NHL Day 33 2013-2014

Thirteen games today on a busy schedule, beginning with a matinee in...

Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Ondrej Pavelec receive the starting nods. Winnipeg started in the first period as Tobias Enstrom scored his second of the season, assisted by Matt Halischuk and Michael Frolik. Chicago tied it with a Niklas Hjalmarsson goal, via Marcus Kruger. The Blackhawks took the lead in the second period with a Brandon Bollig goal, his second of the year, coming off of Kruger. Chicago added on as Patrick Sharp notched his third of the season, with the help of Marian Hossa and Nick Leddy. The Blackhawks extended the lead with a Leddy goal, his second of the year, guided in by Andrew Shaw and Jeremy Morin. Chicago padded the lead in the third period on a Ben Smith goal, his second of the season, made possible by Bollig and Duncan Keith. This made the final 5-1, with the three stars being Bollig, Leddy, and Crawford (26 for 27 in saves), while Kruger gets an honorable mention.

Next up, the Buffalo Sabres welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Jhonas Enroth are set to start. Buffalo got going in the second period with a Cody Hodgson power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Matt Moulson and Mark Pysyk. Anaheim tied it with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his sixth of the year, via Dustin Penner and Francois Beauchemin. The Ducks took the lead on a Sami Vatanen goal, made possible Andrew Cogliano and Daniel Winnik. Anaheim added on with a Emerson Etem goal, his third of the campaign, assisted by Mathieu Perreault and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Ducks extended the lead on a Corey Perry goal, his seventh of the season, with assists provided by Cam Fowler and Getzlaf. Anaheim padded the lead as Etem found twine again for his second of the game and fourth of the year, guided in by Perreault and Bryan Allen. The Sabres got one back with a Henrik Tallinder goal, courtesy of Hodgson and Moulson. Buffalo pulled closer on a Tyler Myers goal, set up by Johan Larsson. The Ducks wrapped it up at 6-3 with Perry's second of the game and eighth of the campaign, coming off of Getzlaf and Hampus Lindholm. The three stars were Getzlaf, Perry, and Etem, while Hodgson and Moulson get the honorable mentions.

Down in New Jersey, where the Devils bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery and Martin Brodeur are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Brayden Schenn goal, his third of the season, assisted by Andrej Meszaros and Wayne Simmonds. This was the only goal in the game, so the Flyers won 1-0. The three stars were Emery (14 save shutout), Schenn, and Brodeur (20 for 21 in saves).

Out on Long Island, the New York Islanders host the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson and Kevin Poulin are the backups making the spot starts. New York led off in the second period as John Tavares scored his sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Thomas Vanek. The Islanders added on with an Andrew MacDonald goal, made possible by Travis Hamonic and Kyle Okposo. Boston got on the board with a Douge Hamilton power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Reilly Smith and Ryan Spooner. New York replied as Vanek notched his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Okposo and Hamonic. They held on for a 3-1 win, with the three stars being Vanek, Okposo, and Hamonic.

Staying in the region, the New York Rangers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Henrik Lundqvist are between the pipes. New York opened in the first period with a Carl Hagelin goal, fueled by Benoit Pouliot and Brad Richards. The Rangers added on in the second period with the second of the game for Hagelin, assisted by Taylor Pyatt and Ryan McDonagh. New York extended the lead with a Derek Stepan power play goal, set up by Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello. Carolina got on the board when Andrej Sekera scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Jiri Tlusty and Justin Faulk. The Rangers replied in the third period as Stepan scored his second of the game, via Zuccarello and Kreider. That trio wrapped up the game at 5-1 for New York as well, as Stepan finished his hat trick, and assists from Zuccarello and Kreider gave each of them a sock trick. The three stars were Stepan, Hagelin, and Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), while Zuccarello and Kreider.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop will wear the masks. St. Louis struck first in the first period on an Alex Pietrangelo goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by David Backes and Alexander Steen. Tampa Bay got on the board with an unassisted goal by Alex Killorn, his fourth of the year. The Lightning took the lead in the second period on a Steven Stamkos goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Killorn and Mark Barberio. The Blues retied it with a Jaden Schwartz goal, his third of the year, via Kevin Shattenkirk and Patrik Berglund. Tampa Bay took the lead back in the third period as Brett Connolly scored, thanks to Radko Gudas and Valtteri Filppula. The Lightning added on a Filppula goal, his fifth of the campaign, with assists provided by Killorn and Eric Brewer. This was good for a 4-2 win, with the three stars being Killorn, Filppula, Bishop (28 for 30 in saves).

As far to the northwest as you can go in the league, the Vancouver Canucks host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer is mismatched with Roberto Luongo in goal. Vancouver was first to score in the first period on a Daniel Sedin goal, his seventh of the season, coming on the power play from Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler. The Canucks added on in the second period as Zack Kassian scored his third of the year, thanks to Brad Richardson and Alexander Edler. Vancouver extended the lead on a Chris Higgins goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Christopher Tanev and Mike Santorelli. The Canucks padded the lead in the third period on a Dan Hamhuis goal, his second of the year, fueled by Richardson and Darren Archibald. The final stood at 4-0, with the three stars going to Luongo (21 save shutout), Daniel Sedin, and Richardson.

Back east, the Washington Capitals welcome the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Michal Neuvirth are the young goalies. Washington began in the first period as Nicklas Backstrom scored his fifth of the season, assisted by Eric Fehr and Mike Green. Florida tied it in the second period as Jesse Winchester scored his third of the year, with a lone assist from Scottie Upshall. The Capitals retook the lead on a John Carlson goal, made possible by Michael Latta and Karl Alzner. The Panthers pulled even again in the third period on a Tomas Fleischmann power play goal, his third of the campaign, powered by Brian Campbell and Jonathan Huberdeau. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Mikhail Grabovski, Brooks Laich, and Backstrom all scored for the Capitals to top a lone tally by Aleksander Barkov for the Panthers for a 3-2 win. Backstrom, Neuvirth (31 for 33 in saves), and Carlson were the three stars.

West a touch to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jeff Zatkoff and Curtis McElhinney are the backups in the creases. Pittsburgh got going in the second period on a Deryk Engelland goal, his second of the season, via Joe Vitale and Dustin Jeffrey. The Penguins added on in the third period as Chris Kunitz scored his eighth of the year, assisted by Pascal Dupuis and Paul Martin. Pittsburgh wrapped it up at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Jussi Jokinen, his seventh of the campaign, set up by Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The three stars were Engelland, Zatkoff (19 save shutout), and McElhinney (24 for 26 in saves).

Crossing into Canada again, the Edmonton Oilers host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Richard Bachman are the little-known goalies. Detroit started in the first period on a Darren Helm goal, assisted by Daniel Cleary and Daniel Alfredsson. The Red Wings added on with a Tomas Tatar goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Joakim Andersson. Detroit extended the lead in the second period as Jakub Kindl scored, via Alfredsson and Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings padded the lead in the third period on an Andersson goal, his second of the year, fueled by Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader. Detroit iced it at 5-0 with a Todd Bertuzzi power play goal, his fourth of the campaign, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Kindl. The three stars went to Andersson, Kindl, and Mrazek (14 save shutout), while Alfredsson gets an honorable mention.

Down in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj faces his old team, who plays Jean-Sebastien Giguere in goal. Colorado dented the scoreboard in the second period as Gabriel Landeskog notched his fifth of the season, passed from Marc-Andre Cliche and Patrick Bordeleau. Montreal tied it in the third period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his seventh of the year coming on the power play, powered by P.K. Subban and Alex Galchenyuk. The Avalanche took the lead back as Nathan MacKinnon scored his second of the campaign, with the help of Landeskog and Jan Hejda. Colorado added on with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. The Avalanche iced it at 4-1 with a P.A. Parenteau empty net goal, set up by Matt Duchene and Andre Benoit. The three stars were Landeskog, Giguere (29 for 30 in saves), and MacKinnon.

Into California, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Jonathan Quick protect the nets. Nashville led off in the first period with a David Legwand goal, his third of the season coming on the power play via Seth Jones and Patric Hornqvist. The Predators added on with a power play goal by Shea Weber, his fourth of the year, powered by Hornqvist and Mike Fisher. Los Angeles got on the board as Anze Kopitar scored his third of the season, with a lone assist by Jake Muzzin. Nashville replied in the second period on an Eric Nystrom goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Hornqvist, who got a sock trick. The Kings answered in the third period with a Dustin Brown goal, his third of the season, passed from Kopitar and Justin Williams. Los Angeles tied it on a power play goal by Mike Richards, his third of the year, guided in by Tyler Toffoli and Muzzin. The Predators edged ahead with another Legwand goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, made possible by Mattias Ekholm. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the three stars awarded to Legwand, Kopitar, and Hornqvist, while Muzzin gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Phoenix quickly struck first in the first period on an Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Rob Klinkhammer and Mikkel Boedker. San Jose tied it in the second period on a Joe Pavelski goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Matthew Nieto and Tommy Wingels. The Sharks took the lead as Dan Boyle scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Pavelski and Joe Thornton. The Coyotes retied it on a Boedker goal, his third of the year, coming off of Derek Morris. The tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where Logan Couture scored for San Jose but was matched by Radim Vrbata for Phoenix before Vermette scored to give the Coyotes a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Vermette, Boedker, and Pavelski.

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NHL Day 32 2013-2014

Eight games on tonight, beginning in...

Raleigh, as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Justin Peters are the unreliable goalies. Tampa Bay got going in the second period on a Victor Hedman goal, his second of the season, fueled by Nate Thompson and B.J. Crombeen. The Lightning added on in the third period with a Steven Stamkos goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Alex Killorn and Martin St. Louis. Tampa Bay iced it at 3-0 with a Killorn goal, his third of the campaign, with a lone assist by St. Louis. The three stars were Bishop (31 save shutout), Killorn, and St. Louis.

Up in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Washington Capitals. Steve Mason and Braden Holtby are in the creases. Washington started in the first period on a Nicklas Backstrom goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Martin Erat and Nate Schmidt. The Capitals added on in the second period as Joel Ward scored his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Jason Chimera and Mikhail Grabovski. Washington extended the lead with a Chimera goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone Grabovski assist. Ray Emery came on in relief of Mason at this time. The Capitals padded the lead as Backstrom scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, thanks to Eric Fehr and Erat. Washington struck again with a Ward goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, via Grabovski, who got a sock trick, and Chimera. The Capitals kept going on a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Mike Green and Backstrom. Washington wrapped it up at 7-0 with a Ward power play goal, completing his hat trick with his sixth of the campaign, set up by Chimera, who got a sock trick, and Fehr. Ward, Chimera, and Backstrom were awarded the three stars, while Grabovski, Fehr, Erat, and Holtby (30 save shutout) got the honorable mentions.

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period on a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Paul Martin and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on a Brandon Sutter goal, his second of the year, thanks to Tanner Glass and Craig Adams in the second period. Pittsburgh extended the lead on a Kris Letang power play goal, his second of the season, via Matt Niskanen and Evgeni Malkin. Curtis McElhinny relieved Bobrovsky at this time. The Penguins padded the lead as Jayson Megna scored his second of the year, courtesy of Jussi Jokinen and Malkin. Columbus got one back as Derek MacKenzie scored, with the help of Nick Foligno and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets chipped closer in the third period on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fourth of the campaign, guided in by R.J. Umberger and James Wisniewski. They still lost 4-2, with the three stars going to Malkin, Letang, and Fleury (37 for 39 in saves).

North to Ottawa, as the Senators bring in the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Robin Lehner receive the starting nods. Ottawa began in the first period as Eric Condra scored, thanks to Derek Grant. The Senators added on with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his third of the season, made possible by Erik Karlsson and Chris Phillips. New York got on the board in the second period as John Tavares scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo. The Islanders tied it with a Matt Martin goal, his second of the season, coming off of Matt Carkner and Brock Nelson. Ottawa retook the lead as Bobby Ryan scored his seventh of the year, assisted by Patrick Wiercioch and Karlsson. The Senators extended the lead as Clarke MacArthur scored, with the help of Ryan and Kyle Turris. New York pulled back as Pierre-Marc Bouchard scored his second of the season, with helpers provided by Matt Donovan and Okposo. The Islanders got another equalizer in the third period as Frans Nielsen found twine on his eighth of the year, passed from Thomas Hickey and Bouchard. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Nielsen had the lone tally to give the Islanders a 5-4 win. The three stars were Nielsen, Bouchard, and Okposo, while Ryan and Karlsson are the honorable mentions.

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jacob Markstrom wear the masks. St. Louis struck first in the first period on a Derek Roy goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues added on as Stewart scored in the second period, with the help of Barret Jackman and Vladimir Sobotka. St. Louis extended the lead on a power play goal by Alex Pietrangelo, powered by David Backes and Jay Bowmeester as his third of the year. The Blues padded the lead with the twelfth of the campaign by Alexander Steen, assisted by T.J. Oshie and Backes. They coasted to a 4-0 win, with the three stars going to Elliott (31 save shutout), Stewart, and Backes.

Back north, the Minnesota Wild welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Josh Harding are in the blue paint. Minnesota opened in the first period with a Justin Fontaine goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Keith Ballard and Torrey Mitchell. Montreal tied it with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Alex Galchenyuk and Andrei Markov. The Wild took the lead in the second period on a Jason Pominville goal, his eighth of the season, thanks to Mikael Granlund. Minnesota added on in the third period as Nino Neiderreiter scored his third of the year, with assists provided by Granlund and Pominville. The Canadiens got one back as P.K. Subban scored a power play goal, his third of the season, with a lone assist from Markov. Montreal tied it on a Brian Gionta goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Markov, who got a sock trick, and Subban. The Wild retook the lead as Pominville scored his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, with the help of Zach Parise and Ballard. They held on for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Pominville, Subban, and Markov, while Ballard and Granlund get the honorable mentions.

South again to Dallas, as the Stars host the Colorado Avalanche. Troublemaker Semyon Varlamov opposes squeaky-clean Kari Lehtonen in goal. Colorado led off in the first period with a Paul Stastny goal, his third of the season, assisted by Alex Tanguay and Jan Hejda. The Avalanche added on in the second period with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Nathan MacKinnon. Dallas got on the board in the third period when Alex Goligoski scored his second of the season, thanks to Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley. The Stars tied it with a Seguin goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Peverley and Jamie Benn. Colorado won 3-2 in overtime on another Stastny goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, fueled by Nate Guenin and Ryan Wilson. The three stars were given to Stastny, Seguin, and Peverley.

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard faces his former understudy, Joey MacDonald, in goal. Detroit dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Todd Bertuzzi and Jakub Kindl. The Red Wings added on as Henrik Zetterberg sank his seventh of the year, via Bertuzzi and Datsyuk. Calgary got on the board in the second period as Chris Butler scored, with the help of Jiri Hudler and Derek Smith. The Flames tied it as Sean Monahan notched his seventh of the season, assisted by Michael Cammalleri and Kris Russell. Detroit took the lead back in the third period on a Tomas Tatar goal, his second of the year, made possible by Joakim Andersson and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his second of the season, set up by Kronwall and Danny DeKeyser. Calgary got one back late as Curtis Glencross put away his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Matt Stajan and Hudler. They failed to tie the game, losing 4-3, with the three stars being Datsyuk, Hudler, and Bertuzzi, while Kronwall gets an honorable mention.

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KHL Day 59 2013-2014

Twelve games on for the last big day for awhile, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Mathieu Garon protect the nets. Omsk opened in the first period with a Denis Kazionov goal, assisted by Semyon Zherebtsov and Roman Berdnikov. Avangard added on in the second period as Sergei Kostitsyn scored an unassisted goal. Omsk extended the lead as Denis Kulyash scored, thanks to Kostitsyn and Andrei Ivanov. Avangard padded the lead with an Alexander Popov power play goal, powered by Alexander Frolov and Kostitsyn. Nizhnekamsk got on the board as Andrei Taratukhin scored, with the help of Roman Lyuduchin and Bogdan Yakimov. Neftekhimik got closer with a Nikolai Belov goal, fueled by Denis Tolpeko and Yakimov. They got no closer, losing 4-2, with Kostitsyn, Kulyash, and Yakimov getting the three stars.

Moving along to Yekaterinburg, as Avtomobilist welcomes Metallurg Magnitgorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Jakub Kovar are the starting goalies.Yekaterinburg was first to score in the first period with an Anton Lazarev goal, assisted by Artyom Chernov and Fyodor Malykhin. Avtomobilist added on as Lazarev scored again in the second period, with a lone helper by Sami Lepisto. Yekaterinburg extended the lead on a power play goal by Sergei Gusev, powered by Igor Yemeleyev. Magnitogorsk got on the board as Danis Zaripov scored, thanks to Sergei Mozyakin. Avtomobilist replied on an Andre Deveaux goal, coming off of Anatoly Golyshev and Vasily Streltsov. Metallurg pulled back as Mozyakin potted the puck, with assists provided by Chris Lee and Jan Kovar. Magnitogorsk got closer as Zaripov scored another goal in the third period, via Vladimir Malenkikh. Metallurg tied it as Zaripov finished his hat trick, courtesy of Jan Kovar. Yekaterinburg avoided the collapse by winning 5-4 in the shootout with a lone tally by Malykhin. The three stars were given to Zaripov, Malykhin, and Lazarev, while Mozyakin and Jan Kovar get the honorable mentions.

Down in Astana, Barys brings in Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexei Volkov and Ari Ahonen draw the starts. Astana struck first on an unassisted Nigel Dawes goal in the first period. Barys added on with a Brandon Bochenski goal, fueled by Dustin Boyd and Vladimir Grebenshchikov. Ufa got on the board with a power play goal in the second period by Teemu Hartikainen, powered by Kirill Koltsov and Anton Babchuk. Salavat Yulaev tied it on a Dmitry Makarov goal, set up by Ildar Isangulov and Hartikainen. Astana took the lead again in the third period as Bochenski scored his second of the game, via Maxim Semyonov and Dawes. They held on for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Bochenski, Dawes, and Hartikainen.

Back up in Russia, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Mikhail Biryukov are in the blue paint. Khanty-Mansiysk got going in the second period with an Evgeny Khvostov goal, fueled by Marek Troncinsky. Chelyabinsk tied it with an Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, powered by Jan Bulis and Maxim Kondratyev. Traktor took the lead on an Andrei Popov goal, made possible by Anton Glinkin. Yugra retied it in the third period it as Tomas Starosta scored, with a lone assist by Veli-Matti Savinainen. Khanty-Mansiysk pulled ahead with a power play goal by Igor Skorokhodov, coming off of Starosta. Chelyabinsk tied it again as Kuznetsov scored his second of the game, thanks to Konstantin Klimontov. Traktor won 4-3 on a Bulis goal in overtime, with Kuznetsov getting credit for the assist. The three stars were Kuznetsov, Bulis, and Starosta.

To the west, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist and Jakub Stepanek are the solid goalies. Riga dented the scoreboard in the first period as Martins Cipulis scored a power play goal, powered by Paul Szczechura and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. This was the only goal in the game, giving Dinamo a 1-0 win. The three stars were Tellqvist (40 save shutout), Cipulis, and Stepanek (21 for 22 in saves).

Onward to Yaroslavl, Lokomotiv brings in CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Vitaly Kolesnik are between the pipes. Yaroslavl started in the first period on an Alexei Kruchinin goal, fueled by Kirill Kapustin. Moscow tied it with a goal by Ilari Filppula, coming off of Sergei Shirokov and Alexei Morozov. CSKA took the lead in the third period on a Shirokov goal, with a lone Filppula assist. Moscow extended the lead with a power play goal by Mikhail Naumenkov goal, powered by Filppula and Morozov. This made it a 3-1 final, with Filppula, Shirokov, and Morozov getting the three stars.

Further to the west, SKA St. Petersburg hosts Slovan Bratislava. Jaroslav Janus and Alexander Salak guard the cages. St. Petersburg led off in the first period with an Artemy Panarin goal, coming off of Alexei Ponikarovsky. Bratislava tied it as Tomas Netik scored, with the help of Roman Kukumberg and Michel Miklik. SKA took the lead back in the second period as Vadim Shipachyov scored, courtesy of Ilya Kovalchuk and Tony Martensson on the power play. St. Petersburg added on with another Panarin goal, with assists provided by Ponikarovsky and Alexander Kucheryavenko. SKA extended the lead in the third period as Ponikarovsky found twine, via Alexei Semenov. Slovan got one back on a Milan Bartovic power play goal, powered by Martin Skoula and Juraj Mikus. They still lost 4-2, with the three stars being Ponikarovsky, Panarin, and Shipachyov.

Backtracking to Moscow, where Spartak welcomes Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Jeff Glass are the masked men. Moscow got going in the third period as Viktor Bobrov scored, thanks to Valery Vasilyev and Igor Volkov. They took a 1-0 win on this goal, with the three stars being Glass (24 save shutout), Bobrov, and Murygin (21 for 22 in saves).

Slightly to the north, Atlant Mytishchi brings in Lev Prague (and the Miss Universe pageant, but that's not what this blog focuses on). Petri Vehanen and Stanislav Galimov are the reliable goalies. Prague began in the first period with a Ryan O'Byrne goal, fueled by Topi Jaakola and Petr Vrana. Lev added on in the second period with a power play goal by Patrik Zackrisson, powered by Mikko Maenpaa and Nathan Oystrick. Prague extended the lead with a Michal Birner goal, set up by Marc-Andre Gragnani and Vrana. Lev padded the lead in the third period on a Justin Azevedo goal, courtesy of Maenpaa and Jakub Klepis. This was good for a 4-0 win, with the three stars going to Vehanen (16 save shutout), Vrana, and Maenpaa.

Exiting Russia to the west, we land in Belarus with Dinamo Minsk hosting Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Kevin Lalande have the green light to start. Minsk opened with a power play goal by Zbynek Irgl in the first period, powered by Andrei Stas and Andrei Filichkin. Vladivostok tied it on a Richard Gynge goal, coming off of Artyom Zemchyonok. Dinamo took the lead back as Alexei Kalyuzhny scored a power play goal, with the help of Filichkin. Admiral tied it again in the second period on an Andrei Nikitenko goal, courtesy of Alexei Ugarov and Zemchyonok. Minsk regained the lead with a Geoff Platt goal, set up by Tomas Surovy and Filichkin, the latter getting a sock trick. Vladivostok pulled even with an Igor Bortnikov goal, made possible by Evgeny Grachyov and Michael Commodore in the third period. The tie was broken in favor of Admiral as Niclas Bergfors potted the only goal in the shootout for a 4-3 win. The three stars were Filichkin, Zemchyonok, and Bergfors.

Into Ukraine, as Donbass Donetsk welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen and Michael Leighton occupy the creases. Novosibirsk dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Dmitry Kugryshev goal, coming off of Ivan Lekomtsev. Donetsk tied it with a Lukas Kaspar power play goal, powered by Peter Podhradsky. Sibir took the lead in the third period with another Kugryshev goal, courtesy of Oleg Gubin. This was good for a 2-1 win, with Kugryshev, Koskinen (35 for 36 in saves), and Leighton (33 for 35 in saves) getting the three stars.

Finally, in Croatia, Medvescak Zagreb brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Mark Dekanich are in goal. Zagreb was first to score in the first period on a Jonathan Cheechoo power play goal, powered by Kurtis Foster and Matt Murley. Medvescak added on in the second period as Matt Ellison scored, with the help of Michael Ryan. Novokuznetsk got on the board with a shorthanded goal by Ansel Galimov, set up by Rafael Akhmetov. Metallurg tied it with a Damir Zhafyarov goal, coming off of Yegor Martynov and Akhmetov. Zagreb took the lead again in the third period on a power play goal by Mark Katic, with a lone assist from Ellison. Novokuznetsk tied it again on another Zhafyarov goal, going in unassisted. Medvescak won it with a Ryan Vesce shootout goal for a 4-3 win. The three stars were Zhafyarov, Akhmetov, and Ellison.

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Thursday Night Football Week 9 2013

Tonight's game is in Miami, as the Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati got going in the second quarter on a Mike Nugent field goal of 31 yard field goal. Miami took the lead as Ryan Tannehill ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Caleb Sturgis made the extra point. The Dolphins extended the lead as Sturgis made a 36 yard field goal. Miami added on in the third quarter as Brent Grimes returned an interception of Andy Dalton for 94 yards and a touchdown, and Sturgis booted the extra point. The Bengals got some back as Giovani Bernard rushed in a 3 yard touchdown, and Nugent was true with the PAT. Cincinnati tied it when Bernard ran 35 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Nugent was there with the extra point. The Bengals took the lead as Nugent drilled a 54 yard field goal. The Dolphins forced overtime when Sturgis made a 44 yard field goal late. Miami won 22-20 in overtime with Cameron Wake sacking Dalton for a safety and the victory. The Dolphins improve to 4-4 while the Bengals drop to 6-3.

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NHL Day 31 2013-2014

Only three games tonight, starting in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Tuukka Rask draw the starts. Anaheim began in the first period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, assisted by Mathieu Perreault and Dustin Penner. Boston tied it in the second period on a Carl Soderberg goal, via Chris Kelly and Ryan Spooner. The Ducks retook the lead as Perreault scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Smith-Pelly and Cam Fowler. The Bruins pulled even again in the third period as Zdeno Chara scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by David Krejci and Torey Krug. Boston won it 3-2 in the shootout with a lone tally by Jarome Iginla. The three stars were Smith-Pelly, Perreault, and Iginla.

Down in New York, the Rangers welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New York was first to score in the first period as Derick Brassard scored his second of the season, thanks to Michael Del Zotto and J.T. Miller on the power play. The Rangers added on in the second period with the second of the year by Chris Kreider, fueled by Mats Zuccarello and Ryan McDonagh. They coasted to a 2-0 win from here, with the three stars being Lundqvist (29 save shutout), Brassard, and Kreider.

Finally, in Phoenix, the Coyotes bring in the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Thomas Greiss are the backups playing goal. Nashville led off in the first period on a Matt Hendricks goal, assisted by David Legwand and Mattias Ekholm. The Predators added on as Eric Nystrom potted his third of the season, via Patric Hornqvist and Legwand. Nashville extended the lead on a Legwand power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Seth Jones and Shea Weber. Phoenix got on the board with a second period goal by Jordan Szwarz, coming off of Zbynek Michalek and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes pulled closer with a Derek Morris goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Keith Yandle and David Moss. The Predators replied in the third period as Paul Gaustad scored his second of the year, with assists provided by Nick Spaling. Phoenix answered on a power play goal by Shane Doan, his fourth of the season, set up by Mike Ribeiro and Yandle. The Coyotes pulled even with an Antoine Vermette goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Doan and Kyle Chipchura. Phoenix won 5-4 in the shootout on a lone tally by Mikkel Boedker. The three stars belonged to Legwand, Doan, and Yandle.

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KHL Day 58 2013-2014

Only two games from Russia today, beginning in...

Nizhny Novgorod, as Torpedo hosts Vityaz Podolsk. Ivan Lisutin and Vitaly Koval are in the creases. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period with a Vladimir Galuzin goal, assisted by Vladimir Denisov. Torpedo added on in the second period as Jarkko Immonen scored, thanks to Denis Parshin and Sakari Salminen. Nizhny Novgorod extended the lead in the third period on an unassisted goal by Parshin. Torpedo padded the lead with a Galuzin goal, going in unassisted. Nizhny Novgorod iced it at 5-0 with a Pavel Valentenko goal, made possible by Justin Hodgman and Sergei Bernatsky. The three stars were Galuzin, Koval (17 shutout), and Parshin.

The other game comes from Kazan, as Ak Bars hosts Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Lazushin and Konstantin Barulin occupy the blue paint. Moscow started in the first period with a power play goal by Konstantin Volkov, powered by Maxim Karpov and Alexei Tsvetkov. Kazan tied it with an unassisted goal by Alexander Svitov. Ak Bars took the lead in the second period on a Chris Bourque goal, with a lone assist by Tim Stapleton. Kazan added on with a Shaun Heshka goal, fueled by Alexander Burmistrov and Evgeny Medvedev. Dynamo got one back in the third period as Volkov found twine again, with the help of Yury Babenko. They couldn't tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars being Volkov, Barulin (29 for 31 in saves), and Heshka.

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NHL Day 30 2013-2014

There are four games on tonight, beginning in...

Calgary, as the Flames host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Karri Ramo are given the starting nods. Toronto led off in the first period with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri. The Maple Leafs added on as James van Riemsdyk scored his seventh of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Jay McClement. Calgary got on the board in the second period as Matt Stajan scored, with the help of Curtis Glencross and T.J. Brodie. Toronto answered in the third period as Mason Raymond scored, via David Clarkson. The Flames got one back as David Jones scored his third of the year, courtesy of Kris Russell and Dennis Wideman. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-2 with a Paul Ranger empty net goal, an unassisted goal. The three stars were Bernier (41 for 43 in saves), Raymond, and van Riemsdyk.

Way to the east, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. Pittsburgh started in the second period as Chris Kunitz scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby. Boston tied it in the third period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his third of the year, made possible by Dennis Seidenberg and Brad Marchand. The Penguins took the lead back with a Brandon Sutter goal, fueled by Pascal Dupuis and Brooks Orpik. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Jussi Jokinen scored his sixth of the season, going in unassisted. The Bruins pulled back as Jarome Iginla notched his third of the year, via Milan Lucic and Bergeron. They failed to tie it even after a late rally, losing 3-2, with the three stars being Bergeron, Jokinen, and Sutter.

Southwest to Los Angeles, as the Kings host the San Jose Sharks in the Battle of California. Antti Niemi and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. San Jose quickly began in the first period as Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored his third of the season, assisted by Logan Couture and Tyler Kennedy. Los Angeles tied it with a Drew Doughy goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Justin Williams. The Sharks retook the lead as Joe Pavelski scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Tommy Wingels. The Kings tied it in the second period on a Jarret Stoll goal, his second of the year, thanks to Slava Voynov and Dustin Brown. San Jose took the lead back as Couture scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal, powered by Patrick Marleau and Jason Demers. The Kings evened in the third period on a Williams power play goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards. The Kings won 4-3 in overtime as Kopitar notched his second of the campaign, a power play goal, coming off of Doughty and Richards. The three stars were Kopitar, Doughty, and Couture, while Williams and Richards get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Roberto Luongo protect the nets. Vancouver opened in the first period with a Daniel Sedin goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Henrik Sedin and Ryan Stanton. Detroit tied it when Daniel Alfredsson scored his third of the year, with the help of Brendan Smith and Kyle Quincey. The Red Wings took the lead as Tomas Tatar scored, thanks to Niklas Kronwall and Danny DeKeyser. This was good for a 2-1 win, with Howard (19 for 20 in saves), Tatar, and Alfredsson getting the three stars.

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KHL Day 57 2013-2014

There are twelve games going today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexei Volkov and Mathieu Garon draw the starts. Ufa got going in the third period as Antti Pihlstrom scored, courtesy of Kirill Koltsov and Andrei Zubarev. Omsk tied it on an Alexander Popov power play goal, going in unassisted. Avangard won it 2-1 in the shootout as tallies by Alexander Frolov and Dmitry Semin scored to overpower Teemu Hartikainen. The three stars were Garon (19 for 20 in saves), Volkov (29 for 30 in saves), and Popov.

Moving along to Yekaterinburg, as Avtomobilist welcomes Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Jakub Kovar are in the blue paint. Yekaterinburg was first to score in the first period on a Sami Lepisto power play goal, powered by Anton Lazarev. Avtomobilist added on in the second period when Anatoly Golyshev scored, thanks to Sergei Gusev. This was good for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being handed to Kovar (28 save shutout), Lepisto, and Golyshev.

Way down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana brings in Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Ari Ahonen are the reliable goalies. Astana led off in the first period with a Konstantin Romanov goal, fueled by Vladimir Grebenshchikov and Nikolai Antropov. Nizhnekamsk tied it as Yegor Milovzorov scored, thanks to Nikita Shchitov. Barys took the lead back as Mikhail Panshin scored, with the help of Grebenshchikov. Astana extended the lead with an unassisted goal by Dustin Boyd. Barys added on with another Romanov goal, made possible by Nigel Dawes and Boyd. Astana padded the lead as Roman Savchenko scored a power play goal, powered by Talgat Zhailauov and Antropov. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Romanov, Boyd, and Grebenshchikov, while Antropov got an honorable mention.

Back into Russia, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Mikhail Biryukov occupy the creases. Magnitogorsk started in the first period with a power play goal by Viktor Antipin, with a lone assist by Danis Zaripov. Metallurg added on as Chris Lee scored, thanks to Evgeny Grigorenko and Vladimir Malinovsky. Magnitogorsk extended the lead as Zaripov scored, with the help of Sergei Mozyakin. Metallurg padded the lead as Malinovsky scored, courtesy of Anton Shenfeld. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with a power play goal by Kirill Knyazev, powered by Ivan Khylntsev and Mikhail Yakubov. Yugra pulled closer in the second period as Vitaly Sitnikov scored, with assists provided by Tomas Starosta and Mikhail Zukhov. Magnitogorsk replied on an Evgeny Timkin goal, made possible by Lee. The scoring ended here, with the final being 5-2, and the three stars were handed to Lee, Zaripov, and Malinovsky.

Northwest to Cherepovets, as Severstal welcomes CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Jakub Stepanek are between the pipes. Cherepovets struck first in the first period on a Gennady Stolyarov power play goal, powered by Vadim Berdnikov and Vladimir Antipov. Moscow tied it as Andrei Pervyshin scored, thanks to Ilari Filppula and Igor Grigorenko. CSKA took the lead in the second period on a Brandon Reid goal, fueled by Pervyshin and Steven Eminger. Severstal retied it with a Nikolai Kazakovtsev goal, coming off of Pavel Buchnevich. The tie lasted to a shootout, where a sixth round goal by Nikita Zaitsev lifted CSKA to a 3-2 win. The three stars were Pervyshin, Zaitsev, and Stana (25 for 27 in saves).

Over in Yaroslavl, Lokomotiv brings in Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist and Curtis Sanford guard the cages. Riga opened with a first period goal by Gints Meija, assisted by Arvids Rekis and Sandis Ozolins. Dinamo added on as Marcel Hascak scored, with the help of Deivids Sarkanis. Yaroslavl got on the board in the third period when Daniil Apalkov scored a shorthanded goal, set up by Sergei Plotnikov. They couldn't get an equalizer, dropping a 2-1 game, with the three stars being Tellqvist (26 for 27 in saves), Hascak, and Meija.

West to St. Petersburg, SKA hosts Lev Prague. Atte Engren is mismatched with Alexander Salak in goal. St. Petersburg dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Viktor Tikhonov power play goal, powered by Ilya Kovalchuk and Dmitry Kalinin. SKA added on as Andrei Sigaryov scored, thanks to Evgeny Skachkov. St. Petersburg extended the lead with a Roman Cervenka goal, passed from Vadim Shipachyov and Kovalchuk. SKA padded the lead as Shipachyov put away a power play goal, with a lone assist by Kovalchuk, who got a sock trick. St. Petersburg wrapped it up at 5-0 with an Igor Makarov goal, via Sigaryov. The three stars were Salak (30 save shutout), Sigaryov, and Shipachyov, while Kovalchuk gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Moscow, where Spartak welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen and Jeff Glass protect the nets. Moscow began in the second period with an Evgeny Kulik power play goal, powered by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Alexei Krutov. This was the only goal in the game, producing a 1-0 final, with the three stars going to Glass (26 save shutout), Kulik, and Koskinen (21 for 22 in saves).

Up in Mytishchi, Atlant brings in Slovan Bratislava. Jaroslav Janus and Stanislav Galimov are the reliable goalies. Bratislava got going in the second period with a Juraj Mikus goal, fueled by Martin Skoula and Milan Bartovic. They would coast to a 1-0 win from here, with the three stars being Janus (30 save shutout), Mikus, and Galimov (23 for 24 in saves).

Leaving Russia to the west, where Dinamo Minsk hosts Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Niko Hovinen and Kevin Lalande are the questionable goalies. Nozokuznetsk was first to score in the first period with a Damir Zhafyarov power play goal, powered by Rafael Akhmetov and Pavel Karnasky. Minsk tied it in the second period as Alexander Kitarov scored, with the help of Konstantin Zakharov. Dinamo took the lead as Geoff Platt scored, thanks to Ilya Shinkevich and Alexander Materukhin. Metallurg retied it in the third period on another Zhafyarov goal, coming off of Ansel Galimov. Minsk retook the lead on a Platt goal, with a lone helper by Zbynek Irgl. Dinamo extended the lead as Alexei Kalyuzhny scored, courtesy of Andrei Stas. Minsk iced it at 5-2 with a Kalyuzhny empty net goal, set up by Stas and Oleg Goroshko. The three stars were Platt, Zhafyarov, and Kalyuzhny, while Stas gets an honorable mention.

Into Croatia, where Medvescak Zagreb welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Joakim Lundstrom and Barry Brust are the masked men. Zagreb struck first in the first period as Hugh Jessiman scored, assisted by Boyd Kane. Medvescak added on with a Matt Ellison power play goal, powered by Ryan Vesce and Mathieu Carle. Vladivostok got on the board in the third period as Igor Bortnikov scored, thanks to Anton Poleshchuk and Viktor Drugov on the power play. Admiral tied it with another Bortnikov goal, made possible by Drugov and Evgeny Grachyov. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Ellison had a lone tally to lead Medvescak to a 3-2 victory. Ellison, Bortnikov, and Drugov are the three stars of the game.

Finally, in Ukraine, Donbass Donetsk brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Mika Jarvinen and Michael Leighton are the goalies. Khabarovsk dented the scoreboard in the first period as Timofei Shishkanov scored, with the help of Andrei Stepanov. Donetsk tied it on a Vaclav Nedorost goal, going in unassisted. Donbass took the lead with a power play goal by Petteri Wirtanen, powered by Oskars Bartulis and Teemu Laine. Donetsk added on as Maxim Yakutsenya scored, with a lone assist provided by Laine. Donbass extended the lead in the second period with an Oleg Piganovich goal, fueled by Yegor Morozov and Alexander Toryanik. Donetsk wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period on a Lukas Kaspar goal, assisted by Clay Wilson. The three stars were given to Wirtanen, Laine, and Leighton (36 for 37 in saves).

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NHL Day 29 2013-2014

Eight games on tonight, beginning in...

Montreal, as the Canadiens host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Carey Price are in the blue paint. Montreal began in the first period with a Michael Bournival goal, his third of the season, assisted by Raphael Diaz and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens added on in the second period as Rene Bourque scored his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Diaz. Dallas got on the board when Cody Eakin netted his third of the campaign, via Brenden Dillon. They failed to tie the game, with the final being 2-1, and the three stars were Price (26 for 27 in saves), Bourque, and Diaz.

Down in New York, the Islanders welcome their rivals from downtown, the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Evgeni Nabokov in goal. The Rangers were first to score in the first period on a Chris Kreider power play goal, powered by Brad Richards and Derek Stepan. The Islanders tied it with a Cal Clutterbuck goal in the second period, fueled by Matt Carkner. The Islanders took the lead on a Peter Regin goal, his second of the season, coming off of Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald. The Rangers retied it with a Ryan McDonagh power play goal in the third period, his second of the year, courtesy of Stepan and Mats Zuccarello. The Rangers gained the lead on the second of the campaign from Benoit Pouliot, guided in by Carl Hagelin and Michael Del Zotto. They held on for a 3-2 win, and the three stars were given to Pouliot, Stepan, and McDonagh.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Steve Mason are the ineffective goalies. Philadelphia opened in the first period as Matt Read potted his third of the season, thanks to Wayne Simmonds and Nicklas Grossmann. The Flyers added on with a Vincent Lecavalier power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Claude Giroux and Simmonds. Anaheim got on the board in the second period as Andrew Cogliano scored his second of the season, via Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks tied it in the third period when Kyle Palmieri scored his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Anaheim pulled ahead as Palmieri notched his second of the game and third of the campaign, made possible by Nick Bonino and Sami Vatanen. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Palmieri, Cogliano, and Simmonds.

Back east a little, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Martin Brodeur receive the starting nods. New Jersey got going in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Adam Henrique, his fourth of the season, set up by Patrik Elias. The Devils added on as Jaromir Jagr scored his third of the year, an unassisted goal. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Steven Stamkos power play goal, his ninth of the campaign, powered by Teddy Purcell and Ryan Malone. This wasn't enough to avoid a 2-1 loss, with the three stars going to Jagr, Brodeur (16 for 17 in saves), and Henrique.

To the west, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Nikolai Khabibulin are the veteran starters. Chicago led off in the first period as Andrew Shaw netted his second of the season, a power play goal, powered by Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith. Ottawa tied it on a Milan Michalek goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Bobby Ryan. The Senators took the lead in the second period when Kyle Turris potted his second of the season, thanks to Clarke MacArthur and Erik Karlsson on the power play. The Blackhawks retied it as Marian Hossa scored his fifth of the year, via Jonathan Toews and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Ottawa took the lead back with a Joe Corvo goal, fueled by Jason Spezza and Michalek. The Senators added on as Miak Zibanejad potted his second of the season, guided in by Turris and Michalek. Chicago got one back as Jonathan Toews recorded his fifth of the year, assisted by Sharp and Hossa. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period when Toews scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, passed from Johnny Oduya. Chicago took the lead as Toews completed the natural hat trick on his seventh of the year, coming off of Brent Seabrook and Hossa. The Blackhawks extended the lead as Shaw scored his second of the game and third of the season, with Jeremy Morin getting the lone helper. Ottawa pulled back on a Zack Smith goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. They failed to get another equalizer, falling 6-5, with Toews, Hossa, and Shaw getting the three stars, while Michalek, Turris, Sharp and MacArthur got honorable mentions.

Down in St. Louis, the Blues welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Jaroslav Halak protect the nets. St. Louis started in the first period on a Brenden Morrow goal, his second of the season, assisted by Ryan Reaves and Kevin Shattenkirk. Winnipeg tied it with a power play goal by Blake Wheeler, his fifth of the year, powered by Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien. The Blues retook the lead in the third period as Alex Pietrangelo scored his second of the season, via T.J. Oshie. The Jets pulled even again on a shorthanded goal by Bryan Little, his seventh of the year, set up by Ladd. St. Louis won it late on an Alexander Steen goal, his eleventh of the campaign, coming on the power play with helpers provided by Jay Bouwmeester and Pietrangelo. This created the 3-2 final, with the three stars being Pietrangelo, Steen, and Ladd.

Northwest to Edmonton, where the Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Richard Bachman are the backups making spot starts. Toronto struck first in the first period with a Phil Kessel goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Mason Raymond. The Maple Leafs added on with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his sixth of the year, helped along by Kessel. Toronto extended the lead as Kessel scored his second of the game and ninth of the season, fueled by Dion Phaneuf and Kadri. The Maple Leafs padded the lead in the third period when Kadri recorded his fifth of the year, guided in by Morgan Rielly and Kessel. This was good for a 4-0 win, with the three stars being Kessel, Reimer (43 save shutout), and Kadri.

Down in Phoenix, the Coyotes bring in the Los Angeles Kings Ben Scrivens and Mike Smith occupy the creases. Phoenix dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Derek Morris goal, his third of the season, assisted by Kyle Chipchura and Andy Miele. The Coyotes added on as Shane Doan potted a power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Keith Yandle. Phoenix extended the lead in the third period as Chipchura scored his second of the campaign, fueled by David Moss and Miele. Los Angeles avoided the shutout as Jarret Stoll scored an unassisted power play goal, resulting in a 3-1 final score. The three stars were Smith (41 for 42 in saves), Chipchura, and Miele.

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KHL Day 56 2013-2014

One game on today, coming from Kazan, as Ak Bars hosts Vityaz Podolsk. Johan Backlund and Konstantin Barulin. Kazan led off in the first period with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, assisted by Alexander Burmistrov and Evgeny Medvedev. Ak Bars added on in the second period as Tim Stapleton scored a power play goal, powered by Medvedev and Shaun Heshka. Kazan extended the lead on a power play goal by Alexander Svitov, set up by Ilya Nikulin and Alexander Osipov. Podolsk got on the board as Anton Korolyov scored a power play goal, via Dmitry Shitikov and Vladimir Malevich. Vityaz pulled closer with an unassisted Korolyov. Podolsk tied it in the third period as Gleb Klimenko scored, thanks to the goalie Backlund and Shitikov on the power play. Vityaz gained the lead with a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, going in unassisted. Ak Bars tied it with an Evgeny Bodrov goal, fueled by Medvedev, who got a sock trick, and Heshka. Podolsk won it 5-4 with a lone tally by Shitikov in the shootout. The three stars were Shitikov, Korolyov, and Medvedev, while Heshka gets an honorable mention

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NHL Day 28 2013-2014

Five more games tonight, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Ryan Miller are the veteran goalies. Dallas began in the first period with a Vernon Fiddler goal, assisted by Lane MacDermid and Antoine Roussel. Buffalo tied it as Matt Moulson scored his seventh of the season, guided in by Tyler Ennis and Cody Hodgson. The Stars answered as Alex Goligoski potted the puck, with the help of Valeri Nichushkin and Jordie Benn. Dallas added on as Tyler Seguin nailed his fifth of the year, thanks to Erik Cole. The Stars extended the lead in the second period with a Jamie Benn goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Seguin and Cole. The Sabres got one back with a Steve Ott power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Mikhail Grigorenko and Tyler Myers. Buffalo pulled closer with Moulson's second of the game and eighth of the campaign, made possible by Christian Ehrhoff and Ennis. The third period saw no goals, so the Stars held on to win 4-3, and the three stars were Seguin, Moulson, and Cole, while Ennis gets an honorable mention.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury faces a lesser foe in Justin Peters in goal. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period on a Tanner Glass goal, his second of the season, guided in by Jayson Megna and Brooks Orpik. Carolina tied it as Nathan Gerbe scored his fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Elias Lindholm and Alexander Semin. The Penguins took the lead back in the second period on a Chris Kunitz goal, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Sidney Crosby and Orpik. Pittsburgh added on in the third period as Megna scored, with helpers provided by Crosby and Orpik, the latter getting a sock trick. The final was 3-1, with Megna, Orpik, and Crosby getting the three stars.

Back north to New York, where the Rangers finally make their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj is mismatched with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. Montreal got going in the second period on a Tomas Plekanec power play goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Michael Bournival and Brian Gionta. The Canadiens added on in the third period as Alex Galchenyuk scored his second of the year, via Lars Eller and Brendan Gallagher. This produced the 2-0 final score, with Budaj (27 save shutout), Plekanec, and Galchenyuk getting the three stars.

To the west, the Minnesota Wild bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Niklas Backstrom guard the cages. Chicago led off in the first period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his second of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Johnny Oduya. Minnesota tied it with a second period Jason Pominville goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Mikael Granlund and Clayton Stoner. The Blackhawks took the lead back with a Sheldon Brookbank goal, via Patrick Kane and Brandon Pirri. Chicago added on with a Nick Leddy power play goal, with a lone assist by Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks extended the lead in the third period as Kane scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Brandon Saad and Pirri. Chicago iced it at 5-1 with a Saad goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. Kane, Saad, and Crawford (29 for 30 in saves) get the three stars, while Pirri is given an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Roberto Luongo play in the blue paint. Vancouver struck first in the first period with a Zack Kassian goal, his second of the season, coming off of Chris Higgins and Kevin Bieksa. Washington tied it as Jason Chimera scored his fourth of the year, courtesy of Mike Green and Nate Schmidt. The Capitals took the lead in the third period on a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Chimera and Joel Ward. The Canucks tied it with a Ryan Kesler goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Daniel Sedin and Ryan Stanton. Vancouver took the lead as Daniel Sedin notched his fifth of the year, via Henrik Sedin and Christopher Tanev. They went on to win 3-2, with Daniel Sedin, Chimera, and Kesler getting the three stars.

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Monday Night Football Week 8 2013

The Monday Night Game this week comes from the same city as World Series Game 5, as the St. Louis Rams host the Seattle Seahawks. St. Louis opened in the first quarter with a Greg Zuerlein field goal of 33 yards. Seattle took the lead in the second quarter on a Russell Wilson touchdown pass of 2 yards to Golden Tate, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. The Rams got some back in the third quarter on a 28 yard Zuerlein field goal. The Seahawks replied as Wilson found Tate for 80 yards and a touchdown, and Hauschka nailed the extra point. St. Louis pulled closer with a 27 yard Zuerlein field goal in the fourth quarter. They couldn't pull ahead, losing 14-9, with the Seahawks now at 7-1 and the Rams falling to 3-5.

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KHL Day 55 2013-2014

After an off day yesterday, the schedule is packed with games, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Mathieu Garon guard the cages. Omsk led off in the first period with a power play goal by Maxim Kazakov, powered by Kirll Lyamin and Miroslav Blatak. Avangard added on as Kazakov scored again, with the help of Alexander Popov and Alexander Perezhogin. Magnitogorsk got on the board in the second period with a Sergei Mozyakin goal, assisted by Evgeny Biryukov and Viktor Antipin. Metallurg tied it with an unassisted Evgeny Timkin goal. Magnitogorsk took the lead as Mozyakin scored his second of the game in the third period, fueled by Jan Kovar and Danis Zaripov. Metallurg extended the lead on a Mozyakin power play goal that completed his hat trick, guided in by Kovar and Zaripov. Magnitogorsk wrapped it up at 5-2 when Zaripov scored, thanks to Kovar, who got a sock trick, and Antipin. The three stars were Mozyakin, Zaripov, and Kazakov, while Kovar and Antipin get the honorable mentions.

Next up, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk welcomes Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexei Volkov and Alexei Kuznetsov are the similarly named goalies. Ufa was first to score with an Antti Pihlstrom power play goal, with a lone assist by Andrei Zubarev. Salavat Yulaev added on with a shorthanded goal by Alexander Mereskin, set up by Alexander Stepanov. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with a power play goal by Igor Skorokhodov, guided in by Tomas Starosta and Vitaly Sitnikov. Ufa shot back with a power play goal by Igor Mirnov, powered by Kirill Koltsov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Yugra got one back in the second period as Marek Troncinsky scored an unassisted goal. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it with a Jonas Andersson power play goal, fueled by Stephen Dixon and Alexei Pepelyaev. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back in the third period as Kaigorodov scored, thanks to Pihlstrom and Mirnov. Ufa extended the lead as Mirnov scored his second of the game, via Pihlstrom. Yugra pulled back on a Veli-Matti Savinainen goal, coming off of Troncinsky. They failed to tie the game, losing 5-4, with the three stars being Mirnov, Pihlstrom, and Kaigorodov, while Troncinsky gets an honorable mention.

Moving along to Yekaterinburg, where Avtomobilist brings in Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Jakub Kovar are given the starting nods. Yekaterinburg dented the scoreboard in the first period on a power play goal by Fyodor Malykhin, powered by Anton Lazarev and Sami Lepisto. Nizhnekamsk tied it in the second period on an unassisted goal by Yegor Milovzorov. Avtomobilist took the lead back as Anatoly Golyshev scored, thanks to Andre Deveaux and Malykhin. Yekaterinburg added on in the third period as Vasily Streltsov scored, with the help of Golyshev and Deveaux. Neftekhimik got one back on a Bogdan Yakimov goal, with a lone assist by Milovzorov. This wasn't enough for them to avoid a 3-2 loss, and the three stars were Malykhin, Golyshev, and Milovzorov, while Deveaux gets an honorable mention.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Vladislav Fokin and Vitaly Yeremeyev are the backups making spot starts. Chelyabinsk got going in the second period with a Jan Bulis goal, coming off of Denis Abdullin. Traktor added on as Evgeny Kuznetsov scored a power play goal, powered by Petri Kontiola. Chelyabinsk extended the lead as Kuznetsov scored an unassisted goal. Traktor padded the lead in the third period with a Semyon Kokuyov goal, with assists provided by Anton Glinkin and Maxim Kondratyev. Astana got on the board with an unassisted Vladimir Grebenshchikov goal. Chelyabinsk replied as Andrei Kostitsyn scored an unassisted goal. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars being Kuznetsov, Fokin (32 for 33 in saves), and Bulis.

Back in Russia, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Lev Prague. Petri Vehanen and Jakub Stepanek are the solid goalies. Prague struck first in the second period on a Jiri Sekac goal, assisted by Petr Taticek. Cherepovets tied it in the third period with an Anatoly Nikontsev goal, fueled by Alexander Yevseyenkov and Nikolai Bushuyev. Severstal took the lead with a Vadim Berdnikov power play goal, powered by Bogdan Kiselevich and Vladimir Antipov. They would win 2-1, with the three stars going to Stepanek (35 for 36 in saves), Berdnikov, and Nikontsev.

West a bit to Yaroslavl, as Lokomotiv brings in Slovan Bratislava. Miroslav Kopriva and Vitaly Kolesnik are the masked men. Yaroslavl began in the first period with a Sergei Plotnikov goal, with a lone assist by Yegor Averin. Lokomotiv added on when Ilya Gorokhov scored, thanks to Plotnikov. Bratislava got on the board with a Michel Miklik power play goal in the third period, powered by Tomas Mojzis and Michal Vondrka. They couldn't get an equalizer, losing 2-1, with the three stars belonging to Kolesnik (30 for 31 in saves), Plotnikov, and Gorokhov.

Into Moscow, as Dynamo hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Vitaly Koval and Alexander Yeryomenko tend the twines. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period with a Wojtek Wolski goal, assisted by Pavel Valentenko and Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev. Moscow tied it with a Martins Karsums power play goal, powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Dmitry Vishnevsky. Dynamo took the lead on another Karsums power play goal in the second period, guided in by Denis Mosalyov and Gorovikov. They would coast to a 2-1 win from here, and the three stars were given to Karsums, Gorovikov, and Yeryomenko (28 for 29 in saves).

Staying in the city, Spartak Moscow welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Niko Hovinen and Alexei Ivanov are the questionable goalies. Moscow started in the first period on an Evgeny Kulik goal, fueled by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Denis Bodrov. Spartak added on as Andrei Sergeyev scored in the second period, thanks to Matt Anderson. Novokuznetsk got on the board with an Alexander Aksyonenko goal, made possible by Rafael Akhmetov and Damir Zhafyarov. Metallurg tied it with a Kurtis McLean goal, coming off of Semyon Valuisky and Evgeny Lapenkov. Novokuznetsk took the lead with a power play goal by Zhafyarov, powered by Tuukka Mantyla and Ansel Galimov. Moscow retied it with a Kozlov goal, via Alexei Krutov. Metallurg regained the lead on a Valuisky goal, set up by Yegor Martynov and Zakhar Arzamastsev on the power play. Spartak tied it again in the third period as Mikhail Yunkov scored a power play goal, with assists provided by Krutov and Kozlov. Moscow took the lead with an unassisted Bodrov goal. They went on to win 5-4, with Bodrov, Kozlov, and Krutov getting the three stars, while Zhafyarov and Valuisky get the honorable mentions.

Still in the Oblast, Atlant Mytishchi brings in Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist and Stanislav Galimov protect the nets. Riga got going in the third period on a Marcel Hossa power play goal, powered by Aleksandrs Nizivijs and Kyle Wilson. Mytishchi tied it with a Konstantin Koltsov power play goal, assisted by Igor Radulov and Yaroslav Dyblenko. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Yury Trubachyov of Atlant was cancelled out by Roberts Bukarts of Dinamo before Nizivijs scored the winning goal for a 2-1 victory for Dinamo. The three stars went to Nizivijs, Tellqvist (22 for 23 in saves), and Galimov (24 for 25 in saves).

West to St. Petersburg, where SKA hosts CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Alexander Salak are in the blue paint. St. Petersburg led off in the first period with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Roman Cervenka and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA added on with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, fueled by Tony Martensson and Patrick Thoresen. St. Petersburg extended the lead in the second period as Shipachyov found twine, via Dmitry Kalinin and Cervenka. SKA padded the lead with an Alexei Ponikarovsky goal, made possible by Evgeny Ryasensky and Alexander Kucheryavenko. Moscow got on the board with a Maxim Goncharov goal, coming off of Igor Grigorenko and Nikolai Prokhorkin. St. Petersburg answered with an Artemy Panarin goal, guided in by Ponikarovsky and Maxim Chudinov. CSKA shot back in the third period with a power play goal by Alexei Morozov, powered by Prokhorkin. This only made it 5-2, a final, with the three stars being given to Shipachyov, Ponikarovsky, and Cervenka, while Prokhorkin got the honorable mention.

Leaving Russia for Belarus, as Dinamo Minsk welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen and Lars Haugen are the Scandinavian goalies. Novosibirsk started in the first period with an Alexei Kopeikin goal, made possible by Nikolai Lemtyugov and Alexander Kutuzov. Sibir added on in the second period as Dmitry Kugryshev scored, thanks to Stepan Sannikov. Novosibirsk extended the lead on a Jonas Enlund goal, fueled by Kristian Kudroc and Alexander Romanov. Minsk got on the board with an Alexei Kalyuzhny power play goal, powered by Zbynek Irgl. Dinamo pulled closer in the third period as Ivan Usenko scored, with the help of Konstantin Zakharov. Sibir iced it at 4-2 with an Enlund empty net goal, set up by Jori Lehtera and Kutuzov. The three stars were handed to Enlund, Koskinen (33 for 35 in saves), and Kutuzov.

Into Ukraine, where Donbass Donetsk brings in Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Michael Leighton have the green light to start. Donetsk began in the second period on a Peter Podhradsky goal, coming off of Sergei Varlamov. Donbass added on with a power play goal by Clay Wilson, powered by Maxim Yakutsenya. Vladivostok got one back with a Niclas Bergfors goal, with a lone assist by Yegor Antropov. This wasn't enough after a silent third period, with the final being 2-1 Donbass, and the three stars went to Leighton (20 for 21 in saves), Wilson, and Podhradsky.

Finally, in Zagreb, Medvescak hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Barry Brust are between the pipes. Zagreb dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Matt Murley goal, with a lone assist by Hugh Jessiman. Khabarovsk got on the board in the third period as Jakub Petruzalek scored, thanks to Evgeny Korotkov and Jan Mursak. Medvescak took the lead back with another Murley goal, made possible by Jonathan Cheechoo and Bill Thomas. This was good for a 2-1 win, with Murley, Brust (26 for 27 in saves), and Murygin (40 for 42

NHL Day 27 2013-2014

There are five games on tonight, beginning in...

Ottawa, as the Senators host the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock and Craig Anderson receive the starting nods. San Jose struck first in the first period with a Tomas Hertl goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by James Sheppard and Jason Demers. The Sharks added on with an Andrew Desjardins goal, fueled by Brad Stuart. Ottawa got on the board as Erik Karlsson scored his third of the year, thanks to Kyle Turris and Cory Conacher. San Jose replied with a Tommy Wingels shorthanded goal, his third of the season, set up by Logan Couture and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Senators got one back in the second period on a Marc Methot goal, coming off of Karlsson and Jason Spezza. The Sharks answered in the third period when Sheppard found twine, thanks to Joe Thornton. San Jose wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Joe Pavelski goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Justin Braun and Wingels. The three stars were Wingels, Sheppard, and Karlsson.

Down in Sunrise, the Battle of Florida inserts a new installment as the Panthers host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Jacob Markstrom are the unproven goalies. Tampa Bay quickly started in the first period with a Martin St. Louis goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. The Lightning added on as Stamkos notched his eighth of the year, thanks to Malone and Matthew Carle. Florida got on the board with a Shawn Matthias goal, fueled by Jesse Winchester and Marcel Goc. Tampa Bay replied in the second period as Radko Gudas scored a power play goal, powered by Richard Panik and Alex Killorn. The Panthers shot back in the third period as Nick Bjugstad scored, with the help of Scottie Upshall and Dmitry Kulikov. Florida tied it on an unassisted Brad Boyes goal, his fifth of the campaign. The tie went to a shootout, where Valtteri Filppula was matched by Boyes before Stamkos won it for the Lightning on a 4-3 margin. The three stars were Stamkos, Malone, and Boyes.

Back to the north, the Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Sergei Bobrovsky are set to start. Columbus was first to score in the first period with a Blake Comeau goal, assisted by Ryan Johansen and David Savard. Anaheim tied it in the second period on a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Corey Perry and Bryan Allen. The Ducks took the lead as Peter Holland scored, with the help of Kyle Palmieri and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Blue Jackets tied it again as Artem Anisimov scored his third of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Brandon Dubinsky. Anaheim took the lead back in the third period on a Emerson Etem power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Teemu Selanne and Nick Bonino. Columbus retied it as Anisimov scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, via James Wisniewski and Nick Foligno. The Ducks took the lead once again with a Perry goal, his sixth of the campaign, going in unassisted. This stood up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Perry, Anisimov, and Etem.

Out west, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Al Montoya and Semyon Varlamov protect the nets. Colorado dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Matt Duchene goal, his ninth of the season, via Steve Downie and Kyle Wilson. Winnipeg tied it with a Bryan Little goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Adam Pardy and Blake Wheeler. The Jets took the lead in the second period on a Wheeler goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Little and Grant Clitsome. The Avalanche retied it in the third period as Jan Hejda scored his second of the year, courtesy of Paul Stastny and Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado took the lead with a Stastny goal, his second of the season, made possible by Landeskog and Alex Tanguay. They went on to win 3-2, with the three stars being Stastny, Wheeler, and Little, while Landeskog got the honorable mention.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers. Richard Bachman and Jonathan Quick are in the blue paint. Edmonton got going in the second period on a Nail Yakupov goal, courtesy of Anton Belov and Jeff Petry on the power play. Los Angeles tied it on a Mike Richards goal, his second of the season, guided in by Jake Muzzin and Jeff Carter. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Richards matched Jordan Eberle before Anze Kopitar won it for the Kings 2-1. The three stars were Richards, Bachman (47 for 48 in saves), and Kopitar.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 8 2013

A calm day for the NFL today, with only eleven games on. We begin in...

Philadelphia, as the Eagles host the New York Giants. New York led off with a first quarter Josh Brown field goal of 40 yards. The Giants added on as Brown made a 44 yard field goal. New York extended the lead with a Brown field goal from 33 yards away in the second quarter. The Giants padded the lead as Brown was true from 46 yards with a field goal. New York got some more in the fourth quarter as Brown made a 27 yard field goal. Philadelphia got on the board with a Najee Goode fumble recovery return for a 2 yard touchdown, and Alex Henery supplied the extra point. This only made it 15-7, the final, with the Giants improving to 2-6 and the Eagles dropping to 3-5.

East to London, the Jaguars welcome the San Francisco 49ers to iconic Wembley Stadium. San Francisco began in the first quarter with a Frank Gore touchdown run of 19 yards, and Phil Dawson kicked the extra point. The 49ers added on as Colin Kaepernick rushed 12 yards for a touchdown, and Dawson knocked in the extra point. San Francisco extended the lead in the second quarter when Kaepernick found Vernon Davis for 2 yards and a touchdown, and Dawson supplied the PAT. The 49ers padded the lead on another Kaepernick rushing touchdown, this time from 9 yards out, and Dawson was true with the extra point. Jacksonville got on the board with a 38 yard Josh Scobee field goal. The Jaguars pulled closer in the third quarter when Chad Henne tossed a 29 yard touchdown pass to Mike Brown, and Scobee drilled the extra point. San Francisco answered as Gore ran 2 yards for his second touchdown of the game, and Dawson was there to make the extra point. The 49ers got some more in the fourth quarter as Dan Skuta recovered a Marcedes Lewis fumble and returned it for 47 yards and a touchdown, and Dawson made the extra point. This led us to the 42-10 final, with the 49ers moving to 6-2 while keeping the Jaguars a winless 0-8.

Back across the pond, the Detroit Lions bring in the Dallas Cowboys. Detroit was first to score in the first quarter on a Matthew Stafford 2 yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson, and David Akers made the extra point. Dallas got on the board in the second quarter on a Dan Bailey field goal of 53 yards. The Cowboys took the lead as Tony Romo passed 5 yards to Dez Bryant for a touchdown, and Bailey was there with the extra point. Dallas extended the lead in the third quarter on a Bailey field goal of 53 yards. The Lions got some back in the fourth quarter as Akers made a 20 yard field goal. The Cowboys replied on a Romo touchdown pass of 60 yards to Terrance Williams, and Bailey knocked in the PAT. Detroit chipped back with a Joique Bell touchdown run of 1 yard, and Akers was true with the extra point. Dallas answered on a Romo touchdown pass to Bryant for 50 yards, and Bailey drilled another extra point. The Lions shot back with a Reggie Bush 1 yard touchdown run, and Akers supplied the extra point. The Cowboys got some breathing room as Bailey made a 44 yard field goal. It wasn't enough, as Detroit took the lead late when Stafford ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers kicked the go-ahead extra point, which stood to be the winner at 31-30. The Lions improve to 5-3 while the Cowboys fall to 4-4.

Down in Kansas City, the Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns. Kansas City struck first in the first quarter as Ryan Succop made a 42 yard field goal. The Chiefs added on with a Succop field goal from 35 yards out. Kansas City extended the lead in the second quarter as Alex Smith passed 12 yards to Anthony Sherman for a touchdown, and Succop knocked in the extra point. Cleveland got on the board as Jason Campbell passed 39 yards for a touchdown to Josh Gordon, and Billy Cundiff supplied the extra point. The Chiefs replied as Smith found Dexter McCluster for 28 yards and a touchdown, and Succop knocked in the PAT. The Browns answered as Cundiff made a 44 yard field goal. Cleveland pulled closer in the third quarter on a Campbell touchdown pass to Fozzy Whittaker for 17 yards, and Cundiff drilled the extra point. Kansas City padded their lead with a fourth quarter Succop field goal from 40 yards away. They went on to win 23-17. The Chiefs improved to 8-0 while dropping the Browns to 3-5.

Northeast to Foxboro, as the New England Patriots welcome the Miami Dolphins. Miami dented the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 4 yard Ryan Tanneheill touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson, and Caleb Sturgis made the extra point. The Dolphins added on in the second quarter when Tannehill tossed a 5 yard touchdown to Daniel Thomas, and Sturgis made another extra point. New England got on the board with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal of 34 yards. Miami shot back as Sturgis made a 52 yard field goal. The Patriots shot back in the third quarter on a 14 yard Tom Brady touchdown pass to Aaron Dobson, and Gostkowski knocked in the PAT. New England pulled even as Brandon Bolden ran in a 2 yard touchdown, and Gostkowski was true with the extra point. The Patriots pulled ahead on a Gostkowski 48 yard field goal. New England extended the lead in the fourth quarter with a 3 yard Stevan Ridley touchdown run, and Gostkowski supplied the extra point. They coasted to a 27-17 win, improving to 6-2 while dropping the Dolphins to 3-4.

Way to the south, the New Orleans Saints bring in the Buffalo Bills. New Orleans opened in the first quarter with a 15 yard Drew Brees touchdown pass to Lance Moore, and Garrett Hartley kicked the extra point. Buffalo tied it in the second quarter on a Thad Lewis touchdown pass of 13 yards to Stevie Johnson, and Dan Carpenter booted the extra point. The Bills took the lead as Carpenter made a 37 yard field goal. The Saints retook the lead on a 69 yard touchdown pass from Brees to Kenny Stills, and Hartley made the extra point. New Orleans added on with a 15 yard touchdown pass from Brees to Jimmy Graham, and Hartley supplied another PAT. The Saints extended the lead in the third quarter as Brees and Graham connected for 13 yards on another touchdown, and Hartley drilled the extra point. Buffalo got some back in the fourth quarter on a 1 yard Fred Jackson touchdown run, and Carpenter made another extra point. New Orleans replied with another Brees touchdown pass to Stills, this time for 42 yards, and Hartley kicked the extra point. They went on to win 35-17, and the Saints are now 6-1 while the Bills are 3-5.

Out west, the Oakland Raiders host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Oakland started in the first quarter as Terrelle Pryor ran 93 yards for a touchdown, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. The Raiders added on as Darren McFadden ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Janikowski booted the extra point. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second quarter as Shaun Suisham made a 47 yard field goal. Oakland answered with a McFadden touchdown run of 4 yards, and Janikowski made another extra point. The Steelers got some back in the fourth quarter as Ben Roethlisberger tossed a 9 yard touchdown to Emmanuel Sanders, and Suisham was there with the extra point. Pittsburgh pulled closer with a Le'Veon Bell 2 yard touchdown run, followed by a successful Sanders two-point conversion run. They couldn't pull even or ahead, losing 21-18, with the Raiders going to 3-4 while knocking the Steelers back to 2-5.

Back east, the Cincinnati Bengals welcome the New York Jets. Cincinnati got going in the first quarter as Andy Dalton passed a 9 yard touchdown to Marvin Jones, and Mike Nugent made the extra point. The Bengals added on as Dalton found Jermaine Gresham for 4 yards and a touchdown, and Nugent made the extra point. New York got on the board in the second quarter as Nick Folk made a 45 yard field goal. Cincinnati shot back on a Dalton touchdown pass of 6 yards to Jones, and Nugent knocked in the extra point. The Jets answered on a Folk field goal of 47 yards. The Bengals replied as Dalton and Jones connected for a third touchdown of 14 yards, and Nugent again handled the extra point. Cincinnati padded the lead as Chris Crocker intercepted Geno Smith and took the ball 32 yards the other way for a touchdown, and Nugent drilled the extra point. New York got some back as Folk made a 50 yard field goal. The Bengals kept going as Dalton and Jones met up for a fourth touchdown connection, this time for 6 yards, and Nugent made another extra point. Cincinnati struck again in the fourth quarter as Adam Jones picked off Smith, and returned the interception 60 yards for a touchdown, allowing Nugent another extra point. This was good for a 49-9 win, with the Bengals going to 6-2 and the Jets falling to 4-4.

Westward again, as the Denver Broncos bring in the Washington Redskins. Denver was first to score in the first quarter with a Peyton Manning touchdown pass of 6 yards to Wes Welker, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Washington tied it in the second quarter as Robert Griffin III found Leonard Hankerson for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Kai Forbath nailed the extra point. The Redskins took the lead as Alfred Morris ran 1 yard for a touchdown in the third quarter, and Forbath handled the extra point. Washington extended the lead with a DeAngelo Hall interception of Manning that was returned 26 yards for a touchdown, and Forbath booted another extra point. The Broncos answered as Montee Ball ran 4 yards for a touchdown, and Prater supplied the extra point. Denver tied it in the fourth quarter on a Manning touchdown pass to Joel Dreessen for 1 yard, and Prater was there with the extra point. The Broncos took the lead on a Manning 35 yard touchdown pass to Knowshon Moreno, and Prater got another extra point. Prater padded the lead for Denver with a 19 yard field goal. Denver got some more as Manning connected for 35 yards and a touchdown with Demaryius Thomas, and Prater handled another extra point. The Broncos kept going as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Kirk Cousins and returned the ball 75 yards for a touchdown, allowing Prater to drill another extra point. They went on to win 45-21 after that, with the Broncos now at 7-1 and the Redskins fell to 2-5.

Down in Arizona, the Cardinals host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta struck first in the first quarter on a Matt Bryant field goal of 24 yards. Arizona answered as Carson Palmer passed 10 yards to Larry Fitzgerald in the second quarter for a touchdown, and Jay Feely made the extra point. The Falcons got some back with a Bryant field goal of 30 yards. The Cardinals extended the lead with an 80 yard touchdown run by Andre Ellington, and Feely drilled the PAT. Arizona padded the lead as Palmer passed a 15 yard touchdown to Michael Floyd, and Feely knocked in the extra point. The Cardinals added on in the third quarter as Feely made a 39 yard field goal. Arizona got some more as Feely was true from 38 yards for a field goal in the fourth quarter. Atlanta pulled back as Matt Ryan threw a 4 yard touchdown to Drew Davis, and Bryant booted the extra point. This only made it 27-13, the final, with the Cardinals going up to 4-4 while sending the Falcons to 2-5.

Finally, the Sunday Night Game is in Minnesota, where the Vikings welcome the Green Bay Packers. Minnesota quickly began in the first quarter as Cordarrelle Patterson returned the opening kickoff the maximum 109 yards for a touchdown, and Blair Walsh made the extra point. Green Bay tied it as Aaron Rodgers passed 11 yards to Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, and Mason Crosby supplied the extra point. The Packers took the lead in the second quarter on a Crosby field goal of 30 yards. The Vikings tied it with a Walsh field goal from 36 yards out. Green Bay retook the lead as Rodgers and Nelson connected for 76 yards and a touchdown, and Crosby made another extra point. The Packers added on with Micah Hyde returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown, and Crosby nailed the extra point. Minnesota got some back as Adrian Peterson rushed 8 yards for a touchdown, and Walsh drilled the PAT. Green Bay shot back with an Eddie Lacy third quarter 1 yard touchdown run, and Crosby made the extra point. The Packers got some more in the fourth quarter on a James Starks 25 yard touchdown run, and Crosby handled the extra point. Green Bay kept going as Crosby made a 20 yard field goal. The Vikings got some back with a Toby Gerhart 13 yard touchdown run, capped off by a Walsh extra point. The Packers responded with a Crosby field goal of 45 yards. Minnesota chipped closer on a 19 yard Christian Ponder run for a touchdown, and Walsh was there with the extra point. The final score was 44-31, with the Packers going to 5-2 and the Vikings dropping to 1-6.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.