NHL 2021-22 - Day 46

We're ready to begin a slower Saturday, with nine games. First up...

The Florida Panthers host the Seattle Kraken. Chris Driedger and Spencer Knight are the goalies. Seattle began in the first period with a Jordan Eberle power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Joonas Donskoi and Vince Dunn. Florida tied it on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his third of the year, via MacKenzie Weegar and Joe Thornton. The Kraken retook the lead with a Ryan Donato goal, his third of the season, assisted by Jamie Oleksiak and Donskoi. Seattle added on in the third period with an Eberle goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, coming off of Yanni Gourde. The Kraken iced it at 4-1 with an Oleksiak empty net goal, set up by Carson Soucy. The three stars were Eberle, Driedger (33 for 34 in saves), and Oleksiak.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Dustin Tokarski and Alex Nedeljkovic man the nets. Buffalo got going in the second period with a Dylan Cozens goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Brett Murray and Kyle Okposo. Detroit tied it on a Carter Rowney goal, his second of the year, guided in by Gustav Lindstrom and Sam Gagner. The Red Wings took the lead with a Pius Suter goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Givani Smith and Moritz Seider. The Sabres tied it in the third period with a Jeff Skinner goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Cody Eakin and Rasmus Dahlin. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime with a Lucas Raymond goal, his ninth of the campaign, coming off of Dylan Larkin and Filip Hronek. The three stars were Raymond, Suter, and Rowney.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Penguins bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Jake Allen and Casey DeSmith receive the starting nods in goal. Montreal dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Jonathan Drouin goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. Pittsburgh tied it in the third period on an Evan Rodrigues power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. The Canadiens retook the lead with a Christian Dvorak goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Sami Niku and Josh Anderson. Montreal added on with an Artturi Lehkonen goal, his third of the year, via Cole Caufield and David Savard. The Penguins got closer on a Jeff Carter goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Kasperi Kapanen and Crosby. The Canadiens replied with an empty net goal by Anderson, his sixth of the year, set up by Dvorak and Tyler Toffoli. Pittsburgh got one back with a Crosby goal, his second of the season, with helpers from Kapanen and Carter. Montreal countered with another Anderson empty net goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, going in unassisted. The Canadiens finished it at 6-3 with a Toffoli empty net goal, his fifth of the campaign, with assists by Dvorak and Alexander Romanov. The three stars were Anderson, Dvorak, and Crosby, while Toffoli, Carter, and Kapanen get the honorable mentions.

Out west, the Vegas Golden Knights host the Edmonton Oilers. Mikko Koskinen and Robin Lehner are the veterans in goal. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his second of the season, via Tyson Barrie. The Oilers added on with a Zach Hyman goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Zack Kassian. Edmonton extended the lead as Jesse Puljujarvi goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Evan Bouchard and Warren Foegele in the second period. Vegas got on the board with a Chandler Stephenson goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty. The Golden Knights got closer in the third period with a Reilly Smith goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Jonathan Marchessault. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Koskinen (36 for 38 in saves), Puljujarvi, and Hyman.

In California, the Los Angeles Kings welcome the Ottawa Senators. Filip Gustavsson and Calvin Petersen are set to start in goal. Los Angeles led off in the first period with a Viktor Arvidsson power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Sean Durzi. Ottawa tied it on a Michael Del Zotto goal, his second of the year, coming off of Josh Norris. The Kings took the lead with a Carl Grundstrom goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Kopitar. Los Angeles added on with an Arthur Kaliyev goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Alexander Edler and Mikey Anderson. The Senators got one back on a Connor Brown goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted.  The Kings iced it at 4-2 in the third period with an empty net goal by Grundstrom empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. The three stars were Grundstrom, Kopitar, and Kaliyev.

Back east, the St. Louis Blues bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joonas Korpisalo and Ville Husso patrol the creases. Columbus struck first in the first period with a Boone Jenner power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist. St. Louis tied it in the second period with a Pavel Buchnevich goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues took the lead with an Ivan Barbashev goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Oskar Sundqvist and Pavel Buchnevich. St. Louis added on with a Jordan Kyrou goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Ryan O'Reilly. The Blue Jackets got one back in the third period with a Boqvist power play goal, his third of the season, assisted by Jakub Voracek and Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Blues replied with a Justin Faulk goal, his fourth of the year, via Robert Thomas and Tarasenko. St. Louis extended the lead as Buchnevich scored his second of the game and eighth of the season, thanks to Thomas and Tarasenko. The Blues padded the lead on another Barbashev goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, helped along by Brandon Saad and Colton Parayko. Columbus got one back on another Boqvist goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, with helpers from Alexandre Texier and Jake Bean. This made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars given to Buchnevich, Barbashev, and Tarasenko, while Boqvist and Thomas get the honorable mentions.

Backtracking to Arizona, where the Coyotes host the Dallas Stars. Braden Holtby and Scott Wedgewood are in the blue paint. Dallas began in the first period with a Roope Hintz goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson. Arizona tied it on an Antoine Roussel goal, his second of the year, guided in by Loui Eriksson and Anton Stralman. The Stars retook the lead with a Jacob Peterson goal, his third of the season, made possible by Radek Faksa and Alexander Radulov. The Coyotes tied it again in the second period with a Travis Boyd goal, his fifth of the year, via Kyle Capobianco and Phil Kessel. Dallas took the lead on a Robertson goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Andrej Sekera and Pavelski. This stood for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Robertson, Pavelski, and Peterson.

Up in Colorado, the Avalanche welcome the Nashville Predators. David Rittich and Jonas Johansson are the backups in goal. Colorado kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Mikko Rantanen power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Gabriel Landeskog and Cale Makar. The Avalanche added on with another Rantanen power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, with assists by Makar and Nazem Kadri. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Luke Kunin goal, his third of the season, made possible by Eeli Tolvanen and Ryan Johansen. Colorado shot back with a Bowen Byram goal, his fourth of the year, via Landeskog and Makar. The Avalanche extended the lead in the third period as Valeri Nichushkin scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Rantanen and Devon Toews. Colorado padded the lead on a Rantanen goal to complete his hat trick with his tenth of the year, helped along by Kadri and Toews. The Predators got one back with a Matt Duchene goal, his thirteenth of the season, with helpers from Mikael Granlund and Filip Forsberg. The Avalanche replied with a Tyson Jost goal, his second of the year, coming off of Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Erik Johnson. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars being Rantanen, Makar, and Kadri, while Landeskog and Toews get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Calgary Flames bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Jacob Markstrom tend the twines. Calgary drew first blood in the first period with a Matthew Tkachuk goal, his tenth of the season, via Johnny Gaudreau. The Flames added on with an Elias Lindholm power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Sean Monahan and Gaudreau. Winnipeg got on the board with a Kyle Connor goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Blake Wheeler. The Jets tied it in the second period with a Paul Stastny goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Evgeny Svechnikov and Logan Stanley. Winnipeg took the lead in the third period with a Connor goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, assisted by Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. The Jets iced it at 4-2 with an Andrew Copp empty net goal, his sixth of the year, set up by Pierre-Luc Dubois. The three stars belonged to Connor, Wheeler, and Gaudreau. 

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NHL 2021-22 - Day 45

It's a big schedule on Black Friday, beginning with...

The Boston Bruins hosting the New York Rangers. Igor Shesterkin and Jeremy Swayman are the goalies. Boston led off in the first period with a Craig Smith goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. New York tied it on a Ryan Strome goal, his third of the year, via Artemi Panarin and Dryden Hunt. The Bruins retook the lead in the second period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Matt Grzelcyk and Brad Marchand. The Rangers tied it again with a Hunt goal, his second of the year, assisted by Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox. New York pulled ahead in the third period on a Panarin goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Julien Gauthier and Strome. The Rangers added on an Alexis Lafreniere goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Gauthier and Fox. New York iced it at 5-2 with a Jacob Trouba empty net goal, his third of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were Panarin, Strome, and Hunt, while Fox and Gauthier get the honorable mentions. 

Along to Chicago, as the Blackhawks welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jordan Binnington and Kevin Lankinen are in the blue paint. St. Louis began in the first period with a Pavel Buchnevich goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Jordan Kyrou and Justin Faulk.The Blues added on with an Ivan Barbashev power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Robert Thomas and Buchnevich. Chicago got on the board in the second period with a Jujhar Khaira goal, his second of the season, coming off of Mike Hardman and Reese Johnson. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period with a Brandon Hagel goal, his seventh of the year, via Seth Jones and Jonathan Toews. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime with an Alex DeBrincat goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Patrick Kane and Jones. The three stars were Jones, DeBrincat, and Hagel.

Back east, the Philadelphia Flyers bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Antti Raanta and Carter Hart patrol the creases. Philadelphia started in the first period with an Ivan Provorov goal, his second of the season, guided in by Claude Giroux. Carolina tied it on a Sebastian Aho goal, his ninth of the year, via Teuvo Teravainen. The Flyers retook the lead with a Joel Farabee shorthanded goal, his sixth of the season, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes tied it again in the second period with another Aho goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, assisted by Martin Necas and Brett Pesce. Philadelphia pulled ahead again with a Rasmus Ristolainen goal, coming off of Morgan Frost and Cam Atkinson. Carolina tied it again as Jesper Fast scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Nino Niederreiter and Ian Cole. The Hurricanes pulled ahead on a Jesperi Kotkaniemi goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Seth Jarvis and Tony DeAngelo. Carolina added on with a Steven Lorentz goal, his third of the season, with helpers from DeAngelo and Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the third period as Andrei Svechnikov scored his eighth of the year, with the help of Jordan Staal and Brady Skjei. This made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars going to Aho, Kotkaniemi, and DeAngelo.

West again to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Cam Talbot protect the nets. Minnesota opened in the first period with an Alex Goligoski goal, his second of the season, fueled by Brandon Duhaime and Nico Sturm. The Wild added on with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Dmitry Kulikov and Kirill Kaprizov. Minnesota extended the lead in the second period as Ryan Hartman scored his eleventh of the season, thanks to Kaprizov. The Wild chased Hellebuyck with a Zuccarello goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, via Kaprizov and Jonas Brodin. Eric Comrie relieved Hellebuyck in goal. Minnesota kept going with a Jon Merrill goal, his second of the season, made possible by Kevin Fiala and Frederick Gaudreau. The Wild continued in the third period with a Matt Dumba goal, his third of the year, helped along by Marcus Foligno and Rem Pitlick. Winnipeg got on the board with a Pierre-Luc Dubois power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Nate Schmidt and the goalie Comrie. Minnesota iced it at 7-1 with a Kaprizov goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper from Fiala. The three stars belonged to Kaprizov, Zuccarello, and Fiala.

In California, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Ottawa Senators. Anton Forsberg and Anthony Stolarz are the backups in goal. Anaheim struck first in the first period with an Isac Lundestrom goal, his fourth of the season, via Rickard Rakell. The Ducks added on with a Derek Grant goal in the second period, going in unassisted. Anaheim extended the lead on a Troy Terry power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Trevor Zegras. The Ducks padded the lead as Rakell scored his sixth of the campaign in the third period, thanks to Zegras and Sonny Milano. The three stars of the 4-0 game were Stolarz (34 save shutout), Rakell, and Zegras.

Eastward again to DC, as the Washington Capitals bring in the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovksy and Ilya Samsonov are the Russian goalies. Florida kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his seventh of the season, going in unassisted. Washington tied it in the second period with a shorthanded Tom Wilson goal, his eighth of the year, set up by John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Capitals took the lead with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Wilson and Aliaksei Protas. Washington added on with an Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, helped along by Protas and Kuznetsov. The Panthers got one back with a Sam Reinhart goal, his fourth of the season, via MacKenzie Weegar and Brandon Montour. Washington shot back in the third period with an Ovechkin goal to complete his hat trick on his eighteenth of the year, with helpers from Kuznetsov and Wilson. Florida got one back with a Carter Verhaeghe goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Gustav Forsling. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars awarded to Ovechkin, Wilson, and Kuznetsov, while Protas gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Nashville, as the Predators host the New Jersey Devils. Jonathan Bernier and Juuse Saros are set to start in goal. Nashville drew first blood in the first period with a Roman Josi goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Ryan Johansen and Alexandre Carrier. The Predators added on in the second period with a Philip Tomasino goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Nick Cousins and Josi. Nashville extended the lead in the third period as Mikael Granlund scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Matt Duchene and Filip Forsberg. New Jersey got on the board with an Andreas Johnsson goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Dawson Mercer and Jesper Bratt. The Predators replied with a Carrier empty net goal, his second of the season, set up by Johansen. The Devils got one back with a Tomas Tatar goal, his third of the year, helped along by Johnsson. This only made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Josi, Johansen, and Carrier, while Johnsson gets an honorable mention.

Northeast to Buffalo, where the Sabres welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Sam Montembeault and Dustin Tokarski are the backups in goal. Buffalo was first to score in the first period with a Tage Thompson goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Victor Olofsson and Jeff Skinner. Montreal tied it on a Josh Anderson goal, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The Sabres retook the lead in the second period with a Cody Eakin goal, his third of the season, coming off of Vinnie Hinostroza. Buffalo added on with a shorthanded Kyle Okposo goal, his sixth of the year, set up by Eakin. The Sabres iced it at 4-1 in the third period with a Thompson goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, via Skinner and Olofsson. The three stars went to Thompson, Tokarski (25 for 26 in saves), and Eakin, while Skinner and Olofsson get the honorable mentions.

Way south to Tampa Bay, as the Lightning bring in the Seattle Kraken. Philipp Grubauer and Andrei Vasilevskiy guard the cages. Tampa Bay led off in the first period with a Pierre-Edouard Bellemare goal, via Corey Perry and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on in the second period with a Ross Colton goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Jan Rutta and Boris Katchouk. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the third period as Steven Stamkos scored his eleventh of the year, thanks to Ondrej Palat. The final held at 3-0, with the three stars given to Vasilevskiy (17 save shutout), Bellemare, and Colton.

Back north, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks. Thatcher Demko and Elvis Merzlikins are the talented goalies. Columbus began in the first period with a Gustav Nyquist shorthanded goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. Vancouver tied it on a Vasily Podkolzin goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Justin Dowling. The Blue Jackets retook the lead with an Adam Boqvist goal, his second of the season, via Cole Sillinger and Gavin Bayreuther in the second period. The Canucks tied it again with a Tyler Motte goal, courtesy of Quinn Hughes and Alex Chiasson. Columbus retook the lead in the third period with a Jack Roslovic goal, his third of the year, passed from Jakub Voracek and Vladislav Gavrikov. The Blue Jackets iced it at 4-2 with a Max Domi empty net goal, his third of the campaign, set up by Nyquist and Gavrikov. The three stars were Nyquist, Gavrikov, and Roslovic.

Back east a bit, the New York Islanders welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tristan Jarry and Ilya Sorokin tend the twines. Pittsburgh got going in the second period with a Kasperi Kapanen goal, his fifth of the season, via Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. This held for a 1-0 win, with the three stars awarded to Jarry (25 save shutout), Kapanen, and Sorokin (29 for 30 in saves).

Down in Dallas, the Stars bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Darcy Kuemper and Jake Oettinger are between the pipes. Dallas opened in the first period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Jason Robertson and John Klingberg. The Stars added on with another Pavelski goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, assisted by Roope Hintz. Dallas extended the lead in the second period on a Denis Gurianov power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Miro Heiskanen and Ryan Suter. Colorado got on the board in the third period with a Cale Makar goal, his ninth of the year, helped along by Gabriel Landeskog and Devon Toews. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Pavelski, Oettinger (32 for 33 in saves), and Gurianov.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll is mismatched with James Reimer in goal. Toronto started in the first period with a William Nylander goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by John Tavares and Morgan Rielly. San Jose tied it on a Nick Bonino goal, his second of the year, coming off of Noah Gregor and Erik Karlsson. The Maple Leafs retook the lead with a Wayne Simmonds goal, his second of the season, assisted by David Kampf and Nick Ritchie. Toronto added on in the second period with an Auston Matthews goal, his ninth of the year, via Michael Bunting and Timothy Liljegren. The Maple Leafs extended the lead on a Tavares power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Nylander and Mitchell Marner. Adin Hill relieved Reimer in goal. The final stood at 4-1, with the three stars going to Nylander, Tavares, and Woll (34 for 35 in saves). 

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NHL 2021-22 - Day 44

One of the biggest days of the season is here with 14 games on. First up...

The Buffalo Sabres host the Boston Bruins. Jeremy Swayman and Aaron Dell are set to start in goal. Buffalo started in the first period with a Kyle Okposo goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Rasmus Asplund. Boston tied it on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. The Bruins took the lead with a Charlie Coyle goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone helper by Nick Foligno. Boston added on with a Pastrnak power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Charlie McAvoy and Bergeron. The Bruins extended the lead as Mike Reilly scored his second of the season, with the help of and Jakub Zboril. Dustin Tokarski replaced Dell in goal. Boston padded the lead in the third period with a Taylor Hall power play goal, his fifth of the year, with assists provided by Craig Smith and Coyle. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Pastrnak, Coyle, and Foligno.

Down in Florida, the Panthers welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Martin Jones is mismatched with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal. Philadelphia opened with a Joel Farabee goal, his fifth of the season, via Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov. Florida tied it in the third period with a Sam Bennett power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Anthony Duclair and Aaron Ekblad. The Panthers won 2-1 in overtime on an Ekblad goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau and Bennett. The three stars belonged to Ekblad, Bennett, and Bobrovsky (32 for 33 in saves).

Along to New Jersey, as the Devils bring in the Minnesota Wild. Cam Talbot and MacKenzie Blackwood are in the creases. Minnesota struck first in the first period with a Ryan Hartman goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Dmitry Kulikov and Mats Zuccarello. The Wild added on with a Nico Sturm shorthanded goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Frederick Gaudreau and Jonas Brodin. New Jersey got on the board in the third period with a Pavel Zacha goal, his eighth of the season, via Nico Hischier and Tomas Tatar. The Devils tied it with a Yegor Sharangovich goal, his third of the year, passed from Hischier and Jesper Bratt. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kevin Fiala's lone tally gave the Wild a 3-2 win. The three stars were Hischier, Sturm, and Talbot (40 for 42 in saves).

To Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Vancouver Canucks. Thatcher Demko and Tristan Jarry protect the nets. Pittsburgh got going in the second period with a Bryan Rust power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Kris Letang and Jake Guentzel. The Penguins added on with an Evan Rodrigues goal, his seventh of the year, going in unassisted. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Zach Aston-Reese scored, thanks to Brock McGinn and Teddy Blueger. Vancouver got on the board with a Bo Horvat goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Luke Schenn. The Penguins iced it at 4-1 with a McGinn empty net goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Blueger and Marcus Pettersson. The three stars were McGinn, Jarry (36 for 37 in saves), and Blueger.

In DC, the Washington Capitals welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Jake Allen and Ilya Samsonov are the masked men. Washington led off in the first period with a Nic Dowd goal, his second of the season, via Dmitry Orlov and Nick Jensen. The Capitals added on with a John Carlson power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin. Washington extended the lead as Michael Sgarbossa scored an unassisted goal. Montreal got on the board with a Jake Evans goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Artturi Lehkonen. The Capitals answered in the second period with a Kuznetsov goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Carlson and Ovechkin. The Canadiens got one back with a Cole Caufield goal, made possible by Jonathan Drouin and Nick Suzuki. Washington replied in the third period with a Tom Wilson goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Ovechkin and Connor McMichael. The Capitals padded the lead on an Orlov goal, his third of the year, guided in by Dowd. Montreal got one back on a Lehkonen goal, his second of the campaign, with helpers from Brendan Gallagher and Evans. This only made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars going to Kuznetsov, Ovechkin, and Orlov, while Dowd, Carlson, Lehkonen, and Evans get the honorable mentions.

Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Elvis Merzlikins are called on to start. Columbus began in the first period with a Gregory Hofmann goal, his second of the season, made possible by Max Domi. The Blue Jackets added on in the third period with a Zach Werenski power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Jakub Voracek and Adam Boqvist. Columbus iced it at 3-0 with an Andrew Peeke empty net goal, set up Vladislav Gavrikov and Alexandre Texier. The three stars were awarded to Merzlikins (36 save shutout), Hofmann, and Werenski.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings host the St. Louis Blues. Ville Husso and Alex Nedeljkovic patrol the creases. St. Louis drew first blood in the first period with a Pavel Buchnevich power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Jordan Kyrou and Brandon Saad. Detroit tied it on a Lucas Raymond goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin. The Red Wings took the lead on a Larkin goal in the second period, his tenth of the year, via Filip Zadina and Robby Fabbri. The Blues tied it on a David Perron goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Scott Perunovich and Kyrou. Detroit retook the lead with an Adam Erne goal, his third of the year, coming off of Vladislav Namestnikov. The Red Wings iced it at 4-2 with a Fabbri empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Filip Hronek. The three stars were Larkin, Fabbri, and Kyrou.

Back east, the New York Islanders welcome their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers. Igor Shesterkin and Semyon Varlamov are the goalies. The Rangers dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Chris Kreider power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Ryan Strome and Adam Fox. The Rangers added on with a Kevin Rooney goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves. The Islanders got on the board with an Andy Andreoff goal, helped along by Otto Koivula and Sebastian Aho. The Rangers replied with another Rooney goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Reaves. The Rangers extended the lead as Kreider scored his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, thanks to Mika Zibanejad and Kaapo Kakko. This stood for a 4-1 win, with the three stars handed to Kreider, Rooney, and Reaves.

South to Nashville, as the Predators bring in the Vegas Golden Knights. Robin Lehner and Juuse Saros tend the twines. Vegas kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Chandler Stephenson goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Mark Stone. The Golden Knights added on in the second period with a Jonas Rondbjerg goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. Vegas extended the lead as Adam Brooks scored, thanks to Keegan Kolesar and Mattias Janmark. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Filip Forsberg goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Matt Duchene. The Golden Knights answered with a shorthanded goal by Alex Pietrangelo, his fourth of the year, set up by Stephenson. The Predators shot back with a Forsberg power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, powered by Roman Josi. Vegas iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Stone, helped along by Max Pacioretty. The three stars went to Stephenson, Forsberg, and Stone.

Out west, the Colorado Avalanche host the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Darcy Kuemper are between the pipes. Anaheim opened in the first period with a Sonny Milano power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Rickard Rakell and Jamie Drysdale. Colorado tied it on a Cale Makar goal, his eighth of the year, via Nazem Kadri and Gabriel Landeskog. Jonas Johansson entered the game multiple times as Kuemper battled equipment issues. The Avalanche pulled ahead in the second period on an Alex Newhook goal, his third of the season, assisted by Devon Toews and Tyson Jost. Colorado added on with a Nicolas Aube-Kubel goal, his second of the year, passed from Jayson Megna and Ryan Murray. The Avalanche extended the lead as Kadri scored on the power play, his seventh goal of the season, with the help of Mikko Rantanen and Landeskog. Colorado padded the lead on a Valeri Nichushkin goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Andre Burakovsky and Erik Johnson. The Ducks got one back with another Milano power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, with helpers from Drysdale and Trevor Zegras. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars going to Kadri, Milano, and Landeskog, while Drysdale gets an honorable mention.

Down in Arizona, the Coyotes welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Mikko Koskinen and Scott Wedgewood draw the starts in goal. Arizona started in the first period with a Clayton Keller goal, his fifth of the season, via Phil Kessel. Edmonton tied it on a power play goal by Connor McDavid, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Leon Draisaitl and Tyson Barrie. The Oilers took the lead in the second period on a Draisaitl goal, his nineteenth of the season, coming off of Zack Kassian and Cody Ceci. Edmonton added on in the third period with a Kassian goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Draisaitl and McDavid. The Oilers extended the lead as Draisaitl scored his second of the game and twentieth of the season, thanks to McDavid and Barrie on the power play. The Coyotes got one back on a Travis Boyd goal, his fourth of the year, with helpers from Jakob Chychrun and Keller. Arizona got closer with a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, his third of the season, helped along by Keller and Anton Stralman. Edmonton iced it at 5-3 with a McDavid empty net goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, set up by Kassian. The three stars were awarded to McDavid, Draisaitl, and Kassian, while Keller and Barrie get the honorable mentions.

Into California, where the Los Angeles Kings bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jack Campbell faces his former team and Jonathan Quick in goal. Toronto led off in the first period with an Alexander Kerfoot goal, his third of the season, coming off of Ondrej Kase and Wayne Simmonds. Los Angeles tied it in the second period with a Viktor Arvidsson power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Sean Durzi and Anze Kopitar. The Maple Leafs took the lead back with a Pierre Engvall goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Simmonds and Rasmus Sandin. Toronto added on with a John Tavares goal, his ninth of the year, via William Nylander and T.J. Brodie. The Maple Leafs extended the lead as Auston Matthews scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Tavares and Brodie. Toronto padded the lead on a Jason Spezza power play goal, his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Morgan Rielly and Envgall. The Maple Leafs continued in the third period with a Michael Bunting goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Sandin and Matthews. The Kings got one back on a Durzi power play goal, courtesy of Arvidsson and Adrian Kempe. This only made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars being Matthews, Tavares, and Sandin, while Durzi, Arvidsson, Engvall, Simmonds, and Brodie get the honorable mentions.

North to Seattle, as the Kraken welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen and Philipp Grubauer guard the cages. Carolina began in the first period with a Brendan Smith goal, his second of the season, assisted by Tony DeAngelo. Seattle tied it in the second period with a Jared McCann power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Vince Dunn and Yanni Gourde. The Kraken pulled ahead in the third period with a Marcus Johansson goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The three stars were Grubauer (35 for 36 in saves), Johansson, and McCann.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Ottawa Senators. Matt Murray and James Reimer are the veterans in goal. San Jose struck first in the first period with a Matt Nieto goal, fueled by Kevin Labanc and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa tied it on a Josh Norris goal, his eighth of the season, via Brady Tkachuk and Lassi Thomson. The Sharks took the lead in the second period with a Tomas Hertl goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Timo Meier and Mario Ferraro. The Senators tied it with a Tkachuk goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Thomas Chabot and Artem Zub. Ottawa pulled ahead on a Connor Brown goal, his third of the year, coming off of Chabot and Tim Stutzle. San Jose tied it again with a Nick Bonino power play goal, powered by Meier and Logan Couture. The Sharks pulled ahead with a Meier goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Rudolfs Balcers and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose added on with a Couture empty net goal, his seventh of the year, going in unassisted. The Sharks iced it at 6-3 with a Jacob Middleton empty net goal, set up by Andrew Cogliano and Erik Karlsson. The three stars were Meier, Tkachuk, and Couture, while Chabot and Karlsson get the honorable mentions. 

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NHL 2021-22 - Day 43

Ahead of Thanksgiving week, it's a quiet Tuesday with three games on. We begin with...

The Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Carter Hart and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the masked men. Tampa Bay opened in the first period with a Zach Bogosian goal, via Mikhail Sergachev and Pat Maroon. The Lightning added on in the second period with a Steven Stamkos goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Bogosian and Ryan McDonagh. Tampa Bay extended the lead as Corey Perry scored, thanks to Stamkos and Sergachev. The Lightning padded the lead on an Alex Barre-Boulet goal, his third of the year, coming off of Stamkos. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars handed to Vasilevskiy (34 save shutout), Stamkos, and Bogosian, while Sergachev gets an honorable mention.

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Jake Oettinger are the young goalies. Dallas started in the first period with a Roope Hintz power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Alexander Radulov and John Klingberg. The Stars added on with a Jason Robertson power play goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Hintz and Klingberg. Dallas extended the lead in the second period as Denis Gurianov scored his third of the season, thanks to Klingberg and Miro Heiskanen. Edmonton got on the board with a Ryan McLeod goal, his third of the year, passed from Leon Draisaitl and Jesse Puljujarvi. The Stars replied in the third period with a Luke Glendening goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Ryan Suter and Joel Kiviranta. This stood for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Hintz, Klingberg, and Oettinger (21 for 22 in saves).

Finally, the Calgary Flames bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Marc-Andre Fleury and Jacob Markstrom tend the twines. Calgary kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Dillon Dube goal, his second of the season, made possible by Rasmus Andersson and Noah Hanifin. Chicago tied it on a Brandon Hagel goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Ryan Carpenter and Reese Johnson. The Flames took the lead with a Milan Lucic goal, his fifth of the season, via Brad Richardson. The Blackhawks tied it in the second period on a Johnson goal, going in unassisted. Calgary pulled ahead in the third period with a Matthew Tkachuk goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Andersson and Elias Lindholm. The Flames added on with an unassisted Trevor Lewis empty net goal, his second of the season. Calgary iced it at 5-2 with a Johnny Gaudreau empty net goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Lindholm. The three stars were Andersson, Lindholm, and Tkachuk. 

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NHL 2021-22 - Day 42

We're up for six games tonight. First up...

The Buffalo Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joonas Korpisalo and Dustin Tokarski start in goal. Buffalo led off in the first period with a Tage Thompson goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Victor Olofsson and Henri Jokiharju. Columbus tied it on a Jack Roslovic goal, assisted by Zach Werenski and Gregory Hofmann. The Blue Jackets took the lead with another Roslovic goal, passed from Max Domi and Gavin Bayreuther. The Sabres tied it on a Zemgus Girgensons power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Colin Miller and Rasmus Dahlin. Columbus retook the lead in the second period with an Oliver Bjorkstrand goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Gustav Nyquist and Boone Jenner. The Blue Jackets added on with a Domi goal, his second of the year, via Hofmann and Roslovic. Aaron Dell replaced Tokarski in goal. Columbus extended the lead as Vladislav Gavrikov scored, thanks to Andrew Peeke and Domi. Buffalo got one back with a Dylan Cozens goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Jeff Skinner and Miller. The Sabres pulled closer on a Thompson power play goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, with assists provided by Dahlin and Cozens. The Blue Jackets responded in the third period with a Gavrikov empty net goal, his second of the game, set up by Jenner. Columbus finished it at 7-4 with a Sean Kuraly empty net goal, his third of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were Roslovic, Gavrikov, and Domi, while Jenner, Hofmann, Thompson, Cozens, Dahlin, and Miller get the honorable mentions.

Over in St. Louis, the Blues welcome the Vegas Golden Knights. Robin Lehner and Jordan Binnington guard the cages. Vegas began in the first period with a Chandler Stephenson goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Alex Pietrangelo. The Golden Knights added on with a Reilly Smith goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Ben Hutton. St. Louis got on the board with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his third of the season, via David Perron and Colton Parayko. The Blues tied it on a Tyler Bozak goal, fueled by Klim Kostin and Justin Faulk. St. Louis took the lead with a Faulk goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The Blues extended the lead in the second period on a Brandon Saad power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Vladimir Tarasenko and Perron. St. Louis padded the lead in the third period as Niko Mikkola scored, thanks to Robert Thomas and Tarasenko. This stood for a 5-2 win, with the three stars given to Faulk, Tarasenko, and Perron.

Back in Nashville, the Predators bring in the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Juuse Saros tend the twines. Nashville started in the first period with a Ryan Johansen goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Yakov Trenin and Tanner Jeannot. Anaheim tied it in the second period with a Rickard Rakell goal, his fifth of the year, assisted by Trevor Zegras and Sonny Milano. The Predators retook the lead with a Mikael Granlund power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Johansen. The Ducks tied it again in the third period with a Jamie Drysdale goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. Nashville pulled ahead on an unassisted Trenin goal, his second of the campaign. This held for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Trenin, Johansen, and Granlund.

Up in Winnipeg, the Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tristan Jarry and Connor Hellebuyck protect the nets. Winnipeg struck first in the first period with a Dominic Toninato goal, his second of the season, fueled by Neal Pionk and Brenden Dillon. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period with a Jason Zucker goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Evan Rodrigues and John Marino. The Penguins took the lead in the third period with a Danton Heinen goal, his sixth of the season, via Chad Ruhwedel and Dominik Simon. Pittsburgh added on with a Jake Guentzel empty net goal, his eighth of the year, set up by Jeff Carter and the goalie Jarry. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Jarry (30 for 31 in saves), Heinen, and Zucker.

Back stateside, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Ottawa Senators. Filip Gustavsson and Darcy Kuemper man the nets. Colorado opened in the first period with a Valeri Nichushkin goal, his third of the season, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky. Ottawa tied it with a Zach Sanford power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Lassi Thomson and Michael Del Zotto. The Avalanche retook the lead with a Cale Makar goal, his sixth of the season, via Gabriel Landeskog. The Senators tied it again on an Artem Zub goal, helped along by Brady Tkachuk. Colorado pulled ahead again in the second period with a Devon Toews goal, his third of the year, coming off of Kadri and Burakovsky. Ottawa even it with another Sanford goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, with a lone helper by Tyler Ennis. The Senators gained the lead in the third period with a Josh Norris power play goal, his seventh of the year, with assists provided by Tim Stutzle and Connor Brown. The Avalanche retied it on a Makar goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, going in unassisted. Ottawa took the lead again with Sanford completing his hat trick on his fifth of the year, guided in by Tkachuk and Logan Shaw. Colorado evened it again with a Mikko Rantanen power play goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Burakovsky and Kadri. The Avalanche pulled ahead with an Alex Newhook goal, his second of the year, passed from Logan O'Connor and Nichushkin. Colorado iced it at 7-5 with a Kadri empty net goal, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Toews. The three stars belonged to Kadri, Makar, and Sanford, while Nichushkin, Toews, Burakovsky, and Tkachuk get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Antti Raanta and James Reimer are the veterans in goal. Carolina got going in the second period with a Tony DeAngelo goal, his fourth of the season, via Teuvo Teravainen and Seth Jarvis. San Jose tied it in the third period with a Kevin Labanc goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Jasper Weatherby. The Sharks won 2-1 in overtime with an Alexander Barabanov goal, his third of the campaign, assisted by Tomas Hertl and Mario Ferraro. The three stars went to Reimer (22 for 23 in saves), Barabanov, and Labanc. 

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NHL 2021-22 - Day 41

There's seven games on today, beginning with...

The Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Minnesota Wild. Kaapo Kahkonen and Brian Elliott are the goalies. Tampa Bay started in the first period with an Anthony Cirelli power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Victor Hedman and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on with a Pat Maroon goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Corey Perry and Mikhail Sergachev. Minnesota got on the board with a Marcus Foligno power play goal, his seventh of the season, with assists provided by Matt Dumba and Alex Goligoski. The Wild tied it on a Brandon Duhaime goal, his third of the year, fueled by Jordie Benn and Rem Pitlick. Tampa Bay retook the lead with a Cirelli goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Cal Foote and Alex Killorn. The Lightning extended the lead as Alex Barre-Boulet scored his second of the year, thanks to Steven Stamkos and Ryan McDonagh. Minnesota got one back with a Kevin Fiala goal, his third of the season, coming off of Dmitry Kulikov and Goligoski. The Wild tied it on a Joel Eriksson Ek goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Kirill Kaprizov and Fiala. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Stamkos won it 5-4 for the Lightning. The three stars were Cirelli, Stamkos, and Fiala, while Goligoski gets an honorable mention.

Up in New York, the Rangers welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Aaron Dell and Alexandar Georgiev are the backups in goal. Buffalo opened in the first period with a Rasmus Asplund power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo. New York tied it on a Chris Kreider power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, with assists provided by Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox. The Sabres retook the lead in the second period with an unassisted Vinnie Hinostroza goal, his second of the season. The Rangers tied it again with a Jacob Trouba goal, his second of the year, guided in by Panarin and Filip Chytil. New York pulled ahead with a Kaapo Kakko goal, his third of the season, made possible by Ryan Strome and Panarin. Buffalo evened the score on a Tage Thompson goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Rasmus Dahlin and Mark Pysyk. The Sabres gained the lead as Dahlin scored his third of the season, coming off of Okposo and Thompson. The Rangers retied it on a K'Andre Miller goal, his second of the year, helped along by Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves. New York won 5-4 on a third period goal by Ryan Lindgren, his second of the campaign, with helpers from Mika Zibanejad and Fox. The three stars were Panarin, Fox, and Dahlin, while Thompson gets an honorable mention.

Over in Boston, the Bruins bring in the Calgary Flames. Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman protect the nets. Calgary led off in the first period with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Juuso Valimaki and Matthew Tkachuk. The Flames added on in the second period with a Noah Hanifin goal, via Tkachuk and Rasmus Andersson. Calgary extended the lead in the third period on a shorthanded Andrew Mangiapane goal, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Dillon Dube. The Flames padded the lead as Mikael Backlund scored his fourth of the campaign, thanks to Elias Lindholm. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Vladar (27 save shutout), Tkachuk, and Gaudreau.

Along to Long Island, as the New York Islanders host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll is mismatched with Ilya Sorokin in goal. Toronto began in the first period with a Mitchell Marner shorthanded goal, his fifth of the season, set up by Jake Muzzin. The Maple Leafs added on in the third period with an Ondrej Kase goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by David Kampf and Ondrej Kase. Toronto extended the lead as Marner scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, thanks to Michael Bunting. This stood for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Woll (20 save shutout), Marner, and Kase.

Out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Marc-Andre Fleury and Thatcher Demko guard the cages. Chicago dented the scoreboard in the third period with a Brandon Hagel goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Erik Gustafsson and Dylan Strome. This made it 1-0, the final, with the three stars given to Fleury (40 save shutout), Hagel, and Demko (23 for 24 in saves).

Stateside, the Seattle Kraken bring in the Washington Capitals. Vitek Vanecek and Philipp Grubauer patrol the creases. Washington struck first in the first period with a Tom Wilson goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Evgeny Kuznetsov. Seattle tied it on a Jared McCann power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Jaden Schwartz and Morgan Geekie. The Kraken took the lead with a Schwartz goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Carson Soucy and Colin Blackwell. Seattle added on with an Adam Larsson goal, via Yanni Gourde and Calle Jarnkrok. The Kraken extended the lead as Jarnkrok scored, thanks to Schwartz. The Capitals fired back in the third period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Dmitry Orlov and Wilson. Seattle iced it at 5-2 with a Gourde empty net goal, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Brandon Tanev and Schwartz. The three stars belonged to Schwartz, Jarnkrok, and Wilson, while Gourde gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings host the Arizona Coyotes. Karel Vejmelka and Jonathan Quick are in the blue paint. Los Angeles got going in the second period with a Brendan Lemieux goal, his fourth of the season, via Blake Lizotte. Arizona tied it in the third period on a Travis Boyd goal, his third of the year, coming off of Shayne Gostisbehere and Clayton Keller. The Coyotes won 2-1 in overtime with a Kyle Capobianco goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Keller and Boyd. The three stars were Vejmelka (37 for 38 in saves), Boyd, and Keller. 

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