NHL Day 89 2013-2014

Eight games on tonight. We begin in...

Ottawa, as the Senators host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Craig Anderson are in goal. Ottawa started in the first period with a Patrick Wiercioch goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Cody Ceci and Cory Conacher. Boston tied it on an unassisted Daniel Paille goal, his fourth of the year. The Senators retook the lead on a Conacher goal, his fourth of the season, via Kyle Turris and Ceci. Ottawa added on in the second period with a shorthanded Zack Smith goal, his eighth of the year, set up by Erik Condra. Rask was pulled for Chad Johnson at this time. The Bruins pulled back with a Jarome Iginla goal, his twelfth of the season, passed from Milan Lucic and David Krejci. Boston tied it in the third period with a David Warsofsky goal, made possible by Johnny Boychuk and Patrice Bergeron. The Senators took the lead back as Bobby Ryan scored his eighteenth of the year, going in unassisted. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Conacher, Ceci, and Ryan.

South to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Scott Clemmensen are the backups in goal. Detroit led off in the first period with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Niklas Kronwall and Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings added on as Henrik Zetterberg scored his twelfth of the year, a power play goal with a lone helper by Datsyuk. Florida got on the board in the second period when Sean Bergenheim scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Brian Campbell and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers tied it with an unassisted goal by Nick Bjugstad, his eighth of the year. Detroit retook the lead on a Brendan Smith goal, helped along by Kyle Quincey. The Red Wings extended the lead as Gustav Nyquist scored his fifth of the season, fueled by Jakub Kindl and Tomas Tatar. Florida got one back on another Bergenheim goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, thanks to Dylan Olsen and Marcel Goc. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars belonging to Bergenheim, Nyquist, and Datsyuk.

North again to Long Island, as the New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Evgeni Nabokov are in the creases. New Jersey was first to score in the first period on an Adam Henrique goal, his eighth of the season, via Reid Boucher and Michael Ryder. New York tied it in the third period as Frans Nielsen scored his thirteenth of the year, courtesy of Kyle Okposo and Thomas Vanek. The Devils took the lead back as Travis Zajac scored his seventh of the campaign, with the help of Marek Zidlicky and Jaromir Jagr. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Schneider (30 for 31 in saves), Zajac, and Henrique.

Back in Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Ben Bishop tend the twines. Montreal got going in the second period on a Tomas Plekanec goal, his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Brian Gionta and Travis Moen. Tampa Bay tied it on a Martin St. Louis goal, his seventeenth of the year, assisted by Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Lars Eller's lone tally gave the Canadiens a 2-1 win. The three stars were Price (23 for 24 in saves), Bishop (20 for 21 in saves), and Eller.

Northwest to Nashville, as the Predators host the Los Angeles Kings. Ben Scrivens and Marek Mazanec are the goalies. Nashville began in the first period as Patric Hornqvist scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Mike Fisher and Seth Jones. Los Angeles tied it in the second period when Anze Kopitar scored his twelfth of the year, a power play goal powered by Slava Voynov and Drew Doughty. The Predators retook the lead in the third period as Fisher scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Hornqvist and Shea Weber. The Kings retied it when Jeff Carter potted his twelfth of the year, guided in by Kopitar and Dwight King. Nashville pulled ahead as Fisher scored his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, with the help of Colin Wilson and Jones. This made it 3-2, the final, with Fisher, Hornqvist, and Kopitar getting the three stars and Jones getting an honorable mention.

Out in Anaheim, the Ducks welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss and Jonas Hiller are set to start. Anaheim struck first in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Saku Koivu, his sixth of the season, set up by Daniel Winnik and Francois Beauchemin. The Ducks added on in the third period as Andrew Cogliano scored his eleventh of the year, via Winnik and Koivu. Phoenix got on the board with a Martin Hanzal goal, his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist by Michael Stone. The Coyotes tied it on a Mike Ribeiro goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Anaheim won 3-2 in overtime as Koivu scored his second of the night and seventh of the campaign, thanks to Ben Lovejoy and Cam Fowler. The three stars were Koivu, Winnik, and Cogliano.

Eastward to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks. Antti Raanta and Jaroslav Halak are the masked men. Chicago opened in the first period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his twenty-second of the season, fueled by Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks added on as Andrew Shaw scored his eleventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. St. Louis got on the board with a Maxim Lapierre goal, his fourth of the campaign, coming off of Carlo Colaiacovo and Ian Cole. Chicago responded with a Kane goal, his twenty-third of the season, via Keith and Toews. The Blues shot back in the second period on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrik Berglund. St. Louis tied it with a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, passed from Jay Bouwmeester and Chris Porter. The Blackhawks retook the lead on a Brandon Saad goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, made possible by Ben Smith and Marcus Kruger. Chicago extended the lead as Brent Seabrook scored in the third period, his fourth of the season, thanks to Kane. The Blues pulled back with a Tarasenko goal, his twelfth of the year, pushed through by Alex Pietrangelo and Cole. St. Louis tied it again with a Berglund power play goal, his fourth of the campaign, with helpers from Tarasenko and Kevin Shattenkirk. The tie lasted to a shootout, where T.J. Oshie was matched by Toews, Tarasenko and Sharp cancelled out, and Shattenkirk's goal gave the Blues a 6-5 win. The three stars were Tarasenko, Berglund, and Cole, while Shattenkirk, Kane, Keith, and Toews get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason faces the goalie he replaced, Ilya Bryzgalov. Edmonton quickly dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Taylor Hall goal, his fifteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Oilers added on as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Hall and Andrew Ference. Philadelphia got on the board with a Wayne Simmonds power play goal in the second period, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers tied it as Simmonds scored his second of the game and twelfth of the year, a power play goal powered by Voracek and Scott Hartnell. Edmonton retook the lead in the third period as David Perron notched his sixteenth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Jordan Eberle and Justin Schultz. Philadelphia tied it again on a Hartnell power play goal, guided in by Kimmo Timonen and Giroux as his seventh of the year. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Eberle and Giroux washed out before Michael Raffl gave the Flyers a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Simmonds, Hartnell, and Hall, while Voracek and Giroux get the honorable mentions.

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KHL Day 116 2013-2014

Six games on today, beginning in...

Khanty-Mansiysk, as Yugra hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov is mismatched with Mikhail Biryukov in goal. Khanty-Mansiysk was first to score in the first period as Mikhail Tyulyapkin scored, thanks to Mikhail Zhukov and Mikhail Yakubov. Yugra added on in the third period with a Veli-Matti Savinainen power play goal, powered by Ilari Melart and Tomas Starosta. Novosibirsk got on the board as Igor Ozhiganov scored, with the help of Dmitry Monya. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Biryukov (46 for 47 in saves), Savinainen, and Tyulyapkin.

Down in Omsk, Avangard welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Mathieu Garon guard the cages. Omsk led off in the first period on an Alexander Perezhogin goal, fueled by Alexander Popov. Avangard added on as Anton Kuryanov scored, with the help of Sergei Shirokov. Vladivostok got on the board in the second period as Felix Schutz scored, thanks to Evgeny Grachyov and Niclas Bergfors. Omsk replied on a power play goal by Sergei Kalinin, powered by Dmitry Semin. Avangard iced it at 4-1 with another Perezhogin goal in the third period, assisted by Miroslav Blatak. The three stars were Perezhogin, Garon (33 for 34 in saves), and Kuryanov.

Moving along to Yekaterinburg, as Avtomobilist brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Nikita Lozhkin and Jakub Kovar are in the creases. Yekaterinburg began in the first period with a Fyodor Malykhin goal, with a lone assist by Anton Lazarev. Avtomobilist added on in the second period with another Malykhin goal, coming on the power play from Sami Lepisto. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 2-0, and the three stars were Malykhin, Kovar (23 save shutout), and Lazarev.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Ari Ahonen are the masked men. Astana struck first in the first period with a Brandon Bochenski power play goal, with a lone assist from Mike Lundin. Barys added on as Nigel Dawes scored a power play goal, powered by Cam Barker and Bochenski. Khabarovsk got on the board with an Andrei Stepanov power play goal, guided in by Vladimir Loginov and the goalie Murygin. Astana responded in the second period on a Dmitry Upper goal, made possible by Talgat Zhailauov and Konstantin Romanov. Barys extended the lead with another Dawes power play goal, and Dustin Boyd had the only helper. Murygin was pulled for Mika Jarvinen. Astana padded the lead as Bochenski scored a shorthanded goal, set up by Boyd. Barys struck again as Evgeny Blokhin scored a power play goal, thanks to Konstantin Rudenko and Romanov. Astana kept going in the third period on a Lundin power play goal, coming off of Dawes and Bochenski. Barys got another as Dawes scored to complete his hat trick, via Barker and Bochenski, the latter getting a sock trick. Amur got one back on a Dmitry Lugin goal, passed from Artyom Dubinin and Ilshat Bilalov. The final was 8-2, with the three stars being awarded to Bochenski, Dawes, and Boyd, while Lundin, Barker, and Romanov get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to St. Petersburg, where SKA welcomes Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Vladimir Sokhatsky and Alexander Salak are between the pipes. Ufa got going in the second period as Igor Mirnov scored, thanks to Alexander Mereskin and Andrei Ankudinov. Salavat Yulaev added on with a shorthanded goal by Alexei Kaigorodov, set up by Brent Sopel. St. Petersburg got on the board in the third period on a Dmitry Kalinin goal, guided in by Igor Makarov and Artemy Panarin. They failed to tie it, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Sokhatsky (32 for 33 in saves), Kaigorodov, and Mirnov.

Finally, in Riga, Dinamo brings in Lev Prague. Petri Vehanen and Mikael Tellqvist protect the nets. Riga dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Marcel Hossa goal, fueled by Sandis Ozolins. Prague tied it in the third period on a Ondrej Nemec goal, assisted by Jiri Sekac and Martin Thornberg. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Lev won 2-1 with tallies by Thornberg and Jakub Klepis. The three stars were Thornberg, Vehanen (19 for 20 in saves), and Tellqvist (30 for 31 in saves).

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NHL Day 88 2013-2014

Ten games on tonight for the first of three busy nights in a row. We begin in...

Raleigh, as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Justin Peters are between the pipes. Carolina opened in the first period as Andrej Sekera scored his seventh of the season, courtesy of Jordan Staal and Nathan Gerbe. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period on a Sidney Crosby goal, his twenty-first of the year, coming off of James Neal and Olli Maatta. The Hurricanes retook the lead as Gerbe scored his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Alexander Semin. The Penguins tied it again in the third period with a Chris Conner goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Jussi Jokinen and Neal. Pittsburgh took the lead as Deryk Engelland potted his third of the season, thanks to Brooks Orpik and Jokinen. Carolina tied it with a Drayson Bowman goal, his third of the year, guided in by Riley Nash and Patrick Dwyer. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime on a Neal goal, his eleventh of the campaign, made possible by Jokinen, who got a sock trick, and Engelland. The three stars were handed to Neal, Jokinen, and Engelland, while Gerbe gets an honorable mention.

Up in Boston, the Bruins welcome the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Tuukka Rask are in the creases. Boston dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Jarome Iginla goal, his eleventh of the season coming on the power play with assists provided by Milan Lucic and Torey Krug. The Bruins added on in the third period as David Krejci scored his eighth of the year, via Matt Bartkowski and Adam McQuaid. Boston extended the lead with a Reilly Smith goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins padded the lead as Smith scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, with a lone helper by Bergeron. Boston iced it at 5-0 with a shorthanded Marchand goal, his ninth of the campaign, set up by Johnny Boychuk. The three stars were handed to Rask (33 save shutout), Smith, and Marchand, while Bergeron gets an honorable mention.

Moving along to DC, as the Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers. Backups Cam Talbot and Philipp Grubauer are in goal. Washington led off in the first period on a Mike Green power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Martin Erat and Dmitry Orlov. New York tied it in the second period on a Benoit Pouliot power play goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Brad Richards and Derrick Brassard. The Capitals retook the lead as Nicklas Backstrom scored his tenth of the season, assisted by Steve Oleksy. The Rangers tied it in again in the third period on a Carl Hagelin shorthanded goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi. Washington pulled ahead as Eric Fehr scored his sixth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Backstrom. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Backstrom, Grubauer (38 for 40 in saves), and Fehr.

Over in New Jersey, the Devils bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Martin Brodeur are the masked men. Columbus struck first in the first period on an Artem Anisimov goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Brandon Dubinsky and Cam Atkinson. New Jersey tied it as Adam Henrique scored in the third period with his seventh of the year, thanks to Patrik Elias and Marek Zidlicky. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Atkinson had the lone tally for a 2-1 Blue Jackets win. The three stars were Atkinson, McElhinney (16 for 17 in saves), and Brodeur (29 for 30 in saves).

North to Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Jonathan Bernier protect the nets. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Matt Moulson goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Zemgus Girgensons and Jamie McBain. The Sabres added on as John Scott scored, thanks to Matt Ellis. Toronto got on the board in the second period with a Jake Gardiner goal, his second of the year, guided in by Phil Kessel and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs tied it as Peter Holland scored his sixth of the season, with the help of Mason Raymond and Franson. Toronto took the lead with a power play goal from Kessel, his eighteenth of the year, powered by James van Riemsdyk and Dion Phaneuf. Buffalo tied it in the third period as Steve Ott scored his fifth of the campaign, a power play goal assisted by Moulson and Tyler Myers. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Joffrey Lupul had the lone tally for a 4-3 win for the Maple Leafs. The three stars belonged to Kessel, Moulson, and Franson.

Westward to Winnipeg, where the Jets host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Ondrej Pavelec are the veteran goalies. Minnesota began in the first period with a Dany Heatley goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Jason Pominville and Mikael Granlund. Winnipeg tied it as Evander Kane scored his eleventh of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Michael Frolik. The Jets took the lead with an Olli Jokinen goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Devin Setoguchi and Chris Thorburn. The Wild retied it as Justin Fontaine potted his seventh of the year, via Matt Cooke and Kyle Brodziak. Minnesota took the lead again on a Stephane Veilleux goal, with assists provided by Jared Spurgeon and Torrey Mitchell. Al Montoya relieved Pavelec at this time. Winnipeg retied it again on a Blake Wheeler goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Jacob Trouba and Andrew Ladd. The Jets pulled ahead as Dustin Byfuglien scored his seventh of the year, with the help of Eric Tangradi and Adam Pardy. The Wild tied it again in the second period on a Mikko Koivu power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Charlie Coyle and Pominville. Winnipeg took the lead once more in the third period as Wheeler netted his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, helped along by Bryan Little and Ladd. The Jets wrapped it up at 6-4 with a Tobias Enstrom empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Jokinen. The three stars went to Wheeler, Jokinen, and Ladd, while Pominville gets an honorable mention.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Antti Raanta draw the starts. Chicago started in the first period on a Patrick Sharp goal, his nineteenth of the season, fueled by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks added on as Jonathan Toews scored his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Marian Hossa and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Chicago extended the lead with another Sharp goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Keith and Toews. The Blackhawks padded the lead in the second period when Sharp completed his hat trick on his twenty-first of the season, via Hjalmarsson and Toews. Chicago got another with Toews' second of the night and fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Sharp. Colorado got on the board with a Paul Stastny goal, his eleventh of the campaign, passed from Gabriel Landeskog and P.A. Parenteau. The Blackhawks replied on a Michal Handzus goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Patrick Kane and Kris Versteeg. Chicago struck again with a Versteeg goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Keith, who got a sock trick, and Handzus. Semyon Varlamov relieved Giguere for the third period. The Avalanche got one back in the third period as Landeskog netted his eleventh of the campaign, with a lone helper by Parenteau. This only made it 7-2, the final, with Sharp, Toews, and Keith getting the three stars while Versteeg, Handzus, Landeskog, Hjalmarsson, and Parenteau get the honorable mentions.

Further to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton is mismatched with Kari Lehtonen in goal. Dallas got going in the first period as Jamie Benn scored his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Alex Goligoski and Brenden Dillon. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Kevin Klein goal, fueled by Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis. The Stars retook the lead as Erik Cole scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Rich Peverley and Colton Sceviour. Dallas added on as Cole scored his second of the game and eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Goligoski. The Stars iced it at 4-1 in the third period on a Ryan Garbutt goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Cody Eakin and Jordie Benn. The three stars were given to Cole, Lehtonen (33 for 34 in saves), and Goligoski.

A bit to the west, the Phoenix Coyotes bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Mike Smith tend the twines. Phoenix led off in the first period with a David Moss goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. San Jose tied it in the second period as Joe Pavelski scored his sixteenth of the year, fueled by Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. The Coyotes retook the lead on another Moss goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, coming off of David Schlemko and Mike Ribeiro. The Sharks tied it again as Patrick Marleau scored his seventeenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Tommy Wingels and Jason Demers. San Jose took the lead in the third period on a Burns goal, his eleventh of the season, via Pavelski and Thornton. Phoenix retied it on a Radim Vrbata goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Ribeiro and Keith Yandle on the power play. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Mikkel Boedker was matched by Logan Couture before a Marleau goal gave the Sharks a 4-3 win. The three stars were Pavelski, Burns, and Marleau, while Moss, Ribeiro, and Thornton get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames host the Battle of Alberta when the Edmonton Oilers come to town. Devan Dubnyk and Reto Berra are in the blue paint. Edmonton began in the first period with a Ryan Smyth goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Ales Hemsky and Boyd Gordon. The Oilers iced it at 2-0 in the third period as Smyth put his second of the game and sixth of the year into the empty net, set up by Gordon. The three stars were handed to Smyth, Dubnyk (27 save shutout), and Gordon.

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KHL Day 115 2013-2014

Seven games on today leading into a busy weekend for sports. We begin in...

Yaroslavl, as Lokomotiv hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Vitaly Kolesnik are in the creases. The game was scoreless until the shootout, where a lone tally by Emil Galimov was all Lokomotiv needed to win 1-0. The three stars were Kolesnik (27 save shutout), Galimov, and Garnett (31 save "shutout").

Down in the Moscow Oblast, Vityaz Podlsk welcomes a team from the city, Spartak Moscow. Jeff Glass and Ivan Lisutin are in goal. Moscow began in the first period with a Grigory Zheldakov goal, fueled by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Alexei Krutov. Podolsk tied it on a power play goal by Dinar Khafizullin, guided in by Maxim Afinogenov. Vityaz took the lead in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Dmitry Shitikov, set up by Alexander Korolyuk and Branislav Mezei. Spartak retied it as Nikolai Lemtyugov scored, thanks to Andrei Sergeyev and Oleg Kvasha. Podolsk took the lead back on an Afinogenov goal, courtesy of Airat Ziazov and Khafizullin. Moscow tied it as Kvasha scored, with assists provided by Mikhail Mamkin and Filipp Toluzakov. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Afinogenov matched Toluzakov, but Vityaz still won with a goal by Vyacheslav Solodukhin. Afinogenov, Khafizullin, and Kvasha got the three stars in the 4-3 game.

Back up in Cherepovets, Severstal brings in Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin faces a lesser foe in Ivan Kasutin in goal. Magnitogorsk was first to score in the first period on an Evgeny Timkin goal, fueled by Chris Lee and Vladimir Malenkikh. Metallurg added on in the third period with a power play goal by Francis Pare, powered by Danis Zaripov and Jan Kovar. Magnitogorsk extended the lead on a Sergei Tereshchenko power play goal, assisted by Dmitry Kazionov and Rinat Ibragimov. Metallurg padded the lead with an Oskar Osala goal, courtesy of Kazionov and Pare. This made it 4-0, the final, with Pare, Koshechkin (29 save shutout), and Kazionov earning the three stars.

Out in Minsk, Dinamo hosts Ak Bars Kazan. Konstantin Barulin and Kevin Lalande are the masked men. Kazan led off in the first period with a power play goal by Alexander Burmistrov, powered by Tim Stapleton and Evgeny Medvedev. Ak Bars added on in the third period with an unassisted goal by Dmitry Obukhov. Minsk got on the board as Sergei Drozd scored, thanks to Ivan Usenko. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, and the three stars were Barulin (28 for 29 in saves), Obukhov, and Burmistrov.

Further west to Zagreb, as Medvescak brings in Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Barry Brust tend the twines. Moscow started in the first period with an unassisted Maxim Karpov goal. Dynamo added on with a Denis Mosalyov shorthanded goal, set up by Dmitry Pestunov. Moscow extended the lead as Alexander Ryazantsev scored a power play goal, powered by Filip Novak and Pestunov. Mark dekanich relieved Brust in the second period. Dynamo padded the lead in the second period with a Konstantin Glazachev goal, courtesy of Yury Babenko and Alexei Tsvetkov. Moscow got another in the third period on a Maxim Pestushko goal, assisted by Leo Komarov and Yegor Dugin. This was good for a 5-0 win, with Yeryomenko (34 save shutout), Pestunov, and Karpov being the three stars.

Backtracking to Ukraine, as Donbass Donetsk welcomes Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Vitaly Koval and Michael Leighton guard the cages. Donetsk struck first in the first period on a Petteri Wirtanen power play goal, powered by Clay Wilson and Teemu Laine. Nizhny Novgorod tied it in the second period as Vladimir Galuzin scored, with a lone assist by Vyacheslav Kulyomin. Torpedo took the lead as Galuzin scored again, with another lone assist by Kulyomin. Donbass tied it in the third period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kagarlitsky, coming off of Lukas Kaspar. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Jarkko Immonen of Torpedo was cancelled out by Randy Robitaille of Donbass, before Wojtek Wolski sealed a 3-2 win for Torpedo with his tally. The three stars were Galuzin, Kulyomin, and Wolski.

Finally, Slovan Bratislava hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Jaroslav Janus protect the nets. Nizhnekamsk opened in the first period with a Pavel Kulikov goal, fueled by Yaroslav Alshevsky and Albert Yarullin. Neftekhimik added on as Denis Tolpeko scored, via Yarullin and Roman Lyuduchin. Bratislava got on the board in the second period with a Milan Bartovic goal, coming off of Peter Olvecky. Slovan tied it with a Michal Vondrka power play goal, powered by Mario Bliznak and Marek Troncinsky. Bratislava took the lead on a Tomas Mikus goal, guided in by Bruno Mraz and Andrej Stastny. Slovan extended the lead in the third period as Vondrka scored his second of the game, assisted by Bliznak and Michel Miklik. This was good for a 4-2 win, with Vondrka, Bliznak, and Yarullin getting the three stars.

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KHL Day 114 2013-2014

Five games on today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Mathieu Garon are in the creases. Omsk began in the first period as Denis Kulyash scored, with the help of Nikita Pivtsakin. Khabarovsk tied it on a power play goal by Jan Mursak, powered by Timofei Shishkanov and Andrei Stepanov. Avangard gained the lead in the second period with a Stefan Ruzicka goal, assisted by Alexander Perezhogin. Amur tied it again on a Mikhail Klimchuk goal, going in unassisted. Omsk took the lead back in the third period as Maxim Goncharov scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Sergei Shirokov. This stood for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Goncharov, Ruzicka, and Kulyash.

Up to Yekaterinburg, as Avtomobilist welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen and Jakub Kovar tend the twines. The game remained scoreless until a Vasily Streltsov shootout tally to give Avtomobilist the 1-0 win. The three stars went to Kovar (31 save shutout), Streltsov, and Koskinen (18 save "shutout").

Moving along to Khanty-Mansiysk, as Yugra hosts Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Nikita Lozhkin and Mikhail Biryukov were given the starting nods. Novokuznetsk struck first in the first period on an Igor Velichkin goal, assisted by Sergei Yemelin and Mark Skutar. Metallurg added on with an Alexei Kosourov goal, fueled by Artyom Gareyev. Novokuznetsk extended the lead in the second period with a Pavel Kanarsky goal, coming off of Skutar. Metallurg padded the lead when Skutar scored, with helpers provided by Velichkin and Yemelin. Novokuznetsk got another as Yemelin scored, via Skutar, who got a sock trick, and Nikita Vyglazov. Metallurg struck again in the third period with a power play goal by Tuukka Mantyla, powered by Gareyev and Vladislav Kartayev. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with a power play goal by Ivan Yatsenko, guided in by Ilari Melart and Mikhail Tyulyapkin. This made it 6-1, the final, with the three stars being Skutar, Yemelin, and Velichkin, while Gareyev gets an honorable mention.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana brings in Admiral Vladivostok. Niko Hovinen and Ari Ahonen are the masked men. Astana led off in the first period with a Brandon Bochenski shorthanded goal, set up by Dustin Boyd. Barys added on with another Bochenski goal, with a lone assist by Nigel Dawes. Vladivostok got on the board in the second period on a Vladimir Pervushin goal, coming off of Dmitry Vorobyov and Artyom Zemchyonok. Astana shot back as Dawes scored, guided in by Bochenski and Boyd. Barys extended the lead with a power play goal by Bochenski to finish his hat trick, powered by Roman Savchenko and Boyd, the latter getting a sock trick. Admiral pulled back as Felix Schutz scored, courtesy of Niclas Bergfors and Evgeny Grachyov. Astana padded the lead in the third period with a Konstantin Rudenko goal, made possible by Roman Starchenko and Nikolai Antropov. Vladivostok replied with another Schutz goal, passed from Bergfors and Justin Hodgman. Barys iced it at 6-3 as Starchenko scored an unassisted empty net goal shorthanded. The three stars were Bochenski, Boyd, and Dawes, while Schutz, Starchenko, and Bergfors get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Mytishchi, Atlant plays the second of a back-to-back against Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Vladimir Sokhatsky is msimatched with Stanislav Galimov in goal. Ufa was first to score in the second period on a Teemu Hartikainen goal, fueled by Dmitry Makarov. Salavat Yulaev added on as Sergei Zinovyev scored a power play goal, courtesy of Nikita Filatov. Mytishchi got on the board as Alexander Kadeikin scored, thanks to Yaroslav Dyblenko and Evgeny Artyukhin. Ufa shot back on an unassisted goal by Ivan Vishnevsky. Salavat Yulaev extended the lead as Hartikainen scored his second of the game, assisted by Makarov and Brent Sopel. Ufa padded the lead in the third period on a Filatov goal, coming off of Kirill Koltsov and Antti Pihlstrom. Atlant got one back on a power play goal by Alexei Mikhnov, powered by Igor Radulov and Roman Rukavishnikov. This only made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Hartikainen, Filatov, and Makarov.

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KHL Day 113 2013-2014

For the United States, it's Christmas, but that means very little to the KHL, where we have six games to go with today. We begin in...

Cherepovets, as Severstal hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Alexander Salak and Jakub Stepanek protect the nets. Cherepovets was first to score in the first period as Teemu Laasko scored, thanks to Nikolai Zherdev and Bogdan Kiselevich on the power play. St. Petersburg tied it as Alexander Kucheryavenko scored, assisted by Anton Burdasov and Evgeny Ketov. SKA took the lead in the second period as Igor Makarov found twine, with the help of Andrei Kuteikin and Burdasov. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Salak (27 for 28 in saves), Makarov, and Burdasov.

Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo welcomes Ak Bars Kazan. Vitaly Koval and Konstantin Barulin are the masked men. Kazan led off in the first period as Dmitry Obukhov scored, thanks to Alexander Svitov. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on a Wojtek Wolski power play goal, powered by Mikhail Grigoryev and Vladimir Denisov. Ak Bars retook the lead as Ilya Nikulin scored, via Mikhail Varnakov and Alexander Burmistrov. Sergei Mashkovtsev replaced Koval at this time. Torpedo tied it again as Vladimir Galuzin scored, with the help of Grigoryev and Vyacheslav Kulyomin. Kazan pulled ahead again as Tim Stapleton scored, with assists provided by Varnakov and Burmistrov. Ak Bars added on in the second period with another Stapleton goal, made possible by Evgeny Medvedev and Burmistrov, the latter getting a sock trick. Kazan extended the lead on a Shaun Heshka goal, fueled by Tomas Vincour. Nizhny Novgorod shot back as Grigoryev scored, courtesy of Maxim Potapov and Alexei Potapov. Ak Bars padded the lead with a Varnakov goal in the third period, set up by Stapleton. Torpedo pulled closer as Pavel Lukin potted the puck, assisted by Wolski and Daniil Zharkov. This only made it 6-4, the final, with the three stars being Stapleton, Varnakov, and Grigoryev, while Burmistrov and Wolski get the honorable mentions.

West to Moscow, as CSKA brings in Vityaz Podolsk. Ivan Lisutin and Ilya Proskuryakov are the reliable goalies. Moscow began in the first period on a Denis Denisov goal, fueled by Ilya Zubov. Podolsk tied it when Airat Ziazov scored, with the help of Gleb Klimenko and Mathias Porseland. CSKA retook the lead in the second period with a goal by Alexander Radulov, coming off of Igor Grigorenko. Moscow added on as Nikolai Prokhorkin scored, thanks to Sergei Gimayev and the goalie Proskuryakov. CSKA extended the lead in the third period with a Stanislav Yegorshev goal, with a lone assist by Prokhorkin. Moscow padded the lead with a Roman Lyubimov goal, going in unassisted. Vityaz got one back as Dinar Khafizullin scored, via Alexander Korolyuk and Dmitry Shitikov. This only made it 5-2, with the three stars being Prokhorkin, Proskuryakov (28 for 30 in saves), and Radulov.

Staying in the region, Atlant Mytishchi hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Stanislav Galimov guard the cages. Mytishchi opened in the first period with a power play goal by Vitaly Novopashin, powered by Rafael Batyrshin and Alexander Kadeikin. Nizhnekamsk tied it as Renat Mamashev scored a power play goal, via Fyodor Belyakov and Georgy Belousov. Atlant retook the lead with an Evgeny Artyukhin goal in the second period, coming off of Kadeikin and Sergei Shmelyov. Mytishchi added on as Andreas Engqvist scored, with the help of Maxim Mayorov and Vitaly Atyushov on the power play. Atlant iced it at 4-1 with a third period goal by Engqvist, guided in by Mayorov and Juha-Pekka Haataja. The three stars were Engqvist, Kadeikin, and Mayorov.

Back to the city, as Spartak Moscow welcomes Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Jeff Glass tend the twines. Magnitogorsk started in the second period on a Chris Lee goal, guided in by Sergei Mozyakin and Jan Kovar. Metallurg added on as Francis Pare scored, with the help of Dmitry Kazionov and Oskar Osala. Magnitogorsk extended the lead with a power play goal by Danis Zaripov, powered by Tim Brent and Kovar. Metallurg padded the lead on a power play goal from Evgeny Timkin, assisted by Brent and Lee. Moscow got on the board with a Vladimir Peshekhonov goal, via Andrei Sergeyev. Magnitogorsk shot back as Pare scored an unassisted goal. Metallurg wrapped it up at 6-1 with a Viktor Antipin goal, with a lone assist by Yaroslav Kosov. The three stars were Pare, Kovar, and Lee, while Brent gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Ukraine, Donbass Donetsk brings in Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Michael Leighton are the North American goalies. Chelyabinsk struck first in the first period with a power play goal by Andrei Kostitsyn, powered by Petri Kontiola and Alexei Bondarev. Traktor added on as Semyon Kokuyov scored, via Anton Glinkin and Andrei Popov. Donetsk got on the board in the third period as Maxim Yakutsenya scored an unassisted goal. Donbass tied it with an Oleg Piganovich power play goal, coming off of Jan Kolar and Lukas Kaspar. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kaspar scored to seal a 3-2 Donbass victory. The three stars were Kaspar, Piganovich, and Yakutsenya.

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Monday Night Football Week 16 2013

Tonight's game marks the last regular season event at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, where the 49ers bring in the Atlanta Falcons. San Francisco opened in the first quarter on a Phil Dawson field goal of 49 yards. Atlanta took the lead in the second quarter on a Steven Jackson 2 yard touchdown run, and Matt Bryant made the extra point. The Falcons added on as Bryant made a 35 yard field goal. The 49ers pulled back in the third quarter on a 10 yard Colin Kaepernick touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin, and Dawson was true with the extra point. San Francisco took the lead as Dawson made a 30 yard field goal. The 49ers extended the lead in the fourth quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run by Kaepernick, and Dawson knocked in the PAT. Atlanta shot back as Matt Ryan found Roddy White for 39 yards and a touchdown, and Bryant handled the extra point. San Francisco replied on a 1 yard Frank Gore touchdown rush, and Dawson nailed the extra point. The Falcons chipped back as Ryan tossed a 2 yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez, and Bryant booted the extra point. The 49ers iced it at 34-24 on an 89 yard interception return off of Ryan by NaVorro Bowman, capped off by a Dawson extra point. The 49ers improve to 11-4 while the Falcons fall to 4-11.

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NHL Day 84 2013-2014

Fourteen games on today before the Christmas break. We begin with...

The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Ryan Miller protect the nets. Phoenix got going in the second period as Martin Hanzal scored his tenth of the season, via Connor Murphy and Tim Kennedy. Buffalo tied it in the third period on a Tyler Ennis goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Zemgus Girgensons. The Sabres won in overtime as Mark Pysyk put the puck in Smith's pants, which then collectively crossed the line for a 2-1 win, and the assists were credited to Matt Moulson and Christian Ehrhoff. The three stars were Pysyk, Miller (36 for 37 in saves), and Ennis.

Down in Washington, the Capitals welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller faces a lesser foe in Philipp Grubauer in goal. Washington was first to score as Mikhail Grabovski potted his eleventh of the season, thanks to Troy Brouwer and Eric Fehr. The Capitals added on with a power play goal by Nicklas Backstrom, his ninth of the year, powered by John Carlson and Brouwer. Anaheim got on the board with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Saku Koivu and Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks tied it in the second period as Koivu scored his fifth of the year, via Ben Lovejoy and Cogliano. Anaheim took the lead in the third period on a Lindholm goal, his third of the campaign, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Lindholm, Koivu, and Cogliano, while Brouwer gets an honorable mention.

Further south, the Carolina Hurricanes bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mike McKenna and Justin Peters are the relatively unknown goalies. Columbus began in the first period on an Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. Carolina tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Jeff Skinner, a power play goal with a lone assist by Eric Staal. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the second period as Corey Tropp scored, thanks to Mark Letestu and Boone Jenner. The Hurricanes retied it as Skinner scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Jordan Staal. Carolina took the lead in the third period on a Semin goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Jordan Staal and Nathan Gerbe. Columbus retied it on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Nick Foligno and Letestu. The Blue Jackets pulled ahead as Jack Skille potted his fourth of the year, passed from Anisimov and James Wisniewski. This made it a 4-3 final, with the three stars going to Skinner, Anisimov, and Semin, while Letestu and Jordan Staal get the honorable mentions.

Back north to New York, as the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Cam Talbot are the masked men. New York dented the scoreboard in the third period on a J.T. Miller goal, his second of the season, assisted by Chris Kreider and Benoit Pouliot. Toronto tied it on a Nazem Kadri goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by David Clarkson and Morgan Rielly. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan's goals overpowered Joffrey Lupul's tally for a 2-1 Rangers victory. The three stars belonged to Bernier (42 for 43 in saves), Talbot (25 for 26 in saves), and Stepan.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Craig Anderson are in the creases. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Zack Smith goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Cody Ceci and Colin Greening. The Senators added on as Bobby Ryan scored his seventeenth of the year in the second period, a power play goal powered by Chris Phillips and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa extended the lead in the third period on a Karlsson goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Clarke MacArthur. The Senators padded the lead on a Kyle Turris goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Karlsson and MacArthur. Ottawa wrapped it up at 5-0 with a Cory Conacher goal, his third of the campaign, dished from Jason Spezza and Marc Methot. The three stars went to Karlsson, Anderson (27 save shutout), and MacArthur.

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers bring in their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Scott Clemmensen are set to start. Florida struck first in the first period as Sean Bergenheim scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Aleksander Barkov. Tampa Bay tied it as Alex Killorn potted his ninth of the year, thanks to Valtteri Filppula and Victor Hedman. The Lightning took the lead on a second period Tyler Johnson goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Hedman and Martin St. Louis. Tampa Bay added on with a Filppula power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Teddy Purcell and St. Louis. The Lightning extended the lead as St. Louis scored his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Ondrej Palat. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the third period as J.T. Brown scored his third of the year, with the help of Nikita Kucherov and Jean-Philippe Cote. The Lightning iced it at 6-1 with another Brown goal, his second of the night and fourth of the campaign, pushed through by Kucherov and Matthew Carle. The three stars were St. Louis, Brown, and Filppula, while Hedman and Kucherov get the honorable mentions.

Northward again to Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Steve Mason are called on to start. Philadelphia opened in the first period on a Luke Schenn goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers added on as Simmonds scored his ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. Minnesota got on the board with a power play goal by Mikael Granlund, his third of the season, coming off of Jason Pominville and Ryan Suter. Philadelphia responded in the second period with Giroux's tenth of the year, via Braydon Coburn and Voracek. The Flyers iced it at 4-1 with a Simmonds empty net goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by Brayden Schenn and Nicklas Grossmann. The three stars were handed to Simmonds, Giroux, and Voracek.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Petr Mrazek have the green light to start. New York started in the first period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by John Tavares and Thomas Vanek. The Islanders added on with a Michael Grabner goal, his fifth of the year, thanks to Josh Bailey and Frans Nielsen. New York extended the lead as Casey Cizikas scored his fourth of the campaign, with the help of Matt Martin and Colin McDonald. This was all they needed for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Nabokov (23 save shutout), Okposo, and Grabner.

Further to the west, the Calgary Flames bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Reto Berra are between the pipes. St. Louis was first to score in the first period on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, his fifth of the season, coming on the power play from Brenden Morrow and Chris Stewart. Calgary tied it in the second period with a Jiri Hudler goal, his eleventh of the year, a power play goal guided in by Mikael Backlund and Mark Giordano. The Blues took the lead back as Jaden Schwartz scored his eleventh of the season, fueled by Jay Bouwmeester and Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis added on as Magnus Paajarvi scored his third of the year, thanks to Maxim Lapierre and Adam Cracknell. The Flames pulled back in the third period on Michael Cammalleri's twelfth of the season, assisted by Paul Byron and Backlund. Calgary tied it as Giordano scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Hudler and Cammalleri. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Joe Colborne had the only goal to give the Flames a 4-3 win. The three stars were awarded to Giordano, Hudler, and Cammalleri, while Backlund gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Antti Raanta are in the blue paint. Chicago led off in the first period as Patrick Sharp scored his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Stephen Gionta scored his second of the year, via Jon Merrill and Jacob Josefson. The Blackhawks retook the lead as Patrick Kane scored his twenty-second of the season, with the help of Nick Leddy and Kris Versteeg. Chicago added on as Bryan Bickell potted his sixth of the year, thanks to Brandon Saad and Duncan Keith. The Devils got one back in the third period when Michael Ryder put away his eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Blackhawks answered on a Sharp goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, passed from Hossa and Brent Seabrook. Chicago extended the lead with a Leddy power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, powered by Seabrook and Saad. This produced the 5-2 final, with the three stars being Sharp, Leddy, and Hossa, while Seabrook and Saad get the honorable mentions.

Down in Nashville, the Predators welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carter Hutton will man the creases. Boston struck first in the first period as Jarome Iginla scored his ninth of the season, courtesy of Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic. The Bruins added on with a Matt Fraser goal, fueled by Carl Soderberg and Ryan Spooner. Hutton was pulled in favor of Marek Mazanec. Boston extended the lead with a Reilly smith power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Soderberg and Spooner. Nashville got on the board in the second period when Craig Smith scored his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Seth Jones and Ryan Ellis. The Predators pulled closer in the third period as Smith scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, with helpers provided by Shea Weber and Nick Spaling. The Bruins replied with Iginla's second of the game and tenth of the season, guided in by David Krejci and Torey Krug on the power play. Boston padded the lead as Soderberg scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal pushed through by Spooner, who got a sock trick, and Smith. The Bruins wrapped it up at 6-2 with a Brad Marchand goal, his eighth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Smith. The three stars were Iginla, Reilly Smith, and Craig Smith, while Soderberg and Spooner get honorable mentions.

Back in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Ilya Bryzgalov are the overrated goalies. Edmonton started in the first period as Jordan Eberle scored his twelfth of the season, a power play goal powered by Ales Hemsky and Andrew Ference. Winnipeg tied it with a Mark Stuart goal, his second of the year, coming off of Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. The Oilers retook the lead as Sam Gagner scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Eberle and Justin Schultz. the Jets retied it in the second period on an Andrew Ladd goal, his ninth of the year, coming on the power play via Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little. Edmonton reclaimed the lead as David Perron netted his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers added on in the third period with a Jeff Petry goal, his third of the year, made possible by Nail Yakupov and Perron. Edmonton extended the lead on a Hall power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, guided in by Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers padded the lead on a Yakupov goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper from Hall. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars being Hall, Perron, and Eberle, while Yakupov and Nugent-Hopkins get the honorable mentions.

Down in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Martin Jones are the masked men. Los Angeles began in the first period with a Justin Williams goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Dallas tied it with a Tyler Seguin goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Jamie Benn and Maxime Fortunus. The Stars took the lead as Benn scored his eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings retied it on a Jarret Stoll goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Williams and Trevor Lewis. Dallas retook the lead in the second period on a Valeri Nichushkin power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Seguin and Benn. The Stars added on in the third period when Cody Eakin scored his eighth of the year, with a lone helper from Ryan Garbutt. Dallas extended the lead on an empty net goal by Shawn Horcoff, his fourth of the campaign, going in unassisted. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Benn, Seguin, and Williams.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Colorado opened in the first period as Nathan MacKinnon scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by Ryan O'Reilly and Erik Johnson. San Jose tied it with a power play goal by Jason Demers, his second of the year, coming off of Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. The Avalanche took the lead back as Gabriel Landeskog scored his tenth of the season, fueled by Paul Stastny and P.A. Parenteau. The Sharks tied it again in the second period as Burns scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Thornton and Matt Irwin. San Jose took the lead on an Irwin power play goal, his second of the season, passed from Dan Boyle and Tommy Wingels. Colorado pulled even in the third period as Johnson potted his sixth of the year, with the help of O'Reilly and Matt Duchene. The Avalanche pulled ahead on a Jamie McGinn goal, his sixth of the season, with assists provided by John Mitchell and Max Talbot. The Sharks got another equalizer as Joe Pavelski netted his fifteenth of the year, helped along by Thornton, who got a sock trick, and Burns. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau's goals secured a 5-4 San Jose victory. The three stars went to Burns, Thornton, and Irwin, while Johnson and O'Reilly get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and Merry Christmas.

NHL Day 83 2013-2014

Two games on today (before a storm of fourteen tomorrow), beginning in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Cam Talbot draw the starts. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Jason Pominville goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Ryan Suter and Mikael Granlund. New York tied it as Benoit Pouliot scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Ryan McDonagh and Derick Brassard. The Rangers took the lead in the second period on a Carl Hagelin goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Derek Dorsett and Brian Boyle. New York added on as Mats Zuccarello scored his eighth of the year, thanks to Brassard. The Rangers wrapped it up at 4-1 in the third period when Chris Kreider scored his ninth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Rick Nash. The three stars were Talbot (24 for 25 in saves), Hagelin, and Brassard.

The other game comes from Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Roberto Luongo are in goal. Vancouver began in the first period as Brad Richardson scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal with a lone assist by Dan Hamhuis. Luongo got injured later in the first period and was replaced by Eddie Lack. Winnipeg tied it with an Evander Kane power play goal in the second period, his tenth of the year, powered by Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. The Canucks took the lead back on a Christopher Tanev goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Zack Kassian and David Booth. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Lack (15 for 16 in saves in relief), Pavelec (23 for 25 in saves), and Tanev.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 16 2013

Big weekend of football begins with nine games in the morning, followed by five in the afternoon, and the token night game. We begin in...

Buffalo, as the Bills host the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo led off in the first quarter with a Dan Carpenter field goal of 45 yards. The Bills added on in the second quarter as Fred Jackson ran 9 yards for a touchdown, and Carpenter made the extra point. Buffalo extended the lead in the fourth quarter on a 21 yard field goal by Carpenter. The Bills padded the lead as Carpenter made a 22 yard field goal. Buffalo wrapped it up at 19-0 with a 26 yard field goal by Carpenter. The Bills are now 6-9 while the Dolphins fall to 8-7.

Down to Jacksonville, where the Jaguars welcome the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee started in the first quarter as Rob Bironas made a 45 yard field goal. Jacksonville took the lead as Chad Henne tossed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis, and Josh Scobee was there with the extra point. The Titans pulled closer in the second quarter on a 52 yard field goal by Bironas. The Jaguars added on with a Henne touchdown pass to Mike Brown for 7 yards, but Scobee missed the extra point. Jacksonville extended the lead in the third quarter on a Scobee field goal of 36 yards. Tennessee shot back as Shonn Greene ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Bironas nailed the extra point. The Titans took the lead in the fourth quarter when Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with Nate Washington for 30 yards and a touchdown, and Bironas knocked in the PAT. This made it 20-16, the final, with the Titans going to 6-9 while the Jaguars fall to 4-11.

Westward to Houston, as the Texans bring in the Denver Broncos. Denver was first to score in the first quarter as Matt Prater made a 32 yard field goal. Houston tied it on a Randy Bullock 45 yard field goal. The Broncos retook the lead in the second quarter as Peyton Manning found Demaryius Thomas for 36 yards and a touchdown, and Prater supplied the extra point. The Texans shot back with a 35 yard field goal by Bullock. Denver responded with a Prater 25 yard field goal. The Broncos added on as Prater made a 44 yard field goal. Houston pulled back in the third quarter as Matt Schaub tossed a 15 yard touchdown pass to Keshawn Martin, and Bullock booted the extra point. Denver answered as Manning connected with Eric Decker for 10 yards and a touchdown, and Prater made the PAT. The Broncos extended the lead on a Manning touchdown pass of 20 yards to Decker, and Prater handled another extra point. Denver padded the lead as Manning found Julius Thomas for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Prater nailed another extra point. This made it a 37-13 final, with the Broncos improving to 12-3 while the Texans fall to 2-13.

Up in Cincinnati, the Bengals host the Minnesota Vikings. Cincinnati began in the first quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Mike Nugent made the extra point. Minnesota tied it as Matt Cassel found Jarius Wright for 36 yards and a touchdown, and Blair Walsh knocked in the extra point. The Bengals took the lead on a 29 yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to A.J. Green, and Nugent was true with the extra point. Cincinnati added on in the second quarter as Vincent Rey intercepted Cassel and returned the ball 25 yards for a touchdown, allowing Nugent to make another extra point. The Bengals extended the lead on a 16 yard Dalton touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent booted the PAT. Cincinnati padded the lead in the third quarter as Dalton tossed a 7 yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu, and Nugent drilled another extra point. The Bengals struck again when Dalton threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Green, and Nugent supplied the extra point. The Vikings got some back on a 35 yard touchdown rush by Cordarrelle Patterson, and Walsh was there with the extra point. This was it for the scoring, and the final was 42-14. The Bengals improved to 10-5 while the Vikings fell to 4-10-1.

Backtracking to Kansas City, as the Chiefs welcome the Indianapolis Colts. Kansas City opened in the first quarter on a 31 yard touchdown run by Jamaal Charles, and Ryan Succop made the extra point. Indianapolis replied in the second quarter on a 46 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal. The Colts took the lead as Andrew Luck found Donald Brown for 33 yards and a touchdown, and Vinatieri was there with the extra point. Indianapolis added on as Vinatieri made a 45 yard field goal. The Colts extended the lead with a 51 yard Brown touchdown run, and Vinatieri booted the PAT. Indianapolis got some more on a Vinatieri 30 yard field goal. This was all they needed to win 23-7. The Colts improved to 10-5 while the Chiefs dropped to 11-4.

East to New Jersey, as the New York Jets bring in the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland struck first in the first quarter on a Billy Cundiff field goal of 26 yards. The Browns added on in the second quarter as Edwin Baker ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Cundiff drilled the extra point. New York got on the board as Geno Smith threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to David Nelson, and Nick Folk kicked the PAT. The Jets tied it on a 21 yard field goal by Folk. New York took the lead as Smith and Nelson connected for 5 yards and another touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Folk drove in the extra point. Cleveland pulled back as Cundiff made a 21 yard field goal. The Jets shot back on a Smith 17 yard touchdown rush, and Folk was true with the extra point. This produced the 24-13 final, with the Jets improving to 7-8 while the Browns fall to 4-11.

Returning to Missouri, the St. Louis Rams host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was first to score in the first quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run by Bobby Rainey, and Rian Lindell made the extra point. St. Louis tied it in the second quarter as Zac Stacy ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Greg Zuerlein handled the extra point. The Rams took the lead as Stedman Bailey ran 27 yards for a touchdown, and Zuerlein booted another extra point. The Buccaneers got some back as Lindell made a 35 yard field goal. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the third quarter as Lindell made a 32 yard field goal. St. Louis shot back on a 54 yard field goal by Zuerlein. The Rams added on as Zuerlein made a 25 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. St. Louis extended the lead on a 48 yard field goal from Zuerlein. This made it 23-13, the final, with the Rams moving to 7-8 and the Buccaneers falling to 4-11.

Northeast to DC, as the Washington Redskins welcome the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas led off in the first quarter with a 3 yard touchdown run by DeMarco Murray, and Dan Bailey supplied the extra point. Washington got on the board when Kai Forbath kicked a 36 yard field goal. The Redskins pulled closer in the second quarter as Forbath knocked in a 22 yard field goal. The Cowboys added on with a Tony Romo touchdown pass of 14 yards to Dez Bryant, and Bailey was there with the extra point. Washington answered in the third quarter as Kirk Cousins found Pierre Garcon for 8 yards and a touchdown, and Forbath made the extra point. The Redskins took the lead as Alfred Morris rushed 4 yards for a touchdown, and Forbath supplied another PAT. Washington extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Forbath made a 47 yard field goal. Dallas replied on a 25 yard Bailey field goal. The Cowboys edged ahead on a 10 yard Romo touchdown pass to Murray, and Bailey's extra point put them in the lead. They held on to win 24-23, with the Cowboys improving to 8-7 and the Redskins falling to 3-12.

South to Carolina, as the Panthers bring in the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans got going in the second quarter with a Shayne Graham field goal of 40 yards. The Saints added on as Shayne Graham made a 24 yard field goal. Carolina took the lead on a 43 yard DeAngelo Williams touchdown run, and Graham Gano nailed the extra point. The Panthers added on in the third quarter as Gano made a 40 yard field goal. New Orleans retook the lead in the fourth quarter on a 5 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham, and Shayne Graham handled the PAT. Carolina pulled ahead again on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Domenik Hixon, and Gano was true with the extra point. They held on for a 17-13 win. The Panthers are now 11-4 while the Saints are 10-5.

North to Detroit, as the Lions host the New York Giants. New York struck first in the first quarter on a Josh Brown 41 yard field goal. Detroit tied it in the second quarter as David Akers made a 37 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead back as Eli Manning tossed a 20 yard touchdown pass to Jerrel Jernigan, and Brown knocked in the extra point. New York added on with a 52 yard Brown field goal. The Lions shot back in the third quarter as Joique Bell ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers was there with the extra point. Detroit chipped closer as Nick Fairley sacked Manning for a safety. The Lions gained the lead as Theo Riddick ran in a 2 yard touchdown, and then Matthew Stafford tossed the two-point conversion to Joseph Fauria. The Giants pulled even on a 38 yard interception return off of Stafford by Will Hill, and Brown's extra point was the equalizer. New York won 23-20 in overtime as Brown made a 45 yard field goal. The Giants are now 6-9 while the Lions are 7-8.

Out west, the Seattle Seahawks welcome the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle dented the scoreboard in the second quarter as Steven Hauschka made a 27 yard field goal. Arizona tied it on a 39 yard field goal by Jay Feely. The Cardinals took the lead in the third quarter as Feely made a 46 yard field goal. Arizona added on with a 26 yard field goal by Feely. The Seahawks edged ahead as Russell Wilson threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller, and Hauschka booted the PAT. The Cardinals retook the lead as Carson Palmer found Michael Floyd for 31 yards and a touchdown, and Rashard Mendenhall ran in the two-point conversion. This was good for a 17-10 win, with the Cardinals going to 10-5 and the Seahawks falling to 12-3.

All the way east again, as the Baltimore Ravens bring in the New England Patriots. New England began in the first quarter as LeGarrette Blount rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point. The Patriots added on as Tom Brady passed 4 yards for a touchdown to Shane Vereen, and Gostkowski nailed the extra point. New England extended the lead with a 45 yard field goal in the second quarter from Gostkowski. The Patriots padded the lead in the third quarter on a 42 yard Gostkowski field goal. Baltimore got on the board with a 1 yard Joe Flacco touchdown run, and Justin Tucker booted the extra point. New England replied on a 7 yard Blount touchdown run, and Gostkowski made the PAT. The Patriots got some more with a Chandler Jones fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown, and Gostkowski drilled the extra point. New England iced it at 41-7 as Tavon Wilson intercepted Tyrod Taylor and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, allowing Gostkowski to make another extra point. The Patriots improved to 11-4 while the Ravens fell to 8-7.

Backtracking to Green Bay, as the Packers host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Green Bay opened in the first quarter on a 5 yard Matt Flynn touchdown pass to Jarret Boykin, and Mason Crosby handled the extra point. Pittsburgh tied it as Ben Roethlisberger found Emmanuel Sanders for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Shaun Suisham made the extra point. The Packers took the lead in the second quarter on an Eddie Lacy 14 yard touchdown run, and Crosby nailed the extra point. The Steelers got some back as Suisham made a 31 yard field goal. Pittsburgh took the lead in the third quarter on a 13 yard touchdown rush by Roethlisberger, and Suisham booted the PAT. Green Bay shot back on a 2 yard touchdown run by Lacy, and Crosby was there with the extra point. The Steelers edged back ahead as Roethlisberger tossed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Matt Spaeth, and Suisham provided the extra point. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a 40 yard Cortez Allen interception return for a touchdown off of Flynn, and Suisham made another extra point. The Packers got some back in the fourth quarter as Crosby made a 22 yard field goal. Green Bay tied it with a 1 yard John Kuhn touchdown run, and Crosby supplied the extra point. The Steelers retook the lead on a 1 yard touchdown run by Le'Veon Bell, and Suisham drilled the extra point. This resulted in a 38-31 final, with the Steelers going to 7-8 while the Packers fall to 7-7-1.

West to California, where the San Diego Chargers welcome the Oakland Raiders. San Diego started in the first quarter on a 27 yard field goal by Nick Novak. Oakland took the lead in the second quarter as Darren McFadden ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. The Chargers pulled ahead as Ryan Mathews rushed 7 yards for a touchdown, and Novak nailed the extra point. The Raiders retied it on a Janikowski 20 yard field goal. San Diego took the lead again on a 4 yard Philip Rivers touchdown pass to Keenan Allen, followed by a Novak PAT. The Chargers added on as Novak made a 48 yard field goal. San Diego extended the lead with a 28 yard field goal by Novak. Oakland shot back as Janikowski made a 42 yard field goal. The Chargers iced it at 26-13 on a 33 yard Novak field goal. The Chargers are now 8-7 while the Raiders are 4-11.

Finally, the Sunday Night Game features the Philadelphia Eagles bringing in the Chicago Bears. Philadelphia dented the scoreboard in the first quarter as Nick Foles found Riley Cooper for 5 yards and a touchdown, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles added on with a 1 yard touchdown run by LeSean McCoy, followed by another Henery extra point. Philadelphia extended the lead as Foles tossed a 10 yard touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Henery was there with the extra point. The Eagles padded the lead in the second quarter on a 49 yard field goal by Henery. Chicago got on the board with a 50 yard field goal from Robbie Gould. Philadelphia shot back in the third quarter by stuffing Matt Forte in his own end zone for a safety. The Eagles got some more with another 1 yard McCoy touchdown run, and Henery was true with the PAT. The Bears responded as Jay Cutler tossed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, and then he found Earl Bennett for the two-point conversion. Philadelphia answered on a 10 yard Chris Polk touchdown run in the fourth quarter, capped off by a Henery extra point. The Eagles struck again as Brandon Boykin intercepted Cutler and took the ball 54 yards to the house for a touchdown, allowing Henery another extra point. Philadelphia kept going as Bryce Brown unleashed a 65 yard touchdown rush, and Henery booted another extra point. This was all they needed to win 54-11, with the Eagles improving to 9-6 and the Bears dropping to 8-7.

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