The Stanley Cup Playoffs start now, with divisional round series. Each post will contain the entire series.
Game 1: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Boston began in the first period with a Brad Marchand power play goal, powered by Torey Krug and David Pastrnak. Toronto tied it on a Zach Hyman goal, via Connor Brown and Morgan Rielly. The Bruins retook the lead in the second period with a David Backes power play goal, with assists provided by David Krejci and Charlie McAvoy. Boston added on with a Pastrnak goal, made possible by Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins extended the lead as Sean Kuraly scored in the third period, thanks to Pastrnak and Zdeno Chara. Boston capped it at 5-1 with a Krejci power play goal, assisted by Jake DeBrusk and Krug. The three stars went to Pastrnak, Marchand, and Krejci, while Krug and Rask (26 for 27 in saves) get the honorable mentions. The Bruins have a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Boston led off in the first period with a David Pastrnak goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Torey Krug and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins added on with a Jake DeBrusk power play goal, powered by Krug and Bergeron. Boston chased Andersen with a Kevan Miller goal, helped along by Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. Curtis McElhinney came on in relief. The Bruins extended the lead as Rick Nash scored a power play goal, with the help of Pastrnak and Krug, the latter earning a sock trick. Toronto got on the board in the second period with a Mitchell Marner goal, coming off of Zach Hyman. Boston shot back with a David Krejci goal, his second of the postseason, with helpers from Pastrnak, who earned a sock trick, and Marchand. The Maple Leafs replied with a Tyler Bozak goal, fueled by Connor Brown and Morgan Rielly. The Bruins countered in the third period with a Pastrnak goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, guided in by Bergeron and Marchand, both of whom earned sock tricks. Toronto chipped back on a James van Riemsdyk power play goal, courtesy of Andreas Johnsson and Marner. Boston iced it at 7-3 with a Pastrnak goal to complete his hat trick on his fourth of the playoffs, dished from Marchand and Bergeron. The three stars were Pastrnak, Bergeron, and Marchand, while Krug and Marner get the honorable mentions. The Bruins head into Canada leading the series 2-0.
Game 3: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for the Bruins and Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs. Toronto opened in the first period with a James van Riemsdyk power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Tyler Bozak and Morgan Rielly. Boston tied it on an Adam McQuaid goal in the second period, coming off of Tim Schaller and Sean Kuraly. The Maple Leafs took the lead back with a Patrick Marleau goal, assisted by Mitchell Marner and Rielly. The Bruins tied it again with a Zdeno Chara goal, passed from Kuraly and Nick Holden. Toronto took the lead again with an Auston Matthews goal, courtesy of William Nylander and Zach Hyman. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-2 in the third period with a Marleau goal, his second of the game, guided in by Marner and Tomas Plekanec. The three stars went to Marleau, Marner, and Rielly, while Kuraly gets an honorable mention. The Bruins still hold a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for the Bruins and Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs. Boston started in the first period with a Torey Krug goal, guided in by Kevan Miller and David Pastrnak. Toronto tied it on a Tomas Plekanec goal, via Patrick Marleau and Mitchell Marner. The Bruins took the lead back in the second period with a Brad Marchand goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Pastrnak and Adam McQuaid. Boston added on in the third period with a Jake DeBrusk goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of David Krejci. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Rask (31 for 32 in saves), Pastrnak, and Marchand. The Bruins return home ahead 3-1 in the series, on the brink of advancing.
Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Toronto struck first in the first period with a Connor Brown goal, helped along by Auston Matthews and Zach Hyman. The Maple Leads added on with an Andreas Johnsson goal, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner. Boston got on the board in the second period with a David Backes power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Jake DeBrusk and Torey Krug. Toronto replied with a Tyler Bozak goal, his second of the playoffs, via Morgan Rielly and James van Riemsdyk. The Maple Leafs extended the lead as van Riemsdyk scored his third of the postseason on the power play, with the help of Mitchell Marner and Bozak. The Bruins got one back with a Sean Kuraly goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Matt Grzelcyk and Noel Acciari. Boston got closer in the third period with an Acciari goal, made possible by Tim Schaller and Krug. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to van Riemsdyk, Bozak, and Acciari, while Krug gets an honorable mention. The Bruins only have a 3-2 series lead now.
Game 6: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for the Bruins and Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs. Boston got going in the second period with a Jake DeBrusk goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of David Krejci. Toronto tied it on a William Nylander goal, via Nikita Zaitsev and Jake Gardiner. The Maple Leafs took the lead with a Mitchell Marner goal, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Tomas Plekanec and Ron Hainsey. Toronto iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Plekanec empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Marner and Zaitsev. The three stars were Marner, Andersen (32 for 33 in saves), and Plekanec, while Zaitsev gets an honorable mention. The series will be decided with a single game on Wednesday.
Game 7: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Frederik Andersen for the Maple Leafs and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Toronto kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Jake Gardiner and William Nylander. Boston tied it on a Jake DeBrusk power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with assists provided by David Pastrnak and David Krejci. The Maple Leafs retook the lead on a Marleau goal, his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, passed from Mitchell Marner. The Bruins tied it again with a Danton Heinen goal, coming off of Krejci and Rick Nash. Boston took the lead on a Patrice Bergeron goal, assisted by Kevan Miller and David Backes. Toronto retied it in the second period with a Travis Dermott goal, helped along by Roman Polak and Nylander. The Maple Leafs pulled ahead on a Kasperi Kapanen shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. The Bruins pulled even on a Torey Krug goal in the third period, his second of the playoffs, via Miller and Bergeron. Boston gained the lead with a DeBrusk goal, his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, with a lone helper by Krejci, who earned a sock trick. The Bruins added on with a Pastrnak goal, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Boston iced it at 7-4 with a Marchand empty net goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Riley Nash. The three stars were DeBrusk, Marleau, and Krejci, while the honorable mentions go to Pastrnak, Nylander, Marchand, and Miller. The Bruins get to face the Tampa Bay Lightning next after taking this series 4-3.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Monday, April 23, 2018
Metropolitan Division Playoffs: 1) Washington Capitals v. 4) Columbus Blue Jackets
The Stanley Cup Playoffs start now, with divisional round series. Each post will contain the entire series.
Game 1: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Philipp Grubauer for the Capitals. Washington began in the first period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson. The Capitals added on with another Kuznetsov power play goal, coming off of Backstrom and Carlson. Columbus got on the board in the second period with an Alexander Wennberg goal, via Boone Jenner and Thomas Vanek. The Blue Jackets tied it on a Vanek power play goal, with assists provided by Pierre-Luc Dubois and Artemi Panarin in the third period. Washington regained the lead in the third period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, courtesy of Jakub Vrana and Carlson, the latter earning a sock trick. Columbus tied it again on a Seth Jones power play goal, passed from Panarin and Cam Atkinson. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime with a Panarin goal, assisted by Ian Cole and Dubois. The three stars were given to Panarin, Kuznetsov, and Carlson, while Vanek, Dubois, and Backstrom get the honorable mentions. The Blue Jackets hold a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Philipp Grubauer for the Capitals. Washington led off in the first period with a Jay Beagle goal, coming off of Brooks Orpik and Jakub Jerabek. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, powered by John Carlson and T.J. Oshie. Columbus got on the board with a Cam Atkinson goal, with a lone assist by Nick Foligno. Washington replied in the second period on another Ovechkin power play goal, with helpers from Nicklas Backstrom and Carlson. The Blue Jackets pulled back with a Josh Anderson goal, fueled by Zach Werenski and Seth Jones. Columbus tied it with an Atkinson power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Artemi Panarin and Jones. The Blue Jackets gained the lead with a Werenski power play goal, assisted by Oliver Bjorkstrand and Panarin. The Capitals pulled even with an Oshie power play goal in the third period, courtesy of Backstrom and Carlson, the latter earning a sock trick. Columbus won 5-4 in overtime with a Matt Calvert goal, passed from Werenski and Anderson. The three stars went to Werenski, Atkinson, and Ovechkin, while Anderson, Panarin, Jones, Oshie, Carlson, and Backstrom get the honorable mentions. The Blue Jackets take a 2-0 series lead back home.
Game 3: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington got going in the second period with a Tom Wilson goal, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Alex Ovechkin. Columbus tied it on a Pierre-Luc Dubois goal, via Artemi Panarin and Seth Jones. The Capitals retook the lead on a John Carlson power play goal, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin. The Blue Jackets evened it again in the third period with a Panarin goal, his second of the postseason, helped along by Cam Atkinson. Washington won 3-2 with a Lars Eller goal, courtesy of Brett Connolly and Devante Smith-Pelly in the second overtime. The three stars were Ovechkin, Panarin, and Eller. The Capitals still trail the Blue Jackets 2-1 in the series.
Game 4: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington opened in the first period with a Tom Wilson goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Capitals added on in the second period with a T.J. Oshie power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Washington extended the lead as Ovechkin scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Kuznetsov and Wilson. Columbus got on the board with a Boone Jenner goal, made possible by Josh Anderson. The Capitals capped it at 4-1 with a Kuznetsov goal, his third of the playoffs, going in unassisted into the empty net. The three stars were Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, and Wilson. The series heads east again tied at 2.
Game 5: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Columbus started in the first period with a shorthanded Matt Calvert goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Seth Jones. Washington tied it on a Nicklas Backstrom goal, passed from Chandler Stephenson and Michal Kempny. The Capitals gained the lead in the second period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Dmitry Orlov. The Blue Jackets retied it on a Calvert unassisted goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason. Washington pulled ahead again with a T.J. Oshie power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by John Carlson and Backstrom. Columbus tied it in the third period as Oliver Bjorkstrand scored, thanks to Ian Cole and Alexander Wennberg. The Capitals won 4-3 in overtime with a Backstrom goal, his second of the game, guided in by Orlov and Stephenson. The three stars belonged to Backstrom, Stephenson, and Orlov, while Calvert gets an honorable mention. The Capitals leave home ahead 3-2 in the series.
Game 6: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington struck first with a Dmitry Orlov goal in the first period, helped along by Matt Niskanen and Chandler Stephenson. Columbus retied it in the second period on a Nick Foligno goal, assisted by Ryan Murray and Ian Cole. The Capitals retook the lead with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Brooks Orpik and Christian Djoos. Washington added on with an Ovechkin power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, powered by John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Blue Jackets got one back in the third period with a Pierre-Luc Dubois goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Matt Calvert. The Capitals answered with an unassisted Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the playoffs. Washington extended the lead as Stephenson scored a shorthanded goal, thanks to Jay Beagle and Orpik. Columbus pulled back on a Foligno goal, his second of the game and the postseason, passed from Boone Jenner and Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Capitals iced it at 6-3 with a Lars Eller empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Beagle. The three stars belonged to Ovechkin, Foligno, and Stephenson, while Beagle gets an honorable mention. The Capitals took the series 4-2, and will meet the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Game 1: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Philipp Grubauer for the Capitals. Washington began in the first period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson. The Capitals added on with another Kuznetsov power play goal, coming off of Backstrom and Carlson. Columbus got on the board in the second period with an Alexander Wennberg goal, via Boone Jenner and Thomas Vanek. The Blue Jackets tied it on a Vanek power play goal, with assists provided by Pierre-Luc Dubois and Artemi Panarin in the third period. Washington regained the lead in the third period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, courtesy of Jakub Vrana and Carlson, the latter earning a sock trick. Columbus tied it again on a Seth Jones power play goal, passed from Panarin and Cam Atkinson. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime with a Panarin goal, assisted by Ian Cole and Dubois. The three stars were given to Panarin, Kuznetsov, and Carlson, while Vanek, Dubois, and Backstrom get the honorable mentions. The Blue Jackets hold a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Philipp Grubauer for the Capitals. Washington led off in the first period with a Jay Beagle goal, coming off of Brooks Orpik and Jakub Jerabek. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, powered by John Carlson and T.J. Oshie. Columbus got on the board with a Cam Atkinson goal, with a lone assist by Nick Foligno. Washington replied in the second period on another Ovechkin power play goal, with helpers from Nicklas Backstrom and Carlson. The Blue Jackets pulled back with a Josh Anderson goal, fueled by Zach Werenski and Seth Jones. Columbus tied it with an Atkinson power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Artemi Panarin and Jones. The Blue Jackets gained the lead with a Werenski power play goal, assisted by Oliver Bjorkstrand and Panarin. The Capitals pulled even with an Oshie power play goal in the third period, courtesy of Backstrom and Carlson, the latter earning a sock trick. Columbus won 5-4 in overtime with a Matt Calvert goal, passed from Werenski and Anderson. The three stars went to Werenski, Atkinson, and Ovechkin, while Anderson, Panarin, Jones, Oshie, Carlson, and Backstrom get the honorable mentions. The Blue Jackets take a 2-0 series lead back home.
Game 3: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington got going in the second period with a Tom Wilson goal, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Alex Ovechkin. Columbus tied it on a Pierre-Luc Dubois goal, via Artemi Panarin and Seth Jones. The Capitals retook the lead on a John Carlson power play goal, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin. The Blue Jackets evened it again in the third period with a Panarin goal, his second of the postseason, helped along by Cam Atkinson. Washington won 3-2 with a Lars Eller goal, courtesy of Brett Connolly and Devante Smith-Pelly in the second overtime. The three stars were Ovechkin, Panarin, and Eller. The Capitals still trail the Blue Jackets 2-1 in the series.
Game 4: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington opened in the first period with a Tom Wilson goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Capitals added on in the second period with a T.J. Oshie power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Washington extended the lead as Ovechkin scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Kuznetsov and Wilson. Columbus got on the board with a Boone Jenner goal, made possible by Josh Anderson. The Capitals capped it at 4-1 with a Kuznetsov goal, his third of the playoffs, going in unassisted into the empty net. The three stars were Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, and Wilson. The series heads east again tied at 2.
Game 5: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Columbus started in the first period with a shorthanded Matt Calvert goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Seth Jones. Washington tied it on a Nicklas Backstrom goal, passed from Chandler Stephenson and Michal Kempny. The Capitals gained the lead in the second period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Dmitry Orlov. The Blue Jackets retied it on a Calvert unassisted goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason. Washington pulled ahead again with a T.J. Oshie power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by John Carlson and Backstrom. Columbus tied it in the third period as Oliver Bjorkstrand scored, thanks to Ian Cole and Alexander Wennberg. The Capitals won 4-3 in overtime with a Backstrom goal, his second of the game, guided in by Orlov and Stephenson. The three stars belonged to Backstrom, Stephenson, and Orlov, while Calvert gets an honorable mention. The Capitals leave home ahead 3-2 in the series.
Game 6: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Washington struck first with a Dmitry Orlov goal in the first period, helped along by Matt Niskanen and Chandler Stephenson. Columbus retied it in the second period on a Nick Foligno goal, assisted by Ryan Murray and Ian Cole. The Capitals retook the lead with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Brooks Orpik and Christian Djoos. Washington added on with an Ovechkin power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, powered by John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Blue Jackets got one back in the third period with a Pierre-Luc Dubois goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Matt Calvert. The Capitals answered with an unassisted Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the playoffs. Washington extended the lead as Stephenson scored a shorthanded goal, thanks to Jay Beagle and Orpik. Columbus pulled back on a Foligno goal, his second of the game and the postseason, passed from Boone Jenner and Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Capitals iced it at 6-3 with a Lars Eller empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Beagle. The three stars belonged to Ovechkin, Foligno, and Stephenson, while Beagle gets an honorable mention. The Capitals took the series 4-2, and will meet the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
NWSL 2018 Week 4
We've got four games this weekend, beginning on Friday with...
The Portland Thorns FC hosting the Washington Spirit. Aubrey Bledsoe and Britt Eckerstrom are in the six-yard boxes. Washington led off in the thirty-seventh minute with a Francisca Ordega goal off of chaos in the box from a corner kick taken by Tori Huster. Emily Sonnett of Portland received a yellow card for a thirty-ninth minute foul. The Thorns tied it on a Christine Sinclair penalty kick goal in first half stoppage time after Caprice Dydasco of the Spirit took Ifeoma Onumonu down in the box. Portland's Lindsey Horan had a yellow card for an eighty-eighth minute foul. The game ended 1-1, with the woman of the match being Ordega, while Bledsoe (five for six in saves including one for two on penalty kicks), Estelle Johnson, Taylor Smith, and Huster all did well for the Spirit. The Thorns saw good games from Kelli Hubly, Celeste Boureille, Sinclair, and Onumonu.
On Saturday, the North Carolina Courage welcome the Utah Royals FC. Abby Smith and Katelyn Rowland play in goal. North Carolina began with a sixth minute goal by Merritt Mathias on a second chance after a corner kick. Kristen Hamilton of the Courage had a yellow card for a seventeenth minute foul. Utah's Brittany Ratcliffe took a yellow card for her twenty-eighth minute foul. The Royals took the lead with a Katie Stengel goal in the fifty-second minute. Utah gained the lead with a Ratcliffe goal in the sixty-sixth minute. North Carolina retied it on a Crystal Dunn goal in the eightieth minute. Abby Dahlkemper of the Courage took a yellow card for her eighty-seventh minute foul. The final stayed at 2-2, with the woman of the match being Stengel, while Ratcliffe, Desiree Scott, and Sydney Miramontez also did well for the Royals, while the Courage's best were Jaelene Hinkle, Mathias, McCall Zerboni, and Dunn.
Over in Chicago, the Red Stars bring in Sky Blue FC for the other Saturday game. Kailen Sheridan and Alyssa Naeher are the strong goalies. Chicago opened in the first minute with a Sofia Huerta goal, passed from Alyssa Mautz. Sky Blue tied it in the seventy-eighth minute with a Savannah McCaskill on a deflected shot, helped along by Katie Johnson. This made it 1-1, the final, with the woman of the match being McCaskill for her equalizer. Sky Blue also saw good games from Carli Lloyd and Raquel Rodriguez, while the Red Stars' best were Arin Gilliland, Danielle Colaprico, Huerta, and Yuki Nagasato.
Finally, the Orlando Pride host the Houston Dash. Jane Campbell and Ashlyn Harris are the American keepers. Orlando got going in the sixty-fifth minute with a Chioma Ubogagu goal, set up by Christine Nairn on a free kick. The final held from here at 1-0, with Ubogagu named woman of the match. Toni Pressley, Nairn, and Sydney Leroux also played well for the Pride, while Kristie Mewis, Mana Shim, and Nichelle Prince had the best efforts for the Dash.
NWSL Team of the Week
GK Aubrey Bledsoe
LB Arin Gilliland
CB Toni Pressley
CB Megan Oyster
RB Merritt Mathias
DM Danielle Colaprico
AM Sofia Huerta
AM Christine Sinclair
FW Jessica McDonald
FW Savannah McCaskill
FW Chioma Ubogagu
The Portland Thorns FC hosting the Washington Spirit. Aubrey Bledsoe and Britt Eckerstrom are in the six-yard boxes. Washington led off in the thirty-seventh minute with a Francisca Ordega goal off of chaos in the box from a corner kick taken by Tori Huster. Emily Sonnett of Portland received a yellow card for a thirty-ninth minute foul. The Thorns tied it on a Christine Sinclair penalty kick goal in first half stoppage time after Caprice Dydasco of the Spirit took Ifeoma Onumonu down in the box. Portland's Lindsey Horan had a yellow card for an eighty-eighth minute foul. The game ended 1-1, with the woman of the match being Ordega, while Bledsoe (five for six in saves including one for two on penalty kicks), Estelle Johnson, Taylor Smith, and Huster all did well for the Spirit. The Thorns saw good games from Kelli Hubly, Celeste Boureille, Sinclair, and Onumonu.
On Saturday, the North Carolina Courage welcome the Utah Royals FC. Abby Smith and Katelyn Rowland play in goal. North Carolina began with a sixth minute goal by Merritt Mathias on a second chance after a corner kick. Kristen Hamilton of the Courage had a yellow card for a seventeenth minute foul. Utah's Brittany Ratcliffe took a yellow card for her twenty-eighth minute foul. The Royals took the lead with a Katie Stengel goal in the fifty-second minute. Utah gained the lead with a Ratcliffe goal in the sixty-sixth minute. North Carolina retied it on a Crystal Dunn goal in the eightieth minute. Abby Dahlkemper of the Courage took a yellow card for her eighty-seventh minute foul. The final stayed at 2-2, with the woman of the match being Stengel, while Ratcliffe, Desiree Scott, and Sydney Miramontez also did well for the Royals, while the Courage's best were Jaelene Hinkle, Mathias, McCall Zerboni, and Dunn.
Over in Chicago, the Red Stars bring in Sky Blue FC for the other Saturday game. Kailen Sheridan and Alyssa Naeher are the strong goalies. Chicago opened in the first minute with a Sofia Huerta goal, passed from Alyssa Mautz. Sky Blue tied it in the seventy-eighth minute with a Savannah McCaskill on a deflected shot, helped along by Katie Johnson. This made it 1-1, the final, with the woman of the match being McCaskill for her equalizer. Sky Blue also saw good games from Carli Lloyd and Raquel Rodriguez, while the Red Stars' best were Arin Gilliland, Danielle Colaprico, Huerta, and Yuki Nagasato.
Finally, the Orlando Pride host the Houston Dash. Jane Campbell and Ashlyn Harris are the American keepers. Orlando got going in the sixty-fifth minute with a Chioma Ubogagu goal, set up by Christine Nairn on a free kick. The final held from here at 1-0, with Ubogagu named woman of the match. Toni Pressley, Nairn, and Sydney Leroux also played well for the Pride, while Kristie Mewis, Mana Shim, and Nichelle Prince had the best efforts for the Dash.
NWSL Team of the Week
GK Aubrey Bledsoe
LB Arin Gilliland
CB Toni Pressley
CB Megan Oyster
RB Merritt Mathias
DM Danielle Colaprico
AM Sofia Huerta
AM Christine Sinclair
FW Jessica McDonald
FW Savannah McCaskill
FW Chioma Ubogagu
Central Division Playoffs: 1) Nashville Predators v. 4) Colorado Avalanche
The Stanley Cup Playoffs start now, with divisional round series. Each post will contain the entire series.
Game 1: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Colorado started in the first period with a Nikita Zadorov goal, made possible by Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon. Nashville tied it in the second period with an Austin Watson goal, via Colton Sissons and Ryan Johansen. The Avalanche retook the lead with a Blake Comeau goal, guided in by Carl Soderberg and Matt Nieto. The Predators retied it on a Craig Smith power play goal, powered by Johansen. Nashville took the lead in the third period with a Filip Forsberg goal, fueled by Roman Josi and Viktor Arvidsson. The Predators added on with an unassisted Forsberg goal, his second of the game. Nashville iced it at 5-2 with a Sissons empty net goal, set up by Watson and Josi. The three stars went to Forsberg, Watson, and Sissons, while Josi and Johansen receive honorable mentions. Nashville takes a 1-0 series lead with this win.
Game 2: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Colorado led off in the first period with a Gabriel Bourque goal, assisted by J.T. Compher and Colin Wilson. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Kevin Fiala power play goal, powered by Colton Sissons and Kyle Turris. The Predators took the lead with an unassisted Viktor Arvidsson goal. Nashville added on with a Ryan Johansen goal, fueled by Mattias Ekholm and P.K. Subban. The Avalanche pulled one back on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, coming off of Nikita Zadorov. The Predators replied with an Austin Watson goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Fiala and Nick Bonino. Colorado got one back with a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, with assists provided by MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. Nashville countered with a Ryan Hartman empty net goal, set up by Subban and Ekholm. The Avalanche made it interesting with an Alexander Kerfoot goal, helped along by Landeskog and Barrie. Still, they lost 5-4, with the three stars being Fiala, MacKinnon, and Landeskog, while Barrie, Ekholm, and Subban get the honorable mentions. The Predators head west ahead in the series 2-0.
Game 3: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche. Colorado opened in the first period with a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the postseason, via Carl Soderberg and Matt Nieto. The Avalanche added on with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patrik Nemeth and J.T. Compher. Colorado extended the lead as Nathan MacKinnon scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche padded the lead in the second period with another MacKinnon goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, passed from Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen. Nashville got on the board with a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Filip Forsberg and Ryan Ellis. The Predators got closer with a Colton Sissons goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Roman Josi and Ellis. Colorado answered with a Landeskog empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Rantanen and Mark Barberio. Nashville pulled back with an Austin Watson goal, his third of the playoffs, going in unassisted. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars given to MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Rantanen, while Ellis gets an honorable mention. The Predators still have a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche. Nashville began in the first period with a Filip Forsberg goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Ryan Johansen and Mattias Ekholm. The Predators added on with a Colton Sissons goal in the second period, his third of the playoffs, via Forsberg and Ekholm. Nashville extended the lead as Craig Smith scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Austin Watson. Colorado got on the board in the third period with a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Tyson Jost and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche got closer with an Alexander Kerfoot goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Matt Nieto and Nikita Zadorov. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Forsberg, Ekholm, and Smith. The Predators head home with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Andrew Hammond for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the third period with a Nick Bonino goal, assisted by Mattias Ekholm and Austin Watson. Colorado tied it on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The Avalanche took the lead with a Sven Andrighetto goal, helped along by J.T. Compher and Tyson Barrie. This gave them a 2-1 win, with the three stars awarded to Hammond (44 for 45 in saves), Andrighetto, and Landeskog. The series heads west again with the Predators' lead chopped to 3-2.
Game 6: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Andrew Hammond for the Avalanche. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Mattias Ekholm goal, coming off of Colton Sissons and Nick Bonino. The Predators added on with an Austin Watson goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Sissons and Bonino. Nashville extended the lead as Filip Forsberg scored his fourth of the playoffs in the second period, going in unassisted. The Predators padded the lead as Bonino scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Calle Jarnkrok and Ryan Ellis. Nashville kept going in the third period with a Viktor Arvidsson goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by P.K. Subban. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Bonino, Sissons, and Rinne (22 save shutout). The Predators will face the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Game 1: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Colorado started in the first period with a Nikita Zadorov goal, made possible by Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon. Nashville tied it in the second period with an Austin Watson goal, via Colton Sissons and Ryan Johansen. The Avalanche retook the lead with a Blake Comeau goal, guided in by Carl Soderberg and Matt Nieto. The Predators retied it on a Craig Smith power play goal, powered by Johansen. Nashville took the lead in the third period with a Filip Forsberg goal, fueled by Roman Josi and Viktor Arvidsson. The Predators added on with an unassisted Forsberg goal, his second of the game. Nashville iced it at 5-2 with a Sissons empty net goal, set up by Watson and Josi. The three stars went to Forsberg, Watson, and Sissons, while Josi and Johansen receive honorable mentions. Nashville takes a 1-0 series lead with this win.
Game 2: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Colorado led off in the first period with a Gabriel Bourque goal, assisted by J.T. Compher and Colin Wilson. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Kevin Fiala power play goal, powered by Colton Sissons and Kyle Turris. The Predators took the lead with an unassisted Viktor Arvidsson goal. Nashville added on with a Ryan Johansen goal, fueled by Mattias Ekholm and P.K. Subban. The Avalanche pulled one back on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, coming off of Nikita Zadorov. The Predators replied with an Austin Watson goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Fiala and Nick Bonino. Colorado got one back with a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, with assists provided by MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. Nashville countered with a Ryan Hartman empty net goal, set up by Subban and Ekholm. The Avalanche made it interesting with an Alexander Kerfoot goal, helped along by Landeskog and Barrie. Still, they lost 5-4, with the three stars being Fiala, MacKinnon, and Landeskog, while Barrie, Ekholm, and Subban get the honorable mentions. The Predators head west ahead in the series 2-0.
Game 3: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche. Colorado opened in the first period with a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the postseason, via Carl Soderberg and Matt Nieto. The Avalanche added on with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patrik Nemeth and J.T. Compher. Colorado extended the lead as Nathan MacKinnon scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche padded the lead in the second period with another MacKinnon goal, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, passed from Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen. Nashville got on the board with a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Filip Forsberg and Ryan Ellis. The Predators got closer with a Colton Sissons goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Roman Josi and Ellis. Colorado answered with a Landeskog empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Rantanen and Mark Barberio. Nashville pulled back with an Austin Watson goal, his third of the playoffs, going in unassisted. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars given to MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Rantanen, while Ellis gets an honorable mention. The Predators still have a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jonathan Bernier for the Avalanche. Nashville began in the first period with a Filip Forsberg goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Ryan Johansen and Mattias Ekholm. The Predators added on with a Colton Sissons goal in the second period, his third of the playoffs, via Forsberg and Ekholm. Nashville extended the lead as Craig Smith scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Austin Watson. Colorado got on the board in the third period with a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, his third of the playoffs, powered by Tyson Jost and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche got closer with an Alexander Kerfoot goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Matt Nieto and Nikita Zadorov. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Forsberg, Ekholm, and Smith. The Predators head home with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Andrew Hammond for the Avalanche and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the third period with a Nick Bonino goal, assisted by Mattias Ekholm and Austin Watson. Colorado tied it on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his fourth of the postseason, guided in by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The Avalanche took the lead with a Sven Andrighetto goal, helped along by J.T. Compher and Tyson Barrie. This gave them a 2-1 win, with the three stars awarded to Hammond (44 for 45 in saves), Andrighetto, and Landeskog. The series heads west again with the Predators' lead chopped to 3-2.
Game 6: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Andrew Hammond for the Avalanche. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Mattias Ekholm goal, coming off of Colton Sissons and Nick Bonino. The Predators added on with an Austin Watson goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Sissons and Bonino. Nashville extended the lead as Filip Forsberg scored his fourth of the playoffs in the second period, going in unassisted. The Predators padded the lead as Bonino scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Calle Jarnkrok and Ryan Ellis. Nashville kept going in the third period with a Viktor Arvidsson goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by P.K. Subban. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Bonino, Sissons, and Rinne (22 save shutout). The Predators will face the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
MLS 2018 Week 8
We've got a busy weekend in MLS, beginning with a lone game on Friday night in...
Kansas City, as Sporting hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Stefan Marinovic and Tim Melia protect the nets. Kansas City started in the tenth minute with a Johnny Russell goal, via Roger Espinoza and Graham Zusi. Sporting added on in the sixteenth minute with another Russell goal, coming off of Espinoza. Kansas City extended the lead as Jimmy Medranda scored in the thirtieth minute, thanks to Daniel Salloi. Kendall Waston of Vancouver had a yellow card in the thirty-sixth minute for a foul. In the fortieth minute, the Whitecaps went down to nine men with straight red cards for Yordy Reyna's violent conduct after application of VAR, as well as Efrain Juarez's foul and abusive language. Russell of Sporting also had a yellow card for a foul. Kansas City padded the lead in the forty-eighth minute as Russell completed his hat trick with the help of Matt Besler. Sporting continued with a Cristian Lobato goal in the fifty-fourth minute, guided in by Yohan Croizet. Kansas City iced it at 6-0 with a Croizet goal in the seventy-seventh minute, fueled by Ilie Sanchez. Russell was the obvious man of the match.
The first of eight games on Saturday sees the Montreal Impact welcome Los Angeles FC. Tyler Miller and Evan Bush man the nets. Montreal opened in the ninth minute with an Ignacio Piatti goal. Los Angeles goalie Miller took a yellow card for a fifteenth minute foul, leading the Impact to double the lead on a Piatti penalty kick goal. In the twenty-fourth minute, Los Angeles got on the board with a Laurent Ciman goal. Montreal's Piatti took a yellow card for a twenty-fifth minute dive. The Impact went down to ten men in the thirty-first minute as Victor Cabrera denied a goal scoring opportunity. Montreal added on in the forty-third minute with a Piatti goal, set up by Jukka Raitala to finish the hat trick. Los Angeles got one back in the fifty-second minute with a Benny Feilhaber goal, assisted by Marco Urena and Carlos Vela. Los Angeles tied it on an own goal by Raitala in the fifty-seventh minute. Los Angeles gained the lead with a Vela penalty kick goal in the eighty-third minute. Alejandro Silva of the Impact had a yellow card for an eighty-fourth minute foul. Los Angeles iced it at 5-3 with a Latif Blessing goal in the eighty-ninth minute. The man of the match was Piatti for his hat trick despite the loss.
Down in Houston, the Dynamo bring in Toronto FC. Clint Irwin and Joe Willis are the veterans in goal. Houston led off in the third minute with a Mauro Manotas goal, assisted by Romell Quioto. The Dynamo added on in the seventh minute with a Leonardo goal. Mitchell Taintor of Toronto had a yellow card for his twenty-ninth minute foul. Houston extended the lead in the forty-sixth minute as Eric Alexander scored. Toronto got on the board with a Taintor goal in the fifty-second minute, set up by Ager Aketxe. The Dynamo replied in the sixtieth minute on an Alberth Elis goal, passed from Quioto. Houston padded the lead on a Quioto goal in the seventy-seventh minute, made possible by Alejandro Fuenmayor. Jordan Hamilton of Toronto received a yellow card for his seventy-ninth minute foul. The final remained at 5-1, with the man of the match being Quioto.
Back north, the New York Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire. Richard Sanchez and Luis Robles are set to start in goal. Chicago began in the thirtieth minute with an Aleksandar Katai goal. New York's keeper Robles had a yellow card for his foul in the sixty-eighth minute, leading the Fire to adding a Nemanja Nikolic penalty kick goal to their lead. The Red Bulls got one back on an eighty-first minute goal by Bradley Wright-Phillips. Mohammed Adams of Chicago had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The final stood at 2-1, with Sanchez (nine for ten in saves) named man of the match.
West to Columbus, as the Crew SC welcome the New England Revolution. Matt Turner and Zack Steffen are between the posts. Columbus struck first in the ninth minute with an Andrew Farrell own goal. Claude Dielna of New England had a yellow card for his eleventh minute foul. The Revolution tied it on a Teal Bunbury goal in the fourteenth minute, set up by Cristian Penilla and Wilfried Zahibo. In the thirty-sixth minute, New England's Zahibo received a yellow card for a foul. The Crew took the lead back in the forty-third minute on a Gyasi Zardes goal, assisted by Federico Higuain and Pedro Santos. The Revolution tied it again in first half stoppage time with a Penilla goal, coming off of Juan Agudelo. In the sixtieth minute, New England had a yellow card for a Diego Fagundez foul. In the sixty-sixth minute, Higuain of Columbus took a yellow card for dissent. Gabriel Somi of the Revolution got booked on a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-seventh minute. In the eighty-eighth minute, New England's keeper Turner had a yellow card for time wasting. The final held at 2-2, with Penilla named man of the match.
In Florida, Orlando City SC brings in the San Jose Earthquakes. Andrew Tarbell and Joe Bendik are the gloved men. Orlando City kicked off the scoring in the second minute with a Chris Mueller goal, set up by Yoshimar Yotun. Orlando City added on in the thirty-fifth minute with a Sacha Kljestan goal, passed from Mueller and Yotun. Yotun took a yellow card for a sixty-fifth minute foul for Orlando City. Orlando City extended the lead in the sixty-ninth minute as Dominic Dwyer scored, thanks to Justin Meram. San Jose saw a yellow card for dissent by Yefferson Quintana in the seventy-third minute. The Earthquakes got on the board with a Florian Jungwirth goal in the seventy-eighth minute. San Jose pulled closer in the ninetieth minute with a Jungwirth goal, made possible by Magnus Eriksson. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the man of the match being Mueller.
West to Texas, as FC Dallas hosts the Philadelphia Union. Andre Blake and Jimmy Maurer are set to start in goal. Dallas had a yellow card for a seventeenth minute foul by Jacori Hayes. Dallas got going in the sixty-fourth minute with a Mauro Diaz penalty kick goal. Dallas added on in the seventy-fourth minute with a Maximiliano Urruti goal, via Roland Lamah. Philadelphia saw a yellow card for a Haris Medunjanin foul in stoppage time. The final was 2-0, with Lamah being the man of the match.
In the Rocky Mountain Derby, Real Salt Lake welcomes the Colorado Rapids. Tim Howard and Nick Rimando tend the nets, but Howard was ejected for handling the ball outside of the box on a goal scoring opportunity for Colorado in the twentieth minute. Zac MacMath stepped in for the ten-man side in the twenty-second minute after warming up. The Rapids also saw a yellow card for a foul by Dominique Badji in the thirty-second minute. Salt Lake had a yellow card for a seventy-fifth minute foul by Nick Besler. Yannick Boli and Tommy Smith of Colorado saw yellow cards for fouls in the seventy-seventh and eighty-first minutes, respectively. Real dented the scoreboard in the eighty-second minute with a Joao Plata penalty kick goal. Salt Lake added on with a Damir Kreilach goal in the eighty-ninth minute, courtesy of Albert Rusnak. Bismark Boateng of the Rapids had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. A minute later, Real iced it at 3-0 with a Rusnak goal. Rusnak was named man of the match for his late heroics.
Saturday ends with the Los Angeles Galaxy bringing in Atlanta United FC. Brad Guzan and David Bingham protect the nets. Atlanta was first to score in the twenty-second minute with a Josef Martinez goal. Los Angeles saw yellow cards for fouls by Jorgen Skjelvik and Perry Kitchen in the twenty-fourth and twenty-ninth minutes, respectively. Atlanta had yellow cards for time wasting by Michael Parkhurst in the seventy-fifth minute and a foul by Miguel Almiron in the seventy-seventh minute. Servando Carrasco of the Galaxy took a yellow card for a foul in the eighty-fifth minute. Romario Williams of Atlanta had a yellow card for not retreating in stoppage time. Atlanta iced it at 2-0 a minute later on an Almiron penalty kick goal. Martinez was the man of the match.
On Sunday, the Seattle Sounders FC host Minnesota United FC. Bobby Shuttleworth and Stefan Frei are the experienced keepers. Seattle opened in the twenty-third minute with a Gustav Svensson goal, set up by Cristian Roldan and Osvaldo Alonso. The Sounders added on with a Will Bruin goal in the twenty-fifth minute, assisted by Roldan and Nicolas Lodeiro. In the fifty-eighth minute, Seattle's Nouhou took a yellow card for time wasting. Minnesota got on the board in the sixty-sixth minute with a Christian Ramirez goal, via Darwin Quintero and Sam Nicholson. Kelvin Leerdam of the Sounders had a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-seventh minute. Seattle iced it at 3-1 with a Jordy Delem goal in stoppage time, coming off of Clint Dempsey. The man of the match was Roldan.
Finally, the Portland Timbers host New York City FC. Sean Johnson faces a lesser foe in Jeff Attinella in goal. Portland started in the twenty-sixth minute with a Sebastian Blanco goal, set up by Andres Flores and Alvas Powell. The Timbers added on in the thirty-eighth minute with a Fanendo Adi goal. Alexander Ring of New York City had a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-third minute. Portland extended the lead as Larrys Mabiala scored in the sixty-sixth minute, thanks to Diego Valeri. Alexander Callens of New York City took a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The final was 3-0, with Blanco named man of the match.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Kansas City, as Sporting hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Stefan Marinovic and Tim Melia protect the nets. Kansas City started in the tenth minute with a Johnny Russell goal, via Roger Espinoza and Graham Zusi. Sporting added on in the sixteenth minute with another Russell goal, coming off of Espinoza. Kansas City extended the lead as Jimmy Medranda scored in the thirtieth minute, thanks to Daniel Salloi. Kendall Waston of Vancouver had a yellow card in the thirty-sixth minute for a foul. In the fortieth minute, the Whitecaps went down to nine men with straight red cards for Yordy Reyna's violent conduct after application of VAR, as well as Efrain Juarez's foul and abusive language. Russell of Sporting also had a yellow card for a foul. Kansas City padded the lead in the forty-eighth minute as Russell completed his hat trick with the help of Matt Besler. Sporting continued with a Cristian Lobato goal in the fifty-fourth minute, guided in by Yohan Croizet. Kansas City iced it at 6-0 with a Croizet goal in the seventy-seventh minute, fueled by Ilie Sanchez. Russell was the obvious man of the match.
The first of eight games on Saturday sees the Montreal Impact welcome Los Angeles FC. Tyler Miller and Evan Bush man the nets. Montreal opened in the ninth minute with an Ignacio Piatti goal. Los Angeles goalie Miller took a yellow card for a fifteenth minute foul, leading the Impact to double the lead on a Piatti penalty kick goal. In the twenty-fourth minute, Los Angeles got on the board with a Laurent Ciman goal. Montreal's Piatti took a yellow card for a twenty-fifth minute dive. The Impact went down to ten men in the thirty-first minute as Victor Cabrera denied a goal scoring opportunity. Montreal added on in the forty-third minute with a Piatti goal, set up by Jukka Raitala to finish the hat trick. Los Angeles got one back in the fifty-second minute with a Benny Feilhaber goal, assisted by Marco Urena and Carlos Vela. Los Angeles tied it on an own goal by Raitala in the fifty-seventh minute. Los Angeles gained the lead with a Vela penalty kick goal in the eighty-third minute. Alejandro Silva of the Impact had a yellow card for an eighty-fourth minute foul. Los Angeles iced it at 5-3 with a Latif Blessing goal in the eighty-ninth minute. The man of the match was Piatti for his hat trick despite the loss.
Down in Houston, the Dynamo bring in Toronto FC. Clint Irwin and Joe Willis are the veterans in goal. Houston led off in the third minute with a Mauro Manotas goal, assisted by Romell Quioto. The Dynamo added on in the seventh minute with a Leonardo goal. Mitchell Taintor of Toronto had a yellow card for his twenty-ninth minute foul. Houston extended the lead in the forty-sixth minute as Eric Alexander scored. Toronto got on the board with a Taintor goal in the fifty-second minute, set up by Ager Aketxe. The Dynamo replied in the sixtieth minute on an Alberth Elis goal, passed from Quioto. Houston padded the lead on a Quioto goal in the seventy-seventh minute, made possible by Alejandro Fuenmayor. Jordan Hamilton of Toronto received a yellow card for his seventy-ninth minute foul. The final remained at 5-1, with the man of the match being Quioto.
Back north, the New York Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire. Richard Sanchez and Luis Robles are set to start in goal. Chicago began in the thirtieth minute with an Aleksandar Katai goal. New York's keeper Robles had a yellow card for his foul in the sixty-eighth minute, leading the Fire to adding a Nemanja Nikolic penalty kick goal to their lead. The Red Bulls got one back on an eighty-first minute goal by Bradley Wright-Phillips. Mohammed Adams of Chicago had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The final stood at 2-1, with Sanchez (nine for ten in saves) named man of the match.
West to Columbus, as the Crew SC welcome the New England Revolution. Matt Turner and Zack Steffen are between the posts. Columbus struck first in the ninth minute with an Andrew Farrell own goal. Claude Dielna of New England had a yellow card for his eleventh minute foul. The Revolution tied it on a Teal Bunbury goal in the fourteenth minute, set up by Cristian Penilla and Wilfried Zahibo. In the thirty-sixth minute, New England's Zahibo received a yellow card for a foul. The Crew took the lead back in the forty-third minute on a Gyasi Zardes goal, assisted by Federico Higuain and Pedro Santos. The Revolution tied it again in first half stoppage time with a Penilla goal, coming off of Juan Agudelo. In the sixtieth minute, New England had a yellow card for a Diego Fagundez foul. In the sixty-sixth minute, Higuain of Columbus took a yellow card for dissent. Gabriel Somi of the Revolution got booked on a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-seventh minute. In the eighty-eighth minute, New England's keeper Turner had a yellow card for time wasting. The final held at 2-2, with Penilla named man of the match.
In Florida, Orlando City SC brings in the San Jose Earthquakes. Andrew Tarbell and Joe Bendik are the gloved men. Orlando City kicked off the scoring in the second minute with a Chris Mueller goal, set up by Yoshimar Yotun. Orlando City added on in the thirty-fifth minute with a Sacha Kljestan goal, passed from Mueller and Yotun. Yotun took a yellow card for a sixty-fifth minute foul for Orlando City. Orlando City extended the lead in the sixty-ninth minute as Dominic Dwyer scored, thanks to Justin Meram. San Jose saw a yellow card for dissent by Yefferson Quintana in the seventy-third minute. The Earthquakes got on the board with a Florian Jungwirth goal in the seventy-eighth minute. San Jose pulled closer in the ninetieth minute with a Jungwirth goal, made possible by Magnus Eriksson. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the man of the match being Mueller.
West to Texas, as FC Dallas hosts the Philadelphia Union. Andre Blake and Jimmy Maurer are set to start in goal. Dallas had a yellow card for a seventeenth minute foul by Jacori Hayes. Dallas got going in the sixty-fourth minute with a Mauro Diaz penalty kick goal. Dallas added on in the seventy-fourth minute with a Maximiliano Urruti goal, via Roland Lamah. Philadelphia saw a yellow card for a Haris Medunjanin foul in stoppage time. The final was 2-0, with Lamah being the man of the match.
In the Rocky Mountain Derby, Real Salt Lake welcomes the Colorado Rapids. Tim Howard and Nick Rimando tend the nets, but Howard was ejected for handling the ball outside of the box on a goal scoring opportunity for Colorado in the twentieth minute. Zac MacMath stepped in for the ten-man side in the twenty-second minute after warming up. The Rapids also saw a yellow card for a foul by Dominique Badji in the thirty-second minute. Salt Lake had a yellow card for a seventy-fifth minute foul by Nick Besler. Yannick Boli and Tommy Smith of Colorado saw yellow cards for fouls in the seventy-seventh and eighty-first minutes, respectively. Real dented the scoreboard in the eighty-second minute with a Joao Plata penalty kick goal. Salt Lake added on with a Damir Kreilach goal in the eighty-ninth minute, courtesy of Albert Rusnak. Bismark Boateng of the Rapids had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. A minute later, Real iced it at 3-0 with a Rusnak goal. Rusnak was named man of the match for his late heroics.
Saturday ends with the Los Angeles Galaxy bringing in Atlanta United FC. Brad Guzan and David Bingham protect the nets. Atlanta was first to score in the twenty-second minute with a Josef Martinez goal. Los Angeles saw yellow cards for fouls by Jorgen Skjelvik and Perry Kitchen in the twenty-fourth and twenty-ninth minutes, respectively. Atlanta had yellow cards for time wasting by Michael Parkhurst in the seventy-fifth minute and a foul by Miguel Almiron in the seventy-seventh minute. Servando Carrasco of the Galaxy took a yellow card for a foul in the eighty-fifth minute. Romario Williams of Atlanta had a yellow card for not retreating in stoppage time. Atlanta iced it at 2-0 a minute later on an Almiron penalty kick goal. Martinez was the man of the match.
On Sunday, the Seattle Sounders FC host Minnesota United FC. Bobby Shuttleworth and Stefan Frei are the experienced keepers. Seattle opened in the twenty-third minute with a Gustav Svensson goal, set up by Cristian Roldan and Osvaldo Alonso. The Sounders added on with a Will Bruin goal in the twenty-fifth minute, assisted by Roldan and Nicolas Lodeiro. In the fifty-eighth minute, Seattle's Nouhou took a yellow card for time wasting. Minnesota got on the board in the sixty-sixth minute with a Christian Ramirez goal, via Darwin Quintero and Sam Nicholson. Kelvin Leerdam of the Sounders had a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-seventh minute. Seattle iced it at 3-1 with a Jordy Delem goal in stoppage time, coming off of Clint Dempsey. The man of the match was Roldan.
Finally, the Portland Timbers host New York City FC. Sean Johnson faces a lesser foe in Jeff Attinella in goal. Portland started in the twenty-sixth minute with a Sebastian Blanco goal, set up by Andres Flores and Alvas Powell. The Timbers added on in the thirty-eighth minute with a Fanendo Adi goal. Alexander Ring of New York City had a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-third minute. Portland extended the lead as Larrys Mabiala scored in the sixty-sixth minute, thanks to Diego Valeri. Alexander Callens of New York City took a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The final was 3-0, with Blanco named man of the match.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Metropolitan Division Playoffs: 2) Pittsburgh Penguins v. 3) Philadelphia Flyers
The Stanley Cup Playoffs start now, with divisional round series. Each post will contain the entire series.
Game 1: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Bryan Rust goal, via Kris Letang and Jake Guentzel. The Penguins added on with a Carl Hagelin goal, passed from Patric Hornqvist and Riley Sheahan. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Evgeni Malkin scored, thanks to Hagelin. The Penguins padded the lead with a Guentzel power play goal, powered by Derick Brassard and Conor Sheary. Pittsburgh chased Elliott with a Sidney Crosby goal, made possible by Brian Dumoulin and Guentzel. The Penguins continued against Petr Mrazek in the third period with another Crosby goal, assisted by Justin Schultz and Guentzel, the latter earning a sock trick. Pittsburgh made it 7-0 with a Crosby goal to complete a natural hat trick, with a lone assist by Dumoulin. This was the final score, with the three stars being Crosby, Guentzel, and Murray (24 save shutout), while Hagelin and Dumoulin get the honorable mentions. The Penguins lead the series 1-0.
Game 2: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Philadelphia started in the first period with a Shayne Gostisbehere power play goal, powered by Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier. The Flyers added on in the second period with a Couturier goal, via Ivan Provorov and Michael Raffl. Philadelphia extended the lead as Travis Konecny scored, thanks to Wayne Simmonds and Provorov. The Flyers padded the lead on a Nolan Patrick power play goal, made possible by Couturier and Jakub Voracek. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Patric Hornqvist goal, passed from Justin Schultz and Brian Dumoulin. Philadelphia iced at 5-1 with an Andrew MacDonald empty net goal, set up by Jori Lehtera. The three stars went to Couturier, Provorov, and Elliott (34 for 35 in saves). The series heads east tied at 1.
Game 3: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Brian Elliott for the Flyers. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Patric Hornqvist. The Penguins added on in the second period with a Derick Brassard power play goal, powered by Phil Kessel and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Evgeni Malkin scored his second of the playoffs on the power play, with the help of Letang and Crosby. The Penguins padded the lead on a Brian Dumoulin goal, with a lone helper by Crosby. Philadelphia got on the board with a Travis Sanheim goal, helped along by Jakub Voracek and Nolan Patrick. Pittsburgh capped it at 5-1 in the third period on a Justin Schultz power play goal, with assists provided by Malkin and Crosby, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars belonged to Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. The Penguins retook the series lead at 2-1.
Game 4: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Brian Elliott for the Flyers. Pittsburgh began in the first period with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel. The Penguins added on with a Kessel goal, with a lone assist by Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period as Kris Letang scored, thanks to Jake Guentzel. The Penguins padded the lead on a Crosby goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Guentzel and Dominik Simon. Pittsburgh iced it at 5-0 with a Riley Sheahan goal in the third period, with helpers from Olli Maatta and Zach Aston-Reese. The three stars were Malkin, Kessel, and Murray (26 save shutout), while Crosby and Guentzel get the honorable mentions. Pittsburgh heads back home with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Claude Giroux goal, helped along by Jakub Voracek and Valtteri Filppula. Pittsburgh tied it on a Bryan Rust goal, his second of the postseason, via Conor Sheary and Derick Brassard in the second period. The Penguins took the lead with a Jake Guentzel goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Sidney Crosby and Dominik Simon. The Flyers retied it with a shorthanded Filppula goal, set up by Jori Lehtera. Philadelphia gained the lead with a Sean Couturier goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with a Matt Read empty net goal, set up by Filppula. The three stars were Filppula, Couturier, and Giroux. The series heads east again with the Penguins up 3-2.
Game 6: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers. Philadelphia kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Sean Couturier goal, his third of the postseason, going in unassisted. Pittsburgh tied it on a Sidney Crosby goal, his sixth of the playoffs, assisted by Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin. The Penguins took the lead on a Carl Hagelin goal, his second of the postseason, helped along by Phil Kessel and Riley Sheahan. The Flyers tied it on an Andrew MacDonald goal, his second of the playoffs, via Ivan Provorov and Couturier. Philadelphia pulled ahead on a Couturier goal in the second period, his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, passed from Matt Read. The Flyers added on with a Scott Laughton goal, with a lone assist by Couturier. Pittsburgh pulled back on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Jake Guentzel and Crosby. The Penguins retied it on a Guentzel goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Olli Maatta and Hornqvist. Pittsburgh gained the lead with a Guentzel goal in the third period, his fourth of the playoffs and second of the game, with a lone helper from Kessel. The Penguins extended the lead as Guentzel completed his hat trick on his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Crosby and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh padded the lead with a Guentzel goal, his fourth of the game and sixth of the playoffs, courtesy of Hornqvist and Letang, the latter earning a sock trick. Philadelphia got one back with a Couturier goal to complete his hat trick with his fifth of the postseason, dished from Claude Giroux. The Penguins iced it at 8-5 with a Bryan Rust empty net goal, his third of the playoffs. The three stars were Guentzel, Couturier, and Crosby, while Hornqvist, Letang, and Kessel get the honorable mentions. The Penguins took the series 4-2 to advance to the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Game 1: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Bryan Rust goal, via Kris Letang and Jake Guentzel. The Penguins added on with a Carl Hagelin goal, passed from Patric Hornqvist and Riley Sheahan. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Evgeni Malkin scored, thanks to Hagelin. The Penguins padded the lead with a Guentzel power play goal, powered by Derick Brassard and Conor Sheary. Pittsburgh chased Elliott with a Sidney Crosby goal, made possible by Brian Dumoulin and Guentzel. The Penguins continued against Petr Mrazek in the third period with another Crosby goal, assisted by Justin Schultz and Guentzel, the latter earning a sock trick. Pittsburgh made it 7-0 with a Crosby goal to complete a natural hat trick, with a lone assist by Dumoulin. This was the final score, with the three stars being Crosby, Guentzel, and Murray (24 save shutout), while Hagelin and Dumoulin get the honorable mentions. The Penguins lead the series 1-0.
Game 2: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Brian Elliott for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Philadelphia started in the first period with a Shayne Gostisbehere power play goal, powered by Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier. The Flyers added on in the second period with a Couturier goal, via Ivan Provorov and Michael Raffl. Philadelphia extended the lead as Travis Konecny scored, thanks to Wayne Simmonds and Provorov. The Flyers padded the lead on a Nolan Patrick power play goal, made possible by Couturier and Jakub Voracek. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Patric Hornqvist goal, passed from Justin Schultz and Brian Dumoulin. Philadelphia iced at 5-1 with an Andrew MacDonald empty net goal, set up by Jori Lehtera. The three stars went to Couturier, Provorov, and Elliott (34 for 35 in saves). The series heads east tied at 1.
Game 3: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Brian Elliott for the Flyers. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Patric Hornqvist. The Penguins added on in the second period with a Derick Brassard power play goal, powered by Phil Kessel and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Evgeni Malkin scored his second of the playoffs on the power play, with the help of Letang and Crosby. The Penguins padded the lead on a Brian Dumoulin goal, with a lone helper by Crosby. Philadelphia got on the board with a Travis Sanheim goal, helped along by Jakub Voracek and Nolan Patrick. Pittsburgh capped it at 5-1 in the third period on a Justin Schultz power play goal, with assists provided by Malkin and Crosby, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars belonged to Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. The Penguins retook the series lead at 2-1.
Game 4: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Brian Elliott for the Flyers. Pittsburgh began in the first period with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel. The Penguins added on with a Kessel goal, with a lone assist by Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period as Kris Letang scored, thanks to Jake Guentzel. The Penguins padded the lead on a Crosby goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Guentzel and Dominik Simon. Pittsburgh iced it at 5-0 with a Riley Sheahan goal in the third period, with helpers from Olli Maatta and Zach Aston-Reese. The three stars were Malkin, Kessel, and Murray (26 save shutout), while Crosby and Guentzel get the honorable mentions. Pittsburgh heads back home with a 3-1 series lead.
Game 5: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers and Matt Murray for the Penguins. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Claude Giroux goal, helped along by Jakub Voracek and Valtteri Filppula. Pittsburgh tied it on a Bryan Rust goal, his second of the postseason, via Conor Sheary and Derick Brassard in the second period. The Penguins took the lead with a Jake Guentzel goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Sidney Crosby and Dominik Simon. The Flyers retied it with a shorthanded Filppula goal, set up by Jori Lehtera. Philadelphia gained the lead with a Sean Couturier goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with a Matt Read empty net goal, set up by Filppula. The three stars were Filppula, Couturier, and Giroux. The series heads east again with the Penguins up 3-2.
Game 6: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Matt Murray for the Penguins and Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers. Philadelphia kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Sean Couturier goal, his third of the postseason, going in unassisted. Pittsburgh tied it on a Sidney Crosby goal, his sixth of the playoffs, assisted by Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin. The Penguins took the lead on a Carl Hagelin goal, his second of the postseason, helped along by Phil Kessel and Riley Sheahan. The Flyers tied it on an Andrew MacDonald goal, his second of the playoffs, via Ivan Provorov and Couturier. Philadelphia pulled ahead on a Couturier goal in the second period, his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, passed from Matt Read. The Flyers added on with a Scott Laughton goal, with a lone assist by Couturier. Pittsburgh pulled back on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Jake Guentzel and Crosby. The Penguins retied it on a Guentzel goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Olli Maatta and Hornqvist. Pittsburgh gained the lead with a Guentzel goal in the third period, his fourth of the playoffs and second of the game, with a lone helper from Kessel. The Penguins extended the lead as Guentzel completed his hat trick on his fifth of the postseason, thanks to Crosby and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh padded the lead with a Guentzel goal, his fourth of the game and sixth of the playoffs, courtesy of Hornqvist and Letang, the latter earning a sock trick. Philadelphia got one back with a Couturier goal to complete his hat trick with his fifth of the postseason, dished from Claude Giroux. The Penguins iced it at 8-5 with a Bryan Rust empty net goal, his third of the playoffs. The three stars were Guentzel, Couturier, and Crosby, while Hornqvist, Letang, and Kessel get the honorable mentions. The Penguins took the series 4-2 to advance to the second round.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)