of Teddy Purcell and Cory Conacher. Buffalo tied it with a Cody Hodgson goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by Andrej Sekera and Thomas Vanek. The Sabres took the lead in the third period on a Tyler Myers goal, his third of the season, made possible by Vanek and Jason Pominville. The final stood here at 2-1, with the three stars going to Miller (30 for 31 in saves), Vanek, and Stamkos.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tomas Vokoun and Jose Theodore are the veteran goalies. Florida started in the first period with a Tomas Kopecky power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Brian Campbell and Dmitry Kulikov. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period as James Neal scored his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. The Panthers took the lead back on another Kopecky power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, made possible by Tomas Fleischmann and Campbell. Florida extended the lead on a Campbell power play goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Kulikov and Drew Shore. The Panthers struck again as Marcel Goc scored a power play goal, fueled by Kopecky and Fleischmann. Marc-Andre Fleury relieved Vokoun at this time. The Penguins took one back as Dustin Jeffrey scored his second of the season, guided in by Brooks Orpik and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh chipped away with Paul Martin's fourth of the year, via Neal. The Penguins tied it on a Kunitz power play goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Crosby. Scott Clemmensen relieved Theodore for the third period. Florida took the lead back in the third period with a Fleischmann goal, his fifth of the year, with a lone assist from Jerred Smithson. The Panthers finished it at 6-4 with an empty net goal by Kopecky to complete his hat trick, his eighth goal of the campaign, coming from Goc and Erik Gudbranson. The three stars were awarded to Kopecky, Fleischmann, and Campbell, while Goc, Kulikov, Neal, Kunitz, and Crosby receive the honorable mentions.

Northward to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Calgary Flames. Joey MacDonald and Niklas Backstrom are the masked men. Calgary opened with an Alex Tanguay power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Michael Cammalleri and Jay Bouwmeester. Minnesota tied it in the third period on a Jason Zucker goal, his second of the year, coming off of Devin Setoguchi and Ryan Suter. The Wild won 2-1 in overtime as Zach Parise potted his eighth of the campaign, a power play goal assisted by Mikko Koivu and Suter. The three stars were given to Zucker, Backstrom (20 for 21 in saves), and Parise, while Suter gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Cory Schneider occupy the blue paint. Phoenix led off in the first period as Kyle Chipchura scored his third of the season, with the help of Paul Bissonnette and Michael Stone. The Coyotes extended the lead in the second period on a Mikkel Boedker goal, his fourth of the year, passed from David Rundblad and Antoine Vermette. Vancouver got on the board as Jason Garrison scored his third of the season, assisted by Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins. Phoenix added on in the third period as Vermette notched his fifth of the year, courtesy of Boedker and Lauri Korpikoski. The Canucks pulled back with a Daniel Sedin goal, his eighth of the season, thanks to Chris Tanev and Dan Hamhuis. The Coyotes iced it at 4-2 with a Chipchura empty net goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, going down unassisted. Boedker, Garrison, and Chipchura received the three stars, while Vermette got the honorable mention.

Finally, down in San Jose, the Sharks host the Colorao Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Antti Niemi protect the nets. Colorado quickly began in the first period as Logan Couture scored his seventh of the season, courtesy of Joe Thornton and Martin Havlat. Colorado tied it at Chuck Kobasew scored his second of the year, via Jan Hejda and Patrick Bordeleau. The Sharks took the lead in the second period on a T.J. Galiardi goal, fueled by James Sheppard and Adam Burish. The Avalanche tied it in the third period as Mark Olver scored his second of the campaign, coming off of Cody McLeod and Hejda. The game went into a shootout, where San Jose won 3-2 on goals by Michal Handzus and Patrick Marleau, enough to defeat a lone Colorado tally by P.A. Parenteau. The three stars went to Galiardi, Varlamov (39 for 41 in saves), and Sheppard, while Hejda gets an honorable mention.

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Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Ak Bars Kazan VS. Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Ak Bars Kazan and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: TatNeft Arena, Kazan, Russia. In goal: Matt Dalton for Neftekhimik and Konstantin Barulin for Ak Bars. Kazan led off in the first period as Janne Pesonen scored, with the help of Dmitry Obukhov. Ak Bars added on with a Lauris Darzins goal, fueled by Evgeny Medvedev and Alexei Tereshchenko on the power play. Nizhnekamsk got on the board in the second period as Yegor Milovzorov scored an unassisted and shorthanded goal. Kazan shot back on another Darzins goal, coming off of Ilya Nikulin and the goalie Barulin. Ak Bars padded the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Alexei Morozov, powered by Niko Kapanen and Nikolai Zherdev. Kazan wrapped it up at 5-1 with a Denis Golubev goal, made possible by Evgeny Bodrov. The three stars were Darzins, Barulin (31 for 32 in saves and one assist), and Pesonen. Ak Bars holds a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: TatNeft Arena, Kazan, Russia. In goal: Matt Dalton for Neftekhimik and Konstantin Barulin for Ak Bars. Kazan finally opened in the third period with a Niko Kapanen goal, set up by Nikolai Zherdev. Ak Bars added on with an unassisted power play goal by Zherdev. Kazan iced it at 3-0 as Ilya Nikulin scored a shorthanded goal with a lone helper from the goalie Barulin. The three stars went to Zherdev, Barulin (30 save shutout with one assist, his second in the series), and Kapanen. Ak Bars goes on the road with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: SCC Arena, Nizhnekamsk, Russia. In goal: Konstantin Barulin for Ak Bars and Matt Dalton for Neftekhimik. Kazan finally got going in the third period as Dmitry Obukhov scored, with the help of Nikolai Zherdev. Ak Bars added on with an Alexei Tereshchenko power play goal, powered by Denis Kulyash and Evgeny Medvedev. Nizhnekamsk got on the board with a Tomas Netik goal, made possible by Petr Koukal and Renat Mamashev. They failed to tie the game, falling 2-1, with the three stars being Barulin (33 for 34 in saves), Tereshchenko, and Obukhov. Ak Bars has pushed Neftekhimik to the edge, with a 3-0 series lead in hand. 

Game 4: SCC Arena, Nizhnekamsk, Russia. In goal: Konstantin Barulin for Ak Bars and Maxim Sokolov for Neftekhimik. Kazan started in the second period on a power play goal by Alexei Morozov, powered by Niko Kapanen and Nikolai Zherdev. Nizhnekamsk tied it as Vitaly Shulakov scored a power play goal, set up by Maxim Pestushko and Yegor Milovzorov. Ak Bars regained the lead on a Janne Pesonen goal, coming off of Vadim Khomitsky. Neftekhimik tied it in the third period again with a Petr Koukal goal, guided in by Eduard Lewandowski and Oskar Osala on the power play. The game went into a second overtime, where Kazan finished the job with a Lauris Darzins goal, with a lone assist provided by Kirill Petrov. The final was 3-2, with the three stars being Darzins, Pesonen, and Morozov. Ak Bars advances to the second round with a 4-0 series sweep. 

NHL February 25th 2013

Five games to cover tonight, beginning in...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ben Scrivens and Ilya Bryzgalov receive the starting nods. Toronto started with a Phil Kessel goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Tyler Bozak and Carl Gunnarsson. The Maple Leafs added on in the second period as Nikolai Kulemin scored his second of the year, via Nazem Kadri and Gunnarsson. Philadelphia got on the board as Scott Hartnell scored, with the help of Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. Toronto extended the lead in the third period with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Clarke MacArthur and Kadri. The Flyers tied it on a Voracek power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Kimmo Timonen and Giroux. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-2 with Jay McClement's second of the campaign, going into the empty net with a lone assist from Kulemin. The three stars went to Grabovski, Voracek, and Giroux, while Kulemin and Gunnarsson get the honorable mentions.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ben Bishop man the creases. Ottawa got going in the second period as Dave Dziurzynski scored his second of the season, thanks to Chris Neil and Chris Phillips. Montreal tied it with a power play goal by Andrei Markov, his fifth of the year, powered by Raphael Diaz and Max Pacioretty. The game required a shootout to be decided, and it was here that the Senators prevailed 2-1 on goals by Jakob Silfverberg and Peter Regin, outpacing a lone Canadiens tally from David Desharnais. Bishop (44 for 45 in saves), Regin, and Tomas Plekanec got the three stars.

Back south, the Nashville Predators welcome the Dallas Stars. Christopher Nilstorp and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Nashville led off with a first period Craig Smith goal, his second of the season, coming off of Richard Clune and Sergei Kostitsyn. Dallas tied it in the second period with a goal by Matt Fraser, guided in by Loui Eriksson and Jordie Benn. The Stars quickly gained the lead as Reilly Smith scored his third of the year, thanks to Michael Ryder and Cody Eakin. The Predators tied it back up with a Roman Josi goal, his second of the season, made possible by  David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist. Dallas shot back on a Vernon Fiddler power play goal, powered by Jamie Benn and Ryder. The Stars extended the lead as Eriksson scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal set up by Ryder, who got a sock trick, and Stephane Robidas. Nashville replied as Hornqvist scored his second of the season, a power play goal coming from Martin Erat and Josi. The Predators tied it in the third period as Mike Fisher scored his fourth of the year, via Colin Wilson and Josi. Nashville won it 5-4 in overtime as Josi scored his second of the game and third of the campaign, assisted by Kostitsyn and Shea Weber. The three stars were awarded to Josi, Ryder, and Hornqvist, while Eriksson and Kostitsyn earn the honorable mentions.

Over in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Ray Emery are between the pipes. Edmonton opened in the first period with a shorthanded goal by Jeff Petry, made possible by Lennart Petrell. Chicago tied it when Patrick Kane scored his tenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Marcus Kruger and Nick Leddy. The Oilers took the lead back in the second period with a Nail Yakupov power play goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Sam Gagner and Justin Schultz. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period with a Viktor Stalberg goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Michal Rozsival. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime as Marian Hossa potted his ninth of the year, courtesy of Patrick Sharp. The three stars belonged to Hossa, Kane, and Yakupov.

Finally, we end with the Los Angeles Kings bringing in the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Jonathan Quick tend the twines. Anaheim began in the second period as Andrew Cogliano scored his fifth of the season, courtesy of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Los Angeles tied it as Dustin Penner scored, with the help of Jarret Stoll and Dwight King. The Ducks took the lead back on a Saku Koivu power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Francois Beauchemin and Ben Lovejoy. The Kings retied it as Dustin Brown notched his sixth of the season, via Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. Los Angeles took the lead in the third period with a Slava Voynov goal, his third of the year, coming off of Kopitar and Brown. The Kings extended the lead on a Jake Muzzin goal, his second of the season, assisted by Kopitar, who got a sock trick, and Voynov. Los Angeles iced it at 5-2 when Jeff Carter put his tenth of the year in the empty net, set up by Mike Richards and Drew Doughty. The three stars were given to Kopitar, Voynov, and Penner, while Brown gets an honorable mention.

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Western Conference Quarterfinal: Dynamo Moscow VS. Slovan Bratislava

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Dynamo Moscow and Slovan Bratislava in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Jaroslav Janus for Slovan and Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo. Moscow began with a first period Alexei Tsvetkov power play goal, powered by Denis Kokarev and Jakub Petruzalek. Dynamo added on as Denis Mosalyov scored, courtesy of Marek Kvapil. Bratislava got on the board in the second period as Michal Vondrka scored a power play goal, made possible by Michel Miklik and Jan Tabacek. Moscow replied with a Roman Derlyuk goal, fueled by Sergei Soin and Sergei Konkov. Dynamo extended the lead in the third period when Petruzalek scored, thanks to Kvapil and Maxim Solovyov. Moscow iced it at 5-1 with another Petruzalek goal, set up by Kokarev and Tsvetkov. The three stars were Petruzalek, Tsvetkov, and Yeryomenko (28 for 29 in saves), while Kvapil and Kokarev get the honorable mentions. Dynamo holds a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Branislav Konrad for Slovan and Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo. Moscow led off in the first period with a Jakub Petruzalek goal, going in unassisted. Bratislava tied it in the second period as Mario Bliznak scored a shorthanded goal with a lone assist provided by Michal Vondrka. Slovan took the lead on a Roman Kukumberg goal, via Martin Stajnoch on the power play. Dynamo tied it with an Alexei Sopin goal, guided in by Konstantin Kasyanchuk and Konstantin Gorovikov. The tie was broken in overtime in favor of Moscow with another Sopin goal, set up by Kasyanchuk. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Sopin, Kasyanchuk, and Yeryomenko (22 for 24 in saves). Dynamo will travel with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Ondrej Nepela Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia. In goal: Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo and Branislav Konrad for Slovan. Bratislava opened in the first period as Mario Bliznak scored a power play goal, powered by Michel Miklik and Michal Sersen. Slovan added on as Milan Kytnar scored in the second period, with the help of Libor Hudacek and Tomas Mojzis. Moscow got on the board when Alexei Sopin scored a goal, with a lone assist provided by Sergei Soin. Dynamo tied it on a power play goal from Marek Kvapil, assisted by Sopin and the goalie Yeryomenko. Moscow took the lead on a Dominik Granak goal, coming off of Denis Kokarev and Jakub Petruzalek. Dynamo extended the lead as Petruzalek potted the puck, courtesy of Alexei Tsvetkov and Kokarev. This was good for a 4-2 final score, and the three stars were Petruzalek, Sopin, and Yeryomenko (25 for 27 in saves with an assist), while Kokarev garners an honorable mention. Dynamo puts Slovan on the edge of elimination with a 3-0 series lead. 

Game 4: Ondrej Nepela Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia. In goal: Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo and Jaroslav Janus for Slovan. Moscow started in the first period with a Jakub Petruzalek goal, fueled by Andrei Mironov and the goalie Yeryomenko. Dynamo added on in the second period as Sergei Konkov scored, thanks to Dmitry Pestunov and Yury Babenko. Moscow extended the lead on a power play goal by Janne Jalasvaara, powered by Maxim Solovyov and Denis Kokarev. Bratislava got on the board in the third period as Ivan Svarny scored a power play goal, set up by Milan Bartovic and Juraj Mikus. Slovan pulled closer with a Vladimir Mihalik goal, with a lone helper from Libor Hudacek. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 3-2, with the three stars being Yeryomenko (25 for 27 in saves with an assist), Jalasvaara, and Petruzalek. Dynamo bounced Slovan from the playoffs in a 4-0 sweep, giving them some time off before the next series.

Western Conference Quarterfinal: CSKA Moscow VS. Lev Praha

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between CSKA Moscow and Lev Praha in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Toms Popperle for Lev and Rastislav Stana for CSKA. Moscow opened in the first period on an Igor Radulov power play goal, powered by Yakov Rylov and Alexander Radulov. Praha tied it in the second period as Petr Vrana scored, thanks to Michal Birner and Michal Repik on the power play. CSKA took the lead in the third period as Oleg Kvasha scored, with helpers provided by Denis Denisov and Shaone Morrisonn on the power play. Lev tied it with a Repik goal, passed from Birner and Nathan Oystrick. The game went into overtime, where Moscow won 3-2 as Rylov scored a power play goal, with a lone assist from Alexander Radulov. The three stars were Rylov, Alexander Radulov, and Repik, while Birner gets an honorable mention. CSKA leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Toms Popperle for Lev and Rastislav Stana for CSKA. Moscow began in the first period with a power play goal by Alexander Radulov, with a lone assist from Igor Radulov. Praha tied it in the second period on a Nicklas Danielsson power play goal, powered by Nathan Oystrick and Mikko Maenpaa. Lev took the lead in the third period with a Michal Birner goal, fueled by Michal Repik and Petr Vrana. CSKA tied it with a Yakov Rylov goal, made possible by Igor Radulov and Alexander Radulov. Moscow won 3-2 in overtime on an Igor Grigorenko goal, coming off of Sergei Shirokov and Oleg Kvasha. The three stars belonged to Alexander Radulov, Grigorenko, and Igor Radulov. CSKA will go abroad with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Tipsport Arena, Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Rastislav Stana for CSKA and Tomas Popperle for Lev. Praha got going in the second period on a Jiri Novotny goal, assisted by Nathan Oystrick. Moscow tied it with an Igor Ozhiganov power play goal, made possible by Alexander Radulov. CSKA took the lead as Patrick Davis scored, via Janis Sprukts and Viktor Kozlov. Moscow added on in the third period with a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, guided in by Oleg Kvasha. This was all they needed for a 3-1 win, with the three stars awarded to Stana (25 for 26 in saves), Davis, and Ozhiganov. CSKA has pushed Lev to the brink of elimination, with a 3-0 series lead in hand. 

Game 4: Tipsport Arena, Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Rastislav Stana for CSKA and Tomas Popperle for Lev. Moscow led off in the first period with an Igor Radulov power play goal, powered by Alexander Radulov and Evgeny Ryasensky. CSKA extended the lead in the second period as Sergei Shirokov scored, with assists provided by Oleg Kvasha and Alexander Radulov. Praha got on the board as Mikko Maenpaa scored a power play goal, passed from Nicklas Danielsson. They couldn't score again, losing 2-1. The three stars were Stana (21 for 22 in saves), Shirokov, and Alexander Radulov. CSKA gets to take some time off after sweeping Lev out of the playoffs.

NHL February 24th 2013

Eight games to go with today, beginning in...

Florida, as the Panthers host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Jacob Markstrom are the young goalies. Boston started in the first period as Milan Lucic scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of David Krejci. The Bruins added on with a Zdeno Chara goal, his third of the year, passed from Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin. Florida got one back as Tomas Kopecky scored his fifth of the season, with helpers provided by Drew Shore and Tomas Fleischmann. Boston replied in the second period as Chris Kelly scored a power play goal, powered by Daniel Paille and Chris Bourque. The Bruins iced it at 4-1 in the third period on a Paille empty net goal, his third of the year, set up by Adam McQuaid. Rask (34 for 35 in saves), Chara, and Markstrom (28 for 31 in saves) receive the three stars, while Paille gets an honorable mention.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Vancouver struck first in the first period on a Daniel Sedin goal, his sixth of the season, helped along by Henrik Sedin. Detroit tied it on a Jordin Tootoo goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. The Red Wings gained the lead with the third of the season by Niklas Kronwall, passed from Pavel Datsyuk and Daniel Cleary. The Canucks tied it again as Daniel Sedin scored his second of the game and seventh of the year, fueled by Henrik Sedin and Alexandre Burrows. Vancouver took the lead with a Chris Higgins goal, his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. Detroit retied it in the second period on a Cleary power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg. The Red Wings took the lead again as Zetterberg put away his sixth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Datsyuk and Kronwall. Detroit extended the lead on a Brunner power play goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Kronwall and Zetterberg. The Red Wings struck again in the third period as Brunner scored his second of the game and tenth of the season, set up by Valtteri Filppula and Jonathan Ericsson. Detroit padded the lead as Joakim Andersson scored his second of the year, via Tomas Tatar and Jakub Kindl. The Red Wings iced it at 8-3 with another goal by Andersson, his second of the game and third of the campaign, with assists provided by Brunner and Ericsson. Kronwall, Brunner, and Andersson receive the three stars, while Zetterberg, Cleary, Datsyuk, Ericsson, Daniel Sedin, and Henrik Sedin all pick up honorable mentions.

Back east, the New Jersey Devils host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Johan Hedberg receive the starting nods. Winnipeg was first to score in the first period as Zach Bogosian scored, with the help of Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little. New Jersey tied it on a Travis Zajac goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. The Devils took the lead with Steve Bernier scoring his fifth of the year, courtesy of Andrei Loktionov and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Jets tied it in second period on a Grant Clitsome power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Paul Postma. Winnipeg gained the lead as Evander Kane netted his seventh of the year, via Alex Burmistrov. The Jets added on in the third period as Ladd recorded his tenth of the season, thanks to Little and Wheeler. This produced a 4-2 final score, with the three stars being Kane, Wheeler, and Little.

Westward to Chicago, as the Blackhawks bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Corey Crawford are the masked men. Chicago got going in the second period with an Andrew Shaw goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Bryan Bickell and Johnny Oduya. This was the game's only goal, with the final being 1-0. The three stars were awarded to Crawford (28 save shutout), Shaw, and Mason (26 for 27 in saves).

Back in the east, the New York Islanders host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward faces a lesser foe in Kevin Poulin in goal. New York opened in the first period with a Matt Moulson goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Brad Boyes and John Tavares. The Islanders added on as Tavares notched his thirteenth of the year, courtesy of Moulson. Carolina got on the board in the second period as Eric Staal scored his ninth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes tied it as Jordan Staal notched his fourth of the year, thanks to Patrick Dwyer and Justin Faulk. Carolina took the lead with a third period goal by Bobby Sanguinetti, coming off of Dwyer and Jordan Staal. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-2 as Semin scored his fourth of the campaign into the empty net, an unassisted goal. Sanguinetti, Tavares, and Jordan Staal got the three stars, while Semin, Moulson, and Dwyer receive honorable mentions.

Over in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Marc-Andre Fleury guard the cages. Pittsburgh led off in the first period as Sidney Crosby notched his eighth of the season, via Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on as Crosby scored again, his second of the game and ninth of the year, courtesy of James Neal and Paul Martin. Pittsburgh extended the lead when Martin scored his third of the season, with a lone Matt Cooke assist. Mathieu garon relieved Lindback for the second period onward. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second period with an Eric Brewer goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn. The Lightning chipped closer as Stamkos scored his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Teddy Purcell and Martin St. Louis. The Penguins shot back as Beau Bennett scored a power play goal, set up by Crosby and Kris Letang. Tampa Bay replied in the third period as Cory Conacher netted his seventh of the year, coming off of Victor Hedman and Stamkos. Pittsburgh finished it at 5-3 with a Matt Cooke empty net goal, his third of the campaign, fueled by Brandon Sutter and Letang. The three stars were handed to Crosby, Stamkos, and Bennett, while Cooke, Letang, and Martin get the honorable mentions.

Out in California, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Hiller are the qualified backups making spot starts. Colorado began in the first period with a Cody McLeod goal, his third of the season, assisted by Matt Hunwick and Ryan O'Byrne. The Avalanche added on with a P.A. Parenteau power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Tyson Barrie and Paul Stastny. Anaheim got on the board in the second period with a Corey Perry goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf and Francois Beauchemin. The Ducks tied the game as Teemu Selanne scored his eighth of the year, via Beauchemin and Saku Koivu on the power play. Colorado retook the lead on a John Mitchell goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Milan Hejduk and O'Byrne. Anaheim tied it again in the third period as Getzlaf put away his sixth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Beauchemin, who got a sock trick, and Cam Fowler. The Ducks won in overtime on another Perry goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, coming on the power play from Getzlaf and Beauchemin. The three stars were given to Perry, Getzlaf, and Beauchemin, while O'Byrne gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Calgary, as the Flames host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Joey MacDonald man the creases. Calgary started with a Tim Jackman goal, made possible by Roman Cervenka and Chris Butler. Phoenix tied it in the second period as Michael Stone scored a power play goal, going in unassisted. The Coyotes took the lead with a Raffi Torres goal, his third of the season, passed from Matthew Lombardi and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Flames tied it again as Jarome Iginla potted his second of the year, courtesy of Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Tanguay. Calgary took the lead when Michael Cammalleri scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Curtis Glencross and Lee Stempniak. Phoenix tied it again in the third period as Torres scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, via Zbynek Michalek and Shane Doan. The Coyotes took the lead on a Nick Johnson goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Ekman-Larsson and Paul Bissonnette. The Flames pulled even as Iginla scored his second of the game and third of the year, helped along by Tanguay and Matt Stajan. Calgary gained the lead with a Glencross goal, his seventh of the campaign, with assists provided by Stempniak and Butler. This stood up for a 5-4 win, with the three stars going to Iginla, Torres, and Bouwmeester, while, Glencross, Tanguay, Stempniak, Butler, and Ekman-Larsson receive the honorable mentions.

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