MLS May 17th and 18th, 2014

There are eight games to go through tonight, beginning in...

Toronto, as Toronto FC hosts the New York Red Bulls. Luis Robles of New York and Joe Bendik are the goalies. New York was given an early yellow card on a Thierry Henry foul. Toronto opened the scoring in the twelfth minute with a Jermaine Defoe goal, via Bradley Orr. The teams exchanged fouls late in the first half, with both Jamison Olave of the Red Bulls and Justin Morrow of Toronto being shown yellow cards in the forty-second and forty-fifth minutes, respectively. Another set of fouls happened in the eighty-eighth minute, as Defoe was booked for unsporting behavior and Armando picked up a yellow for arguing. Toronto won 2-0 with a goal in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time, scored by Luke Moore on an assist from the goalie Bendik. Defoe was the man of the match for his tone-setting goal.

Down in Philadelphia, the Union host the New England Revolution. Brad Knighton of New England and Zac MacMath of Philadelphia are given the starting nods in goal. New England began in the thirteenth minute with an A.J. Soares goal, coming off of Chris Tierney. The Revolution added on as Diego Fagundez scored in the twenty-sixth minute, with helpers from Teal Bunbury and Lee Nguyen. Philadelphia cut the lead down in the thirty-sixth minute on a goal by Vincent Nogueira, passed from Danny Cruz. New England shot back in the forty-ninth minute as Nguyen found the back of the net on a pass from Daigo Kobayashi. The Revolution extended the lead with a Tierney goal on a free kick in the fifty-seventh minute. New England's Patrick Mullins helped them pad the lead in the sixty-seventh minute, and Fagundez was credited with the assist. the Union found themselves in the books at this time too, as Austin Berry was shown a yellow card for an off the ball foul. Philadelphia got a goal back in the seventy-sixth minute on a Sheanon Williams goal, courtesy of Berry and Sebastian Le Toux. The Union were back in the books two minutes later for a foul by Amobi Okugo that drew a yellow, and then a Cristian Maidana foul in the eighty-second minute earned him a straight red card. The Revolution's Nguyen was shown a yellow in the eighty-eighth minute for a foul. Philadelphia pulled closer in the second minute of stoppage time with a Le Toux goal, but they couldn't find any more and lost 5-3. The man of the match was Nguyen, who played a solid all-around game.

Over to DC, as United welcome the Montreal Impact. Troy Perkins of Montreal and Bill Hamid of DC are in the six yard box. The first half was quiet, with the first notable moment in the fifty-sixth minute as Montreal's Jack McInerney scored on a pass from Justin Mapp. After that, Montreal's Hernan Bernardello in the sixty-seventh minute and DC's Nick DeLeon in the seventh-seventh minute picked up yellow cards for fouls. United tied it on an eighty-fourth minute goal by Eddie Johnson, made possible by Fabian Espindola and Chris Rolfe. Another pair of yellows were exchanged, as Lewis Neal was booked in the eighty-fifth minute for DC while the Impact's Patrice Bernier was called for a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with the man of the match being Johnson for his tying goal.

South to Dallas, as FC Dallas brings in Chivas USA. Dan Kennedy of Chivas and Raul Fernandez of Dallas are the keepers. Chivas was first shown a yellow card as Marco Delgado's foul in the forty-third minute put him in the referee's book. Delgado made up for his transgression in the sixtieth minute, scoring a goal assisted by Mauro Rosales and Martin Rivero to open the scoring for Chivas. Victor Ulloa was shown a yellow card for a foul in the seventy-sixth minute for Dallas. Dallas tied the game in the eighty-third minute as Fabian Castillo scored, thanks to Jair Benitez. Chivas drew two more yellow cards late, as Oswaldo Minda was given one for a foul in the eighty-eighth minute and the goalie Kennedy was booked for time wasting in the third minute of stoppage time. The game ended in a scoreless draw, and Castillo was the man of the match for his equalizer.

Staying in Texas, the Houston Dynamo host the Los Angeles Galaxy. Jaime Penedo of Los Angeles and Tally Hall of Houston man the nets. The teams exchanged early yellow cards with a seventeenth minute foul by Houston's Jermaine Taylor being matched by a non-visible foul by A.J. DeLaGarza in the nineteenth minute for Los Angeles. The Dynamo opened in the scoring in the sixty-first minute on a Giles Barnes goal, with an assist by Mark Sherrod. The Galaxy got another yellow card in the seventy-sixth minute with a Kofi Opare handball being the reason. Houston won 1-0, and Hall was the man of the match for his five save clean sheet.

Northwest to Salt Lake, as Real hosts the Colorado Rapids. Clint Irwin of Colorado and Jeff Attinella of Salt Lake make the starts in goal. Salt Lake was first to score with a Joao Plata goal in the twenty-third minute, thanks to Javier Morales and Devon Sandoval. Real picked up some yellow cards after this, with Cole Grossman getting one for a foul in the thirty-third minute and Luke Mulholland drawing another with dissent in the forty-fourth minute. Salt Lake added on in the scoring in the fifty-first minute with a Morales goal, coming on a penalty kick. Morales kept himself in the center of attention by picking up a yellow card for diving in the sixty-fourth minute. Colorado got on the board with a Drew Moor goal in the eighty-third minute, via Dillon Serna. Real had another yellow card in the third minute of stoppage time, as John Stertzer was booked for a foul. Salt Lake won 2-1, with the man of the match being Morales.

Continuing on to Seattle, where the Sounders FC welcome the San Jose Earthquakes. Jon Busch of San Jose and Stefan Frei of Seattle guard the nets. Seattle began in the eighth minute with a near-impossible goal by Obafemi Martins, a chip from the end line off a pass from Gonzalo Pineda. Pineda was booked in the ninetieth minute for a foul, but the Sounders were unaffected and won 1-0 in a relatively uneventful game. Martins was the man of the match for his surefire SportsCenter highlight.

Finally, in Portland, the Timbers bring in the Columbus Crew. Steve Clark of Columbus and Donovan Ricketts of Portland play goal. Portland started with a Maximiliano Urruti goal, passed from Steve Zakuani. Columbus tied it in the fourteenth minute on a Federico Higuain goal, courtesy of Hector Jimenez. The Timbers were dealt a serious blow when Alvas Powell was shown a straight red card for his foul in the thirty-fourth minute, putting them down to ten men. The Crew also saw bookings, as Josh Williams was shown a yellow card in the same minute for an argument and Higuain was called for a foul in the fortieth minute, also resulting in a yellow card. Higuain made up for it by giving Columbus the lead in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time with his second goal of game, an unassisted effort. In the seventy-eighth minute, the goalie Clark was shown a yellow card for time wasting. The Timbers cashed in on it in the eightieth minute, as Will Johnson buried a pass from Jack Jewsbury for an equalizer. Just a minute later, the Crew were back on top with an Ethan Finlay goal, assisted by Higuain. Columbus' happiness was short-lived, as in the eighty-fifth minute, Jairo Arrieta was given a yellow card for dissent, and Gaston Fernandez tied it again for Portland with a goal coming off of Fanendo Adi and Diego Valeri. The wild game ended in a 3-3 draw, with the man of the match being Higuain.

The last game of the weekend came on Sunday, as the Chicago Fire host Sporting Kansas City. Erik Kronberg of Kansas City and Sean Johnson of Chicago are set to start in goal. Chicago jumped out to an early lead with a pair of goals by Mike Magee in the seventh and fifteenth minute, both on penalty shots. Kansas City also had a pair of events, but far less positive in nature as Erik Palmer-Brown was called for yellow cards in the forty-ninth and sixty-fourth minutes, both on fouls, resulting in him being ejected from the game and putting Kansas City down to ten men. Sporting got on the board in the sixty-eighth minute as Dominic Dwyer scored, thanks to Benny Feilhaber. Kansas City picked up another yellow when Feilhaber showed too much dissent in the eighty-second minute. In six minutes of stoppage time, the Fire's Magee and Jhon-Kennedy Hurtado and Sporting's Kevin Ellis all received yellow cards. Chicago won 2-1, with the man of the match being Magee for his brace.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Pacific Division Finals: Anaheim Ducks VS. Los Angeles Kings

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Jonas Hiller. Los Angeles opened in the first period on an Alec Martinez goal, fueled by Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar on the power play. Anaheim tied it as Matt Beleskey put away his second of the postseason, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. The Ducks took the lead in the third period on a Teemu Selanne goal, guided in by Pat Maroon and Getzlaf. The Kings tied it late on a Gaborik goal, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Mike Richards and Kopitar. Los Angeles won it in overtime on another Gaborik goal, his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, passed from Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Gaborik, Kopitar, and Getzlaf were the three stars of the 3-2 game. Los Angeles begins with a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Jonas Hiller. Los Angeles started with a first period Marian Gaborik goal, his sixth of the postseason, coming off of Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Anaheim tied it on a Pat Maroon power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. The Kings took the lead as Alec Martinez potted his second of the postseason, thanks to Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period on a Dwight King empty net goal, set up by Justin Williams. The three stars were given to Quick (36 for 37 in saves), Martinez, and Gaborik. The Kings go home up the interstate with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Frederik Andersen and Jonathan Quick. Anaheim began in the first period with a Corey Perry power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Pat Maroon and Ryan Getzlaf. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Jeff Carter scored his third of the playoffs, a power play goal coming off of Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar. The Ducks took the lead back on a power play goal by Teemu Selanne, his second of the postseason, fueled by Nick Bonino and Hampus Lindholm. Andersen was hurt in the third period, so Jonas Hiller relieved him. Anaheim added on with a Ben Lovejoy goal, his second of the playoffs, via Andrew Cogliano. The Kings pulled closer with a Mike Richards goal, courtesy of Tanner Pearson and Carter. This only made it 3-2, a final, with the three stars being Lovejoy, Carter, and Selanne. The Kings still lead the series 2-1.

Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: John Gibson and Jonathan Quick. Anaheim led off in the first period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on with a Getzlaf power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, powered by Perry and Sami Vatanen. This was all they needed, winning 2-0. The three stars went to Gibson (28 save shutout), Getzlaf, and Perry. The series is now tied at 2.

Game 5: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and John Gibson. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on an Nick Bonino goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Daniel Winnik. Los Angeles tied it on a Trevor Lewis goal, his third of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Justin Williams. The Ducks took the lead back in the second period with a Devante Smith-Pelly power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Mathieu Perreault and Teemu Selanne. Anaheim added on with a Smith-Pelly goal, his fifth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks extended the lead with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his second of the postseason, courtesy of Andrew Cogliano. The Kings got one back with a Marian Gaborik power play goal, his seventh of the playoffs, guided in by Jake Muzzin and Jeff Carter. Los Angeles pulled closer as Gaborik scored his second of the game and eighth of the postseason in the third period, assisted by Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3. The three stars were Smith-Pelly, Gaborik, and Silfvberg. Anaheim has rallied to take a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: John Gibson and Jonathan Quick. Los Angeles struck first in the first period on a Jake Muzzin goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik. The Kings added on with a Trevor Lewis goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Justin Williams and Slava Voynov. Anaheim got on the board with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Nick Bonino. The final was 2-1 in favor of the Kings, with Quick (21 for 22 in saves), Lewis, and Muzzin getting the three stars. The series will be decided on Friday in Game 7. 

Game 7: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and John Gibson. Los Angeles got going in the first period with a Justin Williams goal, his fifth of the postseason, coming on the power play from Mike Richards and Slava Voynov. The Kings added on with a Jeff Carter goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Marian Gaborik and Jake Muzzin. Los Angeles extended the lead as Richards potted his second of the postseason, assisted by Dwight King and Kyle Clifford. Jonas Hiller replaced Gibson in the second period. The Kings padded the lead on an Anze Kopitar goal in the second period, his fifth of the playoffs, via Drew Doughty and Clifford. Los Angeles continued with a Gaborik power play goal, his ninth of the postseason, powered by Kopitar and Alec Martinez. Anaheim got on the board with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his third of the playoffs, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Nick Bonino. The Ducks pulled closer in the third period with a Corey Perry goal, his fifth of the postseason, fueled by Ryan Getzlaf and Hampus Lindholm. The Kings shot back with a Tanner Pearson goal, his second of the playoffs, with helpers from Carter and Williams. This was good for a 6-2 win, with the three stars being Gaborik, Carter, and Williams, while Richards, Clifford, and Kopitar get the honorable mentions. The Kings win the series 4-3, advancing to play the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals.

MLS Wednesday May 14th, 2014

One game on tonight, as Sporting Kansas City hosts the Philadelphia Union. In goal are Zac MacMath of Philadelphia and Eric Kronberg of Kansas City. Philadelphia opened with a goal in the forty-ninth minute by Danny Cruz, going in unassisted. The Union got a bit chippy after that, as Fabinho took a foul in the fifty-eighth minute, followed by Vincent Nogueira's off the ball foul in the seventieth minute. Both resulted in yellow cards. Kansas City tied the score with a goal in the eightieth minute by Dominic Dwyer, passed from Paulo Nagamura. Philadelphia took the lead right back a minute later on a Cristian Maidana goal, coming off of Andrew Wenger. Sporting's Matt Besler was shown a yellow card in the eighty-sixth minute for a foul. The Union remained in the books a bit late, as Corben Bone was hit with a straight red card in the ninetieth minute for a serious foul and the goalie MacMath was given a yellow card for time wasting in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The final was 2-1, with the man of the match being Maidana for his clutch goal.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Atlantic Divison Finals: Boston Bruins VS. Montreal Canadiens

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Carey Price and Tuukka Rask. Montreal led off in the first period with a P.K. Subban power play goal, powered by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Rene Bourque goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Lars Eller. Boston got on the board in the third period as Reilly Smith scored his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Brad Marchand and Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins tied it with a Torey Krug goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Milan Lucic and Patrice Bergeron. Montreal took the lead back with a Francis Bouillon goal, made possible by Brian Gionta and Bourque. Boston tied it again on a Johnny Boychuk goal, assisted by Marchand and Loui Eriksson. The Canadiens won 4-3 in double overtime as Subban scored his second of the game, a power play goal, helped along by Markov and Daniel Briere. The three stars were Subban, Bourque, and Markov, while Marchand gets an honorable mention. Montreal takes an early 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Carey Price and Tuukka Rask. Boston began in the first period with a Daniel Paille goal, assisted by Carl Soderberg and Andrej Meszaros. Montreal tied it in the second period on a Mike Weaver goal, fueled by Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens took the lead on a power play goal by Thomas Vanek, his second of the postseason, powered by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. Montreal added on with another Vanek goal in the third period, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, coming on the power play from Subban and David Desharnais. The Bruins got one back on a Dougie Hamilton goal, his second of the postseason, via Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. Boston tied it on a Bergeron goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Marchand. The Bruins gained the lead with a Reilly Smith goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. Boston iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Milan Lucic, his fourth of the playoffs, set up by David Krejci and Kevan Miller. The three stars were Bergeron, Vanek, and Marchand. The series heads to Montreal tied at 1.

Game 3: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Tuukka Rask and Carey Price. Montreal was first to score in the first period with a Tomas Plekanec goal, his third of the postseason, via Thomas Vanek and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens added on as Subban put away his third of the playoffs, with the help of Lars Eller and Dale Weise. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as Weise scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Daniel Briere and Mike Weaver. Boston got on the board with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Torey Krug and Brad Marchand. The Bruins pulled closer in the third period on a Jarome Iginla goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Andrej Meszaros and Milan Lucic. The Canadiens iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Eller, his third of the playoffs, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Subban, Eller, and Weise. The Canadiens have a 2-1 series lead now.

Game 4: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Tuukka Rask and Carey Price. The game was scoreless into overtime, where Matt Fraser put the puck in the net to give Boston a 1-0 win, with the help of Carl Soderberg and Johnny Boychuk. The three stars were given to Rask (33 save shutout), Price (34 for 35 in saves), and Fraser. The series heads back stateside tied at 2.

Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Carey Price and Tuukka Rask. Boston started in the first period on a Carl Soderberg goal, assisted by Loui Eriksson and Matt Bartkowski. The Bruins added on in the second period with a Reilly Smith goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming on the power play via Dougie Hamilton and Soderberg. Boston extended the lead with a Jarome Iginla, his fourth of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. Montreal got on the board with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his fourth of the postseason, courtesy of Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov. The Bruins shot back in the third period with an Eriksson goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Matt Fraser and Soderberg. The Canadiens got one back as P.K. Subban put his fourth of the postseason away, thanks to Max Pacioretty and Markov on the power play. This made it 4-2, with the three stars going to Eriksson, Soderberg, and Markov. Boston got a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Tuukka Rask and Carey Price. Montreal struck first in the first period on an unassisted goal by Lars Eller, his fourth of the postseason. The Canadiens added on in the second period as Max Pacioretty scored his second of the playoffs, thanks to Nathan Beaulieu and Mike Weaver. Montreal extended the lead on a power play goal by Thomas Vanek, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Pacioretty and Andrei Markov. The Canadiens padded the lead in the third period on Vanek's second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, an empty net goal fueled by David Desharnais. The final was 4-0, with the three stars going to Price (26 save shutout), Vanek, and Pacioretty. The series will be decided in Boston, breaking a 3-all tie with Game 7.

Game 7: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Carey Price and Tuukka Rask. Montreal opened in the first period on a Dale Weise goal, his third of the postseason, via Daniel Briere and Brandon Prust. The Canadiens added on in the second period as Max Pacioretty scored his third of the playoffs, courtesy of David Desharnais and Brendan Gallagher. Boston got on the board with a Jarome Iginla power play goal, his fifth of the postseason, made possible by Torey Krug and David Krejci. Montreal iced it at 3-1 with a Briere power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Gallagher and Nathan Beaulieu. The three stars were Briere, Price (29 for 30 in saves), and Gallagher. The Canadiens win the series 4-3 and face the New York Rangers for the Eastern Conference title. 

Central Division Finals: Chicago Blackhawks VS. Minnesota Wild

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov and Corey Crawford. Chicago opened in the first period on a Bryan Bickell power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks added on in the second period with a Hossa power play goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Brandon Saad and Nick Leddy. Minnesota got on the board in the third period with a Clayton Stoner goal, thanks to Zach Parise and Jason Pominville. The Wild tied it on a Kyle Brodziak goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Erik Haula and Dany Heatley. Chicago took the lead back with a Patrick Kane goal, his fourth of the playoffs, via Patrick Sharp and Seabrook. The Blackhawks extended the lead as Kane scored his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, with the help of Ben Smith and Sharp. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Bickell, his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs, set up by Jonathan Toews and Hossa. The three stars were Kane, Bickell, and Hossa, while Seabrook and Sharp get the honorable mentions. Chicago holds a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov and Corey Crawford. Chicago began in the first period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Marian Hossa and Bryan Bickell. The Blackhawks added on with a Brandon Saad goal, via Brent Seabrook and Bickell. Minnesota got on the board in the third period with a Cody McCormick goal, fueled by Clayton Stoner and Erik Haula. Chicago shot back as Bickell scored his fifth of the playoffs, thanks to Hossa and Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-1 with Saad's second of the game, an empty net goal set up by Hossa, who got a sock trick, and Hjalmarsson. The three stars were given to Bickell, Hossa, and Saad, while Hjalmarsson gets an honorable mention. The Blackhawks travel with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ilya Bryzgalov. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the third period as Erik Haula scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Justin Fontaine and Matt Moulson. The Wild added on with a Mikael Granlund goal, his third of the playoffs, via Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. Minnesota extended the lead with a Parise power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Ryan Suter and Pominville. The Wild won 4-0 as Granlund put his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs into the empty net, set up by Nino Neiderreiter and Charlie Coyle. The three stars were Parise, Granlund, and Bryzgalov (19 save shutout), while Pominville gets an honorable mention. The Blackhawks still have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ilya Bryzgalov. Minnesota started with a first period Justin Fontaine goal, fueled by Matt Cooke. Chicago tied it with a Patrick Sharp goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Marian Hossa and Michal Rozsival. The Wild took the lead back in the second period on a Jason Pominville goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Blackhawks tied it again as Michal Handzus found twine, thanks to Brent Seabrook and Hossa. Minnesota pulled ahead with a Nino Neiderreiter goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Charlie Coyle and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild iced it at 4-2 in the third period with a Spurgeon power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Mikko Koivu and Suter. The three stars went to Spurgeon, Suter, and Hossa. The series is tied at 2 now.

Game 5: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov and Corey Crawford. Minnesota was first to score with a first period Erik Haula goal, his third of the postseason, via Jared Spurgeon. Chicago tied it in the second period on a Bryan Bickell power play goal, his sixth of the playoffs, powered by Patrick and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks took the lead in the third period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his fifth of the postseason, made possible by Marian Hossa and Sharp. This made it 2-1, the final. The three stars were Crawford (27 for 28 in saves), Toews, and Sharp. Chicago pulls ahead with a 3-2 series lead. 

Game 6: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Corey Crawford and Ilya Bryzgalov. Chicago led off in the first period with a Kris Versteeg goal, going in unassisted. Minnesota tied it in the second period with an Erik Haula goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Matt Cooke and Clayton Stoner. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime with Patrick Kane's sixth of the playoffs, via Brent Seabrook. The three stars were Kane, Crawford (34 for 35 in saves), and Versteeg. The Blackhawks win the series 4-2 and will play in the Western Conference Finals. 

Metropolitan Divison Finals: Pittsburgh Penguins VS. New York Rangers

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury. New York began in the first period with a Benoit Pouliot goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Dan Girardi. The Rangers added on as Brad Richards scored his third of the playoffs, thanks to Carl Hagelin and Girardi. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period on a Lee Stempniak goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Beau Bennett and Marcel Goc. The Penguins tied it with a James Neal goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Jussi Jokinen and Evgeni Malkin. New York won 3-2 in overtime on a Derick Brassard goal with a lone assist by Pouliot. The three stars went to Pouliot, Girardi, and Brassard. New York begins with a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury. Pittsburgh got going in the second period on a Kris Letang goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on in the third period with a power play goal by Jussi Jokinen, his fourth of the playoffs, powered by James Neal and Letang. Malkin gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 win with an empty net goal, his fourth of the postseason, set up by Letang. The three stars were Fleury (22 save shutout), Letang, and Malkin. The series is tied at 1 heading to New York.

Game 3: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Sidney Crosby goal, via Robert Bortuzzo and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on as Jussi Jokinen scored his fifth of the postseason, an unassisted goal. This was all they needed to win 2-0, with the three stars being given to Fleury (35 save shutout), Crosby, and Jokinen. The Penguins have taken the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Sidney Crosby. New York tied it in the second period on a Carl Hagelin goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Ryan McDonagh. The Penguins retook the lead with a shorthanded goal by Brandon Sutter, his fourth of the postseason, set up by Brian Gibbons and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh added on with a Jussi Jokinen goal in the third period, his sixth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by James Neal. The Rangers pulled back with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his third of the postseason, fueled by Anton Stralman and Marc Staal. The Penguins iced it at 4-2 with a Chris Kunitz goal, his third of the playoffs, made possible by Malkin and Crosby. The three stars were given to Malkin, Crosby, and Jokinen. Pittsburgh goes back home with a chance to knock the Rangers out as they have a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury. New York started in the first period with a Chris Kreider power play goal, powered by Ryan McDonagh and Brad Richards. The Rangers added on with the second of the postseason by Derick Brassard, via Mats Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his sixth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Kris Letang. New York shot back on Brassard's second of the game and third of the postseason, courtesy of Anton Stralman and Zuccarello. The Rangers extended the lead as McDonagh scored a power play goal, thanks to Zuccarello, who got a sock trick, and Brassard. New York padded the lead with a third period goal by Kevin Klein, an empty net goal made possible by Kreider and Rick Nash. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars being Brassard, Zuccarello, and McDonagh, while Kreider and Lundqvist (31 for 32 in saves) get the honorable mentions. Pittsburgh still has a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist. New York opened in the first period with a Martin St. Louis goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Derek Stepan and Anton Stralman. The Rangers added on with an unassisted goal by Carl Hagelin, his fourth of the playoffs. Pittsburgh got one back with a Brandon Sutter goal, his fifth of the postseason, passed from Matt Niskanen and Olli Maatta. New York shot back in the second period with a Derick Brassard goal, his fourth of the playoffs, fueled by Benoit Pouliot and Kevin Klein. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars going to Lundqvist (36 for 37 in saves), St. Louis, and Hagelin. The series will be decided in Pittsburgh, as Game 7 will break the 3-all tie. 

Game 7: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury. New York struck first in the first period with a Brian Boyle goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Dominic Moore and Derek Dorsett. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his seventh of the playoffs, guided in by Olli Maatta and Evgeni Malkin. The Rangers retook the lead on a Brad Richards power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Martin St. Louis and Derek Stepan. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Lundqvist (35 for 36 in saves), Richards, and Boyle. The Rangers will play in the Eastern Conference Finals after this 4-3 series win. 

MLS Sunday May 11th, 2014

Today, there are four games on, beginning in...

Portland, as the Timbers host Los Angeles Galaxy. Jaime Penedo of Los Angeles and Donovan Ricketts of Portland are the keepers. Portland was the first in the books with a yellow card for a foul given to Gaston Fernandez in the thirty-fourth minute. Los Angeles matched it in the fifty-eighth minute on a foul by Dan Gargan. It took until the second minute of stoppage time in the second half for the scoring to open, as Robbie Keane tucked in a pass from Gargan to put the Galaxy ahead. The Timbers weren't having any of this, scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Diego Valeri scored, thanks to Will Johnson, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The man of the match was Valeri, whose late goal put his team in a position to pick up a point in the standings.

Down in Colorado, the Rapids welcome the Chivas USA. Dan Kennedy of Chivas and Clint Irwin of Colorado are in goal. It took all the way to the fifty-sixth minute before things got moving, beginning with a goal by Erick Torres on a pass from Martin Rivero. In the sixty-first minute, Rivero was shown the yellow card for a foul. Chivas shook it off and added on to their lead with a Marvin Chavez goal in the sixty-seventh minute, via Torres. Chavez was hit with a yellow card for excessive celebration of the goal though, showing a lack of discipline. Colorado's Nick LaBrocca was put in the books for a foul that earned him a yellow card in the seventieth minute. Chavez kept his presence known in the seventy-sixth minute, putting away his second goal of the game to extend the Chivas lead. Colorado avoided the shutout with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time, scored by Deshorn Brown. The final was 3-1, and the man of the match was Chavez, whose two goals after coming on as a substitute were crucial in the Chivas victory.

Eastward to New England, where the Revolution bring in the Seattle Sounders FC. Stefan Frei of Seattle and Bobby Shuttleworth man the nets. New England opened with a goal in the fourteenth minute by Patrick Mullins. The Revolution added on with a Diego Fagundez goal, passed from Chris Tierney in the twenty-ninth minute. New England extended the lead in the thirty-sixth minute as Teal Bunbury scored an unassisted goal. The Revolution attack kept coming, scoring in the forty-first minute as Fagundez put away his second of the game with the help of Bunbury. Seattle's Djimi Traore was called for a foul in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half, earning him a yellow card. Adding insult to injury, New England picked up a gift in the forty-sixth minute as Chad Marshall was responsible for an own-goal. Gonzalo Pineda found himself in the book in the seventy-third minute, for a foul. New England coasted from here to a 5-0 win. The man of the match was Fagundez.

Finally, in Houston, the Dynamo host Real Salt Lake. Nick Rimando of Salt Lake and Tally Hall of Houston are starting in goal. Salt Lake wasted no time in scoring in the first minute, with Javier Morales putting away a pass from Alvaro Saborio. Real added on as Morales scored again in the seventeenth minute, thanks to assists from Ned Grabavoy and Joao Plata. Houston got one back in the twenty-second minute as Mark Sherrod scored, with an assist from Brad Davis. Salt Lake was hit with a yellow card for a Saborio foul in the twenty-sixth minute. The Dynamo suffered a worse fate just a minute later as Servando Carrasco was called for a serious foul that was given a straight red card and put his team down to ten men. Real responded quickly in the thirty-second minute, as Saborio put away a goal with a lone assist from Luke Mulholland. In the fourth minute of first half stoppage time, Oscar Garcia was shown a yellow card for a foul, put the Dynamo back in the books. Houston avoided absolute collapse as Sherrod scored his second of the game in the fifty-sixth minute, via Giles Barnes. Salt Lake shot back on a Mulholland goal, made possible by Morales, in the seventy-eighth minute. Real got another as Morales finished his hat trick on an unassisted goal in the eighty-ninth minute. The game got chippy in the second minute of stoppage time in the second half as Sherrod was shown a yellow card for a foul, but the scoring ended 5-2 in Real's favor. Morales was the man of the match.

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MLS Saturday May 11th, 2014

Five games on today, beginning in...

Philadelphia, as the Union host DC United. Bill Hamid of DC and Zac MacMath of Philadelphia are in the six-yard box. DC quickly began in the sixth minute with an unassisted goal by Chris Rolfe. United picked up a yellow card on Perry Kitchen's off the ball foul in the thirty-third minute. DC picked up another two yellows in the second half. Chris Korb in the sixty-seventh minute and Davy Arnaud were shown the book for fouls. The scoring was done though, and United won 1-0. The man of the match was Hamid for a clean sheet with four saves.

North to Montreal, where the Impact welcome Sporting Kansas City. Eric Kronberg of Kansas City and Troy Perkins of Montreal play goal. Montreal was in trouble in the seventeenth minute as Collen Warner handled the ball on the line, which he received a red card for. Adding insult to injury, Kansas City opened the scoring on a penalty kick goal by Dominic Dwyer that was earned for the foul, coming in the eighteenth minute. Sporting added on with a Paulo Nagamura goal in the thirty-fourth minute, thanks to a pass from Chance Myers. The Impact were visited by the referee again for a Hernan Bernardello foul away from the ball in the thirty-eighth minute, which earned him a yellow card. Kansas City extended the lead on another goal by Dwyer in the sixty-fourth minute, with an assist by Toni. This was it for the action, and Sporting walked away with a big 3-0 win. Dwyer was given the man of the match honors.

Back stateside, the New York Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire. Sean Johnson of Chicago and Luis Robles of New York are the keepers. Chicago started early with a fourth minute goal by Harrison Shipp, with an assist by Greg Cochrane. New York tied it on a Tim Cahill goal two minutes later in the sixth minute, via Eric Alexander. The Red Bulls took the lead back in the thirty-fourth minute, on a goal by Bradley Wright-Phillips, thanks to Thierry Henry. The Fire tied it again in the forty-ninth minute as Quincy Amarikwa, thanks to Jeff Larentowicz. Chicago took the lead on Shipp's second of the game in the fifty-third minute, with a pass from Patrick Nyarko. The Fire added on as Shipp finished his hat trick, an unassisted goal in the fifty-eighth minute. Chicago extended the lead with a Nyarko goal, with a lone assist from Shipp in the sixty-fourth minute. New York pulled back on a Wright-Phillips goal, his second of the game, assisted by Lloyd Sam and Jonathan Steele in the sixty-seventh minute. The Red Bulls clawed closer as Wright-Phillips finished his hat trick on an unassisted goal in the seventy-eighth minute. New York lost steam in the third minute of stoppage time as Cahill was shown a yellow card for a hand ball. The wild game finished at 5-4 in favor of the Fire. The co-men of the match were Shipp and Wright-Phillips.

A little west, the Columbus Crew host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. David Ousted of Vancouver and Steve Clark of Columbus are manning the nets. Vancouver began the yellow card trouble as Gershon Koffie was called for an off the ball foul. Vancouver led off in the scoring with an Erik Hurtado goal in the thirty-seventh minute, thanks to the goalie Ousted. Columbus was called for a yellow card in the thirty-eighth minute on Tony Tchani's persistent infringement. The Crew picked up another yellow in the fifty-third minute on a Wil Trapp foul. The Whitecaps had a yellow card for Andy O'Brien's hand ball in the sixty-eighth minute. The Whitecaps picked up another yellow card in the third minute of stoppage time on a Steven Beitashour foul. The final score was 1-0 for Vancouver, with the man of the match being Hurtado.

Finally, in San Jose, the Earthquakes bring in FC Dallas. Raul Fernandez of Dallas and Jon Busch of San Jose receive the starting nods in goal. San Jose was first in the book with a fourteenth minute yellow card received by Jordan Stewart for a foul. In the twenty-fifth minute, the Earthquakes opened the scoring with a Cordell Cato goal, thanks to Clarence Goodson and the goalie Busch. San Jose was back in the book in the twenty-ninth minute was a yellow card on a Sam Cronin foul. The Earthquakes went shorthanded when Shea Salinas was called for a forty-fifth minute red card on a serious foul, going studs up for a tackle. Cato was booked in the sixty-seventh minute on a yellow card, adding to the foul trouble San Jose was having. Dallas had a foul in the seventy-second minute with a Michel foul. The Earthquakes received a stroke of luck in the seventy-third minute on a David Texeira own-goal. Dallas got on the scoreboard in the seventy-sixth minute as Michel made up for his foul with a goal. San Jose was back in the book in the eighty-first minute with a Michael Fucito foul. The Earthquakes overcame multiple bookings to win 2-1. The man of the match was Busch, stopping four of the five shots that were directed on goal.

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