NHL Day 68 2013-2014

Eleven games on today, beginning with a matinee in...

Dallas, as the Stars host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Dan Ellis are the overrated goalies. Philadelphia opened in the first period with an Andrej Meszaros goal, assisted by Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn. Dallas tied it in the second period on a Tyler Seguin goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Jamie Benn and Valeri Nichuschkin. The Stars took the lead as Seguin scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, thanks to Alex Goligoski and Nichushkin. Dallas added on when Seguin completed the natural hat trick on his fifteenth of the campaign, and Nichushkin's third assist gave him a natural sock trick. The Stars extended the lead as Nichushkin scored his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Seguin and Goligoski. Dallas wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period on a Cody Eakin shorthanded goal, his seventh of the year, set up by Antoine Roussel. The three stars were Seguin, Nichushkin, and Goligoski.

Over in Tampa Bay, the Lightning welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Al Montoya and Anders Lindback are the backups making spot starts. Winnipeg started in the first period as Blake Wheeler scored his seventh of the season, via Jacob Trouba and Grant Clitsome. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period on a Nate Thompson goal, his second of the year, coming off of Radko Gudas and Martin St. Louis. The Jets won 2-1 in overtime as Mark Scheifele scored his third of the campaign, with a lone assist by Wheeler. The three stars belonged to Wheeler, Montoya (28 for 29 in saves), and Lindback (34 for 36 in saves).

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Carey Price draw the starts. Montreal dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Brandon Prust goal, his third of the season, assisted by Ryan White and Travis Moen. Buffalo tied it with a Tyler Ennis goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Christian Ehrhoff. The Canadiens retook the lead on a Tomas Plekanec goal, his eleventh of the season, passed from Prust and Moen. Montreal added on as Alex Galchenyuk scored his eighth of the year, thanks to Andrei Markov and Plekanec. The Sabres got one back in the third period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his second of the season, helped along by Ennis and Henrik Tallinder. This wasn't enough to avoid the 3-2 loss, with the three stars being Plekanec, Prust, and Moen, while Ennis gets an honorable mention.

South to Boston, as the Bruins host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Tuukka Rask tend the twines. Pittsburgh struck first in the first period as Chris Kunitz scored his seventeenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. Boston tied it with the sixth of the year by Reilly Smith, courtesy of Patrice Bergeron.The Penguins took the lead on a James Neal goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Niskanen and Simon Despres on the power play. The Bruins tied it late in the third period on a David Krejci goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Milan Lucic and Jarome Iginla. Boston took the game 3-2 as Zdeno Chara put away his seventh of the campaign, assisted by Smith and Brad Marchand. Smith, Niskanen, and Chara get the three stars.

Back in Canada, the Ottawa Senators welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Craig Anderson will be between the pipes. Toronto began in the first period on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Nazem Kadri and Dion Phaneuf on the power play. Ottawa tied it with a Clarke MacArthur power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Mika Zibanejad and Jason Spezza. The Maple Leafs took the lead back with a second period Phil Kessel goal, his sixteenth of the season, passed from van Riemsdyk. Toronto added on with a Jake Gardiner goal, via Kessel and van Riemsdyk. The Senators got one back in the third period as Erik Condra scored his third of the year, with the help of Colin Greening. Ottawa tied it with a power play goal by Erik Karlsson, his eighth of the season, made possible by Zibanejad and Spezza. The Maple Leafs took the game 4-3 in the shootout with tallies from van Riemsdyk and Mason Raymond. The three stars went to van Riemsdyk, Kessel, and Zibanejad, while Spezza gets an honorable mention.

Crossing over to Detroit, where the Red Wings bring in the Florida Panthers. Tim Thomas and Jonas Gustavsson play goal. Detroit was first to score in the first period on a Daniel Cleary goal, his second of the season, assisted by Justin Abdelkader and Cory Emmerton. Florida tied it in the second period as Jimmy Hayes scored his third of the year, thanks to Shawn Matthias and Dylan Olsen. The Panthers took the lead in the third period as Jonathan Hubderdeau scored his seventh of the season, courtesy of Tom Gilbert and Matthias. This held up for a 2-1 win, with Thomas (22 for 23 in saves), Huberdeau, and Matthias getting the three stars.

Back east, the Washington Capitals host the Nashville Predators. Marek Mazanec and Braden Holtby will be in the blue paint. Washington led off with a first period goal by Troy Brouwer, his sixth of the season, coming off of Eric Fehr and Mikhail Grabovski. The Capitals added on as Alex Ovechkin scored his twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Nicklas Backstrom. Washington extended the lead when Karl Alzner scored, via Mike Green and Backstrom. Nashville got on the board as Roman Josi scored, with a lone assist by Shea Weber. The Capitals replied in the third period as Nate Schmidt scored, with the help of Martin Erat and Joel Ward. The Predators shot back as Eric Nystrom scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Viktor Stalberg and Josi. Washington padded the lead on a Fehr goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Grabovski. This was good enough for a 5-2 win, with the three stars awarded to Fehr, Josi, and Grabovski, while Backstrom gets an honorable mention.

Moving along to New York, as the Rangers welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist guard the cages. New York started in the first period with a Brad Richards goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Mats Zuccarello and Justin Falk. The Rangers added on in the second period with a Zuccarello goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi. New Jersey got on the board with a Cam Janssen goal, his third of the season, made possible by Tim Sestito and the goalie Brodeur. The Devils tied it in the third period on a Travis Zajac goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Jaromir Jagr and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey gained the lead on a Michael Ryder goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone helper by Sestito. New York retied it with a Chris Kreider power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. The Devils won 4-3 in overtime as Eric Gelinas scored his third of the campaign, a power play goal set up by Patrik Elias and Jagr. The three stars belonged to Zuccarello, Gelinas, and Jagr, while Sestito and Callahan get the honorable mentions.

Out west, the St. Louis Blues bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Jaroslav Halak will be manning the creases. Anaheim opened in the first period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Daniel Winnik and Saku Koivu. The Ducks added on with a Corey Perry power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Nick Bonino. Anaheim extended the lead with a Getzlaf goal, his sixteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. Brian Elliott relieved Halak at this time. The Ducks padded the lead in the second period on a Bonino goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Pat Maroon and Tim Jackman. St. Louis got on the board in the third period with a Jaden Schwartz goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of T.J. Oshie and Barret Jackman. The Blues pulled closer on a Patrik Berglund goal, his second of the year, passed from Maxim Lapierre and Kevin Shattenkirk. Anaheim iced it at 5-2 with a Cogliano empty net goal, his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, set up by Mark Fistric. The three stars were Cogliano, Bonino, and Getzlaf.

Up in Edmonton, another edition of the Battle of Alberta occurs with the Oilers hosting the Calgary Flames. Reto Berra and Devan Dubnyk are in the blue paint. Calgary dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Lee Stempniak goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone assist from Matt Stajan. Edmonton tied it with a Taylor Hall goal in the third period, his eleventh of the year, fueled by David Perron and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Flames won 2-1 in overtime as Jiri Hudler scored his eighth of the campaign, thanks to Kris Russell. The three stars were Berra (30 for 31 in saves), Hudler, and Stempniak.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the New York Islanders. Kevin Poulin and Martin Jones are the backups in goal. Los Angeles got going in the second period as Anze Kopitar scored his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Alec Martinez. The Kings added on in the third period as Dustin Brown scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Jarret Stoll and Justin Williams. Los Angeles iced it at 3-0 with a Tyler Toffoli empty net goal, set up by Mike Richards and Drew Doughty. The three stars were Jones (16 save shutout), Kopitar, and Brown.

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KHL Day 95 2013-2014

Five games on today in Russia, beginning in...

Chelyabinsk, as Traktor hosts Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Michael Garnett are set to start. Khanty-Mansiysk was first to score with an Ivan Khlyntsev goal, coming off of Mikhail Yakubov. Yugra added on in the third period with an Igor Magogin goal, fueled by Mikhail Tyulyapkin and Vitaly Sitnokov on the power play. This resulted in a 2-0 final, with the three stars being Kuznetsov (26 save shutout), Khlyntsev, and Magogin.

West a bit to Ufa, where Salavat Yulaev welcomes Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Andrei Vasilevsky are given the starting nods. Ufa led off in the first period with a Tomas Zaborsky power play goal, powered by Dmitry Makarov and Nikita Shchitov. Salavat Yulaev added on as Kirill Koltsov scored, with a lone assist by Alexei Kaigorodov. Astana got on the board when Dustin Boyd scored, thanks to Nigel Dawes and Brandon Bochenski. Barys tied it with a Roman Savchenko power play goal in the second period, made possible by Dmitry Upper. Astana took the lead when Mike Lundin scored a power play goal, via Cam Barker and Bochenski. Ufa tied it again on an Igor Mirnov goal, fueled by Antti Pihlstrom and Kaigorodov. Salavat Yulaev regained the lead with an Anton Slepyshev goal, with a lone helper from Arturs Kulda. Ufa chased Ahonen when Makarov scored, with the help of Brent Sopel and Teemu Hartikainen. Salavat Yulaev extended the lead with a Zaborsky empty net goal, going in unassisted in the third period. This produced the 6-3 final, with the three stars being Zaborsky, Makarov, and Kaigorodov.

Down in Magnitgorsk, Metallurg hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Evgeny Lobanov is mismatched with Vasily Koshechkin in goal. Yekaterinburg struck first in the first period with a Fyodor Malykhin goal, coming off of Anton Lazarev and Artyom Chernov. Avtomobilist added on as Tobias Viklund scored a power play goal, powered by Lazarev and Malykhin. Magnitogorsk got on the board in the second period with a Tim Brent goal, fueled by Viktor Antipin and Evgeny Biryukov on the power play. Metallurg tied it on an unassisted goal by Bogdan Potekhin. Yekaterinburg took the lead back in the third period when Dmitry Megalinsky scored a goal, going in unassisted. Magnitogorsk tied it again with a Jan Kovar goal, with a lone assist by Sergei Mozyakin. Metallurg won 4-3 in the shootout on a lone tally by Potekhin. The three stars were Potekhin, Malykhin, and Lazarev.

Out west a bit more, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk brings in Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Alexander Sudnitsin are between the pipes. Omsk got going in the second period as Stefan Ruzicka scored an unassisted goal. Avangard added on with a Sergei Shirokov goal, made possible by Anton Kuryanov and Ivan Baranka. Omsk extended the lead in the third period on a Sergei Kalinin goal, assisted by Kirill Lyamin and Baranka. Avangard padded the lead as Lyamin scored, thanks to Ruzicka and Kalinin. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars going to Mezin (22 save shutout), Ruzicka, and Kalinin, while Lyamin and Baranka get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Moscow, Dynamo hosts Vityaz Podolsk. Ivan Lisutin and Alexander Yeryomenko man the creases. Moscow began in the first period on a Denis Kokarev goal, assisted by Dmitry Pestunov on the power play. Dynamo added on with a power play goal by Maxim Solovyov, powered by Janne Jalasvaara and Yury Babenko. Podolsk got on the board as Vyacheslav Solodukhin scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Yury Koksharov. Vityaz tied it in the third period when Igor Golovkov scored an unassisted power play goal. Dynamo won 3-2 in the shootout with a lone tally from Leo Komarov. The three stars belonged to Kokarev, Solovyov, and Komarov.

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NHL Day 67 2013-2014

Six games on tonight, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Cory Schneider are the backups making spot starts. New Jersey opened with an Andy Greene goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Patrik Elias on the power play. Detroit tied it with a Joakim Andersson goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Drew Miller and Daniel Alfredsson. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period as Johan Franzen scored his ninth of the season, via Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar. Detroit added on as Tatar scored an unassisted power play goal, his sixth of the year. This made it 3-1, a final, with Tatar, Franzen, and Andersson getting the three stars.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock and Cam Ward are given the starting nods. San Jose began in the first period with a Tommy Wingels goal, his ninth of the season, via Jason Demers. The Sharks added on as Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Joe Thornton and Tomas Hertl. Carolina got on the board in the second period on a Jay Harrison goal, his second of the season, coming off of Zack Boychuk and Riley Nash. The Hurricanes tied it in the third period as Nash scored his third of the year, with the help of Harrison and Elias Lindholm. Carolina took the lead on a Jordan Staal goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Nathan Gerbe and Lindholm. San Jose retied it as Justin Braun scored his third of the year, assisted by Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski. The Hurricanes retook the lead as Lindholm scored his third of the season, courtesy of Andrej Sekera and Jordan Staal. Carolina iced it at 5-3 with an unassisted empty net goal by Eric Staal, his seventh of the yea. The three stars belonged to Lindholm, Nash, and Harrison, while Jordan Staal gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Curtis McElhinney are in the creases. Columbus got going in the second period as Cam Atkinson scored his seventh of the season, fueled by Brandon Dubinsky. The Blue Jackets added on when Nick Foligno scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Ryan Johansen and R.J. Umberger. Columbus extended the lead in the first period on a Boone Jenner goal, his third of the season, made possible by Blake Comeau and Artem Anisimov. The Blue Jackets padded the lead as Umberger scored his seventh of the year, coming off of Foligno and Johansen. This made it a 4-0 final, with the three stars being McElhinney (20 save shutout), Foligno, and Umberger.

West to Chicago, with the Blackhawks hosting the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller faces a lesser foe in Antti Raanta in goal. Anaheim led off in the first period as Corey Perry scored his seventeenth of the season, via Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner. Chicago tied it as Ben Smith scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Patrick Kane and Kris Versteeg. The Ducks took the lead again in the second period as Getzlaf scored his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Cam Fowler and Bonino. The Blackhawks tied it again as Versteeg scored his fourth of the year, a power play goal assisted by Marian Hossa and Brent Seabrook. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Jonathan Toews was overpowered by Nick Bonino and Kyle Palmieri, so the Ducks took the game 3-2. The three stars were Getzlaf, Versteeg, and Bonino.

Northwest to Calgary, where the Flames welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Karri Ramo are between the pipes. Calgary started in the first period as Kris Russell scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Sven Baertschi and Mikael Backlund. Colorado tied it with a Max Talbot goal in the second period, his second of the year, via John Mitchell. The Avalanche took the lead as P.A. Parenteau scored his ninth of the season, assisted by Talbot and Mitchell. Colorado added on in the third period when Nathan MacKinnon potted his sixth of the year, thanks to Gabriel Landeskog. The Flames got one back as Matt Stajan scored his fifth of the campaign, courtesy of Michael Cammalleri and Jiri Hudler. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-2, and the three stars were Talbot, MacKinnon, and Mitchell.

Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the second period as Jason Garrison scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dan Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks added on as Henrik Sedin scored his eighth of the year, made possible by Daniel Sedin and Ryan Stanton. Phoenix got on the board in the third period when Antoine Vermette scored his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Coyotes tied it on a David Moss goal, his third of the year, coming off of Rob Klinkhammer and Mike Ribeiro. Vancouver won 3-2 in overtime as Chris Higgins put away his eighth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were Higgins, Luongo (37 for 39 in saves), and Daniel Sedin.

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KHL Day 94 2013-2014

Seven games on today, beginning in...

Khabarovsk, as Amur hosts Dinamo Minsk. Lars Haugen and Mika Jarvinen are in goal. Minsk began in the first period with an unassisted goal by Zbynek Irgl. Dinamo added on in the third period as Richard Lintner scored a power play goal, powered by Tomas Surovy. Khabarovsk got on the board with a Jan Mursak goal, fueled by Jakub Petruzalek. Amur tied it as Alexander Loginov scored a power play goal, assisted by Vladimir Loginov. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Geoff Platt scored the lone goal to give Dinamo a 3-2 win. The three stars were Irgl, Platt, and Haugen (37 for 39 in saves).

Down in Vladivostok, Admiral welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Niko Hovinen are in the creases. Zagreb got going in the second period on a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, assisted by Ryan Vesce and Charles Linglet. Medvescak added on in the third period as Cheechoo scored again, with a lone assist from Mathieu Carle. This resulted in a 2-0 final, with the three stars being Cheechoo, Dekanich (29 save shutout), and Hovinen (23 for 25 in saves).

West to Novosibirsk, as Sibir brings in Spartak Moscow. Jeff Glass and Mikko Koskinen guard the cages. Moscow led off in the first period with a power play goal by Deron Quint, powered by Denis Bodrov and Mikhail Yunkov. Spartak added on in the second period as Matt Anderson scored, via Rastislav Spirko and Quint on the power play. Novosibirsk got on the board in the third period with a Dmitry Monya goal, with a lone helper from Igor Ozhiganov. This only made it 2-1, the final, with Quint, Glass (37 for 38 in saves), and Anderson being named the three stars.

Staying in the area, Metallurg Novokuznetsk hosts Donbass Donetsk. Jan Laco and Nikita Lozhkin are the unreliable goalies. Donetsk was first to score in the first period with a shorthanded goal by Jan Kolar, set up by Lukas Kaspar. Donbass added on in the third period with a Maxim Yakutsenya goal, fueled by Evgeny Dadonov and Ruslan Fedotenko. This was good for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Laco (14 save shutout), Kolar, and Yakutsenya.

Way west to Moscow, as CSKA brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Alexander Salak and Ilya Proskuryakov get the starting nods. Moscow started in the first period on an Alexei Morozov goal, assisted by Ilari Filppula and Oleg Saprykin. CSKA added on in the third period when Alexander Radulov scored an empty net goal, set up by Nikolai Prokhorkin. This was it for the scoring, and the final was 2-0. The three stars belonged to Proskuryakov (28 save shutout), Morozov, and Salak 18 for 19 in saves).

Over in Latvia, Dinamo Riga welcomes Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Mikael Tellqvist are the masked men. Riga opened in the first period with a Marcel Hossa power play goal, powered by Kyle Wilson and Juris Upitis. Cherepovets tied it as Anatoly Nikontsev scored, thanks to Linus Videll and Nikolai Stasenko. Severstal took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Alexander Yevseyenkov, with a lone helper by Gennady Stolyarov. They went on to win 2-1, with the three stars being Stepanek (21 for 22 in saves), Yevseyenkov, and Nikontsev.

Finally, in Prague, Lev hosts Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford and Petri Vehanen protect the nets. Yaroslavl won 1-0 in overtime as Sergei Plotnikov scored an unassisted goal. The three stars were awarded to Sanford (31 save shutout), Plotnikov, and Vehanen (14 for 15 in saves).

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NHL Day 66 2013-2014

Ten games on today, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Jonathan Bernier are in goal. Toronto got going in the second period as Nazem Kadri scored his eighth of the season, courtesy of James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel. Dallas tied it in the third period when Erik Cole scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Shawn Horcoff and Valeri Nichushkin. The Maple Leafs retook the lead in the third period on another Kadri goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, passed from Cody Franson and Kessel on the power play. The Stars tied it as Horcoff scored his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Kevin Connauton and Sergei Gonchar. Toronto won 3-2 in overtime as Trevor Smith scored his fourth of the campaign, helped along by Jake Gardiner and Dion Phaneuf. The three stars went to Kadri, Kessel, and Horcoff.

Down in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Pascal Dupuis goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Brooks Orpik and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on as Jayson Megna scored his third of the year, thanks to Simon Despres. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a Chris Kunitz goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Crosby and James Neal. The Penguins padded the lead as Kunitz scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Neal and Crosby, the latter getting a sock trick. San Jose got on the board with a Tomas Hertl goal, his fourteenth of the season, guided in by Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. Alex Stalock relieved Niemi for the third period. Pittsburgh answered in the third period on a Kris Letang goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Olli Maatta and Joe Vitale. This held up for a 5-1 win, with the three stars being Kunitz, Fleury (44 for 45 in saves), and Crosby, while Neal gets an honorable mention.

Moving along to Buffalo, as the Sabres host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller are the masked men. New York began in the first period on a Rick Nash goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on in the third period when Brad Richards scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. New York extended the lead as Zuccarello scored his fifth of the season, with helpers provided by Richards and McDonagh. Buffalo got on the board with a Tyler Ennis goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Zemgus Girgensons. The final was 3-1, with the three stars belonging to Zuccarello, Richards, and Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), while McDonagh gets the honorable mention.

To the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning bring in the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner is in goal against former crease-mate Ben Bishop. Tampa Bay led off in the first period as Martin St. Louis scored his eleventh of the season, assisted by Ondrej Palat and Matthew Carle. Ottawa tied it when Patrick Wiercioch scored a power play goal in the second period, via Kyle Turris. The Lightning took the lead back as St. Louis scored his second of the game and twelfth of the year, made possible by Palat and Tyler Johnson. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the third period on a Valtteri Filppula goal, his tenth of the season, an unassisted goal. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being St. Louis, Bishop (33 for 34), and Palat.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Tim Thomas are the veteran goalies. Winnipeg was first to score in the first period with an Andrew Ladd goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler. Florida tied it when Erik Gudbranson scored his second of the year, courtesy of Tomas Fleischmann and Marcel Goc. The Panthers took the lead in the second period on a Dylan Olsen goal, coming off of Scottie Upshall and Gudbranson. Florida added on as Fleischmann scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Mike Weaver and Dmitry Kulikov. The Panthers extended the lead in the third period on a Nick Bjugstad goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Upshall and Tom Gilbert. The Jets got one back as Olli Jokinen netted his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Devin Setoguchi. Florida finished it at 5-2 with a Jimmy Hayes goal, his second of the year, made possible by Olsen. The three stars were Olsen, Gudbranson, and Fleischmann, while Upshall gets an honorable mention.

Back up in Canada, the Montreal Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price guard the cages. Boston struck first in the first period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his second of the season, passed from Milan Lucic and Dennis Seidenberg. Montreal tied it in the second period as Tomas Plekanec potted his tenth of the year, via Josh Gorges and Brian Gionta. The Canadiens took the lead with a Max Pacioretty goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Raphael Diaz and Brendan Gallagher. This was all they needed to win 2-1, with the three stars going to Price (32 for 33 in saves), Pacioretty, and Plekanec.

South again to Nashville, as the Predators welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Marek Mazanec are in the blue paint. Carolina quickly opened in the first period as Justin Faulk scored his second of the season, an unassisted goal. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Mike Fisher goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Victor Bartley and Seth Jones. The Predators took the lead when Viktor Stalberg scored his third of the season, via Nick Spaling. The Hurricanes tied it again as Jeff Skinner scored his seventh of the year, courtesy of Ryan Murphy and Tuomo Ruutu. Carolina gained the lead as Riley Nash scored his second of the season, assisted by Patrick Dwyer and Ron Hainsey. The Hurricanes added on with another Skinner goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, coming on the power play with assists by Eric Staal and Faulk. Carter Hutton relieved Mazanec for the third period. Carolina extended the lead in the third period as Skinner finished his hat trick with his ninth of the campaign, an empty net goal set up by Faulk and Andrej Sekera. The three stars were handed to Skinner, Faulk, and Peters (20 for 22 in saves).

Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Josh Harding are the reliable goalies. Minnesota started in the first period on a Matt Cooke goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Torrey Mitchell and Erik Haula. The Wild added on in the second period when Zach Parise scored his twelfth of the year on the power play, powered by Dany Heatley and Jason Pominville. Chicago got on the board with a Jeremy Morin goal, passed from Joakim Nordstrom and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period on an unassisted goal by Brandon Saad, his eighth of the season. Chicago gained the lead when Marian Hossa scored his twelfth of the year, a power play goal via Kris Versteeg and Nick Leddy. Minnesota retied it on a Jonas Brodin power play goal, his fifth of the season, thanks to Jared Spurgeon and Justin Fontaine. The Wild took the lead as Marco Scandella scored, with the help of Spurgeon and Charlie Coyle. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Scandella, Spurgeon, and Brodin.

Southward to St. Louis, as the Blues bring in the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson is mismatched with Jaroslav Halak in goal. St. Louis began in the first period with a Jay Bouwmeester power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Vladimir Sobotka and Ian Cole. New York tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Andrew MacDonald, his third of the year, guided in by Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. The Blues retook the lead on a Derek Roy power play goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk. St. Louis added on as David Backes scored his thirteenth of the year, a power play goal fueled by Alexander Steen and Shattenkirk. The Blues extended the lead on a Magnus Paajarvi goal, his second of the season, guided in by Patrick Berglund and Bouwmeester. St. Louis padded the lead in the third period as Brenden Morrow scored his fifth of the year, with assists provided by Roy and Oshie. This produced a 5-1 final, with the three stars being given to Bouwmeester, Halak (22 for 23 in saves), and Roy, while Shattenkirk and Oshie get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Edmonton, the Oilers host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Devan Dubnyk are the young goalies. Edmonton led off in the first period with a Taylor Hall goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Philip Larsen. The Oilers added on as Hall scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, via Justin Schultz and Jordan Eberle on the power play. Edmonton extended the lead with a Ales Hemsky power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Ryan Smyth and Mark Arcobello. Colorado got on the board in the second period as Nick Holden scored his second of the year, with a lone assist by Matt Duchene. The Avalanche pulled closer with a P.A. Parenteau goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Gabriel Landeskog and Erik Johnson. The Oilers shot back as David Perron scored his twelfth of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton padded the lead in the third period with an Arcobello goal, his third of the season, with assists provided by Hemsky and Smyth. The Oilers kept going as Eberle scored his tenth of the year, courtesy of Smyth, who got a sock trick, and Perron. Edmonton struck again on a Sam Gagner goal, his third of the season, with a lone helper by Hall. The Oilers finished the drubbing as Hall finished his hat trick with his tenth of the year, made possible by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Potter. The three stars of the 8-2 game were handed to Hall, Smyth, and Perron, while Eberle, Arcobello, and Hemsky get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday Night Football Week 14 2013

This week's Thursday game is an AFC South basement special, as the Jacksonville Jaguars host the Houston Texans. Jacksonville opened in the first quarter as Chad Henne threw a 1 yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis, and Josh Scobee supplied the extra point. The Jaguars added on as Henne found Cecil Shorts III for 6 yards and a touchdown, and Scobee made another extra point. Houston got on the board as Case Keenum found Keshawn Martin for 8 yards and a touchdown, and Randy Bullock knocked in the extra point. Jacksonville answered as Scobee made a 40 yard field goal. The Texans got some back as Bullock made a 34 yard field goal in the third quarter. The Jaguars shot back on an Ace Sanders 21 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Todman, and Scobee capped off the trick play with the PAT. Houston chipped back as Matt Schaub threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Garrett Graham, and Bullock nailed the extra point. The Texans got closer in the fourth quarter on a Bullock field goal from 31 yards away. Jacksonville finished it at 27-20 with a 39 yard Scobee field goal. The Jaguars improve to 4-9 while the Texans drop to 2-11.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 93 2013-2014

Six games to be played today, beginning in...

Chelyabinsk, as Traktor hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Michael Garnett are the masked men. Chelyabinsk got going in the second period on a power play goal by Andrei Kostitsyn, powered by Petri Kontiola. Yekaterinburg tied it with an Artyom Chernov goal, fueled by Nikita Tryamkin. Traktor took the lead with a goal by Vyacheslav Osnovin, coming off of Igor Valeyev. Avtomobilist retied it when Dmitry Megalinsky scored an unassisted goal. The tie lasted to a shootout, where two goals from Fyodor Malykhin topped one goal from Kontiola so that Yekaterinburg won 3-2. The three stars were Malykhin, Kontiola, and Megalinsky.

A little east, Salavat Yulaev Ufa welcomes Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Alexei Volkov draw the starts. Ufa began in the first period with a Dmitry Makarov goal, passed from Alexander Stepanov and Tomas Zaborsky. Salavat Yulaev added on in the third period when Makarov scored again, via Arturs Kulda. Omsk got on the board with a Dmitry Semin power play goal, powered by Sergei Kostitsyn and Nikita Pivtsakin. Avangard tied it on an Alexander Perezhogin goal, assisted by Ivan Baranka and Miroslav Blatak. Ufa took the lead back as Antti Pihlstrom scored, thanks to Kirill Koltsov on the power play. This was good for a 3-2 win, with Makarov, Pihlstrom, and Volkov (36 for 38 in saves).

Over in Magnitogorsk, Metallurg brings in Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Mikhail Biryukov and Vasily Koshechkin guard the cages. Khanty-Mansiysk opened in the first period with a Mikhail Yakubov shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. Yugra added on with a power play goal by Andrei Shefer, coming off of Mikhail Tyulyapkin. Khanty-Mansiysk extended the lead on an unassisted goal by Veli-Matti Savinainen. Yugra padded the lead in the second period as Ivan Khlyntsev scored, passed from Marek Troncinsky and Kirill Knyazev. Magnitogorsk got on the board late in the period with a Yaroslav Khabarov, with a lone assist by Tim Brent. Metallurg pulled closer in the third period as Jan Kovar scored a power play goal, powered by Chris Lee and Sergei Mozyakin. Magnitogorsk chipped away when Denis Platonov scored an unassisted goal. Metallurg tied it as Kovar scored his second of the game, via Mozyakin and Khabarov. Magnitogorsk completed the comeback, winning 5-4 with a Platonov goal in overtime, courtesy of Bogdan Potekhin. The three stars were Platonov, Kovar, and Khabarov, while Mozyakin gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Podolsk, as Vityaz hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Georgy Gelashvili and Ivan Lisutin are in the creases. Nizhny Novgorod led off in the first period as Denis Parshin scored a power play goal, powered by Pavel Valentenko and Juuso Hietanen. Podolsk tied it on a second period goal by Maxim Afinogenov, an unassisted goal. Vityaz took the lead when Dmitry Shitikov scored, with the help of Igor Golovkov and Mike Iggulden. Torpedo tied it on a power play goal by Jarkko Immonen, guided in by Hietanen and Parshin. Nizhny Novgorod pulled ahead on a Justin Hodgman goal, with a lone assist by Vadim Khomitsky. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Parshin, Hietanen, and Hodgman.

Backtracking to Nizhnekamsk, as Neftekhimik welcomes Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Alexander Sudnitsin protect the nets. Astana started in the first period with a Konstantin Romanov goal, an unassisted goal. This was the only goal in the game, leaving Barys with a 1-0 win. Ahonen (33 save shutout), Romanov, and Sudnitsin (24 for 25 in saves).

Finally, in Moscow, Dynamo brings in Ak Bars Kazan. Konstantin Barulin and Alexander Yeryomenko tend the twines. Moscow was first to score in the first period with a Konstantin Glazachev power play goal, powered by Janne Jalasvaara and Sergei Soin. Dynamo added on in the second period with a Soin goal, coming off of Yury Babenko and Gleb Koryagin. Moscow extended the lead as Maxim Pestushko scored on a penalty shot he received after Dmitry Obukhov tripped him on a scoring chance. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars goal to Soin, Yeryomenko (24 save shutout), and Glazachev.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 65 2013-2014

Three games on tonight, beginning with...

The New Jersey Devils hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Backups Peter Budaj and Cory Schneider are in goal. Montreal led off with a Brian Gionta goal in the first period, his fifth of the season, assisted by Daniel Briere and Tomas Plekanec. New Jersey tied it in the third period when Andrei Loktionov scored his third of the year, thanks to Marek Zidlicky and Michael Ryder. The Devils took the lead as Ryder potted his seventh of the season, via Reid Boucher and Loktionov. The Canadiens tied it as Lars Eller scored his eighth of the year, made possible by Alex Galchenyuk and Raphael Diaz. New Jersey took the lead back on a Patrik Elias goal, his sixth of the season, going in unassisted. Montreal evened the score as David Desharnais scored his third of the year, passed from Gionta. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Boucher was overpowered by Eller and Desharnais for a 4-3 Canadiens win. The three stars went to Desharnais, Eller, and Gionta, while Ryder, Boucher, and Loktiona get the honorable mentions.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Jimmy Howard are in the creases. Detroit opened in the first period as Tomas Tatar scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Drew Miller and Joakim Andersson. Philadelphia tied it on a Steve Downie power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Sean Couturier and Matt Read. The Red Wings took the lead back in the second period when Johan Franzen registered his eighth of the campaign, via Stephen Weiss and Gustav Nyquist. Detroit added on with another Tatar goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, coming from Mikael Samuelsson and Daniel Alfredsson on the power play. The Flyers got one back as Read netted his ninth of the year, with helpers provided by Couturier and Scott Hartnell. Philadelphia tied it in the third period with a Claude Giroux power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, made possible by Kimmo Timonen and Hartnell. The Flyers gained the lead as Couturier scored his fourth of the season, guided in by Downie and Read. Philadelphia extended the lead with a Hartnell power play goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Giroux and Mark Streit. The Flyers finished it at 6-3 with a Couturier empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, set up by Michael Raffl. The three stars were Couturier, Hartnell, and Read, while Tatar, Giroux, and Downie get the honorable mentions.

Finally, out in Calgary, the Flames bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss and Karri Ramo are the unreliable goalies. Phoenix started in the first period with a Keith Yandle goal, his third of the season, assisted by Shane Doan and Antoine Vermette. Calgary tied it as T.J. Brodie scored his third of the year, via Matt Stajan and Jiri Hudler. The Flames took the lead in the second period as Mikael Backlund scored his third of the season, passed from Hudler and Chris Butler. Calgary added on as Mark Giordano netted his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Brodie and Joe Colborne. The Flames extended the lead in the third period as Lee Stempniak scored his fifth of the campaign, a shorthanded goal set up by Stajan and Giordano. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars being awarded to Giordano, Brodie, and Ramo (29 for 30 in saves), while Hudler and Stajan get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 92 2013-2014

Eight games to go with today, beginning in the Far East as...

Amur Khabarovsk hosts Spartak Moscow. Jeff Glass faces a lesser for in Mika Jarvinen in goal. Khabarovsk opened in the first period with an Alexander Yunkov goal, fueled by Dylan Reese and Dmitry Tarasov. Amur added on in the second period with a Dmitry Lugin goal, coming off of Denis Yezhov and the goalie Jarvinen. Moscow got on the board in the third period as Rastislav Spirko scored, with a lone assist by Deron Quint. Spartak tied it when Quint scored a power play goal, powered by Spirko. Moscow took the lead back on an Igor Volkov goal, made possible by Mikhail Yunkov and Denis Bodrov. Khabarovsk retied it as Evgeny Orlov scored, with the help of Yezhov. Amur won 4-3 in the shootout as Alexander Yunkov and Orlov both scored. The three stars were Alexander Yunkov, Spirko, and Quint, while Orlov and Yezhov each got honorable mentions.

Down in Vladivostok, Admiral welcomes Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Niko Hovinen are in the creases. Vladivostok began in the first period on an Alexei Ugarov goal, fueled by Evgeny Grachyov. Donetsk tied it with a Maxim Yakutsenya goal, passed from Evgeny Dadonov and Randy Robitaille. Admiral took the lead on a Richard Gynge power play goal, with a lone helper from Felix Schutz. Vladivostok added on in the second period with a power play goal by Grachyov, powered by Mathias Porseland and Andrei Nikitenko. Admiral extended the lead in the third period when Ugarov scored his second of the game on a penalty shot he received when he was slashed by Robitaille. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Ugarov, Grachyov, and Hovinen (33 for 34 in saves).

Westward to Novosibirsk, as Sibir hosts Medevscak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Mikko Koskinen draw the starts. Zagreb got going in the second period with a Mathieu Carle goal, assisted by Ryan Vesce and Charles Linglet. Medvescak added on in the third period as Vesce scored, thanks to Jonathan Cheechoo. This was good for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Vesce, Dekanich (42 save shutout), and Carle.

Staying in the area, Metallurg Novokuznetsk brings in Dinamo Minsk. Yan Shelepnyov and Nikita Lozhkin are the unknown goalies. Novokuznetsk was first to score in the first period on an Artyom Gareyev goal, passed from Tuukka Mantyla and Vladislav Kartayev. Metallurg added on as Sergei Yemelin scored, with a lone assist by Anton Kapotov. Shelepnyov was pulled for Lars Haugen at this time. Novokzunetsk extended the lead in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Rafael Akhmetov, set up by Yemelin. Minsk got on the board with a Zbynek Irgl power play goal, powered by Alexei Kalyuznhy and Geoff Platt. Dinamo pulled closer in the third period when Alexander Kitarov scored, thanks to Vitaly Kiryushchenkov. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Yemelin, Akhmetov, and Gareyev.

Way out west, Atlant Mytishchi hosts CSKA Moscow. Ilya Proskuryakov and Stanislav Galimov tend the twines. Mytishchi dented the scoreboard in the third period on an Igor Radulov goal, coming off of Yury Trubachyov and Evgeny Artyukhin. Atlant iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Konstantin Koltsov, set up by Mikhail Glukhov. The three stars went to Galimov (29 save shutout), Radulov, and Proskuryakov (28 for 29 in saves).

Leaving Russia for Latvia, as Dinamo Riga welcomes Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Vitaly Kolesnik and Mikael Tellqvist received the starting nods. Yaroslavl struck first in the second period on an Emil Galimov goal, assisted by Staffan Kronwall and Alexander Chernikov. Riga tied it with a Kyle Wilson foal, made possible by Marcel Hossa and Miks Indrasis. Dinamo took the lead as Wilson scored again, with a lone assist by Juris Upitis. Riga added on with a power play goal by Krisjanis Redlihs, powered by Paul Szczechura and Indrasis. Dinamo iced it at 4-1 as Indrasis scored on the penalty shot he received after being tripped by Mikhail Pashnin. The three stars were Wilson, Indrasis, and Tellqvist (26 for 27 in saves).

Over in the Czech Republic, Lev Prague hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Ivan Kasutin and Petri Vehanen occupy the blue paint. Cherepovets led off in the second period as Pakhrudin Gimbatov scored, thanks to Pavel Chernov. Prague tied it as Petr Vrana scored, with the help of Martin Thornberg and Martin Sevc. Lev took the lead in the third period with a Calle Ridderwall goal, guided in by Sevc. Prague finished it at 3-1 with a Thornberg empty net goal, set up by Jiri Novotny and Ondrej Nemec. The three stars were Thornberg, Vehanen (19 for 20 in saves), and Sevc.

Finally, in Slovakia, Slovan Bratislava brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Ilya Ezhov and Jaroslav Janus are the masked men. St. Petersburg started in the first period on an Artemy Panarin goal, made possible by Alexander Kucheryavenko. Bratislava tied it with an Andrej Stastny goal, fueled by Martin Stajnoch and Tomas Mojzis. Slovan took the lead in the second period as Mario Bliznak scored, thanks to Michal Vondrka and Michel Miklik. SKA tied it again with an Igor Makarov goal, passed from Kucheryavenko. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Roman Cervenka had the only goal for SKA to give them a 3-2 win. The three stars were Kucheryavenko, Makarov, and Cervenka.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

NHL Day 64 2013-2014

Nine games on tonight, beginning with...

The Washington Capitals hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. Carolina started in the first period on a Jeff Skinner goal, his fifth of the season, thanks to Eric Staal. The Hurricanes added on with another Skinner goal in the second period, his second of the game and sixth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and the goalie Peters. Carolina extended the lead with an Andrej Sekera power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Skinner and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes padded the lead with a Jiri Tlusty goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Radek Dvorak and Harrison. Philipp Grubauer relieved Holtby in the third period. Washington got on the board in the third period as Mike Green scored, via Alex Ovechkin and Jason Chimera on the power play. This only made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Skinner, Peters (26 for 27 in saves), and Eric Staal, while Harrison gets an honorable mention.

Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and James Reimer receive the starting nods. San Jose was first to score as Mike Brown scored his second of the season, made possible by Jason Demers and Andrew Desjardins. The Sharks added on with a Joe Thornton power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Joe Pavelski and Dan Boyle. Toronto got on the board in the second period with a Mason Raymond power play goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Morgan Rielly and Carl Gunnarsson. The Maple Leafs tied it with a Phil Kessel power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, passed from Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. San Jose took the lead with a Brad Stuart goal, his third of the season, coming off of Boyle. The Sharks iced it at 4-2 with a Logan Couture goal, his tenth of the year going into the empty net after being set up by Tommy Wingels. The three stars were Stuart, Boyle, and Kessel.

Back stateside, the New York Islanders bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury faces a lesser foe in Anders Nilsson in goal. New York began in the first period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by John Tavares and Thomas Vanek. The Islanders added on as Okposo scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, via Tavares and Andrew MacDonald. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period with a James Neal power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins tied it as Sidney Crosby scored his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal with a lone assist by Malkin. Pittsburgh won 3-2 with a Crosby goal in overtime, his second of the game and fifteenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. Crosby, Okposo, and Malkin got the three stars, while Tavares got an honorable mention.

West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Sergei Bobrovsky are the young goalies. Columbus got going with a second period goal by Nick Foligno, his seventh of the season, with a lone helper from Ryan Johansen. Early in the third period, Bobrovsky was hurt and replaced by Curtis McElhinney. He completed the 1-0 shutout, leaving the three stars with Foligno, Bobrovsky (18 for 18 in saves), and Bishop (20 for 21 in saves).

South to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Tim Thomas are the veteran goalies. Florida struck first in the first period on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his sixth of the season, coming on the power play via Tomas Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. The Panthers added on as Campbell scored his fourth of the year, coming off of Scottie Upshall and Tom Gilbert on the power play. Ottawa got on the board with the second of the season by Joe Corvo, assisted by Clarke MacArthur and Chris Phillips. The Senators tied it as Erik Condra netted his second of the year, with the help of Jason Spezza and MacArthur. Ottawa took the lead in the second period with a Colin Greening power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Corvo and Zack Smith. The Senators extended the lead in the third period as Bobby Ryan scored his fourteenth of the year, with a lone assist provided by Jared Cowen. They held on for a 4-2 win, with the three stars being Corvo, Campbell, and MacArthur.

Northwest to Chicago, as the Blackhawks bring in the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Corey Crawford guard the cages. Dallas opened in the first period when Valeri Nichushkin scored his third of the season, thanks to Cody Eakin and Jamie Benn. The Stars added on with an Alex Chiasson power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Alex Goligoski and Ray Whitney. Dallas extended the lead in the second period when Erik Cole potted his third of the season, guided in by Nichushkin and Shawn Horcoff. Chicago got on the board as Patrick Sharp notched his eleventh of the year, a power play goal assisted by Duncan Keith and Andrew Shaw. The Blackhawks pulled closer as Nick Leddy made his third of the season, with the help of Sheldon Brookbank and Patrick Kane. Chicago evened it on a Johnny Oduya goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Kane. The Stars took the lead back in the third period on a penalty shot goal by Antoine Roussel, which he received after being hooked by Niklas Hjalmarsson. This was good enough for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Nichushkin, Roussel, and Kane.

Backtracking to Nashville, as the Predators host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Marek Mazanec are between the pipes. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Brad Richardson goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Dale Weise and Jannik Hansen. Nashville tied it with a Colin Wilson goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Patric Hornqvist and Roman Josi. The Canucks took the lead back in the third period on a Ryan Kesler goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Jason Garrison and Mike Santorelli. Vancouver added on as Kesler scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Garrison and Daniel Sedin. They went on to win 3-1, with the three stars being awarded to Kesler, Luongo (30 for 31 in saves), and Garrison.

North to Edmonton, as the Oilers welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Devan Dubnyk will attempt to stop the puck. Phoenix led off in the first period on a Mikkel Boedker power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Radim Vrbata and David Schlemko. Edmonton tied it as David Perron netted his tenth of the year, assisted by Mark Arcobello. The Coyotes retook the lead on a Vrbata goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Mike Ribeiro and Derek Morris. Phoenix added on as Shane Doan notched his twelfth of the year, thanks to Ribeiro and Boedker. The Oilers got one back as Perron scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, a power play goal made possible by Ales Hemsky and Taylor Hall. The Coyotes shot back in the third period as Ribeiro put away his eighth of the year, via Doan and David Moss. Phoenix extended the lead on a Keith Yandle goal, his second of the season, fueled by Boedker and Antoine Vermette. The Coyotes padded the lead as Moss scored his second of the year, set up by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jeff Halpern. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars being awarded to Boedker, Ribeiro, and Doan, while Perron, Moss, and Vrbata get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Anaheim, the Ducks bring in the Los Angeles Kings for a Battle of California. Martin Jones is mismatched with Jonas Hiller in goal. Los Angeles got going in the second period as Jeff Carter scored his seventh of the season, going in unassisted. Anaheim tied it with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Hampus Lindholm and Corey Perry. The Ducks took the lead in the third period with a Perry goal, his sixteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dustin Penner and Cam Fowler. The Kings tied it with a Dustin Brown goal, his fifth of the year, with a lone helper from Jarret Stoll. In the ninth round of the shootout, Los Angeles won with a Dwight King goal, the first and only shootout tally in the game. The final was 3-2, with the three stars being Perry, Hiller (49 for 51 in saves), and King.

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Monday Night Football Week 13

I got a bit caught up in the Seahawks excitement last night, so much so that I forgot to write up the post for the game. As is well known, the Seattle Seahawks hosted the New Orleans Saints. Seattle began in the first quarter on a Steven Hauschka field goal of 26 yards. The Seahawks added on as Michael Bennett returned a Drew Brees fumble for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Hauschka made the extra point. Seattle extended the lead on a 2 yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Zach Miller, and Hauschka again supplied the extra point. New Orleans got on the board in the second quarter when Brees found Jimmy Graham for 2 yards and a touchdown, and Garrett Hartley booted the extra point. The Seahawks replied on a 20 yard Hauschka field goal. Seattle padded the lead when Wilson threw 4 yards to Doug Baldwin for a touchdown, and Hauschka was true with the PAT. The Seahawks got some more in the third quarter with an 8 yard touchdown pass from Wilson, off the hands of one receiver and into the hands of Derrick Coleman, and Hauschka kicked in another extra point. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 34-7 final, with the Seahawks clinching a playoff spot at 11-1 and the Saints falling to 9-3.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 91 2013-2014

Five games on today, starting in...

Chelyabinsk, as Traktor hosts Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Michael Garnett protect the nets. Astana began with a first period Dmitry Upper goal, fueled by Konstantin Rudenko. Barys added on in the second period with a Roman Starchenko goal, with a lone assist by Upper. Astana extended the lead as Nigel Dawes scored a power play goal, powered by Cam Barker and Brandon Bochenski. Barys padded the lead with a Mikhail Panshin goal, coming off of Andrei Gavrilin. This held up for a 4-0 win, with the three stars being Ahonen (24 save shutout), Upper, and Starchenko.

Over in Ufa, Salavat Yulaev welcomes Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Alexei Volkov draw the starts. Ufa was first to score in the first period on a Denis Khlystov goal, assisted by Dmitry Makarov and Teemu Hartikainen. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it in the third period when Stephen Dixon scored, thanks to Marek Troncinsky and Radek Smolenak. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back with a goal by Nikita Shchitov, guided in by Khlystov. Yugra tied it with a Veli-Matti Savinainen goal, fueled by Andrei Shefer and Mikhail Yakubov. Ufa won the game 3-2 in overtime as Kirill Koltsov scored, with the help of Andrei Zubarev and Alexei Kaigorodov.

Moving along to Magnitogorsk, as Metallurg hosts Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin is mismatched with Vasily Koshechkin in goal. Omsk got going in the second period as Maxim Kazakov scored, with a lone helper from Sergei Kostitsyn. Avangard added on with an unassisted goal by Maxim Goncharov. Magnitogorsk got on the board in the third period when Sergei Mozyakin potted an unassisted goal. Metallurg tied it on a Viktor Antipin power play goal, powered by Mozyakin and Jan Kovar. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kostitsyn and Anton Kuryanov scored for Avangard to give them a 3-2 win. The three stars were Kostitsyn, Mozyakin, and Goncharov.

A bit west to Nizhnekamsk, as Neftekhimik brings in Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Alexander Sudnitsin are the reliable and young goalies. Nizhnekamsk led off with a first period Pavel Kulikov goal, coming on the power play from Oskar Osala. Neftekhimik added on as Kulikov scored again, with another lone assist by Osala. Fyodor Malykhin got Yekaterinburg on the board in the second period with a power play goal, powered by Sergei Demagin and Dmitry Megalinsky. Avtomobilist tied it on an Andre Deveaux goal, passed from Eduard Lewandowski and Alexei Yefimov. Yekaterinburg took the lead as Ilya Arkalov scored, thanks to Yegor Zhuralyov and Vasily Streltsov. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Kulikov, Arkalov, and Osala.

Finally, we end in Podolsk, as Vityaz hosts Ak Bars Kazan. Emil Garipov and Ivan Lisutin are the underrated goalies. Ak Bars struck first in the first period on an Alexei Tereshchenko goal, assisted by Shaun Heshka and Kirill Petrov. Podolsk tied it on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin power play goal, powered by Yury Koksharov and Anton Korolyov. Ak Bars retook the lead in the second period on an unassisted goal by Alexander Burmistrov. Kazan added on with a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Petrov. Vityaz got one back in the third period on an Airat Ziazov goal, coming off of Maxim Afinogenov and Gleb Klimenko. This resulted in a 3-2 final, with Petrov, Burmistrov, and Tereshchenko getting the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 63 2013-2014

There are four games on today, beginning with...

The New York Rangers hosting the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Cam Talbot are set to start. New York opened in the first period as Mats Zuccarello scored his fourth of the season, guided in by Ryan McDonagh. Winnipeg tied it in the second period as Devin Setoguchi scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Olli Jokinen and Chris Thorburn. The Jets took the lead as John Albert scored, via Dustin Byfuglien. The Rangers pulled even as Ryan Callahan netted his seventh of the season, assisted by Brad Richards and Benoit Pouliot. Winnipeg took the lead back in the third period as Jokinen scored his fifth of the year, passed from Thorburn and Setoguchi. The Jets added on as Jokinen scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Michael Frolik and Jacob Trouba. Winnipeg iced it at 5-2 with a Blake Wheeler empty net goal, his sixth of the year, set up by Trouba and Bryan Little. The three stars were Jokinen, Setoguchi, and Thorburn, while Trouba gets an honorable mention.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Carey Price tend the twines. New Jersey struck first in the first period on a Steve Bernier goal, his third of the season, assisted by Anton Volchenkov and Adam Henrique. Montreal tied it in the second period as Rene Bourque scored his sixth of the year, coming off of David Desharnais and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens took the lead with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and Desharnais. The Devils tied it in the third period as Michael Ryder scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Mark Fayne and Eric Gelinas. Montreal took the lead back on an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his seventh of the campaign, made possible by Alexei Emelin and Bourque. This made it 3-2, with the three stars being Bourque, Desharnais, and Galchenyuk.

Back stateside, the Minnesota Wild host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery and Josh Harding are the backups in the creases. Minnesota was first to score in the third period as Jason Pominville scored his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Mikko Koivu. The Wild added on as Charlie Coyle scored his third of the year, with assists provided by Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scandella. The final stood at 2-0, with the three stars being Harding (21 save shutout), Pominville, and Coyle.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Ben Scrivens are between the pipes. Los Angeles started in the first period as Jarret Stoll scored his third of the season, fueled by Justin Williams and Robyn Regehr. The Kings added on as Tyler Toffoli potted his fifth of the year, thanks to Drew Doughty and Mike Richards. Los Angeles extended the lead in the second period as Toffoli scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, with the help of Richards and Willie Mitchell. St. Louis got on the board in the third period as Kevin Shattenkirk scored his second of the year, passed from Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz. The Blues pulled closer as Tarasenko notched his ninth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Shattenkirk. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Toffoli, Tarasenko, and Shattenkirk, while Richards gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 90 2013-2014

Eight games on today, beginning in...

Khabarovsk, as Amur hosts Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Alexei Murygin are in the blue paint. Donetsk began in the first period with a Lukas Kaspar goal, assisted by Oleg Piganovich. Donbass added on as Vaclav Nedorost scored, thanks to Evgeny Dadonov. Donetsk extended the lead in the third period when Teemu Laine scored, with a lone assist by Petteri Wirtanen. Donbass padded the lead on an unassisted Ruslan Fedotenko power play goal. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars being Leighton (29 save shutout), Kaspar, and Nedorost.

Down in Vladivostok, Admiral welcomes Spartak Moscow. Alexei Ivanov and Niko Hovinen are the little-known goalies. Moscow struck first in the first period as Matt Anderson scored a power play goal, powered by Andrei Sergeyev and Rastislav Spirko. Vladivostok tied it as Felix Schutz scored, with a lone helper by Niclas Bergfors. Spartak retook the lead in the second period when Mikhail Yunkov scored, assisted by Igor Volkov and Vyacheslav Kozlov. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being given to Ivanov (29 for 30 in saves), Yunkov, and Anderson.

Westward to Novosibirsk, as Sibir brings in Dinamo Minsk. Lars Haugen and Mikko Koskinen draw the starts. Novosibirsk led off in the first period as Nikolai Lemtyugov scored, via Alexei Kopeikin. Sibir added on with a Maxim Krivonozhkin goal, fueled by Igor Ozhiganov. Novosibirsk extended the lead as Jonas Enlund scored, with the help of Dmitry Kugryshev and Sergei Shumakov. Minsk got on the board in the third period with a goal by Vitaly Kiryushchenkov, made possible by Stanislav Lopachuk and Andrei Stas. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being handed to Koskinen (29 for 30 in saves), Krivonozhkin, and Enlund.

Staying in the area, Metallurg Novokuznetsk hosts Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Ilya Sorokin are the solid goalies. Zagreb opened in the first period with a Michael Ryan goal, coming off of Bill Thomas. Medvescak added on as Thomas scored an unassisted goal. Zagreb extended the lead in the second period on a Hugh Jessiman goal, fueled by Kurtis Foster and Alan Letang. Medvescak padded the lead with a third period goal by Boyd Kane, passed from Mike Glumac. Zagreb got another when Ryan scored his second of the game, thanks to Matt Murley. Novokuznetsk got on the board with an Ansel Galimov goal, assisted by Rafael Akhmetov. This resulted in a 5-1 final, with the three stars going to Ryan, Thomas, and Dekanich (32 for 33 in saves).

West to Nizhny Novgorod, as Torpedo welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Vitaly Koval tend the twines. Moscow got going in the second period with a Dominik Granak power play goal, powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Denis Mosalyov. Dynamo added on as Maxim Pestushko scored, thanks to Leo Komarov and Andrei Mironov. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board in the third period with a Vladimir Denisov goal, made possible by Maxim Potapov. Moscow shot back on a Sergei Soin goal, with a lone helper by Pestushko. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 3-1, and the three stars were Pestushko, Yeryomenko (19 for 20 in saves), and Soin.

Over in Moscow, CSKA brings in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford and Ilya Proskuryakov are the masked men. Yaroslavl was first to score in the first period as Vadim Khlopotov scored, thanks to Igor Musatov. Lokomotiv added on in the second period with a Sergei Konkov, fueled by Sergei Plotnikov and Daniil Apalkov. Yaroslavl extended the lead on a Mikelis Redlihs goal, passed from Vitaly Zotov and Vitaly Vishnevsky. Moscow got on the board in the third period on an Alexei Morozov goal, assisted by Stanislav Yegorshev and Ilari Filppula. This as it for the scoring, with the final being 3-1 and the three stars being Sanford (25 for 26 in saves), Konkov, and Redlihs.

Further to the west, Lev Prague hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Alexander Salak and Petri Vehanen are in the creases. St. Petersburg started in the first period on an Artemy Panarin goal, fueled by Alexander Kucheryavenko. Prague tied it in the second period when Justin Azevedo scored, with the help of David Ullstrom. Lev took the lead as Michal Birner scored on a penalty shot he received after being hooked by Maxim Chudinov. SKA retied it when Vadim Shipachyov scored, thanks to Andrei Kuteikin. Prague retook the lead on a Michal Repik goal, courtesy of Petr Vrana. St. Petersburg pulled even in the third period as Viktor Tikhonov scored, with helpers provided by Alexei Semenov and Evgeny Skachkov. The game went to a shootout, where Ullstrom matched Roman Cervenka, Jakub Klepis and Ilya Kovalchuk traded goals, and then Klepis matched Cervenka before Kovalchuk scored his second of the skills competition to seal a 4-3 SKA victory. The three stars were Kovaclhuk, Cervenka, and Klepis, while Ullstrom gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Bratislava, Slovan hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Jaroslav Janus protect the nets. Bratislava dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Libor Hudacek goal, coming off of Andrej Stastny. Cherepovets tied it in the second period as Linus Videll scored, thanks to Vadim Berdnikov and Anatoly Nikontsev. Severstal gained the lead in the third period on an Alexander Bumagin goal, assisted by Evgeny Kovyrshin and Nikolai Kazakovtsev. Slovan tied it when Michal Sersen scored, with the help of Hudacek and Branko Radivojevic. Bratislava took the lead when Milan Bartovic potted the puck, guided in by Michel Miklik. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Hudacek, Bartovic, and Bumagin.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

NHL Day 62 2013-2014

Three games on today, beginning in...

Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Cam Ward are in the blue paint. Vancouver led off in the first period as Ryan Kesler scored his eleventh of the season, thanks to Jason Garrison and Henrik Sedin on the power play. The Canucks added on with a Tom Sestito goal, his second of the year, guided in by Garrison and Zac Dalpe. Carolina got on the board in the second period as Jordan Staal scored his fifth of the season, fueled by Ron Hainsey and Patrick Dwyer. The Hurricanes tied it ten seconds later on a Nathan Gerbe goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Eric Staal and Justin Faulk. Vancouver quickly retook the lead with a Kesler goal, his twelfth of the campaign and second of the game, coming off of Jannik Hansen and Chris Higgins. This made it a 3-2 final, with the three stars being given to Kesler, Garrison, and Lack (29 for 31 in saves).

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Robin Lehner are the backups making spot starts. Detroit dented the scoreboard in the second period as Johan Franzen scored his seventh of the season, fueled by Jakub Kindl and Daniel Alfredsson. The Red Wings added on as Drew Miller scored his third of the year, thanks to Tomas Tatar and Niklas Kronwall. Ottawa got on the board with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Milan Michalek and Chris Phillips. Detroit replied as Miller scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, helped along by Brendan Smith and Darren Helm. The Senators pulled back as Mika Zibanejad scored his eighth of the season, passed from Erik Karlsson and Zack Smith. The Red Wings iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Alfredsson, his seventh of the year, set up by Justin Abdelkader and Kronwall. The three stars were handed to Miller, Alfredsson, and Kronwall.

The last game came from Dallas, as the Stars bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas began in the second period with a shorthanded and unassisted Ryan Garbutt goal, his fourth of the season. Edmonton tied it with an Ales Hemsky goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Ryan Jones and Sam Gagner. The Stars retook the lead in the third period with a Garbutt goal, his fifth of the season and second of the game, assisted by Antoine Roussel and Vernon Fiddler. The Oilers tied it again with an Andrew Ference goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by David Perron. In the shootout, Edmonton won the game 3-2 with goals by Jordan Eberle and Perron, topping a single goal from Rich Peverley. The three stars were Garbutt, Perron, and Ference.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 13 2013

We hit 20,000 views today everybody. Thanks for making it possible. To celebrate, let's have some football. Twelve games today, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the New York Jets host the Miami Dolphins. Miami got going in the second quarter with a 34 yard Caleb Sturgis field goal. The Dolphins added on when Sturgis made a 43 yard field goal. Miami extended the lead in the third quarter as Ryan Tannehill threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Brian Hartline, and Sturgis handled the extra point. New York got on the board as Nick Folk kicked a 20 yard field goal. The Dolphins responded with a 28 yard touchdown pass from Tannehill to Mike Wallace, and Sturgis supplied the PAT. Miami wrapped it up at 23-3 with a Sturgis 18 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins improved to 6-6 while the Jets dropped to 5-7.

Over in Philadelphia, where the Eagles welcome the Arizona Cardinals. Philadelphia began in the first quarter as Nick Foles threw a 6 yard touchdown to Zach Ertz, and Alex Henery made the extra point. Arizona tied it in the second quarter as Carson Palmer found Larry Fitzgerald for 43 yards and a touchdown, and Jay Feely knocked in the extra point. The Eagles took the lead as Henery made a 32 yard field goal. Philadelphia added on with a 1 yard Foles touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Henery supplied the extra point. The Eagles extended the lead as Foles found Ertz for 24 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter, and Henery handled the PAT. The Cardinals pulled back as Palmer threw a 23 yard touchdown pass to Michael Floyd, and Feely drilled the extra point. Arizona chipped closer as Palmer found Jim Dray for 3 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Feely was true with the extra point. This wasn't enough to avoid the 24-21 loss, with both teams going to 7-5.

To the west, the Minnesota Vikings bring in the Chicago Bears. Chicago was first to score in the first quarter as Robbie Gould made a 30 yard field goal. Minnesota took the lead in the second quarter as Cordarrelle Patterson ran 33 yards for a touchdown, and Blair Walsh made the extra point. The Bears pulled back as Gould made a 40 yard field goal. Chicago gained the lead in the third quarter with a Josh McCown touchdown pass of 80 yards to Alshon Jeffrey, and Gould blasted the extra point. The Vikings answered on a Walsh field goal from 32 yards away. The Bears responded on a 46 yard McCown touchdown pass to Jeffrey, and Gould supplied the PAT. Minnesota pulled back as Matt Cassel found Greg Jennings for an 8 yard touchdown, and Walsh nailed the extra point. The Vikings tied it as Walsh made a late 30 yard field goal. Minnesota would win on another late field goal in overtime by Walsh, this time from 34 yards (his and Gould's previous longer misses notwithstanding). The final was 23-20, and the Vikings went to 3-8-1 while dropping the Bears to 6-6.

Way south to Houston, as the Texans host the New England Patriots. Houston struck first in he first quarter as Ben Tate ran 8 yards for a touchdown, and Randy Bullock made the extra point. The Texans added on as Bullock kicked a 43 yard field goal. New England got on the board with a Tom Brady touchdown pass of 23 yards to Rob Gronkowski, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point. Houston replied in the second quarter as Tate ran 20 yards for a touchdown, and Bullock knocked in the extra point. The Patriots pulled back in the third quarter with a 1 yard James Develin touchdown rush, and Gostkowski was there with the extra point. New England took the lead on a 9 yard touchdown pass from Brady to Shane Vereen, and Gostkowski booted the PAT. The Texans regained the lead with a 5 yard touchdown run by Case Keenum, and Bullock drove in the extra point. The Patriots took the lead back in the fourth quarter as LeGarrette Blount rushed for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Gostkowski nailed the extra point. Houston edged back ahead with a 10 yard Tate touchdown run, and Bullock was true with the extra point. New England pulled even with a 53 yard field goal by Gostkowski. The Patriots gained the lead as Gostkowski made another 53 yard field goal. This stood for a 34-31 win, and the Patriots improved to 9-3 while dropping the Texans to 2-10.

Northeast to Carolina, as the Panthers welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay opened in the first quarter with a 27 yard field goal by Rian Lindell. Carolina took the lead as Cam Newton found Brandon LaFell for 16 yards and a touchdown, and Graham Gano made the extra point. The Buccaneers chipped back as Lindell nailed a 53 yard field goal. The Panthers answered as Gano made a 23 yard field goal in the second quarter. Carolina added on with a 1 yard touchdown run by Newton, and Gano kicked the extra point. The Panthers extended the lead in the third quarter as Newton threw a 36 yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn, Jr., and Gano booted the PAT. Carolina padded the lead in the fourth quarter when Gano made a 22 yard field goal. This was good for a 27-6 win, with the Panthers going to 9-3 and the Buccaneers falling to 3-9.

A little to the west, the Cleveland Browns bring in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland led off in the first quarter as Willis McGahee ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Billy Cundiff made an extra point. Jacksonville tied it with a Chad Henne 18 yard touchdown pass to Clay Harbor, and Josh Scobee kicked the extra point. The Browns took the lead back in the second quarter with a Brandon Weeden touchdown pass of 21 yards to Josh Gordon, and Cundiff nailed the extra point. The Jaguars pulled even again as Maurice Jones-Drew threw an 8 yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis. Jacksonville got the lead as Scobee made a 44 yard field goal. The Jaguars added on with a 36 yard field goal by Scobee. Cleveland took the lead back on a third quarter Weeden touchdown pass of 4 yards to Greg Little, and Cundiff supplied the extra point. Jacksonville took the lead back as Alex Mack was tackled in his own end zone recovering a fumble for a safety. The Jaguars extended the lead when Scobee made a 25 yard field goal. The Browns regained the lead as Weeden and Gordon hooked up again for 95 yards and a touchdown, and Cundiff booted the PAT. Jacksonville pulled back ahead as Henne threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts III, and Scobee blasted the extra point. This held up for a 32-28 win, with the Jaguars going to 3-9 and the Browns falling to 4-8.

Edging west again, the Indianapolis Colts host the Tennessee Titans. Indianapolis started in the first quarter as Adam Vinatieri made a 47 yard field goal. The Colts added on as Vinatieri made a 48 yard field goal. Tennessee pulled ahead in the second quarter as Ryan Fitzpatrick ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Rob Bironas made the extra point. Indianapolis took the lead back with a Vinatieri field goal of 45 yards. The Colts extended their lead as Vinatieri was true on a field goal of 37 yards. The Titans pulled ahead again with a Fitzpatrick touchdown pass of 1 yard to Chris Johnson, and Bironas nailed the PAT. Indianapolis retook the lead with a Vinatieri field goal of 49 yards. The Colts padded the lead in the fourth quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run by Donald Brown, and Vinatieri supplied the extra point. This held up for a 22-14 final, with the Colts going to 8-4 and the Titans dropping to 5-7.

Up in Toronto, the Buffalo Bills welcome the Atlanta Falcons for their annual Toronto game. Buffalo dented the scoreboard in the first quarter as EJ Manuel ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Dan Carpenter supplied the extra point. The Bills added on as Fred Jackson rushed 4 yards for a touchdown, and Carpenter made another extra point. Atlanta got on the board with a 27 yard Steven Jackson touchdown run, and Matt Bryant knocked in the extra point. Buffalo responded with a 29 yard Carpenter field goal. The Falcons shot back on a 38 yard touchdown run by Antone Smith, and Bryant nailed the extra point. Atlanta tied it with a Bryant 49 yard field goal. The Falcons took the lead in the third quarter as Matt Ryan tossed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez, and Bryant kicked the extra point. The Bills evened it as Jackson caught a 21 yard touchdown pass from Manuel, and Carpenter's extra point was the equalizer. Buffalo took the lead again with a 36 yard touchdown run by C.J. Spiller, and Carpenter drove in the PAT. Atlanta tied it on a 1 yard Jackson touchdown rush, and Bryant's extra point made it a tie game. The Falcons won on a 36 yard Bryant field goal in overtime by a 34-31 final score. The Falcons are now 3-9 while the Bills are 4-8.

Way out west, the San Francisco 49ers bring in the St. Louis Rams. San Francisco led off in the first quarter with a 32 yard field goal by Phil Dawson. The 49ers added on as Dawson made a 43 yard field goal in the second quarter. San Francisco extended the lead with a 3 yard Frank Gore touchdown run, and Dawson was true with the extra point. St. Louis got on the board as Greg Zuerlein made a 43 yard field goal. The Rams pulled closer as Zuerlein made a 34 yard field goal. The 49ers replied with a Dawson field goal from 24 yards out. San Francisco padded the lead as Colin Kaepernick threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis in the fourth quarter, and Dawson supplied the PAT. St. Louis chipped back with a 3 yard touchdown pass from Kellen Clemens to Brian Quick, and Zuerlein handled the extra point. This only made it 23-13, the final, with the 49ers improving to 8-4 while the Rams fall to 5-7.

Down in San Diego, the Chargers host the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati got going in the second quarter on a 4 yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Mike Nugent kicked the extra point. San Diego tied it as Philip Rivers threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to Ladarius Green, and Nick Novak knocked in the extra point. The Bengals took the lead back in the third quarter as Andy Dalton tossed a 21 yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green, and Nugent made the PAT. Cincinnati added on in the fourth quarter with a 46 yard field goal by Nugent. The Chargers got some back as Novak made a 48 yard field goal. They got no closer, losing 17-10, with the Bengals going to 8-4 while the Chargers fall to 5-7.

Eastward to Kansas City, as the Chiefs welcome the Denver Broncos. Kansas City was first to score in the first quarter with an Alex Smith touchdown pass of 17 yards to Junior Hemingway, and Ryan Succop made the extra point. Denver tied it in the second quarter as Peyton Manning threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker, and Matt Prater was there with the extra point. The Chiefs immediately retook the lead as Knile Davis returned the kickoff for 108 yards and a touchdown, and Succop booted the extra point. Kansas City added on as Smith found Anthony Fasano for 12 yards and a touchdown, and Succop nailed the extra point. The Broncos shot back as Manning threw a 3 yard touchdown to Knowshon Moreno, and Prater drilled the PAT. Denver tied it in the third quarter on a Manning touchdown pass of 37 yards to Decker, and Prater supplied the extra point. The Broncos extended the lead with a 15 yard Manning touchdown pass to Decker, their third connection, and Prater made another extra point. Denver padded the lead in the fourth quarter as Manning and Decker connected for a fourth time, this time for 1 yard, and Prater drove in the extra point. The Chiefs pulled back as Jamaal Charles ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Succop kicked the extra point. They failed to tie it, losing 35-28, with the Broncos now at 10-2 and the Chiefs falling to 9-3.

Finally, in DC, the Washington Redskins bring in the New York Giants. Washington struck first in the first quarter on a 1 yard Alfred Morris touchdown run, and Kai Forbath made the extra point. The Redskins added on in the second quarter as Robert Griffin III threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Logan Paulsen, and Forbath nailed the extra point. New York got on the board as Andre Brown ran 23 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Brown made the extra point. The Giants tied it as Eli Manning found Brandon Myers for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Brown handled another PAT. Washington took the lead back in the third quarter on a Forbath field goal of 33 yards. New York took the lead in the fourth quarter on a 1 yard Andre Brown touchdown run, capped off by a Josh Brown extra point. The Giants extended the lead as Josh Brown made a 39 yard field goal. This was good for a 24-17 win, with the Giants improving to 5-7 while the Redskins fall to 3-9.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 89 2013-2014

Five games on today, beginning...

Chelyabinsk, as Traktor hosts Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Michael Garnett are in the creases. Omsk was first to score in the first period as Denis Kulyash scored a power play goal, powered by Sergei Kostitsyn and Nikita Pivtsakin. Chelyabinsk tied it in the second period as Maxim Kondratyev scored, thanks to Jan Bulis and Andrei Kostitsyn on the power play. Avangard took the lead back in the third period on a Sergei Kalinin goal, fueled by Kulyash and Sergei Kostitsyn. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Kulyash, Mezin (26 for 27 in saves), and Sergei Kostitsyn.

Over in Ufa, Salavat Yulaev welcomes Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Andrei Vasilevsky are set to start. Yekaterinburg opened in the first period as Sami Lepisto scored, assisted by Fyodor Malykhin. Avtomobilist added on in the third period as Eduard Lewandowski scored, thanks to Andre Deveaux and Alexei Yefimov. Yekaterinburg extended the lead on a Malykhin goal, coming off of Anton Lazarev. Ufa got on the board as Yegor Dubrovsky scored, with the help of Alexei Glukhov and Anton Slepyshev. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Malykhin, Kovar (30 for 31 in saves), and Lewandowski.

Moving along to Magnitogorsk, as Metallurg hosts Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Vasily Koshechkin tend the twines. Astana struck first in the first period as Nigel Dawes scored, with a lone assist by Brandon Bochenski. Magnitogorsk tied it in the second period on a Tim Brent power play goal, powered by Evgeny Biryukov and Rinat Ibragimov. Barys took the lead with a Bochenski goal, assisted by Dawes and Dustin Boyd. Metallurg tied it in the third period as Brent scored his second of the game, coming off of Vladimir Malenkikh and Dmitry Kazionov. Astana regained the lead with a Boyd goal, passed from Dawes and Bochenski. Magnitogorsk tied it once again with a Jan Kovar goal, made possible by Sergei Mozyakin. Barys won 4-3 with a lone shootout tally by Roman Starchenko. The three stars were given to Bochenski, Dawes, and Brent, while Boyd gets an honorable mention.

To the west, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk brings in Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Mikhail Biryukov and Alexander Sudnitsin are the masked men. Nizhnekamsk started in the first period with a Pavel Kulikov goal, fueled by Martin Cibak. Neftekhimik added on as Maxim Rybin scored a power play goal, powered by Maxim Berezin and Igor Polygalov. Nizhnkamsk extended the lead in the third period with a Cibak goal, with assists provided by Dmitry Kosmachyov and Oskar Osala. Neftekhimik padded the lead on a power play goal by Rybin, helped along by Renat Mamashev. This made it a 4-0 final, with the three stars being Sudnitsin (34 save shutout), Rybin, and Cibak.

Finally, out in Riga, Dinamo hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Mikael Tellqvist are in the blue paint. Mytishchi dented the scoreboard in the first period on an Ilya Kablukov goal, assisted by Mikhail Glukhov. Atlant added on as Konstantin Koltsov scored, with helpers from Glukhov and Kablukov. Riga got on the board in the second period on a Paul Szczechura goal, fueled by Mat Robinson and Kristaps Sotnieks. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Kablukov, Galimov (25 for 26 in saves), and Glukhov.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

WIAA Dairy Farmers of Washington & Les Schwab Tires High School Football Semifinals 2013

Hello everybody. Once again, it is time for high school football semifinals in Washington. With my recent entry into college and all the fun that comes with that, I was unsure of if this post would happen this year. I made it happen though, and it's appropriate that the close of the third year of my running this blog is marked by being five views away from 20,000 at the time of this writing. It has truly been a great experience for me to work on this, and hitting 20,000 just solidifies that for me even more. Thank you to all of you that have come by at any point in this journey. For the football, we begin with...

The 1B semifinal between the Lummi Blackhawks and the Neah Bay Red Devils. Lummi began in the first quarter on a Logan Toby 27 yard touchdown pass to Kavarez Lane, but they failed on the two-point attempt. The Blackhawks added on as Toby found Dean Williams for an 11 yard touchdown pass, and the two reconnected on the successful two-point attempt. Neah Bay got on the board as Cody Cummins ran in a 25 yard touchdown, and Josiah Greene rushed in the two-point conversion. The Red Devils tied it in the second quarter as Cummins ran 4 yards for another touchdown, and Josiah Greene found brother Zeke Greene for the two-point conversion. Neah Bay extended the lead with a Josiah Greene 23 yard touchdown pass to John Reamer in the third quarter, and Cummins rushed for the two point conversion. The Red Devils padded the lead as Josiah Greene rushed for 1 yard and a touchdown, but the two-point attempt failed this time. Neah Bay kept going in the fourth quarter on a Josiah Greene 33 yard touchdown pass to Tyler McCaulley, and Josiah Greene found Zeke Greene for the two-point conversion. The Red Devils got some more on a Josiah Greene 22 yard touchdown pass to Reamer, and Collin Haupt ran in the two-point conversion for a 46-14 win. The MVP was Cody Cummins.

The second game on Friday was the 3A semifinal between the O'Dea Fighting Irish and the Eastside Catholic Crusaders. Eastside Catholic started in the first quarter with a 3 yard touchdown pass from Harley Kirsch to Matt Laris, and Ian Dorney made the extra point. O'Dea tied it in the second quarter with a 61 yard touchdown run by Myles Gaskin, and Robert Gerarden handled the extra point. The Crusaders took the lead back as Kirsch threw a 64 yard touchdown pass to Colin Macilvennie, and Dorney was true with the extra point. Eastside Catholic added on as Kirsch found Colin Boit for 5 yards and a touchdown, and Dorney kicked in the PAT. The Crusaders extended the lead in the third quarter as Brandon Wellington ran 22 yards for a touchdown, and Dorney knocked in the extra point. The Fighting Irish got some back in the fourth quarter as Pierre Ladorze threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Bobiono Sims, and Gerarden was there with the extra point. They got no closer, losing 28-14, with the MVP going to Harley Kirsch.

Now for Saturday's games, where the 1A semifinal between the Cascade Christian Cougars and the Mount Baker Mountaineers started the day. Mount Baker led off in the first quarter as Andrew Zender ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Alex Tyska made the extra point. Cascade Christian answered with a 64 yard touchdown pass from Jaelin Goldsmith (an old friend of mine) to Robert Terhune, and Andrei Dyson was there with the extra point. The Mountaineers retook the lead as Izaiha Schwinden ran 3 yards for a touchdown, and Tyska handled the extra point. Mount Baker added on in the second quarter with a 4 yard run for a touchdown by Schwinden, and Tyska made another extra point. The Cougars pulled back on a 2 yard touchdown run by Goldsmith, and Dyson supplied the PAT. The Mountaineers extended their lead in the fourth quarter with a 2 yard Schwinden touchdown run, his third of the game, and Tyska made another extra point. Cascade Christian pulled back as Goldsmith ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Dyson blasted the extra point. The Cougars tied it as Hunter Austin ran 6 yards for a touchdown, and Dyson booted the extra point. Late in regulation, Tyska had a chance to win it for Mount Baker, but came up short on a field goal, so the game went to overtime. It was in extra time where Tyska redeemed himself by kicking a 28 yard field goal for a 31-28 Mount Baker win. The MVP of the game went to Izaiha Schwinden.

The middle game of the day was the 2B semifinal between the Morton/White Pass Timberwolves and the Raymond Gulls. Morton/White Pass got going in the second quarter with a Gianni Bertucci 24 yard touchdown run, and Brian Reynolds kicked the extra point. Raymond tied it in the third quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run by Darol Ratsavangsy, and Rayce Newman knocked in the extra point. The Timberwolves took the lead back as Ben Powell rushed 46 yards for a touchdown, and Reynolds was there with the extra point. Morton/White Pass added on in the fourth quarter as Rylon Kolb threw a 37 yard touchdown to Kalen Dunlap, but the point after was botched and the two-point attempt could not be salvaged. The Timberwolves extended the lead with an 8 yard Reynolds run, and he also made the extra point on the play. The Gulls pulled back as Newman threw a 7 yard touchdown pass to Marvin So, and Andres Martinez supplied the PAT. It wasn't enough for them to avoid a 27-14 loss, and the MVP was the Timberwolves' Gianni Bertucci.

Finally, the weekend closes out with a 4A semifinal between the Camas Papermakers and the Bellarmine Prep Lions. Camas opened in the first quarter as Reilly Hennessey threw a 10 yard touchdown pass to Zach Eagle, and Michael Boyle made the extra point. The Papermakers added on as Hennessey found Eagle again for 11 yards and a touchdown, and Boyle knocked in the extra point. Bellarmine Prep got on the board with a Lou Millie touchdown pass of 10 yards to Garrett McKay, and Matt Philichi was there with the extra point. Camas answered on a 5 yard touchdown run by Jason Vailea, and Boyle booted the extra point. The Papermakers extended the lead in the second quarter as Nate Beasley ran 2 yards for a touchdown, and Boyle handled the PAT. The Lions got some back with a 2 yard touchdown run by Ahmad Lewis, and Philichi was true with the extra point. Camas responded as Hennessey and Eagle connected with a 41 yard touchdown pass, and Boyle blasted the extra point. The Papermakers padded the lead in the third quarter as Vailea ran in a 3 yard touchdown, and Boyle drilled the extra point. Camas got some more in the fourth quarter as Cole Zarcone ran 8 yards for a touchdown, and Boyle nailed the extra point. Bellarmine lessened their pain on a 35 yard touchdown pass from Millie to McKay, and Philichi supplied another extra point. This resulted in a 49-21 final, with the co-MVP title being given to Reilly Hennessey and Zach Eagle.

That's all for this year, and next year, I hope to have many more readers to complete my fourth year. Have a great year everybody, and thank you for your continued support. 

NHL Day 61 2013-2014

Eleven games on today, beginning with the...

New York Rangers hosting the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo faces a lesser foe in Cam Talbot in goal. New York struck first in the first period as Chris Kreider scored his fourth of the season, fueled by Rick Nash and Derek Stepan. The Rangers added on as Kreider scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Ryan McDonagh and Brad Richards. New York extended the lead in the second period as Nash scored his fourth of the season, set up by Stepan and Dan Girardi. Eddie Lack replaced Luongo. The Rangers padded the lead on a Michael Del Zotto power play goal, his second of the year, via Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard. Vancouver got on the board as David Booth scored his third of the season, thanks to Mike Santorelli and Dale Weise. New York replied in the third period as Kreider finished his hat trick with his sixth of the campaign, guided in by Anton Stralman and Nash. The Canucks pulled back on a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Ryan Kesler and Alexander Edler. This only made it 5-2, with Kreider, Nash, and Stepan getting the three stars.

Up in Boston, the Bruins welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Chad Johnson are the backups making spot starts. Boston led off in the first period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Dougie Hamilton and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on as Milan Lucic scored his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Torey Krug and David Krejci. Boston extended the lead in the third period as Lucic scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, coming off of Krejci and Jarome Iginla. Columbus got on the board with a Ryan Johansen goal, his tenth of the year, a power play goal made possible by R.J. Umberger and Fedor Tyutin. This produced a 3-1 final, with Lucic, Krejci, and Bergeron getting the three stars.

North to Montreal, where the Canadiens bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Carey Price are the masked men. Montreal was first to score in the first period with a Max Pacioretty goal, his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by P.K. Subban and the goalie Price. The Canadiens added on as Subban scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Pacioretty and David Desharnais. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as Tomas Plekanec scored his ninth of the season, fueled by Daniel Briere and Brian Gionta. The Canadiens padded the lead as Pacioretty scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Lars Eller. Toronto got on the board with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his twelfth of the season, passed from Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. The Maple Leafs pulled closer when Mason Raymond put away his ninth of the year, with a lone assist by Paul Ranger. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-2, and the three stars were Pacioretty, Subban, and Price (34 for 36 in saves with an assist).

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jeff Zatkoff is mismatched with Tim Thomas in goal. Pittsburgh began in the first period with a Chris Kunitz goal, his fourteenth of the season coming on the power play with the help of James Neal and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins added on as Joe Vitale scored, with helpers provided by Jayson Megna and Deryk Engelland. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period with a Malkin goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by Olli Maatta and Kris Letang. Florida got on the board as Scottie Upshall scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Huberdeau and Brian Campbell. The Penguins responded with a Neal goal, his eighth of the year, helped along by Malkin. Scott Clemmensen relieved Thomas for the third period. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the third period as Jussi Jokinen scored his ninth of the campaign, and Malkin had the lone assist to complete his sock trick. The final stood at 5-1, with Malkin, Zatkoff (39 for 40 in saves), and Neal getting the three stars.

Back north to New Jersey, as the Devils welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Cory Schneider are in the blue paint. New Jersey won it 1-0 in overtime as Steve Bernier scored his second of the season, assisted by Andy Greene and Adam Henrique. The three stars were Schneider (15 save shutout), Bernier, and Enroth (23 for 24 in saves).

Staying in the region, the New York Islanders bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Anders Nilsson are given the green light to start. Washington dented the scoreboard in the second period as Aaron Volpatti scored his second of the season, thanks to Tom Wilson and Martin Erat. New York tied it in the third period with a shorthanded Cal Clutterbuck goal, his third of the year, set up by Andrew MacDonald and Casey Cizikas. The Islanders took the lead with a Thomas Vanek goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. The Capitals retied it as Nicklas Backstrom scored his sixth of the year, a shorthanded goal coming off of Jason Chimera and Karl Alzner. Washington won 3-2 in overtime with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his twenty-first of the campaign, assisted by Mikhail Grabovski and Nate Schmidt. The three stars were Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Holtby (37 for 39 in saves).

Southwest to Nashville, as the Predators host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Marek Mazanec occupy the creases. Philadelphia opened in the first period as Claude Giroux scored his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. Nashville tied it on a Mike Fisher goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Patric Hornqvist. The Predators took the lead in the third period on a Colin Wilson goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Gabriel Bourque and Ryan Ellis. The Flyers tied it again as Sean Couturier scored his third of the year, thanks to Andrej Meszaros and Steve Downie. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Vincent Lecavalier's goal gave Philadelphia the 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Lecavalier, Mason (34 for 36 in saves), and Couturier.

Further along, the Phoenix Coyotes welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Antti Raanta and Mike Smith will play goal. Chicago started in the first period with a Patrick Kane goal, his sixteenth of the season, coming on the power play via Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks added on with an Andrew Shaw goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by Brent Seabrook and Keith. Chicago extended the lead as Niklas Hjalmarsson scored his third of the season, with the help of Kane and Michal Handzus. Phoenix got on the board in the second period as Rob Klinkhammer scored his fifth of the year, guided in by Michael Stone and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes pulled closer with a Martin Hanzal power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Radim Vrbata and Mike Ribeiro. The Blackhawks answered in the third period on a Brandon Bollig goal, his third of the year, made possible by Marcus Kruger and Ben Smith. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with a Hossa empty net goal, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Jonathan Toews and Seabrook. The three stars were Kane, Hossa, and Keith, while Seabrook gets an honorable mention.

To the north, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Semyon Varlamov protect the nets. Colorado struck first in the first period with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by John Mitchell. The Avalanche added on in the second period as Nathan MacKinnon scored his fifth of the year, coming off of Mitchell and Ryan O'Reilly. Minnesota got on the board in the third period as Matt Cooke scored his fourth of the season, via Torrey Mitchell and Kyle Brodziak. The Wild evened the score as Mikko Koivu scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Zach Parise and Jason Pominville. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Colorado won 3-2 with a lone tally by O'Reilly. The three stars were O'Reilly, Mitchell, and Varlamov (35 for 37 in saves).

Southwest again to Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Ben Scrivens are in front of the nets. Calgary got going in the second period on a Blair Jones shorthanded goal, his second of the season, set up by Paul Byron and T.J. Brodie. Los Angeles tied it in the third period as Justin Williams scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Jake Muzzin and Anze Kopitar. The Flames retook the lead on a Michael Cammalleri goal, his tenth of the campaign, assisted by Mikael Backlund and Lee Stempniak. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Cammalleri, Ramo (21 for 22 in saves), and Jones.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks welcome the Anaheim Ducks to a Battle of California. Jonas Hiller and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on a Corey Perry goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner. San Jose tied it in the second period on a Logan Couture goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks took the lead as Marleau scored a shorthanded goal, his twelfth of the season, set up by Joe Thornton. San Jose added on as Martin Havlat potted his second of the year with the help of Mike Brown and Scott Hannan. The Ducks got one back in the third period as Alex Grant scored, thanks to Nick Bonino and Cam Fowler. Anaheim tied it on a Ben Lovejoy goal, with a lone assist by Bonino. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Joe Pavelski's tally gave the Sharks a 4-3 win. The three stars were Marleau, Bonino, and Pavelski.

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