Saturday, October 21, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 18

Twelve games on for today, including a pair of matinees. The action begins in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Nashville Predators. Juuse Saros is mismatched with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. New York led off in the first period with a Jesper Fast goal, passed from Kevin Hayes. The Rangers added on with a Chris Kreider power play goal, powered by J.T. Miller and David Desharnais. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Mattias Ekholm goal, guided in by Filip Forsberg. New York replied with a Hayes goal, his third of the season, via Jimmy Vesey and Brady Skjei. The Predators shot back with a Forsberg goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Roman Josi and Ryan Johansen. The Rangers iced it at 4-2 with a Vesey empty net goal in the third period, set up by Brendan Smith. The three stars went to Hayes, Vesey, and Forsberg.

Over in Philadelphia, the other matinee has the Flyers welcoming the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot and Brian Elliott are the masked men. Philadelphia began in the first period with a Claude Giroux power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Wayne Simmonds and Shayne Gostisbehere. Edmonton tied it in the second period with an unassisted Patrick Maroon goal, his second of the year. The Flyers took the lead in the third period with a Simmonds goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Jori Lehtera. The three stars of the 2-1 game were Simmonds, Elliott (23 for 24 in saves), and Giroux.

At the regular time, the Boston Bruins bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Robin Lehner and Anton Khudobin draw the starts in goal. Boston opened in the first period with a David Pastrnak goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Tim Schaller and Charlie McAvoy. The Bruins added on with an unassisted power play goal by Brad Marchand, his fifth of the year. Boston extended the lead in the second period as Marchand scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, thanks to Anders Bjork and McAvoy. Buffalo got on the board with a Jason Pominville goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Ryan O'Reilly. The Bruins countered with a Pastrnak goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, helped along by Riley Nash and Torey Krug. The Sabres chipped back with a Jack Eichel goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Marco Scandella and Justin Bailey. Buffalo got closer in the third period with a Benoit Pouliot goal, passed from Sam Reinhart and Jake McCabe. The Sabres tied it as Evander Kane scored his sixth of the season, with the help of McCabe and Pominville. Buffalo won 5-4 in overtime with an unassisted O'Reilly goal, his third of the year. The three stars were O'Reilly, Pominville, and Pastrnak, while Marchand, McCabe, and McAvoy get the honorable mentions.

In Brooklyn, the New York Islanders host the San Jose Sharks. Aaron Dell and Thomas Greiss are the backups in goal. San Jose got going in the second period with a Logan Couture power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Brent Burns and Joe Thornton. New York tied it on an Anders Lee goal, his fourth of the year, via Nick Leddy and John Tavares. The Islanders took the lead with a Josh Bailey goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. The Sharks retied it on another Couture goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, passed from Jannik Hansen and Brenden Dillon. New York regained the lead in the third period with an Andrew Ladd goal, his second of the season, coming off of Mathew Barzal and Bailey. The Islanders added on with a Lee goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, helped along by Tavares and Cal Clutterbuck. San Jose chipped back with a Couture goal, his sixth of the season completing his hat trick, with helpers from Burns and Thornton. New York capped a 5-3 win with a Tavares empty net goal, his third of the year, set up by Lee and Calvin de Haan. The three stars belonged to Tavares, Couture, and Lee, while Bailey, Burns, and Thornton get the honorable mentions.

Up in Canada, the Ottawa Senators welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Frederik Andersen and Craig Anderson are the similarly named goalies. Ottawa started in the first period with a Nate Thompson goal, via Alexandre Burrows and Logan Brown. The Senators added on in the second period with a Ryan Dzingel goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Erik Karlsson and Chris Wideman. Ottawa extended the lead as Derick Brassard scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Bobby Ryan and Karlsson. Toronto got on the board in the third period with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Ron Hainsey and Connor Brown. The Maple Leafs got closer with an Auston Matthews goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by William Nylander and Hainsey. The Senators replied with a Mark Stone goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. Toronto pulled back on a Nylander power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Jake Gardiner and Matthews. Ottawa answered with a Brassard goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, guided in by Stone and Karlsson, the latter earning a sock trick. The Senators iced it at 6-3 with a Stone empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, set up by Brassard and Dion Phaneuf. The three stars were handed to Brassard, Stone, and Karlsson, while Matthews, Nylander, and Hainsey get honorable mentions.

South to Florida, as the Tampa Bay Lightning bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Antti Niemi and Andrei Vasilevskiy are in the blue paint. Tampa Bay struck first in the first period with a Nikita Kucherov power play goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. The Lightning added on with a Stamkos power play goal, his third of the year, with helpers from Vladislav Namestnikov and Kucherov. Tampa Bay extended the lead as Yanni Gourde scored, thanks to Braydon Coburn and Brayden Point. The Lightning padded the lead in the second period with a Point goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Ondrej Palat and Gourde. Tampa Bay kept going with an Anton Stralman goal, made possible by Mikhail Sergachev. The Lightning continued with a Kucherov goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, helped along by Stamkos and Alex Killorn. Tampa Bay struck again in the third period with a Sergachev power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Stamkos, who got a sock trick, and Namestnikov. Pittsburgh avoided the shutout with a Jake Guentzel power play goal, his third of the year, via Bryan Rust and Kris Letang. This made it 7-1, the final, with the three stars awarded to Kucherov, Stamkos, and Gourde, while Point, Namestnikov, and Sergachev get the honorable mentions.

Back north, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Sergei Bobrovsky guard the cages. Columbus was first to score in the first period with a Nick Foligno power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Artemi Panarin and Zach Werenski. Los Angeles tied it with an Anze Kopitar goal, his fifth of the year, via Dustin Brown and Jake Muzzin. The Kings took the lead with a Trevor Lewis goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Michael Cammalleri and Oscar Fantenberg. The Blue Jackets retied it on an Oliver Bjorkstrand goal, coming off of David Savard and Foligno. Columbus took the lead again with a Matt Calvert goal, assisted by Josh Anderson and Jack Johnson. Los Angeles retied it in the second period with a Muzzin goal, his second of the year, helped along by Alex Iafallo and Kopitar. The Kings pulled ahead on a Drew Doughty goal, his third of the season, fueled by Brown and Derek Forbort. The Blue Jackets tied it again on an unassisted Sonny Milano goal, his fifth of the year. Los Angeles regained the lead with a Kopitar goal in the third period, his sixth of the season and second of the game, made possible by Brown and Iafallo. The Kings finished it at 6-4 with a Brown empty net goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Muzzin. The three stars went to Kopitar, Brown, and Muzzin, while Iafallo and Foligno get the honorable mentions.

Back east, the Washington Capitals welcome the Florida Panthers. James Reimer and Philipp Grubauer are between the pipes. Florida led off in the first period with a Connor Brickley goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Jared McCann. The Panthers added on with an Evgenii Dadonov power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck. Florida extended the lead as Trocheck scored a power play goal in the second period, his third of the season, with the help of Aleksander Barkov and Dadonov. Washington got on the board with a Christian Djoos goal, his second of the year, via Devante Smith-Pelly and Lars Eller. The Panthers iced it at 4-1 with a shorthanded empty net goal by Barkov, his second of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Dadonov, Trocheck, and Reimer (41 for 42 in saves), while Barkov gets an honorable mention.

Down in Dallas, the Stars bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Scott Darling and Ben Bishop are the masked men. Dallas began in the first period with a Jamie Benn goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Alexander Radulov. The Stars added on with a Tyler Pitlick goal, via Radek Faksa and Dan Hamhuis. Dallas extended the lead in the second period as Tyler Seguin scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Mattias Janmark and Esa Lindell. The Stars padded the lead with Pitlick's second goal of the night, assisted by Antoine Roussel and Faksa. Carolina got on the board with a Jeff Skinner goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Brock McGinn. The Hurricanes got closer in the third period with another Skinner goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, helped along by Noah Hanifin and McGinn. Carolina chipped closer with a Jordan Staal goal, his second of the campaign, with helpers from Sebastian Aho and Elias Lindholm. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars given to Pitlick, Skinner, and Faksa, while McGinn gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Arizona, where the Coyotes host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Louis Domingue have the green light to play in goal. Arizona started in the first period with a Christian Fischer goal, his second of the season, coming off of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Nick Cousins. Chicago tied it on a Richard Panik power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks took the lead in the second period with a Patrick Kane goal, his fourth of the season, via Toews. The Coyotes got one back with a Clayton Keller goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper from Max Domi. Chicago took the lead in the third period with a Lance Bouma goal, assisted by Tommy Wingels and Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-2 with a Wingels empty net goal, set up by Bouma and Keith. The three stars went to Bouma, Wingels, and Toews, while Keith gets an honorable mention.

Up in Alberta, the Calgary Flames welcome the Minnesota Wild. Alex Stalock is mismatched with Mike Smith in goal. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Chris Stewart goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Ryan Suter and Jared Spurgeon on the power play. Calgary tied it with a Sean Monahan goal, his fifth of the year, via Troy Brouwer and T.J. Brodie. The Flames took the lead in the third period with a Kris Versteeg power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Brodie and Johnny Gaudreau. The Wild retied it on a Suter goal, coming off of Eric Staal and Luke Kunin. Minnesota took the lead with a Spurgeon goal, assisted by Suter and Mikko Koivu. The Wild iced it at 4-2 with a Daniel Winnik empty net goal, set up by Kunin. The three stars were Suter, Spurgeon, and Kunin, while Brodie gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Malcolm Subban are in the creases. St. Louis opened in the first period with a Magnus Paajarvi goal, powered by Oskar Sundqvist and Kyle Brodziak. Vegas tied it in the second period on a Reilly Smith power play goal, his second of the season, assisted by Colin Miller and William Karlsson. The Golden Knights took the lead with a Miller power play goal, via Brad Hunt and Smith. The Blues tied it in the third period with an Alex Pietrangelo goal, his third of the year, coming off of Jaden Schwartz and Brayden Schenn. Vegas won 3-2 in overtime with a Karlsson goal, with a lone assist by Smith. The three stars went to Karlsson, Smith, and Miller.

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NHL 2017-18 Day 17

Six games on for tonight, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Chad Johnson are in goal. Buffalo started in the second period with a Justin Bailey goal, his second of the season, coming off of Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo. Vancouver tied it on a Markus Granlund goal, passed from Derek Dorsett and Brandon Sutter. The Sabres retook the lead on a Jack Eichel goal, his third of the year, assisted by Rasmus Ristolainen and Marco Scandella. The Canucks retied it in the second period with a Dorsett shorthanded goal, his third of the season, set up by Sutter and Christopher Tanev. Vancouver took the lead with a Daniel Sedin goal, his second of the year, helped along by Henrik Sedin and Jake Virtanen. The Canucks iced it at 4-2 with a Dorsett empty net goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, with helpers from Granlund and Michael Del Zotto. The three stars went to Dorsett, Sutter, and Granlund.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Keith Kinkaid draw the starts in goal. San Jose opened in the first period with a Melker Karlsson goal, via Tomas Hertl and Tim Heed. The Sharks added on in the second period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his second of the season, assisted by Justin Braun and Joe Thornton. San Jose extended the lead as Joonas Donskoi scored, thanks to Braun. The final stood from here at 3-0, with the three stars going to Jones (28 save shutout), Braun, and Karlsson.

Over to Detroit, where the Red Wings bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Petr Mrazek are the masked men. Detroit got going in the second period with a Darren Helm shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. Washington tied it with an Andre Burakovsky goal, courtesy of Dmitry Orlov and Tom Wilson. The Capitals took the lead with a shorthanded Jay Beagle goal in the third period, set up by Alex Chiasson. The Red Wings retied it on a Tomas Tatar goal, his second of the season, assisted by Dylan Larkin and Mike Green. Detroit took the lead on a Tatar goal, his second of the game and third of the year, guided in by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall on the power play. Washington tied it with a T.J. Oshie goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov on the power play. The Capitals won 4-3 in overtime with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson. The three stars were Burakovsky, Tatar, and Ovechkin.

South to Florida, where the Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Murray and Roberto Luongo protect the nets. Florida led off in the first period with a Jamie McGinn goal, his second of the season, fueled by Radim Vrbata and Vincent Trocheck. The Panthers added on with an Aleksander Barkov goal, guided in by Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and Kris Letang. The Penguins tied it on a Carter Rowney goal, helped along by Tom Kuhnhackl. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his fifth of the season, with assists provided by Malkin and Kessel. Florida tied it in the third period with a MacKenzie Weegar goal, coming off of Mark Pysyk and Jonathan Huberdeau. The Penguins took the lead with a Conor Sheary power play goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Olli Maatta and Justin Schultz. This gave them a 4-3 win, with the three stars handed to Malkin, Kessel, and Sheary.

Up in Canada, the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Connor Hellebuyck are the masked men. Winnipeg began in the first period with a Patrik Laine power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. The Jets added on with a Nikolaj Ehlers goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Toby Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien. Minnesota got on the board with a Chris Stewart goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Jason Zucker. The Wild tied it in the second period with a Mikko Koivu goal, his third of the year, passed from Zucker and the goalie Dubnyk. Minnesota took the lead with a Mike Reilly power play goal, going in unassisted. Winnipeg retied it on a Laine power play goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, with helpers from Scheifele and Byfuglien. The Jets took the lead with a Wheeler goal in the third period, made possible by Kyle Connor and Jacob Trouba. This gave them a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Laine, Wheeler, and Byfuglien, while Scheifele and Trouba get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and John Gibson guard the cages. Anaheim struck first in the first period with a Dennis Rasmussen goal, helped along by Jaycob Megna and Kevin Bieksa. The Ducks added on with a Derek Grant power play goal, powered by Francois Beauchemin and Brandon Montour. Anaheim extended the lead as Antoine Vermette scored his second of the season, thanks to Chris Wagner. Montreal got on the board in the second period with a Paul Byron goal, his second of the year, via Karl Alzner and Jordie Benn. The Canadiens got closer with a Brendan Gallagher power play goal, his second of the season, with assists provided by Victor Mete and Jeff Petry. The Ducks replied in the third period with a Montour goal, his second of the year, helped along by Bieksa and Jakob Silfverberg. Anaheim padded the lead with a Grant goal, his second of the game, guided in by Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie. The Ducks iced it at 6-2 with a Wagner goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Corey Perry and Vermette. The three stars went to Grant, Wagner, and Montour, while Vermette and Bieksa get the honorable mentions.

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Thursday, October 19, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 16

We're back with a fuller schedule of nine games today, beginning with...

The New York Rangers hosting the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Henrik Lundqvist are the masked men. The Islanders began in the first period with an Anders Lee power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Ryan Pulock and Jordan Eberle. The Rangers tied it on a David Desharnais goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Kevin Shattenkirk and Marc Staal. The Islanders retook the lead with a Brock Nelson goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Andrew Ladd. The Islanders added on in the second period with a Mathew Barzal goal, assisted by Calvin de Haan and Josh Bailey. The Rangers got one back in the third period with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his second of the year, guided in by Brendan Smith. The Rangers tied it on a Kevin Hayes goal, his second of the season, coming off of Jesper Fast and Ryan McDonagh. The tie went to a shootout, where Eberle and John Tavares lifted the Islanders over Zuccarello and the Rangers. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Eberle, Zuccarello, and Barzal.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne faces a lesser foe in Michal Neuvirth in goal. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the third period with a Colton Sissons goal, his second of the season, made possible by Kevin Fiala. This stood for a 1-0 win, with the three stars handed to Rinne (28 save shutout), Sissons, and Fiala.

Up in Boston, the Bruins bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Anders Nilsson and Anton Khudobin are the backups in goal. Vancouver led off in the first period with a Derek Dorsett goal, his second of the season, helped along by Michael Del Zotto and Christopher Tanev. Boston tied it on an Anders Bjork goal, his second of the year, fueled by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The Bruins took the lead with a David Pastrnak power play goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. Boston added on with another Bjork power play goal, his second of the game and third of the year, powered by David Krejci and Charlie McAvoy. The Bruins extended the lead as Krejci scored a power play goal, thanks to Bergeron and Kenny Agostino. Nilsson was replaced by Jacob Markstrom in goal. Boston padded the lead in the second period as Marchand scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Bjork and Bergeron. The Canucks got one back with a Thomas Vanek power play goal, his third of the year, with assists provided by Sam Gagner and Del Zotto. Vancouver chipped closer with a Bo Horvat goal, his third of the season, assisted by Sven Baertschi and Brock Boeser. The Bruins answered in the third period with a Bergeron power play goal, made possible by Pastrnak and Marchand. The final held at 6-3, with the three stars given to Bergeron, Marchand, and Bjork, while Pastrnak, Krejci, and Del Zotto get the honorable mentions.

To the west, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Sergei Bobrovsky are the Russian goalies. Tampa Bay opened in the first period with a Mikhail Sergachev goal, coming off of Nikita Kucherov and Vladislav Namestnikov. The Lightning added on in the second period with another Sergachev goal, assisted by Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. This stood for the eventual 2-0 final, with the three stars awarded to Vasilevskiy (43 save shutout), Sergachev, and Kucherov.

In Canada, the Ottawa Senators welcome the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Craig Anderson protect the nets. New Jersey started in the first period with a Nico Hischier goal, guided in by Drew Stafford and Taylor Hall. Ottawa tied it on a Kyle Turris power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Zack Smith. The Devils regained the lead with a Hischier goal, his second of the game, helped along by Hall and John Moore. The Senators retied it in the second period with a Derick Brassard goal, his fourth of the year, via Bobby Ryan and Karlsson. Ottawa took the lead with an Alexandre Burrows power play goal, with helpers by Karlsson, who got a sock trick, and Mike Hoffman. The Senators added on with a Tom Pyatt goal, with a lone assist from Jean-Gabriel Pageau. New Jersey got one back with a Kyle Palmieri goal in the third period, his third of the season, assisted by Hall, who got a sock trick. The Devils tied it on a Marcus Johansson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Palmieri. New Jersey won 5-4 in overtime with a Moore goal, his second of the campaign, passed from Hall and Hischier. The three stars belonged to Hall, Hischier, and Palmieri, while Moore and Karlsson get the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Chicago Blackhawks bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot and Anton Forsberg receive the green light to play goal. Chicago struck first in the first period with a Patrick Kane goal, his third of the season, via Jan Rutta and Duncan Keith. Edmonton tied it on a Patrick Maroon goal, coming off of Connor McDavid and Kailer Yamamoto. The Oilers won 2-1 in overtime with a Mark Letestu power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Oscar Klefbom and McDavid. The three stars were McDavid, Letestu, and Talbot (30 for 31 in saves).

In Alberta, the Calgary Flames host the Carolina Hurricanes. Scott Darling and Mike Smith guard the cages. Carolina got going in the second period with a Jeff Skinner goal, his third of the season, coming off of Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn. The Hurricanes added on with a Justin Williams power play goal in the third period, powered by Skinner and Noah Hanifin. Calgary got on the board with a Sean Monahan goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Johnny Gaudreau and Jaromir Jagr. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Skinner, Darling (25 for 26 in saves), and Williams.

South to Colorado, where the Avalanche welcome the St. Louis Blues. Carter Hutton and Jonathan Bernier are in the blue paint. Colorado was first to score in the first period with an Alexander Kerfoot power play goal, his second of the season, powered by J.T. Compher and Mikko Rantanen. St. Louis tied it in the second period with a Paul Stastny goal, his third of the year, via Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Pietrangelo. The Blues took the lead on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Pietrangelo and Vladimir Sobotka. St. Louis added on with a Vince Dunn goal, his second of the year, passed from Stastny. The Avalanche got one back in the third period with a Blake Comeau goal, helped along by Colin Wilson and Kerfoot. The Blues countered with a Robert Bortuzzo goal, assisted by Sobotka and Sammy Blais. Colorado chipped back with a Kerfoot goal, his second of the game and third of the campaign, with assists provided by Matt Duchene and Tyson Barrie. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars handed to Kerfoot, Stastny, and Pietrangelo, while Sobotka gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Arizona Coyotes bring in the Dallas Stars. Ben Bishop and Adin Hill are between the pipes. Arizona drew first blood in the first period with a Derek Stepan goal, via Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Clayton Keller. Dallas tied it on an unassisted Jamie Benn power play goal, his third of the season. The Stars took the lead with a Radek Faksa goal, his second of the year, made possible by Tyler Pitlick. The Coyotes retied it in the second period with a Stepan goal, coming off of Max Domi and Jason Demers. Dallas regained the lead in the third period with an unassisted Stephen Johns goal. Arizona tied it on a Keller goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. The Stars pulled ahead with a Tyler Seguin goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Benn and John Klingberg. Dallas added on with another Seguin goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, passed from Benn and Klingberg. The Coyotes pulled one back on Keller's second of the game and fifth of the year, with helpers from Christian Dvorak and Stepan. The final was 5-4, with the three stars given to Seguin, Keller, and Benn, while Stepan and Klingberg get the honorable mentions.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 15

Three games on for tonight, beginning with...

The Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Curtis McElhinney make the starts in goal. Toronto began in the first period with a Nazem Kadri goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Ron Hainsey. The Maple Leafs added on with a Zach Hyman goal, his third of the year, via Morgan Rielly and William Nylander. Detroit got on the board with a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Nick Jensen. Toronto replied with an Auston Matthews goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Hyman. Petr Mrazek replaced Howard in goal. The Maple Leafs extended the lead as Connor Brown scored his third of the season, thanks to James van Riemsdyk and Andreas Borgman. The Red Wings got one back with a Tomas Tatar goal in the second period, helped along by Dylan Larkin and Jensen. Detroit pulled closer with a Jonathan Ericsson goal, assisted by Jensen, who got a sock trick, and Larkin. Toronto countered on a Rielly power play goal, powered by Tyler Bozak and Kadri. The Maple Leafs iced it at 6-3 with a Nylander empty net goal in the third period, set up by Matthews and Jake Gardiner. The three stars went to Rielly, Kadri, and Jensen, while Hyman, Matthews, and Nylander get the honorable mentions.

In St. Louis, the Blues welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jake Allen tend the twines. St. Louis led off in the first period with a Jaden Schwartz goal, his third of the season, coming off of Vladimir Tarasenko and Robert Bortuzzo. The Blues added on with a Schwartz goal in the second period, his second of the game and fourth of the year, with a lone assist from the goalie Allen. St. Louis extended the lead as Tarasenko scored his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Blues padded the lead with a Kyle Brodziak goal in the third period, helped along by Scottie Upshall and Colton Parayko. Chicago got on the board with a Richard Panik power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks got closer with a Ryan Hartman goal, his third of the season, guided in by Alex DeBrincat and Brent Seabrook. St. Louis iced it at 5-2 with a Schwartz empty net goal to complete his hat trick with his fifth of the year, set up by Parayko. The three stars were Schwartz, Tarasenko, and Parayko.

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Al Montoya is mismatched with Jonathan Quick in goal. Montreal struck first in the first period with a Paul Byron goal, via Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw. Los Angeles tied it on a Michael Cammalleri power play goal, powered by Jake Muzzin and Oscar Fantenberg. The Kings took the lead in the third period with an Adrian Kempe goal, passed from Trevor Lewis and Cammalleri. Los Angeles added on with a Cammalleri goal, his second of the game, assisted by Kempe and Tyler Toffoli. The Kings extended the lead as Kempe scored his second of the game, guided in by Tanner Pearson and Trevor Lewis. Los Angeles padded the lead as Kempe completed his hat trick, thanks to Cammalleri. The three stars were Kempe, Cammalleri, and Quick (36 for 37 in saves) in the 5-1 game.

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Tuesday, October 17, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 14

Eleven games on for tonight, beginning in...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Michal Neuvirth get the starts in goal. Philadelphia got going in the second period with a Sean Couturier goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. The Flyers added on with a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, assisted by Wayne Simmonds and Robert Hagg. Philadelphia extended the lead as Giroux scored a power play goal, his fourth of the year, with the help of Valtteri Filppula and Gostisbehere. The Flyers padded the lead on a Dale Weise goal, passed from Nolan Patrick and Travis Konecny. Florida got on the board in the third period with a Jamie McGinn power play goal, powered by Nick Bjugstad and Radim Vrbata. Philadelphia iced it at 5-1 with an empty net goal by Filppula, his fourth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Giroux, Gostisbehere, and Neuvirth (40 for 41 in saves), while Filppula gets an honorable mention.

Over in New York, the Rangers welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Murray and Henrik Lundqvist are in the blue paint. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with a Phil Kessel goal, his second of the season, coming off of Evgeni Malkin and Ian Cole. The Penguins added on with a Carl Hagelin goal, with a lone assist by Olli Maatta. New York got on the board in the second period with a David Desharnais goal, assisted by J.T. Miller and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Rangers tied it with a Pavel Buchnevich power play goal, powered by Mika Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello. New York pulled ahead with a Miller power play goal, his second of the year, made possible by Ryan McDonagh and Tony DeAngelo. Pittsburgh retied it on a Patric Hornqvist power play goal, his third of the season, with helpers from Kessel and Malkin. The Rangers took the lead back in the third period with a Michael Grabner goal, helped along by Desharnais and Miller. The Penguins tied it again with a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Hornqvist and Malkin, the latter earning a sock trick. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in overtime with a Malkin goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Kessel. The three stars were Malkin, Kessel, and Hornqvist, while Desharnais and Miller get the honorable mentions.

Down in DC, the Washington Capitals bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Frederik Andersen and Braden Holtby are the masked men. Toronto dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Connor Brown goal, his second of the season, via Morgan Rielly. The Maple Leafs iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Nazem Kadri, set up by Rielly and Zach Hyman. The three stars went to Andersen (30 save shutout), Rielly, and Brown.

Backtracking to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Peter Budaj and Cory Schneider are in the creases. New Jersey began in the first period with a Drew Stafford goal, his second of the season, assisted by Nico Hischier and Will Butcher. Tampa Bay tied it on a Vladislav Namestnikov goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. The Lightning took the lead with an Ondrej Palat power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Tyler Johnson and Mikhail Sergachev. The Devils tied it again with a Kyle Palmieri power play goal, his second of the year, with assists provided by Taylor Hall and Adam Henrique. New Jersey took the lead back with a Brian Gibbons goal, his third of the season, passed from Steven Santini and Miles Wood. Tampa Bay retied it on a Kucherov goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, fueled by Stamkos and Sergachev. The Lightning took the lead again with a Stamkos goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Yanni Gourde. The Devils equalized it with a Stafford power play goal in the third period, his second of the game and third of the year, guided in by Hischier and Damon Severson. New Jersey won 5-4 in the shootout with a Palmieri tally. The three stars went to Stafford, Kucherov, and Palmieri, while Hischier, Stamkos, and Sergachev receive the honorable mentions.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Anders Nilsson and Craig Anderson are given the starting nods in goal. Vancouver opened in the first period with a Brock Boeser goal, his second of the season, powered by Alex Burmistrov and Michael Del Zotto on the power play. The Canucks added on in the second period with a Burmistrov goal, helped along by Boeser and Sven Baertschi. Vancouver extended the lead in the third period as Thomas Vanek scored an unassisted goal, his second of the year. The final held at 3-0, with the three stars given to Boeser, Nilsson (32 save shutout), and Burmistrov.

South to Nashville, where the Predators bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Pekka Rinne are the veteran goalies. Colorado drew first blood in the second period with a Nathan MacKinnon power play goal, powered by Tyson Barrie and Mikko Rantanen. Nashville tied it on a Viktor Arvidsson goal, his third of the season, fueled by Filip Forsberg and Alexei Emelin. The Predators took the lead with a Roman Josi power play goal, assisted by Arvidsson and Forsberg. Nashville added on with a Colton Sissons goal, made possible by Craig Smith and Josi. The Preadtors extended the lead in the third period as Austin Watson scored, thanks to Emelin. The final stood at 4-1, with the three stars being Arvidsson, Josi, and Forsberg, while Emelin gets an honorable mention.

In Canada again, the Winnipeg Jets host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joonas Korpisalo and Steve Mason are the backups in goal. Columbus cracked the scoresheet in the second period with a Cam Atkinson goal, his third of the season, passed from Artemi Panarin and Alexander Wennberg. The Blue Jackets added on with a Nick Foligno goal, going in unassisted. Winnipeg got on the board with a Kyle Connor goal, helped along by Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Columbus replied with a Jack Johnson goal, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Josh Anderson. The Blue Jackets extended the lead as Lukas Sedlak scored his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Columbus padded the lead in the third period as Zach Werenski scored his third of the season, thanks to Seth Jones and Matt Calvert. The Jets got one back with a Joel Armia shorthanded goal, set up by Dustin Byfuglien. This only made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars handed to Johnson, Sedlak, and Werenski.

Way south to Dallas, as the Stars welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Adin Hill is mismatched with Ben Bishop. Dallas started in the first period with a Radek Faksa goal, courtesy of Mattias Janmark. The Stars added on in the second period with a Dan Hamhuis goal, passed from Tyler Pitlick and Faksa. Arizona got on the board with a Jason Demers goal, helped along by Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Dallas iced it at 3-1 with an Alexander Radulov empty net goal, set up by Tyler Seguin and Hamhuis. The three stars were Faksa, Hamhuis, and Bishop (27 for 28 in saves).

North again to Edmonton, as the Oilers bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Laurent Brossoit make the spot starts in goal. Carolina struck first in the first period with a Teuvo Teravainen goal, assisted by Jaccob Slavin and Justin Williams. The Hurricanes added on with a Teravainen power play goal, his second of the game, powered by Justin Faulk and Jordan Staal. Carolina extended the lead as Elias Lindholm scored a power play goal, thanks to Staal and Faulk. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a Mark Letestu power play goal, with a lone assist by Kailer Yamamoto and Connor McDavid. The Hurricanes replied in the third period with a shorthanded and unassisted Staal goal. The Oilers got one back with a Ryan Strome power play goal, with assists provided by Jussi Jokinen and Kris Russell. Edmonton pulled one back with a Milan Lucic goal, helped along by Strome and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Carolina responded with a Slavin goal, via Staal and Williams. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars belonging to Staal, Teravainen, and Strome, while Williams, Slavin, and Faulk get the honorable mentions.

In Nevada, the Vegas Golden Knights host the Buffalo Sabres. Chad Johnson and Malcolm Subban draw the starts in goal. Buffalo was first to score in the first period with a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal, powered by Evander Kane and Nathan Beaulieu. Vegas tied it on an Oscar Lindberg goal, his third of the season, via Reilly Smith and William Karlsson. The Golden Knights took the lead on an Alex Tuch goal, his second of the year, coming off of Deryk Engelland and Brendan Leipsic in the second period. Vegas added on with a Smith power play goal, with helpers from Brad Hunt and Colin Miller. The Golden Knights extended the lead as David Perron scored in the third period, thanks to James Neal and Cody Eakin. The Sabres got one back with an O'Reilly power play goal, his second of the game, helped along by Kane and Jack Eichel. Buffalo pulled closer on a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his second of the season, with assists provided by Rasmus Ristolainen and Jason Pominville. The Sabres tied it on a Kane goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Eichel and Pominville. Vegas won 5-4 in overtime with a Perron goal, his second of the game, guided in by Luca Sbisa and Neal. The three stars were Perron, Kane, and O'Reilly, while Smith, Eichel, Pominville, and Neal get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Martin Jones guard the cages. San Jose got on the board first in the first period with a Logan Couture goal, his second of the season, via Tomas Hertl and Justin Braun. Montreal tied it on a Jonathan Drouin goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Artturi Lehkonen and Karl Alzner. The Sharks took the lead back in the second period with a Joe Pavelski goal, fueled by Kevin Labanc and Brent Burns. San Jose added on with a Hertl power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Joe Thornton and Couture. The Canadiens got one back with a Shea Weber power play goal, assisted by Victor Mete and Drouin. The Sharks responded with a Couture power play goal, his second of the game and third of the year, helped along by Pavelski and Tim Heed. San Jose iced it at 5-2 with a Thornton empty net goal, set up by Couture and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The three stars were awarded to Couture, Hertl, and Pavelski, while Drouin and Thornton get the honorable mentions.

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Monday, October 16, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 13

Just a single game today as the Detroit Red Wings host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jimmy Howard are the goalies. Tampa Bay struck first in the first period with a Tyler Johnson shorthanded goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. The Lightning added on with a Nikita Kucherov power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. Detroit got on the board in the second period with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his second of the season, coming on a penalty shot. The Red wings tied it on a Mike Green goal, via Abdelkader and Tomas Tatar. Tampa Bay took the lead back with a Kucherov goal in the third period, his second of the game and seventh of the year, made possible by Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars being Kucherov, Abdelkader, and Stamkos.

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Sunday, October 15, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Day 12

Just three games today, beginning with...

The Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask faces a lesser foe in Malcolm Subban in goal. Vegas got going in the second period with an unassisted Alex Tuch goal. The Golden Knights added on with a Vadim Shipachyov goal, via Tuch and Deryk Engelland. Boston got on the board in the third period with a David Pastrnak goal, his third of the season, passed from Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy. Vegas replied with an empty net goal by Oscar Lindberg, his second of the year, set up by William Karlsson. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Tuch, Subban (21 for 22 in saves), and Shipachyov.

In California, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Chad Johnson and John Gibson draw the starts in goal. Buffalo started in the first period with a Justin Bailey goal, via Nathan Beaulieu and Johan Larsson. Anaheim tied it on a Chris Wagner shorthanded goal in the second period, set up by Antoine Vermette and Josh Manson. The Sabres took the lead back with a Benoit Pouliot goal, going in unassisted. Buffalo iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Larsson empty net goal, coming off of Ryan O'Reilly. The three stars went to Larsson, Johnson (25 for 26 in saves), and Pouliot.

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Darcy Kuemper received the starting nods in goal. Los Angeles opened in the first period with an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown. New York tied it on a second period goal by Josh Bailey, his second of the year, coming off of Mathew Barzal and Andrew Ladd. The Kings took the lead back with a Jake Muzzin power play goal, powered by Oscar Fantenberg and Tyler Toffoli. Los Angeles added on with a shorthanded goal by Doughty in the third period, his second of the season, set up by Kopitar. The Islanders got one back with a Casey Cizikas goal, his third of the year, via Cal Clutterbuck and Thomas Hickey. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Doughty, Kopitar, and Muzzin.

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MLS 2017 Week 32

All teams play on Sunday today, mostly in conference games for the second-to-last weekend of the season. We begin with...

The Chicago Fire hosting the Philadelphia Union. Andre Blake and Matt Lampson are in goal. Chicago opened in the third minute with a Nemanja Nikolic goal, via Brandon Vincent. Philadelphia tied it on a Johan Kappelhof own goal in the sixth minute. The Union took the lead on an Alejandro Bedoya goal, guided in by Haris Medunjanin. Matt Polster of the Fire had a yellow card for his foul in first half stoppage time. Chicago tied in the sixty-fourth minute with a Nikolic penalty kick goal. The Fire took the lead on a Nikolic goal in the seventy-eighth minute to complete his hat trick with the help of Vincent and David Accam. The final stood at 3-2, with the man of the match being Nikolic.

East in New England, the Revolution welcome New York City FC. Sean Johnson and Brad Knighton protect the nets. New York City went down to ten men in the twenty-sixth minute after Jack Harrison took a straight red card for his foul. Yangel Herrera of New York City had a yellow card for his forty-fourth minute foul. Claude Dielna of New England took a yellow card for a forty-ninth minute foul. The Revolution got going in the fifty-first minute with a Diego Fagundez goal, passed from Andrew Farrell. Ronald Matarrita of New York City received a yellow card for his seventy-sixth minute foul. In the seventy-eighth minute, New England's Farrell took a yellow card for a foul. The Revolution added on in stoppage time with a Fagundez goal. New York City got one back a minute later with a Khiry Shelton goal, assisted by Alexander Ring. Juan Agudelo of New England had a yellow card a minute after that for his foul. The final score held at 2-1, with Fagundez named man of the match.

Down to the New York Red Bulls bringing in Atlanta United FC. Brad Guzan and Luis Robles are the gloved men. Atlanta saw yellow cards for Yamil Asad's foul in the sixty-first minute and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez's foul in stoppage time. The final held at 0-0, with the man of the match being Guzan for his three-save clean sheet.

South to Florida, where Orlando City SC hosts the Columbus Crew SC. Zack Steffen and Joe Bendik are the keepers. Columbus dented the scoreboard in the sixty-sixth minute with an Ola Kamara goal, via Hector Jimenez and Federico Higuain. Orlando City saw yellow cards for fouls by Richie Laryea in the eighty-first minute and Will Johnson in the eighty-third minute. Josh Williams of the Crew took a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-seventh minute. Orlando City's Yoshimar Yotun took a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The Crew won 1-0, with Kamara as the man of the match.

The first wave ends in Canada, as Toronto FC welcomes the Montreal Impact. Toronto started in the sixteenth minute with a Jozy Altidore goal. Montreal's Hassoun Camara took a yellow card for dissent in the twenty-third minute. Michael Bradley of Toronto had a yellow card for his twenty-sixth minute dissent. The Impact saw yellow cards for Blerim Dzemaili's foul in the twenty-ninth minute, Maxime Crepeau delaying the game in first half stoppage time, and a fifty-ninth minute Victor Cabrera foul. Benoit Cheyrou of Toronto received a yellow card for his ninetieth minute foul. Toronto won 1-0, with Altidore as the man of the match.

In the west, the Colorado Rapids bring in Real Salt Lake. Nick Rimando and Tim Howard tend the nets. Colorado began in the third minute with a Joshua Gatt goal, via Alan Gordon. Dominique Badji of the Rapids had a yellow card for his twenty-fourth minute foul. Salt Lake had a yellow card for a David Horst foul in the forty-third minute. Bismark Boateng of Colorado took a yellow card in stoppage time for time wasting. The final was 1-0, with the man of the match being Gatt.

Back east, Sporting Kansas City hosts the Houston Dynamo. Tyler Deric and Andrew Dykstra are in the six-yard boxes. Houston had yellow cards for fouls by Erick Torres in the sixty-seventh minute and A.J. DeLaGarza in the eighty-fifth minute. Latif Blessing of Kansas City had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The final was 0-0, with Deric's nine-save clean sheet earning him man of the match honors.

In California, the Los Angeles Galaxy welcome Minnesota United FC. Bobby Shuttleworth and Clement Diop are between the posts. Los Angeles led off in the eleventh minute with a Romain Alessandrini goal, set up by Giovani dos Santos. The Galaxy added on in the twenty-second minute with a Jonathan dos Santos goal, via Alessandrini. Jerome Thiesson of Minnesota took a yellow card for a forty-fourth minute foul. Collen Warner had a yellow card for his seventy-seventh minute foul. Michael Ciani of Los Angeles had a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-third minute. The Galaxy extended the lead in stoppage time as Alessandrini scored, thanks to Jermaine Jones. The final stood at 3-0, with the man of the match being Alessandrini.

Up in Seattle, the Sounders FC bring in FC Dallas. Jesse Gonzalez and Stefan Frei man the nets. Javier Morales of Dallas had a yellow card for an eighth minute foul. Seattle struck first in the thirty-first minute with a Victor Rodriguez goal, passed from Clint Dempsey. The Sounders added on with a Will Bruin goal in the sixty-fourth minute. Seattle extended the lead as Bruin scored again in the sixty-seventh minute. The Sounders padded the lead as Lamar Neagle scored, thanks to Nicolas Lodeiro and Harry Shipp. The final remained at 4-0, with the man of the match being Bruin for his brace.

To the south, the Portland Timbers host DC United. Steve Clark and Jeff Attinella are the backups in goal. In first half stoppage time, Clark of DC had a yellow card for a foul, leading to a penalty kick goal by Diego Valeri for Portland. The Timbers added on in the fiftieth minute with an Alvas Powell goal, via Valeri. David Guzman had a yellow card for a fifty-eighth minute dive for Portland. The Timbers extended the lead in the sixtieth minute as Sebastian Blanco scored, thanks to Valeri. Portland iced it at 4-0 with a Blanco goal in the eighty-sixth minute, courtesy of Jeremy Ebobisse. The man of the match was Blanco for his brace.

Finally, the Vancouver Whitecaps host the San Jose Earthquakes. Andrew Tarbell and Stefan Marinovic are the goalies. Vancouver was first to score in the twenty-ninth minute with a Yordy Reyna goal, assisted by Jakob Nerwinski and Cristian Techera. San Jose tied it on a Valeri Qazaishvili goal in the seventy-seventh minute, via Chris Wondolowski and Darwin Ceren. This made it 1-1, the final, with the man of the match being Qazaishvili.

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NWSL Championship 2017

The North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns meet in Orlando for the NWSL Championship this year. Adrianna Franch and Katelyn Rowland protect the nets. Portland saw yellow cards for fouls by Tobin Heath in the forty-first minute and Hayley Raso in first half stoppage time. The Thorns struck first in the fiftieth minute on a Lindsey Horan goal, via Emily Sonnett on a free kick. In the seventy-second minute, Dagny Brynjarsdottir of Portland had a yellow card for her foul. The final held at 1-0, with Horan named NWSL Championship MVP for her winning goal.

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