NHL 2016/17 - Day 130

Eight games on for a very light Saturday. We begin with...

The Los Angeles Kings hosting the Anaheim Ducks. Jonathan Bernier and Jonathan Quick are the similarly named goalies. Anaheim led off in the first period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg. Los Angeles tied it on a Tyler Toffoli goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Tanner Pearson and Drew Doughty. The Kings took the lead with a Toffoli goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the season, with a lone assist by Jeff Carter and Pearson. Los Angeles added on with a Dustin Brown goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Kevin Gravel and Anze Kopitar. The Kings iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Carter, his thirtieth of the campaign, set up by Kopitar and Pearson, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars went to Toffoli, Pearson, and Carter, while Kopitar gets an honorable mention.

Over in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the New York Rangers. Antti Raanta is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. New York began in the first period with a Chris Kreider goal, his twenty-third of the season, via Dan Girardi and Mats Zuccarello. The Rangers added on with an Oscar Lindberg goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Jesper Fast and Nick Holden. New Jersey got on the board in the second period with an Adam Henrique goal, his sixteenth of the season, coming off of Bean Bennett and P.A. Parenteau. The Devils tied it in the third period with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his seventeenth of the year, assisted by Travis Zajac and Taylor Hall. New Jersey took the lead with a Palmieri power play goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the season, powered by Andy Greene and Zajac. New York retied it on an Adam Clendening goal, his second of the year, helped along by Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers won 4-3 in overtime with a Zibanejad goal, his eighth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Brady Skjei. The three stars were Zibanejad, Kreider, and Palmieri, while Zajac gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Nashville, the Predators host the Washington Capitals. Phillip Grubauer and Juuse Saros are the backups in goal. Washington started in the first period with a Tom Wilson goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Jay Beagle and Daniel Winnik. Nashville tied it on a Roman Josi goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen. The Predators took the lead with a Forsberg goal, his twenty-third of the season, via Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Ellis. Nashville added on with a Mike Fisher power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Ellis and P.K. Subban. The Predators extended the lead in the third period as Josi scored his eleventh of the season, a power play goal made possible by Johansen. The Capitals got one back with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his fifteenth of the year, courtesy of John Carlson and Justin Williams. Nashville iced it at 5-2 with an Arvidsson empty net goal, his twentieth of the campaign, set up by Forsberg and Johansen, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars went to Forsberg, Josi, and Johansen, while Arvidsson and Ellis get the honorable mentions.

Up in Columbus, the Blue Jackets bring in the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Joonas Korpisalo are in the creases. Columbus opened in the first period with a Jack Johnson goal, his third of the season, courtesy of David Savard and Markus Hannikainen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Boone Jenner goal, his twelfth of the year, via Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. Columbus extended the lead as Nick Foligno scored his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Alexander Wennberg and Brandon Saad. Jean-Francois Berube replaced Greiss in goal in the second period. The Blue Jackets padded the lead with a Josh Anderson goal, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Jenner and William Karlsson. Columbus continued with an Anderson goal, his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Blue Jackets struck again in the third period with a Foligno goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, passed from Savard and Wennberg. Columbus finished it at 7-0 with a Savard goal, his third of the campaign, made possible by Sam Gagner and Saad. The three stars were awarded to Foligno, Anderson, and Savard, while Jenner, Wennberg, and Saad get the honorable mentions.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Frederik Andersen protect the nets. Toronto struck first in the first period with an Auston Matthews goal, his twenty-ninth of the season, helped along by Jake Gardiner and James van Riemsdyk. Montreal tied it in the second period with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, powered by Alex Galchenyuk and Andrew Shaw. The Canadiens took the lead with a Galchenyuk goal, his thirteenth of the season, via Nikita Nesterov and Nathan Beaulieu. The Maple Leafs retied it in the third period with a Matthews goal, his second of the game and thirtieth of the year, assisted by Zach Hyman and William Nylander. Montreal won 3-2 in overtime with a Shaw goal, his ninth of the campaign, guided in by Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov. The three stars were handed to Shaw, Matthews, and Galchenyuk, while Pacioretty gets an honorable mention.

Back stateside, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Philadelphia Flyers to Heinz Field as the Battle of Pennsylvania goes outside. Michal Neuvirth and Matt Murray are in the blue paint. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period with a Sidney Crosby goal, his thirty-fourth of the season, fueled by Jake Guentzel and Scott Wilson. The Penguins added on with a Nick Bonino goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Guentzel and Brian Dumoulin. Philadelphia got on the board with a Jakub Voracek goal, his sixteenth of the season, guided in by Andrew MacDonald. Pittsburgh replied in the third period with a Matt Cullen goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Eric Fehr and Tom Kuhnhackl. The Flyers answered with a power play goal by Shayne Gostisbehere, his fifth of the season, with assists provided by Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn. The Penguins countered with a Chad Ruhwedel goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist from Evgeni Malkin. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Guentzel, Cullen, and Ruhwedel.

West to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Buffalo Sabres. Robin Lehner faces a lesser foe in Jeremy Smith in goal. Colorado drew first blood in the first period with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Mark Barberio and Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche added on with a Mikhail Grigorenko goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Matt Nieto and Erik Johnson. Colorado extended the lead as Tyson Barrie scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Mikko Rantanen and Nieto. Buffalo got on the board with a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ristolainen. The Sabres got closer in the second period with a Marcus Foligno goal, his tenth of the season, via Justin Bailey and Zemgus Girgensons. The Avalanche answered with a Blake Comeau goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by MacKinnon and Landeskog. Buffalo chipped back with an Evan Rodrigues goal, assisted by Tyler Ennis and Matt Moulson. Colorado iced it at 5-3 with a Landeskog empty net goal, his second of the game and thirteenth of the campaign, set up by Comeau. The three stars went to Landeskog, Comeau, and Nieto, while Mackinnon gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Ryan Miller are given the starting nods in goal. San Jose got going in the second period with a Tomas Hertl goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Chris Tierney and Joel Ward. Vancouver tied it on a Daniel Sedin goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Henrik Sedin. The Sharks retook the lead with a Patrick Marleau goal, his twenty-second of the season, via David Schlemko and Tierney. San Jose added on in the third period with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his seventh of the year, going in unassisted. The Sharks iced it at 4-1 with a Logan Couture power play goal, his twentieth of the campaign, powered by Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski. The three stars went to Tierney, Jones (35 for 36 in saves), and Marleau.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 129

Four games today, beginning with...

The Washington Capitals hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot and Braden Holtby tend the twines. Washington led off in the first period with a Tom Wilson goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Dmitry Orlov and Taylor Chorney. Edmonton tied it in the second period with a Leon Draisaitl goal, his twenty-third of the year, coming off of Andrej Sekera and Connor McDavid. The Capitals retook the lead in the third period with a Justin Williams goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, made possible by Jay Beagle and Karl Alzner. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Holtby (30 for 31 in saves), Williams, and Wilson.

Down to the Carolina Hurricanes welcoming the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Eddie Lack draw the starts in goal. Carolina began in the first period with a Jordan Staal goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Phillip Di Giuseppe and Brock McGinn. The Hurricanes added on in the second period with an Elias Lindholm goal, his sixth of the year, via Di Giuseppe and Staal. Carolina extended the lead as Viktor Stalberg scored his ninth of the campaign, thanks to Sebastian Aho and Victor Rask. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars given to Staal, Lack (34 save shutout), and Di Giuseppe.

Further south, the Florida Panthers bring in the Calgary Flames. Chad Johnson and Roberto Luongo are in the blue paint. Florida started in the first period with a Nick Bjugstad power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Jussi Jokinen and Reilly Smith. Calgary tied it on a Sam Bennett goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Michael Stone and Troy Brouwer. The Flames took the lead with a Mikael Backlund goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, helped along by Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik. Calgary added on with a Deryk Engelland goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Frolik and Tkachuk. The Panthers got one back with an Aleksander Barkov goal, his sixteenth of the year, made possible by Jonathan Huberdeau and Smith. The Flames countered in the second period with a Brouwer goal, his tenth of the campaign, with helpers from Matt Stajan and Lance Bouma. The final held from here at 4-2, with the three stars given to Brouwer, Johnson (36 for 38 in saves), and Tkachuk, while Frolik and Smith get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Dallas, the Stars host the Arizona Coyotes. Louis Domingue is mismatched with Kari Lehtonen in goal. Arizona opened in the first period with a Radim Vrbata goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Max Domi and Alex Goligoski. Dallas tied it on a Devin Shore goal, his tenth of the year, via Jiri Hudler and Esa Lindell. The Coyotes took the lead back with a Martin Hanzal goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Vrbata and Connor Murphy. The Stars tied it on a John Klingberg power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Jason Spezza and Shore. Dallas took the lead with a Jamie Benn goal, his twenty-first of the season, helped along by Jordie Benn and Lindell. The Stars added on with a Lauri Korpikoski goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Radek Faksa and Jamie Oleksiak. Dallas extended the lead as Cody Eakin scored his third of the campaign, fueled by Jamie Benn and Brett Ritchie. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars handed to Jamie Benn, Shore, and Lindell, while Vrbata gets the honorable mention.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 128

Six games on for a calm Thursday, beginning with...

The Montreal Canadiens hosting the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Carey Price are the rhyming goalies. New York started in the first period with an Anthony Beauvillier goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Brock Nelson and Nick Leddy. The Islanders added on in the second period with an Anders Lee goal, his twenty-third of the year, coming off of Josh Bailey and John Tavares. New York iced it at 3-0 with a Tavares empty net goal, his twenty-third of the campaign, set up by Bailey and Nelson in the third period. The three stars went to Greiss (24 save shutout), Tavares, and Bailey, while Nelson gets an honorable mention.

Down in Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Calgary Flames. Brian Elliott and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the goalies. Tampa Bay opened in the first period with a Vladislav Namestnikov goal, his ninth of the season, passed from Braydon Coburn and Brayden Point. Calgary tied it in the second period with a Mikael Backlund goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton. The Flames took the lead with a Sean Monahan goal, his twentieth of the season, assisted by Johnny Gaudreau and Hamilton. Calgary added on in the third period with a Hamilton power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Backlund and Michael Frolik. The Lightning got one back with a Nikita Kucherov power play goal, his twenty-third of the campaign, made possible by Victor Hedman and Valtteri Filppula. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars given to Hamilton, Backlund, and Monahan.

Back in Canada, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Frederik Andersen man the nets. Toronto led off in the first period with a Connor Brown goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Tyler Bozak and Jake Gardiner. New York tied it with a J.T. Miller goal, his nineteenth of the year, passed from Kevin Hayes and Brandon Pirri in the third period. The tie went to a shootout, where the Rangers won with Mats Zuccarello and Mika Zibanejad topping Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs. The three stars of the 2-1 game were Lundqvist (32 for 33 in saves), Andersen (37 for 38 in saves), and Miller.

Stateside, the Nashville Predators host the Colorado Avalanche. Jeremy Smith is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. Nashville began in the first period with a Viktor Arvidsson goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Craig Smith and Roman Josi. Colorado tied it on a Jarome Iginla goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of John Mitchell. The Avalanche took the lead in the second period with a Patrick Wiercioch goal, his fourth of the campaign, passed from Iginla and Andreas Martinsen. The Predators tied it on a Filip Forsberg goal, his twentieth of the season, guided in by Josi and Ryan Johansen. Nashville took the lead with another Forsberg goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, via Johansen. The Predators iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Forsberg, completing his hat trick on his twenty-second of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Forsberg, Iginla, and Josi, while Johansen gets an honorable mention.

Up in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Corey Crawford are the masked men. Chicago struck first in the first period with a Nick Schmaltz goal, his sixth of the season, via Jonathan Toews and Richard Panik. Arizona tied it on a Jakob Chychrun goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Alex Burmistrov and Max Domi. The Blackhawks retook the lead with a Ryan Hartman goal, his fifteenth of the season, coming off of Marian Hossa. Chicago added on with a Patrick Kane goal, his twenty-first of the year, fueled by Hartman and Tanner Kero. The Coyotes pulled back with a Ryan White goal, his seventh of the season, helped along by Burmistrov and Alex Goligoski. Arizona tied it on a Radim Vrbata goal, his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Martin Hanzal and Tobias Rieder. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the second period with a Michal Rozsival goal, made possible by Schmaltz and Toews. Chicago extended the lead as Kane scored his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, with the help of Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks padded the lead in the third period with a Kane goal, his twenty-third of the year completing his hat trick, with helpers from Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov. This stood for a 6-3 win, with the three stars going to Kane, Schmaltz, and Hartman, while Toews and Burmistrov get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin and Peter Budaj are given the starts in goal. Boston was first to score in the first period with a Brad Marchand goal, his twenty-sixth of the season, going in unassisted. Los Angeles tied it on a Kevin Gravel power play goal, powered by Adrian Kempe and Alec Martinez. The Bruins retook the lead in the second period with a David Pastrnak power play goal, his twenty-sixth of the year, with assists provided by Ryan Spooner and Patrice Bergeron. Boston added on in the third period with a Dominic Moore empty net goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Marchand and Adam McQuaid. The Bruins iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by David Krejci, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Torey Krug. The three stars were Marchand, Pastrnak, and Khudobin (27 for 28 in saves).

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 127

Three games on for tonight, beginning with...

The Florida Panthers hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot faces a lesser foe in James Reimer in goal. Edmonton started in the first period with an Oscar Klefbom goal, his eleventh of the season, going in unassisted. Florida tied it on an Aleksander Barkov power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Jussi Jokinen and Aaron Ekblad in the second period. The Oilers retook the lead with an Eric Gryba goal, his second of the season, via Mark Letestu and Kris Russell. The Panthers tied it again with a Colton Sceviour goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Jokinen and Keith Yandle. Edmonton took the lead again on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Jordan Eberle and Milan Lucic. Florida tied it with a Jonathan Marchessault goal, his eighteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Yandle on the power play. The Oilers pulled ahead in the third period with a Russell goal, helped along by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Russell, Jokinen, and Yandle.

Up in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby faces former teammate Michal Neuvirth in goal. Washington opened in the first period with a Nicklas Backstrom goal, his eighteenth of the season, coming off of T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals added on with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by John Carlson and Justin Williams on the power play. Philadelphia got on the board in the second period with a Brayden Schenn goal, his nineteenth of the season, via Brandon Manning. Washington replied with another Kuznetsov goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, helped along by Williams and Taylor Chorney. The Capitals extended the lead in the third period as Oshie scored his twenty-fourth of the campaign, assisted by Ovechkin and Backstrom. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars going to Kuznetsov, Backstrom, and Oshie, while Williams and Ovechkin get the honorable mentions.

Out in California, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Jonathan Bernier are the goalies. Boston struck first in the first period with a Brandon Carlo goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of David Backes. Anaheim tied it in the second period on an Ondrej Kase goal, his fifth of the year, via Nick Ritchie and Ryan Getzlaf. The Bruins took the lead back with a Zdeno Chara goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Backes and Frank Vatrano. The Ducks tied it again with a Rickard Rakell goal, his twenty-third of the year, with a lone assist by Corey Perry. Anaheim took the lead with a Josh Manson goal, his third of the season, passed from Ritchie and Kase. Boston tied it in the third period with a Vatrano goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by David Krejci and Kevan Miller. The Ducks regained the lead on a Rakell goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the season, courtesy of Perry and Kevin Bieksa. Anaheim iced it at 5-3 with an Andrew Cogliano empty net goal, his thirteenth of the year, set up by Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg. The three stars were Rakell, Kase, and Vatrano, while Backes, Ritchie, and Perry get the honorable mentions.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 126

Nine games tonight, beginning with...

The Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Murray and Cam Ward draw the starts in goal. Pittsburgh began in the first period with a Scott Wilson goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Patric Hornqvist and Matt Cullen. Carolina tied it on a Jeff Skinner power play goal, his twentieth of the year, powered by Lee Stempniak and Phillip Di Giuseppe. The Penguins retook the lead in the second period with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his thirty-third of the season, with assists provided by Phil Kessel and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh added on in the third period with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Carl Hagelin. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Murray (29 for 30 in saves), Crosby, and Malkin.

Up in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Cory Schneider guard the cages. Ottawa got going in the second period with a Kyle Turris goal, his twentieth of the season, coming off of Ryan Dzingel and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Senators added on in the third period with an Erik Karlsson goal, his tenth of the year, a power play goal with helpers from Dion Phaneuf and Derick Brassard. New Jersey got on the board with a power play goal by Travis Zajac, his twelfth of the campaign, powered by Joesph Blandisi and Kyle Palmieri. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars handed to Anderson (29 for 30 in savres), Karlsson, and Turris.

In Manhattan, the New York Rangers bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Montreal led off in the first period with an Andrew Shaw goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Shea Weber and Alexei Emelin. New York tied it on an Oscar Lindberg goal, his third of the year, via Jesper Fast and Brady Skjei. The Canadiens took the lead with a Weber power play goal in the second period, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and Max Pacioretty. The Rangers tied it again with a Rick Nash goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Ryan McDonagh and Jimmy Vesey. In the shootout, Montreal won 3-2 with goals by Alexander Radulov and Paul Byron besting Mats Zuccarello. The three stars went to Weber, Price (28 for 30 in saves), and Byron.

Out in Detroit, the Red Wings host the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Petr Mrazek make the starts. New York opened in the first period with an unassisted Josh Bailey goal, his twelfth of the season. Detroit tied it on a Henrik Zetterberg power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Thomas Vanek and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders took the lead in the second period with a Calvin de Haan power play goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Brock Nelson and Alan Quine. New York added on in the third period with a John Tavares goal, his twenty-second of the year, with a lone assist by Bailey. This stood for a 3-1 win, with the three stars being Bailey, Greiss (26 for 27 in saves), and de Haan.

Back south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Laurent Brossoit and Ben Bishop are the goalies. Tampa Bay started in the first period with an Ondrej Palat goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning added on in the second period with Palat's second of the game and thirteenth of the year, fueled by Tyler Johnson and Kucherov. Edmonton got on the board with an Iiro Pakarinen goal, coming off of Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson. Tampa Bay replied with a Kucherov goal in the third period, his twenty-second of the season, made possible by Anton Stralman and Johnson. The Lightning iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Vladislav Namestnikov, his eighth of the year, set up by Kucherov, who earned a sock trick. The three stars were Kucherov, Palat, and Johnson.

In Canada, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Frederik Andersen are in the blue paint. Toronto struck first in the first period with a Leo Komarov goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Josh Leivo and Nikita Zaitsev. Winnipeg tied it on a Patrik Laine goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, via Mark Scheifele and Mathieu Perreault. The Jets took the lead with a Bryan Little power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Adam Lowry and Dustin Byfuglien. The Maple Leafs retied it on a Nazem Kadri goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, guided in by Leivo and Morgan Rielly in the second period. Winnipeg took the lead with a Nikolaj Ehlers goal, his twentieth of the season, helped along by Josh Morrissey and Blake Wheeler. Toronto retied it on a Komarov power play goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, with assists provided by William Nylander and Auston Matthews. The Jets regained the lead on a Laine goal, his second of the game and thirtieth of the season, passed from Scheifele and Perreault. The Maple Leafs tied it again with a Nylander power play goal in the third period, his seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Matthews and Jake Gardiner. Toronto won 5-4 in overtime with a Gardiner goal, his ninth of the campaign, thanks to Matthews, who earned a sock trick. The three stars were Gardiner, Matthews, and Laine, while Nylander, Komarov, Scheifele, Leivo, and Perreault get the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Nashville Predators host the Calgary Flames. Brian Elliott and Pekka Rinne are the veterans in goal. Calgary was first to score in the first period with a Micheal Ferland goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Johnny Gaudreau and Mark Giordano. Nashville tied it on a P.K. Subban goal, his ninth of the year, via Austin Watson and Mattias Ekholm. The Flames took the lead back with a Mikael Backlund goal, his sixteenth of the season, made possible by Matthew Tkachuk and Dougie Hamilton. Calgary added on with a Ferland goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, guided in by Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. The Flames extended the lead in the second period Hamilton scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Gaudreau, who earned a sock trick, and Monahan. The Predators got one back with a Filip Forsberg goal, his seventeenth of the year, helped along by Colin Wilson and Viktor Arvidsson. Nashville pulled closer on a Wilson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Ryan Ellis and Subban. The Predators tied it on another Forsberg goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, with helpers from Roman Josi and James Neal. Nashville took the lead as Forsberg completed his hat trick on his nineteenth of the season, with the help of Ryan Johansen. Calgary retied it in the third period with a Backlund goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Tkachuk and Michael Stone. The Flames won 6-5 in overtime with a Giordano goal, his ninth of the campaign, set up by Monahan, who earned a sock trick, and Gaudreau. The three stars went to Backlund, Gaudreau, and Forsberg, while Giordano, Ferland, Monahan, Tkachuk, Subban, Wilson, and Hamilton get the honorable mentions.

Up north, the Minnesota Wild welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Devan Dubnyk protect the nets. Chicago dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Brian Campbell and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Minnesota tied it on a Mikael Granlund power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Nino Niederreiter and Mikko Koivu. The Blackhawks retook the lead with a Richard Panik goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Toews. Chicago added on in the third period with a Nick Schmaltz goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Toews. The Wild pulled back with a Zach Parise goal, his fourteenth of the season, via Marco Scandella and Jason Pominville. The Blackhawks countered with another Toews goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, assisted by Schmaltz and Panik. Minnesota chipped back with a Granlund power play goal, his second of the game and nineteenth of the season, with assists provided by Niederreiter and Koivu. Chicago iced it at 5-3 with Toews completing his hat trick on an empty net goal, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Schmaltz. The three stars were awarded to Toews, Granlund, and Schmaltz, while Panik, Niederreiter, and Koivu get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Peter Budaj and Calvin Pickard are in the blue paint. Colorado drew first blood in the second period with a Mikko Rantanen goal, his fourteenth of the season, going in unassisted. Los Angeles tied it on a Tyler Toffoli goal, his tenth of the year, via Drew Doughty and Adrian Kempe. The Kings took the lead with a Trevor Lewis goal, his eighth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Tanner Pearson. This made it 2-1, the eventual final, with the three stars being Budaj (24 for 25 in saves), Lewis, and Toffoli.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 125

Only two games on today, beginning with...

The St. Louis Blues welcoming the Florida Panthers. James Reimer and Jake Allen are the goalies. Florida led off in the first period with a Jonathan Marchessault goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Nick Bjugstad. St. Louis tied it in the third period with a Kyle Brodziak goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Scottie Upshall and Ryan Reaves. The Panthers won 2-1 with a Vincent Trocheck goal, his twenty-first of the campaign, via Mark Pysyk. The three stars went to Trocheck, Reimer (26 for 27 in saves), and Marchessault.

The other game has the Arizona Coyotes bringing in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonathan Bernier and Mike Smith play in the creases. Arizona began in the first period with a Christian Dvorak goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Shane Doan and Brendan Perlini. The Coyotes added on with a Jakob Chychrun goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Ryan White and Tobias Rieder. Arizona extended the lead as Radim Vrbata scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Max Domi and Luke Schenn. John Gibson replaced Bernier for the second period. Anaheim got on the board in the second period with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his tenth of the year, guided in by Josh Manson and Nick Ritchie. The Ducks got one back in the third period on another Getzlaf goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, made possible by Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Vrbata, Getzlaf, and Chychrun.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 124

After Canada got the spotlight yesterday, today is Hockey Day In America, featuring another eleven games to fill the schedule. We begin with...

The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer and Henrik Lundqvist play goal. New York led off in the first period with a Ryan McDonagh goal, his third of the season, coming off of Rick Nash and Derek Stepan. Washington tied it in the second period with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, powered by Lars Eller and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Rangers retook the lead in the third period on a Mats Zuccarello goal, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Zuccarello, Lundqvist (31 for 32 in saves), and McDonagh.

West to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Matt Murray draw the starts in goal. Detroit began in the first period with a Nick Jensen goal, his third of the season, assisted by Justin Abdelkader and Andreas Athanasiou. Pittsburgh tied it on a Tom Kuhnhackl shorthanded goal, his third of the year, set up by Kris Letang. The Red Wings retook the lead with a Steve Ott goal, his third of the season, passed from Riley Sheahan. Detroit added on in the third period with a Tomas Tatar goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming off of Henrik Zetterberg and Anthony Mantha. The Red Wings extended the lead as Thomas Vanek scored his fifteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Penguins got one back with a Sidney Crosby goal, his thirty-second of the year, with a lone assist by Jake Guentzel. Detroit iced it at 5-2 with a Luke Glendening empty net goal, his third of the campaign, with helpers from Ott and Zetterberg. The three stars were Ott, Zetterberg, and Tatar.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Mike Condon are given the starting nods in goal. Winnipeg started in the first period with a Dustin Byfuglien goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine. The Jets added on with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his sixth of the year, via Scheifele and Laine. Ottawa got on the board in the second period with a Mark Stone goal, his twenty-second of the season, a power play goal powered by Erik Karlsson and Dion Phaneuf. Winnipeg replied with a Josh Morrissey goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted in the third period. The Senators chipped back with a Zack Smith goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, made possible by Derick Brassard and Karlsson. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Scheifele, Laine, and Karlsson.

Back stateside, the Buffalo Sabres host the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling and Robin Lehner are in the blue paint. Chicago opened in the first period with a Ryan Hartman goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Tanner Kero and Duncan Keith. Buffalo tied it on an Evander Kane goal, his twenty-first of the year, via Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ristolainen. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the second period with a Marian Hossa goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Marcus Kruger and Michal Kempny. Chicago added on with a Jonathan Toews goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by Richard Panik and Nick Schmaltz. The Blackhawks extended the lead in the third period as Artem Anisimov scored his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. Chicago padded the lead on a Kane goal, his twentieth of the year, with a lone assist from Panarin. The three stars of the 5-1 game were Kane, Panarin, and Darling (25 for 26 in saves).

Across the state, the New York Islanders welcome the New Jersey Devils. Keith Kinkaid and Jean-Francois Berube are the backups in goal. New Jersey struck first in the first period with a Miles Wood power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri. New York tied it on a Ryan Strome goal, his tenth of the year, helped along by Anthony Beauvillier and Dennis Seidenberg. The Islanders took the lead in the second period with a Casey Cizikas goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Stephen Gionta. New York added on with a Strome goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, going in unassisted. The Islanders extended the lead as Andrew Ladd scored his sixteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Johnny Boychuk. The Devils answered with a Palmieri goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Travis Zajac and Hall. New Jersey got closer with a Joseph Blandisi goal, guided in by Steven Santini and Stefan Noesen. New York shot back in the third period on a John Tavares power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, with assists provided by Strome and Anders Lee. The Islanders padded the lead with a Jason Chimera goal, his fifteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Devils got one back with a Hall power play goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, with helpers from Damon Severson and the goalie Kinkaid. The game ended at 6-4, with the three stars handed to Strome, Hall, and Palmieri.

West to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Nashville Predators. Juuse Saros is mismatched with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal. Nashville was first to score in the first period with a Ryan Ellis goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Roman Josi and James Neal. The Predators added on with a Kevin Fiala goal in the second period, his seventh of the year, via Mike Fisher. Columbus got on the board with a Brandon Saad goal, his eighteenth of the season, assisted by Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. Nashville shot back with a Calle Jarnkrok goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by Neal and P.K. Subban. The Blue Jackets pulled back with an Oliver Bjorkstrand goal, his second of the season, helped along by Alexander Wennberg and Werenski. Columbus tied it in the third period with a Werenski goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Wennberg and Jones. The Predators retook the lead with a Mattias Ekholm goal, his third of the campaign, courtesy of Filip Forsberg and Subban. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Werenski, Neal, and Subban, while Jones and Wennberg get the honorable mentions.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Curtis McElhinney and Cam Ward are between the pipes. Toronto got going in the second period with a Connor Brown goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak. The Maple Leafs added on with an Auston Matthews goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Jake Gardiner. Toronto extended the lead in the third period as Gardiner scored his eighth of the season, with the help of Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov. The Maple Leafs padded the lead on a Brown goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, guided in by van Riemsdyk and Gardiner. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars being Brown, McElhinney (37 save shutout), and Gardiner, while van Riemsdyk gets an honorable mention.

West to Denver, where the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Calvin Pickard are the goalies. Tampa Bay opened in the first period with a Brayden Point goal, his eighth of the season, helped along by Alex Killorn and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on in the second period with a Vladislav Namestnikov goal, his seventh of the year, via Valtteri Filppula and Brian Boyle. Colorado got on the board with a Mikko Rantanen goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Blake Comeau and Matt Duchene in the third period. The Avalanche tied it on a Duchene goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Tyson Barrie and Nathan MacKinnon. Tampa Bay won 3-2 in overtime on a Jonathan Drouin goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were Drouin, Duchene and Namestnikov.

Out in California, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Martin Jones guard the cages. Boston started in the first period with a Ryan Spooner goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Jimmy Hayes and Adam McQuaid. San Jose tied it on a Patrick Marleau goal in the second period, his twenty-first of the year, via Brent Burns and David Schlemko. The Bruins won 2-1 in overtime with a Brad Marchand goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign, assisted by Torey Krug and Patrice Bergeron. The three stars were Rask (29 for 30 in saves), Marchand, and Spooner.

Down in Anaheim, the Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings in a battle of California. Peter Budaj and John Gibson are the solid goalies. Anaheim dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Josh Manson goal, his second of the season, helped along by Ryan Getzlaf. This stood for a 1-0 win, with the three stars given to Gibson (24 save shutout), Manson, and Budaj (28 for 29 in saves).

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks host the Philadelphia Flyers. Michal Neuvirth and Ryan Miller occupy the creases. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, powered by Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov. The Flyers added on with a Jakub Voracek goal in the second period, his fifteenth of the year, via Sean Couturier and Gostisbehere. Philadelphia extended the lead as Brayden Schenn scored a power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, thanks to Gostisbehere, who earned a sock trick. Vancouver got on the board with a Markus Granlund goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks got closer with a Jannik Hansen goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Bo Horvat and Ben Hutton. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars going to Gostisbehere, Schenn, and Voracek.

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