NHL Day 194 2013-2014

Nine games on the second to last day of the season, beginning with a matinee in...

Boston, where the Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Matt Hackett and Tuukka Rask draw the starts. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Jordan Caron and Shawn Thornton. The Bruins added on with a David Krejci goal, his eighteenth of the year, made possible by Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic. Boston extended the lead in the second period on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his thirtieth of the season, coming off of Brad Marchand and Torey Krug. Buffalo got on the board with a Cody Hodgson goal, his twentieth of the year, with assists provided by Marcus Foligno and Mike Weber. Hackett was hurt in the third period, and replaced by Connor Knapp in goal. The Bruins finished it at 4-1 with a Krejci power play goal, his second of the game and nineteenth of the campaign, powered by Krug and the goalie Rask. The three stars were Krejci, Rask (24 for 25 in saves), and Krug.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Battle of Pennsylvania reaches its final installment, as the Penguins welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Marc-Andre Fleury and the masked men. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Jussi Jokinen goal, his twentieth of the season, via James Neal and Brian Gibbons. Philadelphia tied it on a Jakub Voracek goal, his twenty-second of the year, passed from Claude Giroux and Mark Streit on the power play. The Flyers took the lead in the second period on Voracek's second of the game and twenty-third of the season, made possible by Scott Hartnell and Giroux. Ray emery replaced an injured Mason for the third period. The Penguins retied it in the third period with a Neal goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, assisted by Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. Philadelphia regained the lead on a Giroux goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, guided in by Voracek and Hartnell. Pittsburgh tied it again with a Letang goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Neal and Matt Niskanen. The Flyers won 4-3 in overtime on a Streit goal, his tenth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Andrew MacDonald. The three stars were Streit, Voracek, and Giroux, while Hartnell, Letang, and Neal get the honorable mentions.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot and Carey Price are set to start. Montreal won 1-0 in overtime on a Brian Gionta penalty shot goal, his eighteenth of the season. The three stars were Price (41 save shutout), Gionta, and Talbot (26 for 27 in saves).

Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Toronto Maple Leafs in a Battle of Ontario. James Reimer and Craig Anderson are the maligned goalies. Ottawa got going in the second period on a Jason Spezza power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Ales Hemsky. This was good for a 1-0, with the three stars going to Anderson (28 save shutout), Spezza, and Reimer (36 for 37 in saves).

Way south to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Columbus started in the first period with a Cam Atkinson goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert. Florida tied it on a Vincent Trocheck goal, his fifth of the year, going in shorthanded and unassisted. The Panthers took the lead on a Jimmy Hayes goal, his eleventh of the season, passed from Brandon Pirri. The Blue Jackets responded with a Mark Letestu power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Ryan Johansen and Boone Jenner. Columbus took the lead in the third period on a Johansen power play goal, his thirty-third of the season, coming off of James Wisniewski and Jack Johnson. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Johansen, Bobrovsky (33 for 35 in saves), and Luongo (35 for 38 in saves).

Backtracking to Nashville, where the Predators bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Antti Raanta and Pekka Rinne are the Finnish goalies. Chicago struck first in the first period on a Ben Smith goal, his fourteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Brandon Saad. The Blackhawks added on as Marian Hossa scored his thirtieth of the year, an unassisted goal. Nashville got on the board with a Craig Smith goal, his twenty-second of the season, courtesy of Paul Gaustad. The Predators tied it on a second period goal by Ryan Ellis, his fifth of the year, helped along by Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist. Chicago took the lead back on a Matt Carey goal, fueled by Bryan Bickell and Saad. Nashville tied it again in the third period with a Matt Cullen goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Fisher and Mattias Ekholm. The Predators took the lead on a Colin Wilson goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Shea Weber and Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks retied it on a Jeremy Morin goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Johnny Oduya and Andre Shaw. Nashville gained the lead again on a Gaustad goal, his tenth of the year, via Smith and Gabriel Bourque. Chicago got another equalizer on a Shaw goal, his twentieth of the season, going in unassisted. The Predators pulled ahead with a Hornqvist goal, his twenty-second of the year, passed from Cullen and Fisher. Nashville finished the wild game at 7-5 with an empty net goal by Weber, his twenty-second of the campaign, set up by Roman Josi and Gaustad. The three stars went to Hornqvist, Fisher, and Gaustad, while Weber, Cullen, Shaw, Smith, and Saad all got honorable mentions.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Phoenix Coyotes host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi faces a lesser foe in Mark Visentin in goal. San Jose led off in the first period with a Joe Pavelski power play goal, his fortieth of the season, powered by Brent Burns and Dan Boyle. The Sharks added on as Pavelski scored his second of the game and forty-first of the year, thanks to Matt Irwin and Joe Thornton. Phoenix got on the board in the second period with a Mike Ribeiro goal, his sixteenth of the season, guided in by Radim Vrbata and Martin Erat. San Jose shot back in the third period on a Logan Couture goal, his twenty-third of the year, via Boyle. The Coyotes responded with a Shane Doan goal, his twenty-second of the season, made possible by Kyle Chipchura and Brandon McMillan. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars being Pavelski, Boyle, and Niemi (30 for 32 in saves).

Up in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Ben Scrivens are the young goalies. Edmonton began in the first period with a Roman Horak goal, via Steven Pinizzotto and Will Acton. The Oilers added on as Jeff Petry scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. Edmonton extended the lead on a second period Acton goal, his third of the year, coming off of Philip Larsen and Pinizzotto. Vancouver got on the board with a Shawn Matthias goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Zack Kassian. The Oilers shot back with an Eberle power play goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, powered by Justin Schultz and Hall. Edmonton padded the lead in the third period with a Nugent-Hopkins goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Martin Marincin and Hall, the latter getting a sock trick. The Canucks got one back on a Kassian goal, his fourteenth of the year, with helpers from Brad Richardson and Matthias. This only made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Nugent-Hopkins, Hall, and Eberle, while Kassian, Acton, Matthias, and Pinizzotto get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings bring in the Anaheim Ducks for a Battle of California. Frederik Andersen is mismatched with Jonathan Quick in goal. Los Angeles dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Dustin Brown goal, his fifteenth of the season, via Willie Mitchell. Anaheim tied it on a goal by Nick Bonino, his twenty-first of the year, with a lone assist from Daniel Winnik. The Ducks took the lead on a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the season, made possible by Hampus Lindholm and Francois Beauchemin. The Kings retied it in the third period on an Anze Kopitar goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, assisted by Justin Williams and Marian Gaborik. Anaheim took the lead back with a Matt Beleskey goal, his ninth of the season, going in unassisted. Los Angeles tied it again with another Kopitar goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the year, coming off of Slava Voynov and Robyn Regehr. The Ducks won 4-3 with a Smith-Pelly shootout goal. The three stars were Smith-Pelly, Kopitar, and Beleskey.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL 193 2013-2014

Today is the smallest remaining day on the schedule. Seven games, beginning in...

DC, as the Washington Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jaroslav Halak protect the nets. Washington led off in the first period with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his fifty-first of the season, powered by John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on as Jay Beagle notched his third of the year, thanks to Dmitry Orlov and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Washington extended the lead in the second period on a Backstrom goal, his eighteenth of the season, assisted by Ovechkin and Karl Alzner. The Capitals padded the lead as Beagle scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, guided in by Jason Chimera and Joel Ward. Crawford was pulled for Antti Raanta for the third period. This was good enough for a 4-0 win, with the three stars going to Beagle, Ovechkin, and Halak (34 save shutout), while Backstrom gets an honorable mention.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Jimmy Howard are the veteran goalies. Carolina opened in the first period with an Elias Lindholm power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Andrei Loktionov and Jay Harrison. The Hurricanes added on with a Jiri Tlusty goal, his sixteenth of the year, courtesy of Eric Staal and Justin Faulk. Detroit got on the board in the third period with a Riley Sheahan goal, his eighth of the campaign, a power play goal coming off of Tomas Jurco and Tomas Tatar. This wasn't enough to complete a comeback, and they lost 2-1, with the three stars going to Ward (28 for 29 in saves), Tlusty, and Lindholm.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Kristers Gudlevskis are the backups making spot starts. Tampa Bay got going in the second period on an Ondrej Palat power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, powered by Alex Killorn. Columbus tied it on a power play goal by Boone Jenner, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Jack Johnson and Ryan Johansen. The Lightning retook the lead with an Eric Brewer goal, his third of the season, with a lone assist by Cedric Paquette. Tampa Bay added on with another Brewer goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, made possible by Mike Kostka and Richard Panik. The Blue Jackets got one back in the third period on a David Savard goal, his fifth of the campaign, passed from Jenner and Blake Comeau. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-2, and the three stars went to Brewer, Gudlevskis (36 for 38 in saves), and Jenner.

Back north, the New Jersey Devils host the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson is mismatched with Martin Brodeur in goal. New York began in the first period on an Anders Lee goal, his seventh of the season, via Frans Nielsen. New Jersey tied it on a Ryan Carter goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta. The Devils took the lead on a Patrik Elias goal, his eighteenth of the season, made possible by Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr. The Islanders tied it on a third period goal by Ryan Strome, his seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Nielsen and Matt Donovan. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Nielsen, Josh Bailey, and Strome all scored to top a lone tally by Damien Brunner for a 3-2 New York win. The three stars were Nielsen, Strome, and Nilsson (25 for 27 in saves).

Southwest to Dallas, as the Stars bring in the St. Louis Blues. Ryan Miller and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Trevor Daley, his ninth of the season, via Jamie Benn. The Stars added on as Tyler Seguin scored his thirty-seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Benn and Daley. Dallas iced it at 3-0 in the third period with a Ryan Garbutt goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, made possible by Alex Goligoski and Vernon Fiddler. The three stars were Lehtonen (22 save shutout), Daley, and Benn.

Up in Calgary, the Flames welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Karri Ramo are the little known goalies. Winnipeg started in the first period on a Michael Frolik goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Jacob Trouba and Mark Stuart. The Jets added on with an Evander Kane goal, his nineteenth of the year, courtesy of Bryan Little and Adam Pardy. Calgary got on the board with a Jiri Hudler goal, his seventeenth of the season, made possible by Matt Stajan and T.J. Brodie. Winnipeg responded with a Carl Klingberg goal, with assists provided by Patrice Cormier and Zach Redmond. The Flames shot back on a Sean Monahan goal, his twenty-second of the year, guided in by Hudler and Curtis Glencross on the power play. Calgary tied it with a power play goal by Kris Russell, his seventh of the season, powered by Paul Byron and Mark Giordano. The Jets retook the lead in the third period on a Paul Postma goal, via Anthony Peluso and Cormier. Winnipeg finished it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Blake Wheeler, his twenty-eighth of the year, set up by Olli Jokinen. The three stars were Cormier, Hudler, and Postma.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks host the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Alex Stalock are the backups making spot starts. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Dan Boyle goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. The Sharks added on with a Patrick Marleau goal, his thirty-third of the year, guided in by Martin Havlat and Logan Couture. Berra was pulled for Jean-Sebastien Giguere at this time. Colorado got on the board in the second period on a Patrick Bordeleau goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Max Talbot and Ryan O'Reilly. San Jose shot back in the third period with a Havlat goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Couture and Marleau. The Sharks extended the lead with another Havlat goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, fueled by Bracken Kearns and Andrew Desjardins. San Jose finished it at 5-1 with an empty net goal by Havlat to complete his natural hat trick on his twelfth of the year, set up by Couture, who got a sock trick. The three stars were Havlat, Marleau, and Couture.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL ECF: Metallurg Magnitogorsk VS. Salavat Yulaev Ufa Game 5

In today's game, from Magnitogorsk, Andrei Vasilevsky and Vasily Koshechkin tend the twines. The game was scoreless until an overtime goal by Metallurg's Yaroslav Khabarov, with a lost assist by Bogdan Potekhin, giving them a 1-0 win. The three stars went to Koshechkin (24 save shutout), Khabarov, and Vasilevsky (37 for 38 in saves). Metallurg advances to play against Lev Prague in the Gagarin Cup Finals on a 4-1 series win.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 192 2013-2014

Today is the fourth to last day of the season, and biggest of those remaining. We have eleven games to go with, beginning in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Buffalo Sabres. Matt Hackett is mismatched with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. Buffalo got going in the second period on a Drew Stafford goal, his sixteenth of the season, made possible by Mike Weber and Tyler Ennis. New York tied it on a Benoit Pouliot goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard. The Rangers took the lead in the third period as Rick Nash potted his twenty-sixth of the campaign, via Martin St. Louis and Derek Stepan. This produced the 2-1 final, with the three stars being Nash, Lundqvist (23 for 24 in saves), and Pouliot.

Down in Carolina, the Hurricanes welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin draw the starts. Washington led off in the first period with a Joel Ward goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Eric Fehr and Jason Chimera. The Capitals added on in the second period as Chimera scored his fifteenth of the year, from Fehr and Ward. Carolina got on the board with a shorthanded goal by Jiri Tlusty, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Jordan Staal. Washington shot back on a Troy Brouwer goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, coming off of Marcus Johansson and Karl Alzner. The Capitals extended the lead with a third period Fehr goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Chimera and Ward. Washington padded the lead on a Brouwer goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Johansson and Tyson Strachan. The Hurricanes got one back on a Radek Dvorak goal, his fourth of the campaign, made possible by Justin Faulk and Drayson Bowman. This only made it 5-2, the final, with Brouwer, Fehr, and Ward earning the three stars, while Chimera and Johansson get the honorable mentions.

Up north, the Montreal Canadiens bring in the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Carey Price are the veteran goalies. New York dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Ryan Strome power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Matt Donovan and Josh Bailey. The Islanders added on with a power play goal by Brock Nelson, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Thomas Hickey and the goalie Nabokov. This was all they needed to win 2-0, with the three stars being Nabokov (19 save shutout), Strome, and Nelson.

Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Robin Lehner are the young goalies. Ottawa struck first in the second period on a Mike Hoffman goal, his third of the season, via Mika Zibanejad and Cody Ceci. New Jersey tied it on a Michael Ryder goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Anton Volchenkov and Tim Sestito. The Senators won 2-1 in the shootout with a lone tally by Erik Karlsson. The three stars were awarded to Lehner (38 for 39 in saves), Schneider (31 for 32 in saves), and Karlsson.

Back south again to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery and Anders Lindback are the backups making spot starts. Tampa Bay began in the first period with a Tyler Johnson goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Steven Stamkos and Mike Kostka. Philadelphia tied it on a second period Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, powered by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The Lightning took the lead in the third period on a Richard Panik goal, his third of the season, passed from Victor Hedman and Kostka. Tampa Bay added on with an Eric Brewer goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Johnson and Ondrej Palat. The Flyers pulled back with a Sean Couturier goal, his twelfth of the season, via Mark Streit. The Lightning answered with a Stamkos power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, guided in by Valtteri Filppula and Hedman. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Johnson, Stamkos, and Lindback (34 for 36 in saves), while Kostka and Hedman get honorable mentions.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Drew MacIntyre opposes Roberto Luongo in goal. Florida started in the first period with a Brandon Pirri goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Quinton Howden and Brian Campbell. Toronto tied it in the second period on a Tyler Bozak goal, his nineteenth of the year, fueled by Jake Gardiner and James van Riemsdyk. The Panthers took the lead back on a Brad Boyes goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Nick Bjugstad and Sean Bergenheim. Florida added on in the third period with a Bjugstad goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming off of Bergenheim and Boyes. The Panthers extended the lead with a Bjugstad shorthanded goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, set up by Tomas Fleischmann and Colby Robak. The Maple Leafs got one back on a Paul Ranger goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Bozak and Gardiner. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars given to Bjugstad, Boyes, and Bozak, while Bergenheim and Gardiner get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Nashville, as the Predators host the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. Nashville was first to score in the second period on a Craig Smith power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Ryan Ellis and Seth Jones. The Predators added on with a Patric Hornqvist goal, his twenty-first of the year, made possible by Mike Fisher and Matt Cullen. They coasted to a 2-0 win, with the three stars handed to Rinne (29 save shutout), Smith, and Hornqvist.

Continuing to Minnesota, where the Wild welcome the St. Louis Blues. Ryan Miller faces a lesser foe in John Curry in goal. Minnesota opened in the first period on a Nino Neiderreiter goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Jonathon Blum and Matt Cooke. St. Louis tied it on a second period power play goal by Kevin Shattenkirk, his tenth of the year, powered by Vladimir Sobotka and Alexander Steen. The Wild retook the lead on a shorthanded goal by Kyle Brodziak, his seventh of the season, set up by Cooke and Nate Prosser. The Blues tied it again with a Jaden Schwartz shorthanded goal, with a lone assist by Steen. Minnesota took the lead back again as Matt Moulson potted his twenty-third of the season, thanks to Dany Heatley and Erik Haula. The Wild added on in the third period with a Brodziak goal, his eighth of the year and second of the game, helped along by Christian Folin and Neiderreiter. This produced a 4-2 final, with the three stars being Brodziak, Neiderreiter, and Cooke, while Steen gets an honorable mention.

Crossing into Canada, where the Winnipeg Jets bring in the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson and Michael Hutchinson are the backups between the pipes. Boston led off in the first period with a Brad Marchand goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, via Reilly Smith and David Krejci. Winnipeg tied it on an Evander Kane goal in the third period, his eighteenth of the year, made possible by Blake Wheeler and Tobias Enstrom. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Bryan Little scored the lone tally for a 2-1 Jets win. The three stars went to Hutchinson (32 for 33 in saves), Johnson (36 for 37 in saves), and Little.

Over in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers host the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and Viktor Fasth have the green light to start. Los Angeles began in the first period on an Anze Kopitar goal, his twenty-seventh of the season, fueled by Justin Williams and Marian Gaborik. The Kings added on with a Gaborik goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Willie Mitchell and Kopitar. Los Angeles extended the lead in the second period on a Gaborik goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, with assists provided by Slava Voynov and Williams. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 3-0, and the three stars were given to Gaborik, Jones (17 save shutout), and Kopitar, and Williams gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Jacob Markstrom are in the blue paint. Vancouver was first to score in the first period with a Henrik Sedin goal, his eleventh of the season, guided in by Dan Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin. Colorado tied it on a Paul Stastny goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The Avalanche took the lead in the second period as Stastny scored his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the season, thanks to Erik Johnson and Nathan MacKinnon. The Canucks retied it on a David Booth goal, his ninth of the year, made possible by Hamhuis and Alexandre Burrows. Colorado took the lead back with a Tyson Barrie goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Jamie McGinn. The Avalanche iced it at 4-2 with a John Mitchell power play goal, his eleventh of the year, going unassisted into the empty net. The three stars were Stastny, Hamhuis, and Barrie.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL WCF: Lev Prague VS. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game 5

This game sees the series shift back to Prague. Curtis Sanford and Petri Vehanen earn the starts. Prague opened in the first period with a Michal Repik goal, courtesy of Jakub Nakladal and Niko Kapanen. Lev added on with a power play goal by Justin Azevedo, powered by Ondrej Nemec. Yaroslavl got on the board on a Geoff Platt goal, assisted by Mikelis Redlihs and Kirill Kapustin. Prague shot back in the second period on a Michal Birner goal, made possible by Repik and Kapanen. Lokomotiv pulled back on Platt's second of the game, fueled by Sergei Plotnikov and Alexei Vasilyev. They couldn't get an equalizer, dropping the game 3-2. The three stars were Repik, Platt, and Kapanen. Lev becomes the first non-Russian team to advance to the Gagarin Cup Finals in the history of the KHL, winning the Western Conference with a 4-1 series win.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 191 2013-2014

Five games on tonight. We begin with...

The Chicago Blackhawks hosting he Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj is mismatched with Corey Crawford in goal. Montreal got going in the third period with a Dale Weise goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Josh Gorges and Rene Bourque. Chicago tied it on a Jeremy Morin goal, his fourth of the year, via Sheldon Brookbank. The Canadiens retook the lead on a Francis Bouillon goal, his second of the season, coming off of Thomas Vanek and David Desharnais. The Blackhawks tied it again as Marian Hossa scored his twenty-ninth of the year, thanks to Patrick Sharp and Michal Handzus. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime with a Sharp goal, his thirty-fourth of the campaign, made possible by Duncan Keith and Hossa. Sharp, Hossa, and Crawford (28 for 30 in saves) get the three stars.

East to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury are in the blue paint. Detroit was first to score in the first period with a Tomas Jurco goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Daniel Alfredsson and Darren Helm. Pittsburgh tied it on a James Neal power play goal in the second period, his twenty-fifth of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Paul Martin. The Red Wings took the lead back on a Jakub Kindl goal, his second of the season, via Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist. The Penguins tied it again with another power play goal by Neal, his second of the game and twenty-sixth of the year, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Martin. Pittsburgh took the lead on a Jussi Jokinen goal in the third period, his nineteenth of the season, passed from Kris Letang and Niskanen. Detroit retied it as Riley Sheahan potted his seventh of the year, with a lone helper by Niklas Kronwall. In the shootout, Jokinen's tally was all the Penguins needed to win 4-3. The three stars went to Neal, Niskanen, and Martin.

Down in Dallas, the Stars host the Columbus Blue Jackets to restart and complete their March 10th game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Tim Thomas get the starts. Columbus began with the lead as Nathan Horton was awarded his sixth of the season, from Matt Calvert and James Wisniewski. This goal came from March 10th. The Blue Jackets added on in the first period as Artem Anisimov scored his twenty-second of the year, an unassisted goal. Columbus extended the lead on a Mark Letestu goal, his eleventh of the season, via Ryan Johansen and David Savard. Dallas got on the board in the third period on a Trevor Daley goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. This produced a 3-1 final, with the three stars being Bobrovsky (33 for 34 in saves), Horton (for scoring a goal in a game he didn't play in), and Anisimov.

North to Calgary, with the Flames bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Karri Ramo are between the pipes. Calgary led off in the first period with a T.J. Galiardi goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Michael Cammalleri and Jiri Hudler. The Flames added on in the second period on a Sean Monahan goal, his twenty-first of the year, with a lone assist by Galiardi. Calgary extended the lead with a Matt Stajan goal, his fourteenth of the season, helped along by Ken Agostino. Los Angeles got on the board with a Jarret Stoll goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by Slava Voynov and Tanner Pearson. The Kings pulled closer as Anze Kopitar netted his twenty-sixth of the season, thanks to Marian Gaborik and Voynov. Los Angeles tied it in the third period on a Dwight King goal, fifteenth of the year, set up by Jake Muzzin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Gaborik exchanged a goal with Hudler, before Monahan's goal gave the Flames a 4-3 win. The three stars were Monahan, Galiardi, and Voynov.

Finally, in Anaheim, the Ducks host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and John Gibson man the creases. San Jose struck first in the first period with a Jason Demers goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Joe Pavelski. Anaheim tied it on a Corey Perry goal, his forty-third of the year, made possible by Matt Beleskey and Francois Beauchemin. The Ducks took the lead with a Pat Maroon goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Teemu Selanne and Mathieu Perreault. The Sharks retied it with a Logan Couture goal, his twenty-second of the year, going in unassisted. Anaheim retook the lead with another Maroon goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season, helped along by Selanne and Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks added on as Beleskey scored eighth of the year, thanks to Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim iced it in the third period on a shorthanded goal by Jakob Silfverberg, his tenth of the campaign, going into the empty net from Andrew Cogliano. The final was 5-2, with the three stars going to Maroon, Beleskey, and Selanne, while Perry gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL ECF: Metallurg Magnitogorsk @ Salavat Yulaev Ufa Game 4

This is another game from Ufa. The goalies are Vasily Koshechkin for Magnitogorsk and Andrei Vasilevsky for Ufa. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period with a Viktor Antipin power play goal, powered by Sergei Mozyakin and Jan Kovar. This was all they needed for a 1-0 win, with the three stars being Koshechkin (39 save shutout), Antipin, and Vasilevsky (26 for 27 in saves). Metallurg pushes Salavat Yulaev to the edge with a 3-1 series lead.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 190 2013-2014

Ten games on tonight with major implications on the playoff races everywhere. We begin in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Matt Hackett are in goal. Buffalo got going in the second period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Cody Hodgson and Mike Weber. Detroit tied it with a Brendan Smtih goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Johan Franzen and Daniel Alfredsson. The Red Wings gained the lead in the third period on a Darren Helm goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Kyle Quincey. Detroit added on with a David Legwand goal, his fourteenth of the year, passed from Drew Miller. The Sabres got one back as Girgensons scored his second of the game and eighth of the season, thanks to Hodgson and Mark Pysyk. The Red Wings finished it with an unassisted empty net goal by Pavel Datsyuk, his seventeenth of the year. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars belonging to Legwand, Girgensons, and Hodgson.

East a bit to Long Island, as the New York Islanders welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Anders Nilsson are the mediocre goalies. Ottawa dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Jason Spezza power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Ales Hemsky. New York tied it in the third period as Frans Nielsen scored his twenty-fifth of the year, thanks to Kevin Czuczman and Josh Bailey. The Senators retook the lead on another Spezza goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, assisted by Hemsky and Marc Methot. Ottawa added on with a Hemsky goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Milan Michalek and Methot. The Senators iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Matt Kassian, set up by Spezza and Erik Condra. The three stars went to Spezza, Hemsky, and Anderson (45 for 46 in saves), with Methot getting an honorable mention.

Staying in New York City, the Rangers host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. Carolina was first to score in the first period with a Patrick Dwyer goal, his eighth of the season, via Brett Bellemore. New York tied it as Brad Richards scored his nineteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Martin St. Louis and Derek Stepan. The Rangers took the lead in the second period as Benoit Pouliot scored his fourteenth of the season, thanks to Mats Zuccarello and Anton Stralman. New York added on with another Richards goal, his twentieth of the year and second of the game, made possible by Dan Girardi and St. Louis. The Rangers extended the lead in the third period on a Stepan goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, with assists provided by St. Louis, who got a sock trick, and Stralman. This was good for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Richards, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), St. Louis, while Stepan and Stralman get the honorable mentions.

West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss is mismatched with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal. Columbus started in the first period with a Boone Jenner goal, his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Nathan Horton and Ryan Johansen. Phoenix tied it on a Martin Erat goal, his third of the year, coming off of Radim Vrbata and Kyle Chipchura. The Coyotes took the lead on a Shane Doan goal, his twenty-first of the season, passed from Michael Stone and Keith Yandle.The Blue Jackets retied it on a Mark Letestu goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Artem Anisimov. Columbus took the lead in the third period with a Blake Comeau goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Derek MacKenzie and Anisimov. Phoenix retied it as Oliver Ekman-Larsson potted his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Mike Ribeiro and Mikkel Boedker. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime with a Johansen goal, his thirty-second of the campaign, with a lone assist from James Wisniewski. The three stars were awarded to Johansen, Anisimov, and Comeau.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ben Bishop are the young goalies. Bishop was injured in the first period and replaced by Anders Lindback. Tampa Bay opened in the second period with an Ondrej Palat goal, his twenty-first of the season, fueled by Victor Hedman and Radko Gudas. The Lightning added on with a Palat power play goal, his twenty-second of the year and second of the game, powered by Steven Stamkos and Hedman. Tampa Bay wrapped it up at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Hedman, his thirteenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Palat, Lindback (25 for 25 in saves in relief), and Hedman.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Dan Ellis are in the blue paint. Philadelphia struck first in the second period with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his twentieth of the season, fueled by Adam Hall. The Flyers added on as Claude Giroux scored his twenty-sixth of the year, with the help of Nicklas Grossmann and Luke Schenn. Philadelphia extended the lead on another Giroux goal, his second of the game and twenty-seventh of the season, with helpers from Mark Streit and Scott Hartnell. The Flyers padded the lead with a Sean Couturier goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Braydon Coburn and Matt Read. Florida got on the board in the third period on an Erik Gudbranson goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Scottie Upshall and Vincent Trocheck. The Panthers pulled closer with a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his ninth of the year, via Jesse Winchester and Drew Shore. Philadelphia answered on a Tye McGinn goal, his fourth of the campaign, helped along by Lecavalier and Hall. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Giroux, Lecavalier, and Hall.

Northwest to St. Louis, as the Blues welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Ryan Miller are called on to start. Washington began in the first period on a power play goal by Alex Ovechkin, his fiftieth of the season, powered by John Carlson and Joel Ward. St. Louis tied it on a second period goal by Maxim Lapierre, his ninth of the year, passed from Steve Ott and Ryan Reaves. The Capitals retook the lead with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Eric Fehr and the goalie Holtby. Washington added on with a Nicklas Backstrom goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Ovechkin and Dmitry Orlov. The Capitals extended the lead in the third period on another Backstrom goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the campaign, a power play goal helped along by Ovechkin and Carlson. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Carlson.

Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Ilya Bryzgalov are the masked men. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Jason Pominville goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise on the power play. Boston tied it with a Reilly Smith power play goal, his twentieth of the year, going in unassisted. The Bruins took the lead as Patrice Bergeron scored his twenty-ninth of the season, thanks to Brad Marchand and Zdeno Chara. The Wild retied it on a Pominville goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the year, coming off of Matt Moulson and Erik Haula. Boston retook the lead in the second period with a Loui Eriksson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Gregory Campbell and Chara. Minnesota pulled even in the third period on a Ryan Suter goal, his eighth of the year, helped along by Pominville and Koivu. The tie lasted a shootout, where Koivu's lone tally lifted the Wild to a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Pominville, Koivu, and Chara.

Southward to Dallas, as the Stars bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Kari Lehtonen are the Finnish goaltenders. Dallas started in the first period on an Alex Goligoski goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Vernon Fiddler and Colton Sceviour. Nashville tied it with a second period Gabriel Bourque goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Craig Smith and Shea Weber. The Stars retook the lead on a Jamie Benn goal, his thirty-fourth of the season, assisted by Valeri Nichushkin and Brenden Dillon. The Predators retied it in the third period with Bourque's second of the game and ninth of the year, made possible by Paul Gaustad. Dallas won 3-2 in the shootout with tallies from Fiddler and Tyler Seguin to overwhelm a single goal by Roman Josi. The three stars went to Bourque, Fiddler, and Jamie Benn.

Finally, in Edmonton, the Oilers host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Ben Scrivens have the green light to start. Colorado opened in the first period with a Paul Stastny goal, his twenty-third of the season, assisted by Gabriel Landeskog and John Mitchell. Edmonton tied it on a David Perron goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Sam Gagner and Philip Larsen. The Avalanche retook the lead on an Erik Johnson goal, his ninth of the season, via Jan Hejda and Nathan MacKinnon. Colorado added on in the third period with a power play goal by Tyson Barrie, his twelfth of the year, fueled by Johnson and Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche extended the lead on a Jamie McGinn goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, with a lone assist by O'Reilly. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars being Johnson, O'Reilly, and Giguere (22 for 23 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL WCF: Lev Prague @ Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game 4

Every game is a must win for Lokomotiv now, and they play today at home. Petri Vehanen of Prague and Curtis Sanford of Yaroslavl draw the starts. Prague got going in the second period on an unassisted goal by Jiri Novotny. Yaroslavl tied it with a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Yegor Yakovlev. Lev took the lead back on a power play goal by Nathan Oystrick, powered by Petr Vrana and Martin Thornberg. Lokomotiv tied it on a third period goal by Sergei Konkov, assisted by Jonas Holos and Vladislav Kartayev. Yaroslavl won 3-2 in overtime on a Sergei Plotnikov goal, guided in by Kartayev. The three stars were Plotnikov, Kartayev, and Konkov. Lev stills leads 3-1 in the series.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 189 2013-2014

Only three games to begin the last week of the season. We start in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. Calgary dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Mark Giordano goal, his fourteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jiri Hudler and Michael Cammalleri. This was all they needed for a 1-0 win, with the three stars being Ramo (31 save shutout), Giordano, and Schneider (21 for 22 in saves).

Northwest to Winnipeg, where the Jets welcome the Minnesota Wild. Ilya Bryzgalov and Michael Hutchinson are in goal. Minnesota got going in the second period on a Charlie Coyle goal, his twelfth of the year, via Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. They went on to a 1-0 win, with the three stars going to Bryzgalov (24 save shutout), Coyle, and Hutchinson (16 for 17 in saves).

Finally, over in Vancouver, the Canucks bring in the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Eddie Lack are the young goalies. Anaheim began in the first period with a shorthanded Daniel Winnik goal, his sixth of the season, going in unassisted. The Ducks added on in the second period with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Ben Lovejoy and Bryan Allen. Anaheim extended the lead in the third period on a Matt Beleskey goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars going to Gibson (18 save shutout), Winnik, and Palmieri.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL ECF Metallurg Magnitogorsk @ Salavat Yulaev Ufa Game 3

Today's game sees the series shift to Ufa. The goalies are Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg and Andrei Vasilevsky for Salavat Yulaev. Ufa began in the first period on an Antti Pihlstrom power play goal, powered by Kirill Koltsov and Igor Mirnov. Salavat Yulaev added on in the third period with an Anton Slepyshev goal, via Alexander Stepanov and Arturs Kulda. Ufa extended the lead on another Pihlstrom power play goal, pushed through by Andrei Zubarev and Koltsov. Salavat Yulaev iced it at 4-0 with a Tomas Zaborsky power play goal, guided in by Ivan Vishnevsky and Vitaly Proshkin. The three stars were Pihlstrom, Vasilevsky (22 save shutout), and Koltsov. The game cut Metallurg's series lead to 2-1.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 188 2013-2014

Only one more week for the regular season. Who's ready? We begin our six-game slate today in...

Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Corey Crawford are in the creases. St. Louis was first to score in the first period with a Jaden Schwartz power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, powered by Brenden Morrow and Alex Pietrangelo. Chicago tied it in the second period on a Jeremy Morin goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Bryan Bickell. The Blackhawks took the lead as Patrick Sharp potted his thirty-third of the season, thanks to Morin and Andrew Shaw. Chicago added on in the third period with a Marcus Kruger goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Joakim Nordstrom. The Blues shot back with a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by David Backes and Jay Bouwmeester. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-2 with a Ben Smith empty net goal, his thirteenth of the year, set up by Kris Versteeg. The three stars went to Morin, Sharp, and Kruger.

Down in Florida, the Panthers welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Dallas began in the first period with a Jamie Benn goal, his thirty-third of the season, fueled by Tyler Seguin and Trevor Daley. The Stars added on in the second period with a power play goal by Seguin, his thirty-sixth of the year, powered by Alex Goligoski and Daley. Florida got on the board with a Scottie Upshall goal, his fifteenth of the season, via Erik Gudbranson and Brandon Pirri. The Panthers tied it with a Pirri goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Jimmy Hayes and Bobby Butler. Florida took the lead in the third period on a Sean Bergenheim goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, assisted by Colby Robak and Scott Gomez. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Seguin, Bergenheim, and Daley.

North again to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets bring in the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson and Sergei Bobrovsky are in the blue paint. Columbus started in the first period with a Boone Jenner power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Jack Johnson power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of James Wisniewski and Brandon Dubinsky. Columbus extended the lead on a Letestu goal in the second period, his ninth of the season, guided in by Jenner and Matt Frattin. The Blue Jackets padded the lead on a Ryan Murray power play goal, his fourth of the year, with helpers provided by Cam Atkinson and Dubinsky. This was all they needed for a 4-0 win, with the three stars going to Bobrovsky (31 save shutout), Jenner, and Letestu, while Dubinsky gets an honorable mention.

East a bit to Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Buffalo Sabres. Nathan Lieuwen and Steve Mason draw the starts. Philadelphia opened in the first period on a Matt Read goal, his twenty-first of the season, courtesy of Mark Streit. The Flyers added on as Zac Rinaldo scored his second of the year in the second period, thanks to Read and Streit. Philadelphia extended the lead with a Brayden Schenn goal, his nineteenth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Streit, who got a sock trick, and Vincent Lecavalier. The Flyers padded the lead on a Lecavalier goal, his nineteenth of the year, fueled by Jakub Voracek and the goalie Mason. Buffalo got on the board in the third period with a Cody Hodgson power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Tyler Ennis. Philadelphia shot back with another Schenn goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, coming off of Wayne Simmonds and Kimmo Timonen. The Sabres replied with a Mike Weber goal, with assists provided by Hodgson and Matt D'Agostini. This only made it 5-2, with the three stars going to Schenn, Read, and Lecavalier, while Streit and Hodgson get the honorable mentions.

Out west, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Semyon Varlamov tend the twines. Pittsburgh got going in the second period on a Brandon Sutter goal, his twelfth of the season, via Tanner Glass and Matt Niskanen. The Penguins added on as Sutter scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Jussi Jokinen and James Neal. Colorado got on the board in the third period as Ryan O'Reilly potted his twenty-eighth of the season, thanks to Jamie McGinn and John Mitchell. The Avalanche tied it on a Patrick Bordeleau goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Tyson Barrie and Nick Holden. Pittsburgh won in the shootout with a lone tally by Jokinen for a 3-2 final. The three stars went to Sutter, Fleury (39 for 41 in saves), and Jokinen.

Finally, up in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller faces former backup Viktor Fasth in goal. Anaheim struck first in the first period with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Andrew Cogliano and Rickard Rakell. Edmonton tied it with a Taylor Hall power play goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, powered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. The Oilers took the lead on a David Perron shorthanded goal, his twenty-seventh of the season, set up by Sam Gagner and Philip Larsen. Edmonton added on as Schultz potted his eleventh of the year, thanks to Jordan Eberle and Hall. The Ducks got one back in the third period on a Corey Perry power play goal, his forty-second of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Hampus Lindholm. The Oilers iced it at 4-2 with an Eberle empty net goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Hall. The three stars were Hall, Schultz, and Eberle.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL WCF: Lev Prague @ Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game 3

Today's game sees the Western Conference Finals shift to Yaroslavl. Petri Vehanen of Prague and Curtis Sanford of Yaroslavl are in goal. Prague opened in the first period with a Martin Thornberg power play goal, powered by Petr Vrana and Michal Repik. Lev added on in the second period as Thornberg scored another power play goal, thanks to Mikko Maenpaa and Jiri Sekac. Prague finished it at 3-0 in the third period on a Nathan Oystrick goal, fueled by Calle Ridderwall. The three stars were awarded to Thornberg, Vehanen (25 save shutout), and Oystrick. Lev has pushed Lokomotiv to the brink with a 3-0 series lead.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.