Saturday, October 26, 2013

NHL Day 26 2013-2014

Eleven games in North America today after ten from the Russia area. We begin with a matinee in...

Phoenix, where the Coyotes host the Edmonton Oilers. Jason LaBarbera and Mike Smith are set to start. Edmonton was first to score in the first period with an unassisted goal by Tyler Pitlick. Phoenix tied it in the second period on a Martin Hanzal goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Shane Doan. The Coyotes took the lead on a Michael Stone goal, his second of the year. Phoenix added on as David Schlemko scored, thanks to Tim Kennedy and Radim Vrbata. The Oilers got one back as Will Acton scored his second of the season, via Ben Eager and Luke Gazdic. Edmonton tied it on a David Perron goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. The Oilers took the lead on a third period goal by Ryan Jones, his second of the season, made possible by Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov. The Coyotes retied it on a Keith Yandle power play goal, powered by Ekman-Larsson and Vrbata. Phoenix took the lead as Ekman-Larsson scored a power play goal, set up by Yandle and Vrbata. They would win 5-4, with the three stars being Ekman-Larsson, Vrbata, and Yandle, while Nugent-Hopkins gets an honorable mention.

To the northeast, the Boston Bruins welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Tuukka Rask are in the creases. Boston led off in the first period as Torey Krug scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jarome Iginla and David Krejci. The Bruins added on with Iginla's second of the year, via Dougie Hamilton and the goalie Rask. New Jersey got on the board with an Adam Henrique goal, his third of the season, made possible by Eric Gelinas and Jaromir Jagr on the power play. Boston answered with a Milan Lucic goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Krejci and Iginla. The Devils shot back in the second period with a power play goal by Damien Brunner, his fourth of the season, passed from Steve Bernier and Andy Greene. New Jersey tied it in the third period on a Marek Zidlicky power play goal, courtesy of Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder. The Devils took the lead late as Greene scored a power play goal, coming off of Brunner and Jagr. They would go on to win 4-3, with Greene, Brunner, and Jagr getting the three stars, while Iginla and Krejci got the honorable mentions.

Back west a bit, the Detroit Red Wings bring in the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Jimmy Howard in goal. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Drew Miller goal, assisted by Joakim Andersson and Danny DeKeyser. New York tied it in the second period as Benoit Pouliot scored a power play goal, powered by Brian Boyle and Ryan McDonagh. The Red Wings took the lead back with a power play goal by Daniel Alfredsson, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Pavel Datsyuk. The Rangers retied it in the third period on a Mats Zuccarello goal, fueled by Dominic Moore and Marc Staal. New York won it 3-2 in overtime as Derick Brassard scored, thanks to Pouliot. The three stars were given to Brassard, Pouliot, and Talbot (32 for 34 in saves).

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ben Bishop make the starts. Tampa Bay began in the first period on at Tyler Johnson goal, his third of the season, coming on the power play from Valtteri Filppula and Matthew Carle. Buffalo tied it in the second period as Brian Flynn scored his second of the year, courtesy of Cody McCormick and Ville Leino. The Sabres took the lead in the third period as Thomas Vanek netted his fourth of the season, via Marcus Foligno and Zemgus Girgensons. The Lightning tied it again with a Martin St. Louis goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Steven Stamkos and Radko Gudas. Tampa Bay took the lead as Ondrej Palat scored his third of the campaign, with a lone assist by Johnson. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Johnson, Palat, and Miller (36 for 39 in saves).

West to Dallas, as the Stars welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Kari Lehtonen are the solid starters. Winnipeg got going in the second period on an Evander Kane goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Stuart. Dallas tied it in the third period as Stephane Robidas scored, thanks to Vernon Fiddler and Lane MacDermid. The Jets won 2-1 in the shootout with a lone tally by Andrew Ladd. The three stars were Pavelec (35 for 36 in saves), Lehtonen (37 for 38 in saves), and Ladd.

Back northeast, the Montreal Canadiens bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Carey Price tend the twines. San Jose dented the scoreboard in the second period as Logan Couture scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on in the third period as Couture scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Marleau and Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 2-0, with the three stars awarded to Couture, Niemi (22 save shutout), and Marleau.

Crossing the border to New York, as the Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Kevin Poulin are the weak goalies. Philadelphia opened in the first period with the second of the season by Vincent Lecavalier, a power play goal coming off of Mark Streit and Claude Giroux. The Flyers added on as Jakub Voracek scored, thanks to Brayden Schenn and Erik Gustafsson. New York got on the board with a Kyle Okposo goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Thomas Hickey and John Tavares. Philadelphia replied as Lecavalier scored his second of the game and third of the season, passed from Michael Raffl and Streit. The Islanders got one back in the second period as Frans Nielsen scored his seventh of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Peter Regin. The Flyers shot back in the third period as Lecavalier finished his hat trick with his fourth of the season, courtesy of Giroux and Max Talbot. Philadelphia wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Matt Read empty net goal, his second of the year, assisted by Nicklas Grossmann and Sean Couturier. Lecavalier, Giroux, and Streit were given the three stars.

To Canada again, as the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and James Reimer protect the nets. Pittsburgh started in the first period on a Kris Letang power play goal, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Paul Martin. Toronto tied it as Dave Bolland scored his fifth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs took the lead in the third period on a Nazem Kadri goal, his fourth of the year, via Phil Kessel and Jamex van Riemsdyk. Toronto added on with a Kessel power play goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by van Riemsdyk and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs iced it with an unassisted empty net goal by Bolland, his second of the game and sixth of the year making it 4-1. The three stars were Kessel, Bolland, and Reimer (37 for 38 in saves), while van Riemsdyk was given the honorable mention.

Southwest to Chicago, with the Blackhawks bringing in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Corey Crawford guard the cages. Minnesota began in the first period with a Zach Parise power play goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Ryan Suter. The Wild added on in the second period as Kyle Brodziak scored his second of the year, thanks to Marco Scandella and Matt Cooke. Chicago got on the board with a Bryan Bickell goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Nick Leddy and Michal Rozsival. Minnesota replied with a Jason Pominville goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Suter. The Wild extended the lead in the third period as Pominville scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Granlund. The Blackhawks got one back as Patrick Kane recorded his sixth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook. Minnesota shot back on a Justin Fontaine goal, his third of the season, helped along by Mikko Koivu and Nate Prosser. Chicago took one back late in the third period as Marcus Kruger scored, with helpers provided by Brandon Bollig and Leddy. They ended up losing 5-3, with the three stars being Pominville, Suter, and Granlund, while Leddy gets an honorable mention.

Over in Nashville, the Predators host the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak faces a lesser foe in Carter Hutton in goal. St. Louis led off in the first period with a power play goal by Alexander Steen, his ninth of the season, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Jaden Schwartz. The Blues added on as T.J. Oshie scored his second of the year in the second period, via Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis extended the lead as Schwartz scored his second of the season, thanks to Vladimir Sobotka and Vladimir Tarasenko. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Nick Spaling shorthanded goal, set up by Mattias Ekholm. The Blues answered with another Steen goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, guided in by Oshie and David Backes. St. Louis chased Hutton on a Derek Roy goal, his third of the campaign, fueled by Tarasenko and Jay Bouwmeester. Magnus Hellberg relieved Hutton. The Blues wrapped it up at 6-1 with a Pietrangelo power play goal, pushed through by Backes and Bouwmeester. The three stars were awarded to Steen, Oshie, and Schwartz, while Pietrangelo, Tarasenko, Backes, and Bouwmeester get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Karri Ramo are in the blue paint. Calgary opened in the first period with a Kris Russell goal, assisted by Michael Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman. The Flames added on with a Jiri Hudler goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Sean Monahan and Sven Baertschi. Washington got on the board as Jason Chimera scored his third of the year, thanks to Mikhail Grabovski and Eric Fehr. Calgary replied as Cammalleri scored his second of the season, via Wideman and Russell. The Capitals chipped back in the second period on an Aaron Volpatti goal, courtesy of Nate Schmidt and Mike Green. The Flames replied in the third period as Cammalleri scored his second of the game and third of the year, made possible by Joe Colborne. Calgary iced it at 5-2 with a Curtis Glencross goal, his third of the campaign, helped along by Matt Stajan and T.J. Galiardi. The three stars were Cammalleri, Russell, and Wideman.

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KHL Day 53 2013-2014

Ten games on today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Mathieu Garon are the masked men. Chelyabinsk opened with a first period Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, going in unassisted. Omsk tied it on a second period power play goal by Alexander Popov, powered by Alexander Perezhogin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kuznetsov had the only goal to give Traktor the 2-1 win. The three stars were Kuznetsov, Garnett (32 for 33 in saves), and Garon (29 for 30 in saves).

Up in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra welcomes Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Mikhail Biryukov are the reliable goalies. Nizhnekamsk was first to score in the first period on a Martin Cibak power play goal, fueled by Dmitry Kosmachyov. Neftekhimik added on with a Stanislav Alshevsky goal, assisted by Yaroslav Alshevsky and Pyotr Khokhryakov. Nizhnekamsk extended the lead on an Oskar Osala goal in the second period, with a lone assist by Petr Koukal. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with a Marek Troncinsky goal, guided in by Anton Krysanov. Neftekhimik answered as Bogdan Yakimov scored an unassisted goal. Nizhnekamsk padded the lead with another Yakimov goal, via Andrei Taratukhin and Roman Lyuduchin. Neftekhimik struck again in the third period as Koukal scored a power play goal, powered by Osala and Nikolai Belov. Yugra got one back on an Igor Skorokhodov power play goal, coming off of Vitaly Sitnikov. Khanty-Mansiysk pulled closer on a Kirill Knyazev goal, with a helper credited to Kirill Putilov. This only made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars belonging to Yakimov, Osala, and Koukal.

Over to Yekaterinburg brings in Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Andrei Vasilevsky and Evgeny Lobanov recevie the starting nods. Ufa began with a first period Dmitry Makarov goal, going in unassisted. Yekaterinburg tied it on an Artyom Chernov goal, fueled by Anton Lazarev and Sami Lepisto. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back with a Makarov power play goal, powered by Teemu Hartikainen. Ufa added on as Arturs Kulda scored, thanks to Igor Mirnov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Avtomobilist took one back in the second period on an Alexei Simakov goal, passed from Evgeny Fyodorov. Yekaterinburg tied it as Simakov scored again, with the help of Tobias Viklund. Avtomobilist took the lead as Lazarev notched a goal, assisted by Chernov and Fyodor Malykhin. Yekaterinburg extended the lead with a Viklund goal in the third period, with a lone assist by Malykhin. Salavat Yulaev got one back as Alexander Pankov scored, with assists provided by Sergei Zinovyev and Kirill Koltsov. Avtomobilist shot back on an Igor Yemeleyev goal, guided in by Sergei Gusev on the power play. Yekaterinburg iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by Sergei Demagin, set up by Simakov. The three stars were Simakov, Lazarev, and Chernov, while Makarov got the honorable mention.

South to Kazakhstan, where Barys Astana hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Vitaly Yeremeyev are in the blue paint. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard with a first period goal by Jan Kovar, assisted by Viktor Antipin and Sergei Mozyakin. Astana tied it with a Brandon Bochenski goal, coming off of Dustin Boyd. Metallurg took the lead back in the third period on a Chris Lee power play goal, powered by Danis Zaripov. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the threes tars being Koshechkin (25 for 26 in saves), Lee, and Yeremeyev (31 for 33 in saves).

Northwest to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Ivan Lisutin are between the pipes. Podolsk won 1-0 in overtime on an unassisted Logan Pyett goal. The three stars were Lisutin (32 save shutout), Sorokin (33 for 34 in saves), and Pyett.

Up to Moscow, Dynamo brings in Sibir Novosibirsk. Sergei Gaiduchenko and Alexander Lazushin guard the cages. Moscow started in the first period with a Denis Mosalyov power play goal, powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Leo Komarov. Dynamo added on with a power play goal by Martins Karsums, coming off of Mosalyov and Gorovikov. Moscow extended the lead in the second period on a Komarov power play goal via Karsums and goalie Lazushin. Dynamo padded the lead as Alexei Sopin scored, courtesy of Yury Babenko and Denis Barantsev. Novosibirsk got on the board as Alexander Kutuzov scored, with a lone assist by Jonas Enlund. Moscow wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period as Marek Kvapil scored, with helpers provided by Sopin and Dmitry Pestunov. The three stars were awarded to Komarov, Karsums, and Sopin, while Mosalyov, Gorovikov, and Lazushin (23 for 24 in saves with an assist) were the honorable mentions.

Staying in the city, Spartak Moscow hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Jeff Glass protect the nets. Vladivostok got going in the second period on a Niclas Bergfors goal, assisted by Richard Gynge and Felix Schutz. Admiral added on in the third period with an Andrei Nikitenko goal, with a lone assist by Enver Lisin. Moscow got one back as Vyacheslav Kozlov scored, thanks to Alexei Krutov. Vladivostok iced it at 3-1 with an Alexei Ugarov goal, passed from Yegor Antropov into the empty net. The three stars were Ivannikov (17 for 18 in saves), Nikitenko, and Bergfors.

Moving along to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv welcomes Lev Prague. Petri Vehanen and Curtis Sanford tend the twines. Prague struck first in the first period with a Marc-Andre Gragnani power play goal, powered by Jakub Klepis and Martin Sevc. Lev added on in the second period with a Patrik Zackrisson power play goal, fueled by Justin Azevedo and Ryan O'Byrne. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 2-0, and the three stars were Vehanen (17 save shutout), Gragnani, and Zackrisson.

Next up, Severstal Cherepovets brings in Sloan Bratislava. Miroslav Kopriva and Jakub Stepanek man the creases. Cherepovets led off in the first period on a Nikolai Kazakovtsev goal, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich. Severstal added on in the second period with an Alexander Bumagin goal, courtesy of Vadim Berdnikov and Linus Videll. They went on to win 2-0, with the three stars being Stepanek (29 save shutout), Kazakovtsev, and Bumagin.

Finally, in St. Petersburg, SKA hosts Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Dmitry Shikin have the green light to start. St. Petersburg opened in the first period on an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Roman Cervenka and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA added on as Tony Martensson scored, thanks to Viktor Tikhonov and Patrick Thoresen. Riga got on the board with an Andris Dzerins goal, made possible by Miks Indrasis and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. Dinamo tied it in the second period as Indrasis scored, with the help of Kyle Wilson and Roberts Bukarts. Riga took the lead in the third period on another Indrasis goal, fueled by Marcel Hossa and Wilson. St. Petersburg retied it as Tikhonov scored, with a lone assist by Dmitry Kalinin. SKA won 4-3 in the shootout as Tikhonov scored the lone tally. The three stars were given to Tikhonov, Indrasis, and Wilson.

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Friday, October 25, 2013

NHL Day 25 2013-2014

Six games on tonight, beginning in...

Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Jeff Zatkoff are set to start. New York struck first in the first period with a Matt Moulson power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Frans Nielsen and John Tavares. Pittsburgh tied it on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Brandon Sutter and Matt Niskanen. The Penguins took the lead in the second period as Sidney Crosby notched his eighth of the season, assisted by Chris Kunitz. The Islanders tied it again as Nielsen recorded his sixth of the year, fueled by Thomas Hickey and Radek Martinek. Pittsburgh took the lead back as Deryk Engelland scored, thanks to Joe Vitale and Niskanen. New York once again tied it on a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, made possible by Martinek. The Islanders took the lead late on a Josh Bailey goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. They held on for a 4-3 win, with Nielsen, Martinek, and Niskanen getting the three stars.

A little west, the Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Sergei Bobrovsky are the young goalies. Columbus was first to score in the first period on a power play goal by Ryan Murray, powered by R.J. Umberger and James Wisniewski. Toronto tied it in the second period as Phil Kessel scored his sixth of the season, fueled by Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. The Blue Jackets took the lead back in the third period as Marian Gaborik scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Nick Foligno and Artem Anisimov. Columbus added on as Brandon Dubinsky scored his third of the season, a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs got one back as Dave Bolland scored his fourth of the year, guided in by Paul Ranger and Mason Raymond. The Blue Jackets replied on an empty net goal by Ryan Johansen, his third of the season, set up by Dubinsky and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Foligno goal, his third of the year, passed from Mark Letestu and Tyutin. The three stars were Dubinsky, Foligno, and Tyutin.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and the similarly named Craig Anderson are in between the pipes. Anaheim started in the first period with a Pat Maroon goal, his second of the season, via Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on as Getzlaf scored his fourth of the year, courtesy of Perry. Ottawa got on the board with a Mika Zibanejad power play goal in the second period, powered by Chris Phillips and Milan Michalek. They couldn't get an equalizer, falling 2-1, with the three stars being Getzlaf, Andersen (26 for 27 in saves), and Perry.

South to Florida, the Panthers host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Jacob Markstrom are given the starting nods. Florida opened in the first period with a Jesse Winchester goal, his second of the season, coming off of Sean Bergenheim and Erik Gudbranson. Buffalo tied it in the second period as Rasmus Ristolainen scored, with the help of Thomas Vanek and Jamie McBain. The Sabres took the lead in the third period as Steve Ott scored, thanks to Christian Ehrhoff and Marcus Foligno. Buffalo iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Cody Hodgson, his fourth of the year, set up by Cody McCormick. The three stars were Enroth (44 for 45 in saves), Ott, and Ristolainen.

Back to the northwest, the St. Louis Blues welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack is mismatched with Jaroslav Halak in goal. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Chris Higgins goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Brad Richardson and Mike Santorelli. The Canucks added on as Ryan Kesler scored his sixth of the year in the second period, with a lone helper by Santorelli. St. Louis tied it with a power play goal by Alexander Steen, his eighth of the season, powered by T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues tied it in the third period on a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his second of the year, passed from Steen and Shattenkirk. Vancouver won 3-2 in overtime as Kesler scored his second of the game and seventh of the campaign, a power play goal, helped along by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Kesler, Steen, and Santorelli were given the three stars, while Shattenkirk gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we head west to finish in Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Semyon Varlamov are the masked men. Colorado got going in the first period with an Erik Johnson goal, his second of the season, assisted by Paul Stastny and Alex Tanguay. The Avalanche added on as Matt Duchene scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Ryan O'Reilly and Steve Downie. Carolina got on the board in the second period with a Drayson Bowman goal, fueled by Jordan Staal and Andrej Sekera. Colorado answered as Tanguay scored his third of the season, with helpers provided by Duchene and Andre Benoit. The Avalanche extended the lead on an unassisted power play goal by Duchene, his second of the game and eighth of the year. The Hurricanes got one back as Sekera scored, via Jiri Tlusty and Alexander Semin. They got no closer, dropping a 4-2 result, with the three stars being Duchene, Tanguay, and Sekera.

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KHL Day 52 2013-2014

Only two games to go with today, beginning in...

Moscow, as CSKA hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Rastislav Stana tend the twines. Mytishchi led off in the first period with a power play goal by Maxim Velikov, powered by Yury Trubachyov and Yaroslav Dyblenko. Altant added on with an unassisted goal by Igor Radulov. Moscow got on the board in the second period with a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, assisted by Mikhail Naumenkov and Maxim Goncharov. Mytishchi extended their lead as Mikhail Glukhov scored, thanks to Roman Rukavishnikov. Atlant padded the lead as Sergei Shmelyov scored an empty net goal, set up by Andreas Engqvist and Alexei Petrov. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 4-1 final, with Galimov (23 for 24 in saves), Radulov, and Velikov.

The other games comes from Minsk, as Dinamo hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Lars Haugen are in the creases. Khabarovsk began in the first period with an unassisted goal by Mikhail Klimchuk. Minsk tied it in the second period with an Alexander Materukhin goal, via Tomas Surovy. Amur tied took the lead in the third period on a Jan Mursak goal, going in unassisted. Dinamo pulled even on an Alexei Kalyuzhny goal, fueled by Surovy and Derek Meech. Minsk ended up winning 3-2 with a lone goal by Zbynek Irgl in the shootout. The three stars were Kalyuzhny, Surovy, and Irgl.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

NHL Day 24 2013-2014

Ten games are going on today, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Tuukka Rask are the Finnish goalies. Boston got going in the second period with a Jarome Iginla goal, fueled by David Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. San Jose tied it in the third period as Patrick Marleau scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Bruins took the lead back in the last second of regulation, where Krejci scored his second of the year, courtesy of Adam McQuaid and Milan Lucic. The final was 2-1, and the three stars were Krejci, Rask (38 for 39 in saves), and Iginla.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider are the rival goalies. New Jersey opened in the first period with a Patrik Elias goal, his third of the season, assisted by Andrei Loktionov and Jaromir Jagr. Vancouver tied it with a Ryan Kesler goal, his fifth of the year, via Henrik Sedin. The Devils took the lead back with a Eric Gelinas power play goal, powered by Travis Zajac and Marek Zidlicky. The Canucks retied it in the second period as Daniel Sedin potted his fourth of the campaign, with the help of Henrik Sedin and Kesler. The tie lasted into a shootout, where a Mike Santorelli goal lifted the Canucks to a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Kesler, Henrik Sedin, and Luongo (28 for 30 in saves).

To the west, the Philadelphia Flyers bring in the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Steve Mason in goal (yes, Steve Mason is better than a goalie who has never played before). Philadelphia began in the first period with a Matt Read goal, going in shorthanded and unassisted. New York tied it with a Brad Richards goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Chris Kreider and John Moore. The Flyers took the lead back in the third period as Braydon Coburn potted his second of the year, thanks to Read and Nicklas Grossmann. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Read, Mason (30 for 31 in saves), and Talbot (25 for 27 in saves).

Into Canada, where the Montreal Canadiens host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Carey Price are the masked men. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Michael Bournival goal, his second of the season, passed from Nathan Beaulieu and Josh Gorges. The Canadiens added on as Tomas Plekanec scored his fifth of the year, with a lone assist by Bournival. Montreal extended the lead in the second period on a Brian Gionta goal, his third of the season coming on the power play via Plekanec and Alex Galchenyuk. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Pat Maroon goal, with assists provided by Nick Bonino and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Canadiens replied with a Rene Bourque power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Plekanec and Gionta. This was it for the scoring resulting in a 4-1 final, with the three stars being Plekanec, Price (31 for 32 in saves), and Bournival, while Gionta gets an honorable mention.

Way to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Nikolai Khabibulin and Ben Bishop are in the blue paint. Tampa Bay started in the first period with a Matthew Carle power play goal, fueled by Valtteri Filppula and Richard Panik. The Lightning added on with a second period shorthanded goal by Nate Thompson, set up by B.J. Crombeen and Andrej Sustr. Chicago got on the board with the third of the season by Bryan Bickell, via Marcus Kruger and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks tied it as Marian Hossa potted his fourth of the year, assisted by Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews. Tampa Bay took the lead on a Steven Stamkos goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Victor Hedman. Chicago retied it on an unassisted Kane goal, his fifth of the year. The Blackhawks took the lead as Andrew Shaw scored a power play goal, with assists provided by Kane and Duncan Keith. The Lightning pulled even again as Victor Hedman scored, with helpers from Martin St. Louis and Stamkos. Tampa Bay took the lead with the second of the game and seventh of the season by Stamkos, a power play goal powered by Filppula. Chicago got an equalizer when Toews was credited with his fourth of the year, technically unassisted, but occurring because of an own goal from a pass by Carle to Radko Gudas that wasn't handled well and slipped through Bishop's pads. The Lightning avoided utter humiliation by winning the game 6-5 in overtime on a St. Louis goal, his fifth of the campaign, thanks to Stamkos and Gudas. The three stars were Stamkos, St. Louis, and Hedman, while Toews, Kane, and Filppula were given the honorable mentions.

Northwest a bit to Nashville, as the Predators bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec faces a lesser foe in Carton Hutton in goal. Nashville struck first in the first period as Shea Weber scored his third of the season, a power play goal, powered by David Legwand and Filip Forsberg. Winnipeg tied it in the second period as Anthony Peluso scored, thanks to Olli Jokinen and Michael Frolik. The Predators took the lead back in the third period as Patric Hornqvist scored his fourth of the year, guided in by Mike Fisher and Seth Jones. The Jets tied it again as Blake Wheeler notched his third of the season, with the help of Zach Bogosian and Andrew Ladd. Nashville won 3-2 in overtime on a Craig Smith goal, his second of the year, assisted by Legwand. The three stars were Smith, Hutton (34 for 36 in saves), and Legwand.

Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Carolina Hurricanes. Niklas Backstrom and Cam Ward made the starts. Ward was later pulled in favor of Justin Peters after being injured in the first period. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the first period as Nino Neiderreiter scored his second of the season, a power play goal, assisted by Mikael Granlund and Mathew Dumba. The Wild extended the lead with a Zach Parise goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Suter. Josh Harding relieved an injured Backstrom for the second period. Carolina got on the board in the second period as Alexander Semin potted his third of the season, a power play goal, powered by Eric Staal and Andrej Sekera. Minnesota iced it at 3-1 with an empty net power play goal by Dany Heatley, set up by Matt Cooke and Nate Prosser. The three stars were given to Harding (20 for 21 in saves in relief), Neiderreiter, and Parise.

Back to the south, the Dallas Stars welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Kari Lehtonen are the similarly named goalies. Dallas led off in the first period with the fourth of the season by Alex Chiasson, assisted by Ray Whitney and Cody Eakin. Calgary tied it in the second period as Lee Stempniak scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Matt Stajan and Dennis Wideman. The Stars took the lead back as Chiasson scored his second of the game and fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Whitney. Dallas added on with a Jamie Benn goal, his second of the year, via Rich Peverley and the goalie Lehtonen. The Stars extended the lead on a Brendon Dillon goal, his third of the season, passed from Shawn Horcoff. Dallas wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period with another Benn goal, his second of the game and third of the year, set up by Chiasson. The three stars were Chiasson, Benn, and Whitney, while Lehtonen (28 for 29 in saves) gets an honorable mention.

North again, as the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Devan Dubnyk are between the pipes. Washington began in the first period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on with a Joel Ward goal in the second period, his third of the year, coming off of John Carlson and Karl Alzner. Washington extended the lead in the third period on a Backstrom goal, his second of the season, passed from Johansson and Ovechkin. The Capitals padded the lead on the second of the year by Jason Chimera, guided in by Mikhail Grabovski. Edmonton got on the board when Justin Schultz scored a goal, assisted by David Perron and Anton Belov. They got no closer, losing 4-1, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Holtby (30 for 31 in saves), and Backstrom, while Johansson gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. Los Angeles quickly opened in the first period with an Anze Kopitar power play goal, powered by Justin Williams and Dustin Brown. The Kings added on as Dwight King scored his second of the season, via Kopitar. Los Angeles extended the lead with a Jordan Nolan goal, his second of the year, thanks to Colin Fraser and Brown. The Kings padded the lead on another King goal, his second of the game and third of the season, made possible by Robyn Regehr and Williams. Phoenix got on the board in the second period as Jeff Halpern scored, with the help of Zbynek Michalek and David Schlemko. The Coyotes pulled closer as Martin Hanzal scored his third of the year, with assists provided by Mikkel Boedker and Radim Vrbata. Phoenix chipped closer on another Hanzal goal in the third period, his second of the game and fourth of the season, coming on the power play with helpers from Keith Yandle and Vrbata. The Coyotes tied it with a Shane Doan goal, his second of the year, guided in by Derek Morris and Yandle. Los Angeles took the lead again on a shorthanded and unassisted Mike Richards goal. The Kings got another with a Matt Frattin goal, pushed through by Drew Doughty and Jeff Carter. Los Angeles iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by King, completing his hat trick on his fourth of the campaign, an empty net goal dished from Kopitar. The three stars were given to King, Kopitar, and Hanzal, while Brown, Williams, Vrbata, and Yandle get the honorable mentions.

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Thursday Night Football Week 8 2013

Tonight's game is an underwhelming matchup from the NFC South, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers. Carolina was first to score in the first quarter with a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Greg Olsen for 1 yard, and Graham Gano booted the extra point. Tampa Bay got on the board with a 47 yard field goal by Rian Lindell. The Panthers added on in the second quarter as DeAngelo Williams ran in a 12 yard touchdown, and Gano was there with another extra point. The Buccaneers chipped back as Lindell was true with a 48 yard field goal. Carolina extended the lead in the third quarter as Newton rushed 6 yards for a touchdown, and Gano drilled the extra point. The Panthers padded the lead in the fourth quarter as Newton found Mike Tolbert for 3 yards and a touchdown, and Gano was true with the PAT. Carolina kept going as Gano made a 29 yard field goal. Tampa Bay got some back with a 10 yard touchdown pass from Mike Glennon to Tim Wright, and Lindell was there with the extra point. The final was 31-13, with the Panthers improving to 4-3 and the Buccaneers falling to 0-7.

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KHL Day 51 2013-2014

Only one game today, coming from Moscow, as Spartak hosts their neighbors to the south, Vityaz Podolsk. Johan Backlund and Jeff Glass are in the creases. Podolsk opened in the first period with a Maxim Mamin goal, assisted by Sergei Topol and Pavel Makarenko. Moscow tied it as Matt Anderson scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Nikolai Zherdev. Spartak gained the lead with a power play goal by Evgeny Kulik, powered by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Alexander Nikulin. Vityaz tied it with a Vyachelsav Solodukhin goal, coming off of Pavel Chernov. Moscow won it 3-2 in overtime on a Deron Quint power play goal in overtme, with assists provided by Rastislav Spirko and Zherdev. The three stars were Quint, Zherdev, and Kulik.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

NHL Day 23 2013-2014

Only two games on tonight, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard are the masked men. Ottawa started in the first period with an Eric Gryba goal, assisted by Mika Zibanejad and Erik Condra. The Senators added on with a Jason Spezza goal, his sixth of the season, coming on the power play via Chris Phillips and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa extended the lead with a Bobby Ryan power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Joe Corvo and Kyle Turris. Jonas Gustavsson relieved Howard at this time. Detroit got on the board as Todd Bertuzzi scored his third of the season, a power play goal, fueled by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall. The Senators replied in the second period on a Spezza goal in the second period, his second of the game and seventh of the year, passed from Karlsson and Marc Methot. Ottawa padded the lead in the third period as Jared Cowen scored his second of the season, with the help of Zack Smith. The Senators wrapped it up at 6-1 with another Ryan goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, made possible by Clarke MacArthur and Turris. The three stars were Spezza, Ryan, and Karlsson, while Turris gets an honorable mention.

The other game comes from Buffalo, where the Sabres welcome the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson and Ryan Miller draw the starts. Boston opened with a first period Milan Lucic goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Jarome Iginla and David Krejci. The Bruins added on in the second period as Lucic scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, thanks to Iginla. Buffalo got on the board with a Cody Hodgson goal, his third of the season coming on the power play via Thomas Vanek and Marcus Foligno. Boston replied as Dougie Hamilton scored his second of the year, courtesy of Brad Marchand and Carl Soderberg. The Sabres pulled back on a Nikita Zadorov goal, fueled by Steve Ott and Foligno. The Bruins shot back in the third period with a Torey Krug goal, his second of the season, coming off of Reilly Smith and Soderberg. Boston got another as Krug scored his second of the game and third of the year, a power play goal set up by Krejci and Lucic. The score was final at this point at 5-2, with Lucic, Krug, and Iginla getting the three stars, while Foligno, Soderberg, and Krejci get the honorable mentions.

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KHL Day 50 2013-2014

There are eight games of action today before the KHL slows down for a couple of days. Leading off, we have...

Amur Khabarovsk hosting Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Alexei Murygin play in the blue paint. Astana was first to score in the first period with a power play goal by Nikolai Antropov, powered by Talgat Zhailauov and Artemy Lakiza. Khabarovsk tied it with a Timofei Shishkanov goal, fueled by Andrei Stepanov. Shishkanov put Amur ahead when he scored his second of the game, made possible by Evgeny Korotkov and Stepanov. Khabarovsk added on in the second period as Stepanov scored, thanks to Korotkov and Shishkanov on the power play. Barys got one back in the third period with a Brandon Bochenski goal, set up by Mike Lundin. Astana tied it with a Zhailauov goal, coming off of Mikhail Panshin and Antropov. Barys took the lead as Antropov scored his second of the game, with a lone assist by Panshin. They would win 4-3, with the three stars being Antropov, Shishkanov, and Stepanov, while Zhailauov, Korotkov, and Panshin receive the honorable mentions.

Down to Vladivostok, where Admiral welcomes Avangard Omsk. Mathieu Garon and Evgeny Ivannikov guard the cages. Vladivostok began in the first period with an Andrei Nikitenko goal, coming on the power play from Enver Lisin. Admiral added on as Alexei Ugarov scored, with a lone assist by Lisin. Vladivostok extended the lead as Artyom Ternavsky scored, thanks to Niclas Bergfors. Admiral padded the lead with an Igor Bortnikov goal, fueled by Anton Poleshchuk and Konstantin Sokolov. Omsk got on the board with an Alexander Popov goal, coming off of Stanislav Yegorshev. The third period was silent, so Vladivostok won 4-1, and the three stars were Ivannikov (30 for 31 in saves), Lisin, and Ugarov.

To the west, Sibir Novosibirsk hosts Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Mikhail Biryukov and Mikko Koskinen are the masked men. Novosibirsk started with a first period power play goal by Jori Lehtera, made possible by Alexander Romanov. Sibir added on with a power play goal by Alexei Kopeikin, powered by Ivan Lekomtsev and Nikolai Lemtyugov. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board in the second period as Veli-Matti Savinainen scored a power play goal, with assists provided by Stephen Dixon and Jonas Andersson. Yugra tied it with a Vitaly Sitnikov goal, passed from Mikhail Yakubov and Mikhail Zhukov. Novosibirsk took the lead back with a Vyacheslav Belov goal, courtesy of Kristian Kudroc and Lehtera on the power play. Sibir extended the lead as Dmitry Kugryshev scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Lekomtsev. Novosibirsk padded the lead in the third period on another Kugryshev goal, assisted by Belov and Lehtera. Sibir got another on a Dmitry Monya goal, with helpers provided by Stepan Sannikov and Igor Ignatushkin. Novosibirsk wrapped it up at 7-2 with a Lehtera power play goal, coming off of Belov and Jonas Enlund. The three stars were Kugryshev, Lehtera, and Belov, while Lekomtsev was given an honorable mention.

Over in Novokuznetsk, Metallurg brings in Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Ilya Sorokin are the young goalies. Yekaterinburg got going in the second period as Fyodor Malykhin converted a penalty shot he received after being slashed by Tuukka Mantyla on a breakaway. Novokuznetsk tied it in the third period as Kurtis McLean scored, thanks to Rafael Akhmetov and Raymond Giroux. Avtomobilist took the lead on an Igor Yemeleyev goal, fueled by Alexei Simakov. Yekaterinburg iced it at 3-1 with an empty net power play goal by Artyom Chernov, powered by Sami Lepisto and Malykhin. The three stars went to Kovar (34 for 35 in saves), Malykhin, and Yemeleyev.

Westward to Nizhny Novgorod, where Torpedo hosts Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Vitaly Koval are between the pipes. Nizhny Novgorod struck first in the second period with a Wojtek Wolski goal, with a lone assist by Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev. Zagreb tied it with a Matt Murley power play goal in the third period, powered by Kurtis Foster and Bill Thomas. Torpedo won 2-1 in overtime with another Wolski goal, a power play tally set up by Sakari Salminen. The three stars were Wolski, Koval (23 for 24 in saves), and Dekanich (32 for 34 in saves).

Into Kazan, as Ak Bars welcomes Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Konstantin Barulin tend the twines. Kazan led off in the third period with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, assisted by Tim Stapleton. This gave them a 1-0 win, with the three stars being Barulin (32 save shutout), Varnakov, and Leighton (24 for 25 in saves).

Further west to Moscow, as Dynamo hosts Dinamo Minsk. Kevin Lalande and Alexander Lazushin have the green light to start. Moscow dented the scoreboard with a second period Konstantin Gorovikov goal, fueled by Denis Mosalyov and Maxim Solovyov. Dynamo added on as Alexei Tsvetkov scored in the third period, thanks to Martins Karsums and Maxim Karpov. Moscow extended the lead with a power play goal by Yury Babenko, powered by Andrei Mironov and Solovyov. Dynamo wrapped it up at 4-0 with a Karsums goal, via Dmitry Pestunov and Karpov. The three stars were Karsums, Lazushin (24 save shutout), and Karpov, while Solovyov gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Riga, Dinamo brings in CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Mikael Tellqvist are the reliable goalies. Riga opened in the first period on a Paul Szczechura goal, assisted by Aleksandrs Nizivijs and Gints Meija. Dinamo added on when Szczechura scored again, with the help of Sandis Ozolins and Meija. Riga extended the lead with a Roberts Bukarts goal, fueled by Miks Indrasis. Moscow got on the board with an unassisted goal by Georgy Misharin. CSKA pulled closer when Misharin scored in the second period, his second of the game guided in by Vladimir Zharkov. Moscow tied it with a power play goal by Alexei Morozov, powered by Misharin and Igor Grigorenko. Dinamo took the lead back in the third period with another Bukarts goal, set up by Indrasis and Kristaps Sotnieks. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Bukarts, Szczechura, and Misharin, while Indrasis and Meija get the honorable mentions.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

NHL Day 22 2013-2014

Eight games on tonight, beginning in...

New York, as the Islanders host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Evgeni Nabokov are the veteran goalies. New York led off with a first period Brock Nelson goal, assisted by Peter Regin and Cal Clutterbuck. The Islanders took the lead as Matt Moulson notched his fourth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Frans Nielsen and John Tavares. Vancouver got on the board with the fourth of the year by Ryan Kesler, made possible by Dan Hamhuis and Christopher Tanev. The Canucks tied it as Daniel Sedin potted his third of the season, thanks to Jannik Hansen and Tanev. New York retook the lead in the second period as Moulson scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, another power play goal, fueled by Kyle Okposo and Nielsen. Vancouver retied it as Henrik Sedin recorded his third of the season, via Daniel Sedin and Dale Weise. The Canucks gained the lead with a Chris Higgins goal, his third of the year, passed from Kevin Bieksa and Kesler. The Islanders pulled even in the third period on a Nielsen goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Andrew MacDonald and Okposo. Vancouver won it 5-4 in overtime with a Brad Richardson goal, his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Mike Santorelli and Alexander Edler. The three stars were awarded to Nielsen, Moulson, and Daniel Sedin, while Kesler, Okposo, and Tanev are given the honorable mentions.

Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Jonathan Bernier are in the creases. Anaheim opened in the first period with a Nick Bonino goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Pat Maroon and Jakob Silfverberg. The Ducks added on as Mathieu Perreault scored in the second period, his fourth goal of the year, thanks to Sami Vatanen and Emerson Etem. Toronto got on the board with the third of the season by Phil Kessel, a power play goal powered by James van Riemsdyk and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs tied it on a Dion Phaneuf goal, his second of the year, made possible by Josh Leivo and Dave Bolland. Toronto took the lead as Kessel scored his second of the game and fourth of the season, with the help of Paul Ranger. The Maple Leafs extended the lead in the third period as Kessel finished his hat trick with his fifth of the year, and van Riemsdyk had the only assist. This was good for a 4-2 win, with the three stars being Kessel, Phaneuf, and van Riemsdyk.

Back in the United States, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Sergei Bobrovsky are the highly-regarded young goalies. New Jersey got going in the second period as Michael Ryder scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Rostislav Olesz. Columbus tied it on a power play goal by Brandon Dubinsky, his second of the year, powered by R.J. Umberger and James Wisniewski. The Blue Jackets took the lead as Cam Atkinson potted his third of the season, an unassisted goal. Columbus added on in the third period as Wisniewski scored a goal, going in unassisted. The Blue Jackets iced it at 4-1 with a Marian Gaborik empty net goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Dubinsky and Wisniewski. The three stars were Wisniewski, Bobrovsky (24 for 25 in saves), and Dubinsky.

Crossing north into Quebec, as the Montreal Canadiens bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Carey Price are between the pipes. Montreal began in the first period with a Tomas Plekanec power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and Michael Bournival. The Canadiens added on as Brendan Gallagher scored his fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton got on the board in the second period as Ales Hemsky scored his third of the season, passed from Mark Arcobello. The Oilers tied it as Ladislav Smid potted a goal, via Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. Edmonton took the lead in the third period with a Jeff Petry goal, his second of the year, made possible by Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle. The Oilers extended the lead as Ryan Jones scored, with the help of David Perron and Arcobello. Montreal got one back on a Brian Gionta goal, his second of the campaign, fueled by Plekanec and P.K. Subban. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars being Plekanec, Nugent-Hopkins, and Eberle, while Arcobello gets an honorable mention.

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Tim Thomas receive the starting nods. Chicago struck first in the second period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his third of the season, coming on the power play from Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks added on as Bryan Bickell notched his second of the year, via Andrew Shaw and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Florida got on the board in the third period with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his second of the campaign, with assists provided by Aleksander Barkov and Kris Versteeg. The Panthers tied the game with an unassisted goal by Dmitry Kulikov. Jacob Markstrom had to relieve an injured Thomas late in the third period. The tie lasted into shootout, where Toews and Patrick Sharp lifted the Blackhawks to a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Toews, Crawford (20 for 22 in saves), and Sharp.

North once again to Winnipeg, as the Jets welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Ondrej Pavelec are the overrated goalies. Washington dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by John Erskine and Joel Ward. Winnipeg tied it on a Bryan Little goal, his fourth of the year, coming shorthanded via Andrew Ladd. The Jets took the lead on a Grant Clitsome goal, courtesy of Zach Bogosian and Ladd. The Capitals tied it with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Marcus Johansson. Washington took the lead as Ovechkin scored his second of the night and ninth of the year, again with a lone assist by Johansson. Winnipeg pulled even as Blake Wheeler notched his second of the season, with the help of Evander Kane and Mark Scheifele. The Capitals retook the lead in the third period on a power play goal by Troy Brouwer, his third of the year, powered by Nicklas Backstrom. The Jets evened the ledger again on a Little goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, fueled by Ladd, who got a sock trick, and Devin Setoguchi. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Ladd exchanged goals with Backstrom, followed by Olli Jokinen and Brooks Laich doing the same, Setoguchi and Brouwer following suit, and then finally Martin Erat scored to lift the Capitals to a 5-4 win. The three stars were Ovechkin, Little, and Ladd, while Johansson, Backstrom, Setoguchi, and Brouwer all get honorable mentions.

Dipping back to the south, the Minnesota Wild host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Josh Harding protect the nets. Minnesota was first to score in the second period as Justin Fontaine scored his second of the season, via Clayton Stoner and Zach Parise. The Wild iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Jason Pominville, his fourth of the year, set up by Mikko Koivu and Parise. The three stars were handed to Harding (16 save shutout), Parise, and Rinne (27 for 28 in saves).

Finally, in Phoenix, the Coyotes bring in the Calgary Flames. Joey MacDonald and Mike Smith occupy the creases. Phoenix started with a first period goal by Radim Vrbata, his fifth of the season, a power play goal fueled by Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on as Mike Ribeiro scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Mikkel Boedker and David Moss. Calgary got on the board with a Lee Stempniak goal, his third of the season, passed from Kris Russell and T.J. Galiardi. The Flames tied it in the third period as Joe Colborne scored, via Jiri Hudler. Phoenix retook the lead with a Ribeiro goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, guided in by Yandle. The Coyotes iced it at 4-2 with a Rob Klinkhammer goal, his fourth of the campaign, going unassisted into the empty net. The three stars were given to Ribeiro, Yandle, and Smith (22 for 24 in saves).

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KHL Day 49 2013-2014

Just four games to go with today, beginning in...

Ufa, as Salavat Yulaev hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Sergei Borisov and Andrei Vasilevsky make the starts. Mytishchi got going in the second period with a Konstantin Koltsov goal, assisted by Vitaly Novpashin and Oleg Yashin. Ufa tied it in the third period on an Antti Pihlstrom goal, fueled by Anton Babchuk. Salavat Yulaev took the lead on an Alexander Pankov goal, with the help of Alexander Stepanov. Ufa added on with a power play goal by Denis Khlystov, powered by Yegor Dubrovsky and Tomas Zaborsky. They went on to win 3-1, with the three stars being Vasilevsky (29 for 30 in saves), Pankov, and Khlystov.

Into Magnitogorsk, where Metallurg welcomes Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Vitaly Kolesnik and Vasily Koshechkin are in the blue paint. Magnitogorsk was first to score in the first period with a Sergei Mozyakin power play goal, powered by Chris Lee and Danis Zaripov. Yaroslavl tied it on a Daniil Apalkov goal, assisted by Sergei Plotnikov. The tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where Emil Galimov was the only goal-scorer, and led Lokomotiv to a 2-1 win. The three stars were Kolesnik (36 for 37 in saves), Galimov, and Koshechkin (30 for 31 in saves).

A bit west, Traktor Chelyabinsk hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Michael Garnett wear the masks. Chelyabinsk dented the scoreboard in the first period as Anton Glinkin scored, with a lone assist by Yegor Dugin. Cherepovets tied it on an unassisted goal by Nikolai Bushuyev in the second period, coming shorthanded. Traktor took the lead as Dugin scored, thanks to Glinkin and Alexei Bondarev. Severstal tied it in the third period as Bushuyev scored again, via Linus Videll and Anatoly Nikontsev. The tie lasted into the shootout, where two goals by Glinkin topped one goal by Videll, leading Traktor to a 3-2 win. The three stars were Glinkin, Bushuyev, and Dugin, while Videll gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Nizhnekamsk, Neftekhimik brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Dmitry Shikin and Matt Dalton are between the pipes. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, assisted by Vadim Shipachyov. Nizhnekamsk tied it in the second period on a Yegor Milovzorov goal, fueled by Renat Mamashev. SKA took the lead back with a Patrick Thoresen goal, with a lone assist from Ilya Kovalchuk. St. Petersburg iced it at 3-1 in the third period on a Roman Cervenka goal, guided in by Kovalchuk and Shipachyov. The three stars were Shikin (30 for 31 in saves), Kovalchuk, and Shipachyov.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

NHL Day 21 2013-2014

There are only three games on tonight, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Red Wings host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. San Jose ended up winning 1-0 with a shootout tally by Logan Couture. The three stars were Niemi (24 save shutout), Howard (27 save "shutout"), and Couture.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Marc-Andre Fleury are the French-Canadian goalies. Colorado got going in the second period on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his third of the season, assisted by Ryan Wilson and Cory Sarich. This was all they needed for a 1-0 win, with the three stars going to Giguere (34 save shutout), Landeskog, and Fleury (13 for 14 in saves).

Finally, we end in Los Angeles, as the Kings bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Jonathan Quick man the creases. Los Angeles began in the first period with a power play goal by Drew Doughty, his third of the season, powered by Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. Calgary tied it in the second period as Michael Cammalleri scored a power play goal, with the help of Jiri Hudler and Mark Giordano. The Flames took the lead on a Sean Monahan goal, his sixth of the year, coming on the power play from Cammalleri and Giordano. The Kings tied it with a shorthanded goal by Jeff Carter, his fifth of the season, set up by Mike Richards. Calgary took the lead late in the third period on a T.J. Brodie power play goal, assisted by Hudler and Lee Stempniak. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Cammalleri, Hudler, and Giordano.

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Monday Night Football Week 7

Tonight's game comes from New Jersey, as the New York Giants host the Minnesota Vikings. New York dented the scoreboard in the first quarter with a Josh Brown field goal of 35 yards. Minnesota took the lead as Marcus Sherels returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown, and Blair Walsh nailed the extra point. The Giants retook the lead in the second quarter as Eli Manning tossed a 24 yard touchdown pass to Rueben Randle, and Brown booted the extra point. New York added on in the third quarter as Peyton Hillis ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Brown was true with the extra point. The Giants extended the lead on a 23 yard field goal by Brown. New York padded the lead as Brown made a 36 yard field goal. This produced the 23-7 final, with the Giants improving to 1-6 while the Vikings fall to 1-5.

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KHL Day 48 2013-2014

There are another ten games on today, beginning in the Far East as...

Amur Khabarovsk hosts Avangard Omsk. Mathieu Garon and Mika Jarvinen are in the blue paint. Omsk led off in the first period with a Sergei Kostitsyn power play goal, coming off of Alexander Frolov. Avangard added on with an Andrei Ivanov goal, fueled by Oleg Kvasha. Omsk extended the lead as Kirill Lyamin scored a power play goal, powered by Kostitsyn and Frolov. Avangard padded the lead in the second period on another Kostitsyn goal, with a lone assist by Frolov, who got a sock trick. Omsk got another on a Denis Kazionov goal, assisted by Miroslav Blatak and Alexander Popov. Khabarovsk got on the board with an unassisted goal by Andrei Stepanov. Amur pulled closer in the third period with a Timofei Shishkanov power play goal, passed from Denis Yezhov and Evgeny Korotkov. This was as close as it got, with the final being 5-2, and the three stars were Kostitsyn, Frolov, and Garon (25 for 27 in saves).

To the south, Admiral Vladivostok welcomes Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Joakim Lundstrom are given the starting nods. Astana dented the scoreboard with a first period goal by Dmitry Upper, assisted by Konstantin Pushkaryov and Konstatnin Rudenko. Vladivostok tied it in the second period with an Igor Bortnikov goal, courtesy of Viktor Drugov. Barys retook the lead as Mikhail Panshin scored, via Mikhail Rakhmanov. Astana added on in the third period with another Upper goal, made possible by Pushkaryov and Rudenko. They went on to win the game 3-1, with the three stars being Upper, Ahonen (33 for 34 in saves), and Pushkaryov, while Rudenko gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Novokuznetsk, as Metallurg brings in Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Mikhail Biryukov and Ilya Sorokin are set to start. Novokuznetsk opened with a Pavel Kanarsky goal in the second period, passed from Denis Kurepanov. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it in the second period with a Vitaly Sitnikov goal, with a lone assist by Denis Sokolov. Metallurg took the lead in the third period on a Nikita Vyglazov, via Raymond Giroux and Vadim Mitryakov. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Sorokin (27 for 28 in saves), Vyglazov, and Biryukov (23 for 25 in saves).

Into Novosibirsk, as Sibir hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Mikko Koskinen are the masked men. Yekaterinburg struck first in the first period as Evgeny Fyodorov scored a goal, assisted by Alexei Simakov and Filipp Toluzakov. Novosibirsk tied it in the second period with an unassisted Vladimir Butuzov goal. Avtomobilist retook the lead when Artyom Chernov scored, with the help of Vladislav Yegin and Fyodor Malykhin. Yekaterinburg added on with an Anthony Stewart power play goal, powered by Igor Yemeleyev. Sibir got one back in the third period with a Jonas Enlund goal, guided in by Jori Lehtera and Dmitry Kugryshev. Novosibirsk tied it with a Nikolai Lemtyugov goal, with assists provided by Alexei Kopeikin and Jarno Koskiranta. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Stewart had the only goal to lift Avtomobilist to a 4-3 victory. Stewart, Chernov, and Fyodorov were given the three stars.

Way to the west, Vityaz Podolsk welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Barry Brust and Ivan Lisutin are in the creases. Podolsk was first to score in the first period on an Ivan Ivanov goal, assisted by Alexei Makeyev. The rest of the game was scoreless, so the final was 1-0. The three stars were awarded to Ivanov, Lisutin (32 save shutout), and Brust (21 for 22 in saves).

Backtracking to Nizhny Novgorod, as Torpedo brings in Dinamo Minsk. Kevin Lalande and Vitaly Koval will be between the pipes. Nizhny Novgorod started in the first period with a power play goal by Sakari Salminen, powered by Jarkko Immonen. Torpedo added on as Vyacheslav Kulyomin scored, thanks to Vladimir Galuzin and Alexander Kulakov. Nizhny Novgorod extended the lead in the third period as Salminen scored another power play goal, set up by Juuso Hietanen. This was good for a 3-0 final score, with the three stars going to Salminen, Koval (22 save shutout), and Kulyomin.

Into Kazan, as Ak Bars hosts Spartak Moscow. Jeff Glass and Emil Garipov will guard the cages. Kazan got going in the second period with a Kirill Petrov goal, assisted by Shaun Heshka and Alexander Osipov. Ak Bars added on in the third period when Tim Stapleton scored a power play goal, powered by Alexander Burmistrov and Mikhail Varnakov. This was good for a 2-0 win, with the three stars belonging to Garipov (30 save shutout), Petrov, and Stapleton.

Back in the west, Dynamo Moscow welcomes Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Alexander Yeryomenko tend the twines. Moscow began in the first period as Martins Karsums scored, with the help of Alexei Tsvetkov and Andrei Mironov. Donetsk tied it with a Lukas Kaspar goal, thanks to Randy Robitaille and Maxim Yakutsenya. Donbass took the lead in the second period with a goal by Petteri Wirtanen, assisted by Ruslan Fedotenko. They coasted to a 2-1 win from here, with Leighton (23 for 24 in saves), Wirtanen, and Kaspar getting the three stars.

Exiting Russia, we head to Bratislava, as Slovan brings in CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Jaroslav Janus protect the nets. Bratislava was first to score in the first period as Juraj Mikus scored, with a lone assist by Milan Bartovic. Moscow tied it with an Andrei Pervyshin goal in the third period, a power play goal fueled by Sergei Shirokov. CSKA took the lead on an Igor Fefelov goal, assisted by Igor Grigorenko and Ivan Nepryayev. Slovan retied it as Roman Kukumberg scored, courtesy of Tomas Mojzis and Jonathan Sigalet. Moscow retook the lead on an Ilari Filppula goal, made possible by Ilya Zubov and Shirokov. They won 3-2, with the three stars being Filppula, Shirokov, and Stana (18 for 20 in saves).

Finally, in Prague, Lev hosts Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist faces a lesser foe in Atte Engren in goal. Riga opened with a first period power play goal by Paul Szczechura, powered by Georgijs Pujacs and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. Prague tied it with an unassisted goal by Topi Jaakola. The tie lasted all the way to a shootout, and it was here that Jakub Klepis put Lev on his back by scoring three goals, answering Szczechura and Nizivijs before clinching the game. The three stars were Klepis, Engren (15 for 16 in saves), and Tellqvist (31 for 32 in saves), while Szczechura and Nizivijs get the honorable mentions.

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

NFL Week 7 2013

Another thirteen games leading the way on Sunday. Today's action starts in...

Washington, D.C., as the Redskins host the Chicago Bears. Washington was first to score in the first quarter with a Kai Forbath field goal of 38 yards. Chicago tied it as Robbie Gould made a 47 yard field goal. The Bears took the lead as Matt Forte ran in a 2 yard touchdown, and Gould made the extra point. The Redskins pulled even in the second quarter as Roy Helu, Jr. ran in a 14 yard touchdown, and Forbath was true with the extra point. Washington added on with Brian Orakpo intercepting Jay Cutler for 29 yards and a touchdown, and Forbath handled the extra point. Chicago replied as Devin Hester returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, and Gould booted the extra point. The Redskins took the lead again as Robert Griffin III threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Reed, and Forbath supplied the extra point. The Bears tied it in the third quarter as Forte rushed 50 yards for a touchdown, and Gould knocked in the PAT. Washington shot back as Helu ran in a 3 yard touchdown, topped off by a Forbath extra point. Chicago responded as Forte ran for 6 yards and a touchdown, and Gould kicked the extra point. The Redskins reclaimed the lead in the fourth quarter on a Griffin touchdown pass of 45 yards to Aldrick Robinson, and Forbath made another extra point. The Bears chipped back on a 49 yard Gould field goal. Chicago gained the lead as Josh McCown threw a 7 yrd touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett, and Gould drove in the extra point. Washington took the lead back as Helu ran in his third touchdown of the day from 3 yards out and Forbath made his extra point. This stood up for a 45-41 win, with the Redskins now at 2-4 while the Bears are at 4-3.

To the south, the Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the San Diego Chargers. San Diego started in the first quarter on a 2 yard touchdown run by Danny Woodhead, followed by a Nick Novak extra point. The Chargers added on in the second quarter as Philip Rivers tossed a 27 yard touchdown to Eddie Royal, and Novak made another extra point. Jacksonville got on the board with a Josh Scobee field goal of 30 yards. San Diego answered in the third quarter as Novak made a 20 yard field goal. The Jaguars shot back with a 23 yard Scobee field goal. The Chargers extended the lead in the fourth quarter with a Ryan Mathews touchdown run of 3 yards, and Novak handled the PAT. The scoring ended here, resulting in a 24-6 final, with the Chargers improving to 4-3 while dropping the Jaguars to 0-7.

Back north, the Detroit Lions bring in the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati led off in the first quarter as Andy Dalton tossed an 82 yard touchdown to A.J. Green, and Mike Nugent made the extra point. Detroit tied it with a Matthew Stafford touchdown pass to Brandon Pettigrew for 3 yards, and David Akers handled the extra point. The Lions took the lead in the second quarter as Akers made a 36 yard field goal. The Bengals took the lead on a Dalton touchdown pass to Marvin Jones for 12 yards, and Nugent booted the extra point. Cincinnati extended the lead as Dalton found Tyler Eifert for 32 yards and a touchdown, and Nugent was true with the PAT. Detroit pulled back as Stafford passed a 27 yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson, and Akers was there with the extra point. The Bengals added on with a Nugent field goal of 48 yards. The Lions tied it in the fourth quarter as Stafford and Johnson connected for 50 yards and a touchdown, and Akers' extra point was the equalizer. Cincinnati won it on a late field goal by Nugent, good from 54 yards at the buzzer for a 27-24 victory. The Bengals improve to 5-2 and the Lions fall to 4-3.

Into Florida again, as the Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo began in the first quarter as Nickell Robey returned an interception of Ryan Tannehill for 19 yards and a touchdown, and Dan Carpenter made the extra point. The Bills added on as Fred Jackson ran in a 3 yard touchdown, and Carpenter handled another extra point. Miami got on the board in the second quarter as Tannehill found Charles Clay for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Caleb Sturgis booted the extra point. Buffalo replied on a 39 yard field goal by Carpenter. The Dolphins chipped back with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Tannehill to Brandon Gibson, and Sturgis was true with the PAT. Miami took the lead in the third quarter as Tannehill and Gibson connected for a touchdown of 4 yards, and Sturgis was there with another extra point. The Bills answered with a 20 yard field goal by Carpenter in the fourth quarter. Buffalo took the lead as Carpenter made a 31 yard field goal late in the game, and held on to win 23-21. The Bills are now 3-4 while the Dolphins fall to 3-3.

Just a bit north, the Atlanta Falcons welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta struck first in the first quarter as Thomas DeCoud recovered a fumble by Mike Glennon and took it 30 yards for a touchdown, allowing Matt Bryant to make the extra point. The Falcons added on in the second quarter as Matt Ryan tossed a 19 yard touchdown pass to Jacquizz Rodgers, and Bryant added the extra point. Tampa Bay got on the board as Glennon found Vincent Jackson for 59 yards and a touchdown, and Rian Lindell booted the extra point. Atlanta added on as Bryant made a 23 yard field goal. The Falcons extended the lead with a Ryan touchdown pass of 37 yards to Harry Douglas, and Bryant supplied another PAT. The Buccaneers got some back as Lindell made a 36 yard field goal. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the third quarter as Glennon and Jackson connected for a 1 yard touchdown, and Lindell knocked in another extra point. Atlanta padded the lead in the fourth quarter on a Ryan touchdown pass of 8 yards to Rodgers, and Bryant was true with the extra point. The Buccaneers chipped back on a 41 yard Lindell field goal. Tampa Bay edged closer with a Lindell field goal, good from 35 yards out. They failed to tie the game, losing 31-23, with the Falcons now at 2-4 while the Buccaneers are 0-6.

Up in New Jersey, the New York Jets bring in the New England Patriots. New York opened in the first quarter on a Geno Smith touchdown pass of 12 yards to Jeremy Kerley, and Nick Folk made the extra point. New England tied the game as Brandon Bolden ran for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Stephen Gostkowski booted the extra point. The Patriots took the lead as Logan Ryan picked off Smith and returned the interception 79 yards for a touchdown, allowing Gostkowski to make an extra point. The Jets got some back in the second quarter on a 37 yard field goal by Folk. New England added on with a 17 yard touchdown run by Steven Ridley, capped off by a Gostkowski PAT. New York shot back as Antonio Allen returned an interception of Brady for 23 yards and a touchdown, and Folk handled the extra point. The Jets took the lead with an 8 yard Smith touchdown run, and Folk supplied another extra point. New York padded the lead as Folk made a 37 yard field goal. The Patriots got some back with a 39 yard field goal by Gostkowski in the fourth quarter. New England tied it on a Gostkowski field goal of 44 yards. The game went into overtime, there the Jets won 30-27 on a Folk field goal from 42 yards out. The Jets improved to 4-3 while the Patriots dropped to 5-2.

A little west, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas got going in the second quarter on a Dan Bailey field goal of 38 yards. The Cowboys added on in the third quarter as Phillip Tanner ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Bailey handled the extra point. Philadelphia got on the board in the fourth quarter as Alex Henery made a 31 yard field goal. Dallas shot back as Tony Romo found Terrance Williams for 9 yards and a touchdown, and Bailey booted the PAT. They went on to win 17-3, with the Cowboys improving to 4-3 while the Eagles fall to 3-4.

Rounding out the early games, the Carolina Panthers welcome the St. Louis Rams. Carolina was first to score in the first quarter on a Captain Munnerlyn interception of Sam Bradford, returned 45 yards for a touchdown, and Graham Gano made the extra point. St. Louis got on the board when their defense held Mike Tolbert in his own end zone on a rushing attempt, resulting in a safety. The Panthers added on in the second quarter as Gano made a 37 yard field goal. The Rams got some back as Greg Zuerlein made a 28 yard field goal. Carolina replied as Tolbert found the other end zone on a 1 yard touchdown run, and Gano supplied the PAT. The Panthers extended the lead in the third quarter on a 31 yard field goal by Gano. St. Louis pulled back with a 4 yard touchdown from Bradford to Zac Stacy, and Zuerlein kicked the extra point. Carolina shot back as Cam Newton tossed a 19 yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith, allowing Gano to make another extra point. The Panthers padded the lead in the fourth quarter on a 50 yard field goal by Gano. The Rams shot back as Zuerlein made a 42 yard field goal. This only made it 30-15, the final, with the Panthers going to 3-3 while the Rams fall to 3-4.

Into the afternoon game, we head west to Tennessee, as the Titans bring in the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco struck first in the first quarter with a 44 yard field goal by Phil Dawson. The 49ers added on as Colin Kaepernick ran in a 20 yard touchdown, and Dawson was there with the extra point. San Francisco extended the lead as Frank Gore ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Dawson knocked in the extra point. The 49ers padded the lead in the third quarter as Gore ran in another 1 yard touchdown, and Dawson was true with the extra point. Tennessee got on the board in the fourth quarter as Rob Bironas made a 31 yard field goal. The Titans pulled closer as Jake Locker found Chris Johnson for 66 yards and a touchdown, and Bironas supplied the PAT. San Francisco got some more as Kassim Osgood recovered a fumble by punt returner Darius Reynaud for a touchdown in the end zone, iced off by a Dawson extra point. Tennessee pulled back with a Locker touchdown of 26 yards to Delanie Walker, and Bironas handled another extra point. It wasn't enough to avoid a 31-17 loss, with the 49ers going to 5-2 and the Titans dropping to 3-4.

To the north, the Green Bay Packers host the Cleveland Browns. Green Bay led off in the first quarter as Aaron Rodgers tossed a 10 yard touchdown pass to Jermichael Finley, and Mason Crosby was there with the extra point. The Packers added on as Eddie Lacy ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Crosby booted the PAT. Cleveland got on the board in the second quarter as Billy Cundiff made a 46 yard field goal. Green Bay answered with a Crosby field goal of 26 yards. The Browns pulled back in the third quarter on a 44 yard field goal by Cundiff. The Packers extended the lead with a Rodgers touchdown pass of 1 yard to Jordy Nelson in the fourth quarter, and Crosby handled the extra point. Cleveland pulled back as Brandon Weeden threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Cameron, and Cundiff was good with the extra point. Green Bay padded their lead with a Rodgers 20 yard touchdown pass to Jarrett Boykin, and Crosby drilled the extra point. This secured a 31-13 win, with the Packers improving to 4-2 while the Browns fall to 3-4.

Down in Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs welcome the Houston Texans. Houston began in the first quarter on a Randy Bullock field goal of 48 yards. Kansas City took the lead as Jamaal Charles ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop made the extra point. The Texans pulled ahead in the second quarter as Case Keenum tossed a 29 yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins, and Bullock knocked in the extra point. The Chiefs regained the lead with a 5 yard touchdown run by Alex Smith, and Succop supplied the PAT. Houston replied in the third quarter as Bullock hit a 21 yard field goal. Kansas City countered with a Succop field goal from 22 yards out. The Texans chipped back as Bullock made a 47 yard field goal. They failed to pull ahead, losing 17-16, with the Chiefs remaining undefeated at 7-0 and the Texans fell to 2-5.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Steelers bring in the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsbugh opened in the first quarter with a Ben Roethlisberger 3 yard touchdown pass to Heath Miller, and Shaun Suisham made the extra point. Baltimore got on the board with a Justin Tucker field goal of 46 yards. The Steelers answered in the second quarter on a Suisham field goal from 34 yards. The Ravens chipped back as Tucker made a 38 yard field goal. Pittsburgh replied in the third quarter on a 28 yard Suisham field goal. Baltimore shot back as Tucker made a fourth quarter field goal from 32 yards. The Steelers extended their lead with a Suisham field goal of 38 yards. The Ravens tied it as Joe Flacco tossed a 1 yard touchdown pass to Dallas Clark, and Tucker's extra point was the equalizer. Pittsburgh won it 19-16 with a Suisham field goal of 42 yards. The Steelers are now 2-4, while the Ravens fall to 3-4.

Finally, the Sunday Night game is an epic battle between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos in Indianapolis. Denver started in the first quarter as Peyton Manning found Eric Decker for 17 yards and a touchdown, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Indianapolis got on the board with an Adam Vinatieri field goal of 27 yards. The Colts took the lead as Andrew Luck tossed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Vinatieri supplied the extra point. The Broncos retook the lead in the second quarter as Manning found Julius Thomas for 12 yards and a touchdown, and Prater knocked in the extra point. Indianapolis answered as Manning was sacked for a safety by Robert Mathis. The Colts gained the lead as Luck threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Stanley Havili, and Vinatieri drilled the extra point. Indianapolis extended the lead with a Luck touchdown pass of 8 yards to Coby Fleener, and Vinatieri handled another PAT. The Colts got some more in the third quarter on a 10 yard touchdown run by Luck, and Vinatieri was good with the extra point. Denver got some back as Prater made a 31 yard field goal. Indianapolis replied in the fourth quarter on a 52 yard field goal by Vinatieri. The Broncos chipped back as Manning tossed a 31 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, but he failed to connect on the two point attempt. Denver got closer with a Knowshon Moreno touchdown run of 1 yard, and Prater nailed the extra point. The Colts responded with a field goal of 42 yards by Vinatieri. The Broncos made it 39-30 on a 47 yard field goal by Prater. This was the final, with the Colts going to 5-2 and the Broncos falling to 6-1.

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NHL Day 20 2013-2014

Only three games on today, beginning in...

Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Curtis McElhinney are the backups making spot starts. Columbus led off in the first period with a Marian Gaborik goal, his third of the season, passed from Artem Anisimov and James Wisniewski. Vancouver tied it in the second period as Henrik Sedin scored his second of the season, a power play goal, powered by Jason Garrison and Ryan Kesler. The Blue Jackets took the lead back in the third period with an R.J. Umberger goal, fueled by Ryan Johansen and Dalton Prout. Columbus iced it at 3-1 with a Johansen empty net goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Umberger. The three stars were Umberger. Johansen, and McElhinny (37 for 38 in saves).

Out west, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Dallas Stars. Jack Campbell is mismatched with Jonas Hiller in goal. Anaheim opened with a first period goal by Teemu Selanne, his third of the season, coming on the power play from Ryan Getzlaf and Sami Vatanen. Dallas tied it on a Ryan Garbutt goal, fueled by Vernon Fiddler. The Stars took the lead as Brendon Dillon scored his second of the year, thanks to Valeri Nichushkin and Shawn Horcoff. Dallas added on as Horcoff scored a power play goal, powered by Erik Cole and Jamie Benn. Frederik Anderson relieved Hiller for the second period onward. The Ducks got one back in the second period as Corey Perry scored his fourth of the season, passed from Getzlaf and Daniel Winnik. Anaheim tied it with a Perry power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, via Cam Fowler and Getzlaf, the latter getting a sock trick. The Ducks took the lead with a shorthanded Emerson Etem goal, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Bryan Allen. Anaheim extended the lead with a third period Getzlaf goal, courtesy of Perry and Kyle Palmieri for his third of the season. The Ducks padded the lead on a Mathieu Perreault goal, his third of the year, set up by Etem and Ben Lovejoy. The final stood from here at 6-3, with the three stars being Getzlaf, Perry, and Etem, while Horcoff gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Winnipeg, the Jets bring in the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Ondrej Pavelec draw the starts. Nashville started in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Eric Nystrom, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The Predators added on as Patric Hornqvist scored his third of the year, an unassisted goal. Nashville extended the lead with a Matt Cullen goal, his second of the season, passed from Craig Smith and Colin Wilson. Winnipeg got on the board in the third period as Evander Kane recorded his fifth of the year, thanks to Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. This wasn't enough to avoid a 3-1 loss, with the three stars going to Hutton (37 for 38 in saves), Hornqvist, and Nystrom.

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KHL Day 47 2013-2014

There are four games going on today, beginning in...

Ufa, as Salavat Yulaev hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Ilya Ezhov and Alexei Volkov are in the blue paint. Ufa was first to score in the first period with a Kirill Koltsov goal, assisted by Igor Mirnov and Alexei Kaigorodov. St. Petersburg tied it as Patrick Thoresen scored a power play goal, powered by Tony Martensson and Ilya Kovalchuk. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back with a Yegor Dubrovsky goal, via Ivan Vishnevsky and Anton Slepyshev. Ufa added on in the third period on a Nikita Filatov power play goal, guided in by Dmitry Makarov and Brent Sopel. SKA got one back as Alexei Ponikarovsky scored, with the help of Alexei Semenov and Artemy Panarin. Salavat Yulaev iced it at 4-2 with an Alexander Pankov empty net goal, set up by Makarov and Teemu Hartikainen. The three stars were Filatov, Makarov, and Volkov (27 for 29 in saves).

Into Magnitogorsk, as Metallurg welcomes Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Alexander Pechursky are given the starting nods. Magnitogorsk began in the first period with a Danis Zaripov goal, assisted by Sergei Mozyakin and Vladimir Malenkikh. Cherepovets tied it as Anatoly Nikontsev scored an unassisted goal. Metallurg took the lead back as Jan Kovar scored in the second period, thanks to Chris Lee and Mozyakin. Severstal tied it with a power play goal by Nikolai Bushuyev, powered by Teemu Laasko and Linus Videll. Magnitogorsk retook the lead in the third period as Zaripov scored his second of the game, with a lone assist by Mozyakin, who got a sock trick. Metallurg wrapped it up at 4-2 with a Milan Gulas goal, passed from Justin Hodgman and Evgeny Timkin. The three stars were Zaripov, Mozyakin, and Pechursky (32 for 34 in saves).

Over to Chelyabinsk, where Traktor hosts Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford and Michael Garnett tend the twines. Chelyabinsk got going in the second period as Andrei Popov scored, thanks to Artyom Borodkin and Konstantin Panov. Traktor added on with a power play goal by Alexei Bondarev, powered by Stanislav Chistov and Evgeny Kunetsov. Yaroslavl got on the board with a Daniil Apalkov power play goal, coming off of Jonas Holos and Sergei Plotnikov. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1, and the three stars were Garnett (32 for 33 in saves), Bondarev, and Popov.

Finally, we end in Nizhnekamsk, where Neftekhimik brings in Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Alexander Sudnitsin are the masked men. Nizhnekamsk struck first in the first period on a Dmitry Kosmachyov goal, coming off of Yegor Milovzorov. Mytishchi tied it with an Andreas Engqvist goal, made possible by Sergei Shmelyov. Altant took the lead with a Mikhail Glukhov goal, fueled by Yury Trubachyov and Pavel Kopytin. Mytishchi extended the lead in the second period as Konstantin Koltsov scored a power play goal, powered by Ilya Kablukov and Rafael Batyrshin. Neftekhimik answered on a Maxim Berezin goal, guided in by Petr Koukal and Milovzorov. Nizhnekamsk tied the game in the third period with a Milovzorov goal, assisted by Nikolai Belov and Igor Polygalov. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Atlant won 4-3 on two goals by Trubachyov, topping a lone tally by Roman Lyuduchin. The three stars were Milovzorov, Trubachyov, and Galimov (38 for 41 in saves).

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