NFL Early Games week 11

Busy day so far, rearranging the decor at my keyboard. Quick intros again this week as I try to catch up. Also of note to the readers, I will be at the Tacoma Dome watching the WIAA High School Football Semifinals next Friday and Saturday, so all programming over that weekend will be delayed by a total of 2-4 days. It will mark the one year anniversary of my blogging, and I'd like to thank everyone for the readership from across the globe. Here's hoping for many more years of blogging.

Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota led off with a 12 yard touchdown run by Adrian Peterson (Ryan Longwell makes extra point). Oakland got on the board with a Sebastian Janikowski field goal of 29 yards. The raiders take the lead in the second quarter with Carson Palmer tossing an 11 yard touchdown to Chaz Schilens (Janikowski makes extra point). Oakland added on with a 2 yard Michael Bush touchdown run (Janikowski extra point good). The Raiders made it 24-7 at the half with Palmer running a yard for a touchdown (Janikowski makes PAT). Oakland tacked on a few more in the third quarter as Janikowski nailed a 26 yard field goal. The Vikings tried to pull back in the fourth quarter with Christian Ponder finding Percy Harvin for a 26 yard touchdown (Longwell makes PAT). Minnesota got it to 27-21 with Ponder finding Kyle Rudoplh for a yard and a touchdown (Longwell converts extra point). This was a final, and Oakland is now 6-4 while the Vikings drop to 2-8.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins. Buffalo led off with Dave Rayner kicking a 30 yard field goal. Miami took the lead on a Matt Moore 1 yard touchdown to Anthony Fasano (extra point good from Shayne Graham). The Dolphins extended the lead on a 5 yard Reggie Bush touchdown run (Graham extra point is good). Moore threw two more touchdowns for Miami in the second quarter, 12 yards to Charles Clay and 4 yards to Davone Bess (Graham good on both PATs). The Bills made it 28-6 at halftime on a 56 yard Rayner field goal. The Dolphins got a special touchdown in the third quarter, blocking a punt and having Lex Hilliard return it for a touchdown (Graham extra point is good). Buffalo got a couple more points with Daniel Thomas rushing for a 1 yard loss, good for a safety. The final was 35-8, and Miami jumped up to 3-7 while the Bills plummeted to 5-5.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati opened with a 7 yard touchdown run by Cedric Benson (Mike Nugent makes extra point). Baltimore tied it in the second quarter as Joe Flacco found Anquan Boldin for a 35 yard touchdown (Billy Cundiff converts extra point). The Ravens took control with a 1 yard Ray Rice touchdown (Cundiff extra point is good). The score was 14-7 at halftime, and Cundiff put Baltimore a little farther ahead in the third quarter with a 22 yard field goal. The Bengals replied with another Benson touchdown run, a 3 yard play (Nugent extra point is good). Rice kept pace for the Ravens on his second touchdown, a 2 yard rush (Cundiff makes the PAT). Baltimore pulled farther ahead as Flacco threw 38 yards for a touchdown to Torrey Smith (Cundiff again makes extra point). Cincinnati got Andy Dalton to connect with Andre Caldwell, a 49 yard touchdown (Nugent makes the extra point). Nugent added a field goal to make it 31-24, but the 27 yard kick would not be enough for the Bengals, who fell to 6-4 while the Ravens jump to 7-3.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns. The scoring began with Jacksonville in the second quarter as Maurice Jones-Drew ran 6 yards to get a touchdown (Josh Scobee makes extra point). Cleveland tied it on a Chris Ogbonnaya touchdown run, just 1 yard to find the end zone (Phil Dawson had the extra point). The teams started scoring again in the fourth quarter, with the Browns breaking the halftime 7-7 tie on a Colt McCoy touchdown pass to Joshua Cribbs of 3 yards (Dawson makes the extra point). The Jaguars only got to 14-10, losing by that mark, after a Scobee field goal of 42 yards. Cleveland is now 4-6 while Jacksonville goes to 3-7.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins. Tony Romo got Dallas going early with a 22 yard touchdown to Dez Bryant (Dan Bailey extra point is good). Bailey added a field goal in the second quarter, golden from 37 yards. Washington got going with Rex Grossman rushing 4 yards and later throwing 16 yards to Jabar Gaffney, both plays going for touchdowns to take a 14-10 lead into the locker rooms (Graham Gano made both extra points). Gano helped extend the Redskins lead in the third quarter with a field goal of 40 yards. Romo did his own two-step in the fourth quarter, passing to Laurent Robinson for 7 yards and Jason Witten for 59 yards, both touchdowns (Bailey had tow PATs). Washington tied it on a late Grossman touchdown to Donte' Stallworth (Gano makes the extra point). The 24 all tie lasted into overtime, and Bailey took the game for the Cowboys with a 39 yard field goal. Dallas is now 6-4 and the Redskins fell to 3-7.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers. Green Bay opened with a B.J. Raji touchdown run of a yard (Mason Crosby makes the extra point). The Packers add on in the second quarter with Aaron Rodgers throwing a 5 yard touchdown to Tom Crabtree (Crosby extra point is good). Tampa Bay got going with a Marshawn Lynch-esque touchdown run of 54 yards by LeGarrette Blount (Connor Barth makes extra point). The Buccaneers got closer on a Barth field goal of 23 yards. Rodger and Jordy Nelson met up for 5 yards to push Green Bay a little further ahead (Crosby makes the extra point) and the halftime score was 21-10. Tampa Bay tried to get a little closer with another Barth field goal in the third quarter, good from 32 yards. The fourth quarter brought the Buccaneers even closer as Josh Freeman tossed a 9 yard touchdown to Mike Williams but they did not tie the game as Freeman's two-point attempt to Kellen Winslow was failed. The Packers got a little more protection on a 2 yard touchdown run by John Kuhn (Crosby makes the PAT). Tampa Bay got back within two as Freeman found Dezmon Briscoe for a 2 yard touchdown reception (Barth makes extra point). Green Bay put it away with Rodgers and Nelson connecting on a 40 yard touchdown to make it 35-26 (Crosby had an extra point). The Packers jumped up to 10-0 while the Buccaneers fell to 4-6.

Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions. Carolina struck first with a 27 yard Olindo Mare field goal. The Panthers continued the attack with Cam Newton throwing a 15 yard touchdown to Steve Smith (Mare makes extra point). Detroit got on the board when Matthew Stafford threw a 28 yard touchdown to Kevin Smith (Jason Hanson added the extra point. On the kickoff, Carolina's Kealoha Pilares ran the kick 101 yards for a touchdown (Mare makes extra point). The Panthers continued the strong attack with a Newton touchdown run for 11 yards (Mare makes another PAT). The Lions pull back as Stafford finds Titus Young for a 3 yard touchdown (Hanson makes extra point). The halftime score was 27-14 as Carolina tacked on a field goal of 31 yards. Detroit got busy in the third quarter, edging up to a small lead as Stafford passed 16 yards to Nate Burleson and 17 yards to Tony Scheffler, both for touchdowns (Hanson makes two extra points). The Lions size the lead a bit more with a 4 yard K. Smith run in the fourth quarter (Hanson gain makes PAT). The Panthers tied the game on a Newton rush of 6 yards for a touchdown, and a two-point conversion from Newton to S. Smith. The Lions closed out on a Stafford touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew, a 7 yard play, and a K. Smith touchdown run of 19 yards just thirty-two seconds later (Hanson makes both extra points). The final was 49-35. Detroit goes to 7-3 and Carolina falls to 2-8.

NHL Day 45 2011-2012

Okay, big day in hockey, with twelve games played and all of them being moderate to high in scoring. Buckle up for a long reading, beginning in the cold, park-less environment of...

Winnipeg (Bryzgalov pronunciation of Vinny-Peg), as the Jets host the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Ondrej Pavelec attempt to stop the puck. Winnipeg opened the scoring on a pair of Bryan Little goals, his third and fourth of the season, and the first was a power play goal. Assists went to Blake Wheeler twice, and Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane once each. The Jets added on with a power play goal from Andrew Ladd, his sixth of the year, via Kyle Wellwood and Byfuglien. Philadelphia got on the board with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Chris Pronger and Claude Giroux. Winnipeg went and got going again in the second period with a shorthanded and unassisted Jim Slater goal, his sixth of the year. The Jets stayed strong as Byfuglien potted his fourth of the season, another power play goal, fueled by Ladd and Wellwood. The Flyers got one back as Hartnell put away his second of the game and eighth of the year, with the help of Danny Briere and Pronger on the power play. Philadelphia pulled within one as Matt Read sank two in a row his seventh and eighth of the season, courtesy of Giroux twice (a sock trick total on the night), and Hartnell and Matt Carle once each. The final was 6-4 Winnipeg after an unassisted empty net goal by Nik Antropov, his fourth of the year. Byfuglien, Little, and Hartnell were the three stars, and honorable mentions go to Giroux, Read, Pronger, Ladd, Wheeler, and Wellwood.

To the west coast, where the Los Angeles Kings host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Quick will pick up the starts. Los Angeles opened the scoring with Mike Richards scoring shorthanded and unassisted for his eighth of the season. Detroit tied it with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his third of the campaign, a power play goal, powered by Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom. The Red Wings took the lead in the second period with a Niklas Kronwall goal, his sixth of the year, also on the power play and guided in by Holmstorm and Johan Franzen. Detroit extended the lead on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his second of the season, assisted by Brendan Smtih and Jonathan Ericsson. The Red Wings made it a 4-1 final as Datsyuk put away his second of the game and fourth of the year, while Franzen picked up the lone assist. The three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Kronwall, and Richards, while Franzen and Holmstrom also had good games.

Heading east again, as the Buffalo Sabres host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jhonas Enroth were in the blue paint. Phoenix opened up with a Shane Doan goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Derek Morris. Buffalo answered on a Luke Adam goal, also his sixth of the year, via Jordan Leopold and Nathan Gerbe. The Sabres took the lead as Patrick Kaleta scored in the second period, his second of the season, fueled by Paul Gaustad and Leopold. Radim Vrbata retied it for the Coyotes on his seventh of the year, made possible by Rostislav Klesla and David Schlemko. Phoenix took the lead as Twitter superstar Paul Bissonnette scored, and he got his help from Kyle Chipchura and Adrian Aucoin. Vrbata iced it in the third period with his eighth of the campaign, an empty net goal, with Yandle and Morris providing the helpers. The three stars were Smith (43 for 45 in saves), Vrbata, and Adam, while Morris, Yandle, and Leopold were the honorable mentions.

Staying in the state of New York as the Islanders host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Rick DiPietro collected the starts, but the latter was replaced by Anders Nilsson after the first period. For those of you keeping count, the Islanders have now exercised use of four goaltenders this season. Boston opened on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on with an unassisted power play goal by Nathan Horton, his sixth of the year. Chris Kelly also recorded his sixth of the season for Boston, and he did this in the unassisted fashion. The game was steady until the third period, as the Bruins got back to work when Andrew Ference scored, and he received the puck from Joe Corvo and Kelly. Boston kept strong on another Kelly goal, his seventh of the campaign, guided in by Milan Lucic and Horton. The Bruins finished the game ahead 6-0 with Zdeno Chara's goal being the last to go in, his second of the year, made possible by Marchand and Gregory Campbell. The three stars were Kelly, Thomas (23 save shutout), and Horton. Marchand earns honorable mention.

Down to Florida, where the Tampa bay Lightning host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Dwayne Roloson put on the goalie masks. The scoring began in the second period with a Dainius Zubrus goal, his fifth of the season, from Ryan Carter. Patrik Elias extended the lead for the Devils with his eighth of the year, a power play goal, set up by David Clarkson and Adam Larsson. Clarkson pushed New jersey further ahead with his power play goal, good for his seventh of the season, powered by Zach Parise and Adam Henrique. Tampa Bay got going in the third period with a Martin St. Louis goal, his fifth of the year, thanks to Ryan Shannon and Pavel Kubina. The Lightning got within one as Shannon potted a goal off of Steve Downie and Eric Brewer. The Devils would win 4-2 with Carter sinking his second of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were Zubrus, Parise, and Shannon, while honorable mentions go to Carter and Clarkson.

Crossing into Canada, as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun took on Jonas Gustavsson in goal, although Vokoun was well in over his head and replaced by Michal Neuvirth in the second period. Toronto led off with a Tim Connolly goal, his second of the season, assisted by Joffrey Lupul. Washington replied with a Brooks Laich goal, his third of the year, fueled by Jason Chimera and John Carlson. The Maple Leafs took the lead back before the period was over on a Matt Frattin goal made possible by Joe Colborne and Cody Franson. Toronto struck again in the second period with a power play goal from Tyler Bozak, his second of the season, thanks to Lupul and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs chased Vokoun on Phil Kessel's fourteenth of the year, and Bozak and Lupul had the helpers, the latter finishing a sock trick. Toronto kept rolling with Lupul scoring his tenth of the season, courtesy of Phaneuf and Kessel on the power play. The Maple Leafs were unstoppable as Franson netted a power play goal, powered by Connolly. The final would sit at 7-1 after a third period shorthanded goal by Dave Steckel, his fourth of the year, and Nikolai Kulemin was responsible for the assist. The three stars were Lupul, Gustavsson (40 for 41 in saves), and Frattin. The long list of honorable mentions includes Franson, Bozak, Connolly, Phaneuf, and Kessel.

Staying north of the border, as the Montreal Canadiens host the New York Rangers. Martin Biron and Carey Price took to the cages. Montreal dented the scoreboard first on an Erik Cole goal, his sixth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Yannick Weber and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens extended the lead in the second period on Brian Gionta's sixth of the year, assisted by Scott Gomez and Raphael Diaz. Montreal kept rolling with Plekanec's third period goal, his fifth of the season, set up by Cole and Max Pacioretty on the power play. Gionta finished it at 4-0 with his second of the game and seventh of the year, fueled by Gomez and Michael Cammalleri. Gionta, Cole, and Price (17 save shutout) were the three stars, while Plekanec and Gomez earn honorable mention.

Back down to Florida, as the Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brent Johnson and Jose Theodore got the starting nods. Pittsburgh opened on a Chris Kunitz goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Pascal Dupuis. Florida tied it with the second of the year by Brian Campbell, assisted by Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss. The Panthers took the lead on the eighth of the season by Tomas Fleischmann, courtesy of Weiss and Dmitry Kulikov on the power play. The Penguins retied it when Jordan Staal registered his tenth of the campaign, and the assists were recorded by Dupuis and Matt Niskanen. Florida would take the game 3-2 in the third period with a Weiss power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Versteeg and Fleischmann. Weiss, Fleischmann, and Versteeg were the three stars, while Dupuis gets the honorable mention.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Wild welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak stood 200 feet from josh Harding. St. Louis began with David Backes netting his seventh of the season, fueled by T.J. Oshie and Alex Steen. Minnesota tied it in the second period with an unasssited and shorthanded Mikko Koivu goal, his second of the year. The Blues regained the lead in the third period with an Oshie goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Steen and Backes. Koivu tied it again for the Wild on his second of the game and third of the year, a power play goal powered by Jared Spurgeon and Cal Clutterbuck. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Koivu and Matt Cullen lifted Minnesota over the lone tally by Oshie for St. Louis. The three stars in the 3-2 game were Koivu, Cullen, and Halak (30 for 32 in saves). The Oshie-Backes-Steen line gets the honorable mention.

Backtracking to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis Sanford and Pekka Rinne will be in goal. Nashville led off with a Colin Wilson power play goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by David Legwand and Craig Smith. Columbus replied in the second period on a Jeff Carter goal, and Rick Nash had the lone assist. The Predators reclaimed the lead with a power play goal by Mike Fisher, his third of the year, fueled by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. The Blue Jackets tied it again on a power play goal by Vinny Prospal, his sixth of the campaign, powered by Nash and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus took the lead on an R.J. Umberger goal, his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Ryan Johansen and James Wisniewski. Nashville got the equalizer as the second of the year by Nick Spaling found twine, thanks to Weber and Suter. The tie lasted into overtime, where the Blue Jackets won 4-3 over the Predators on a Wisniewski goal, made possible by Antoine Vermette. Wisniewski, Spaling, and Weber were the three stars, while Suter and Nash had honorable mentions for performance.

Down to Texas, where the Dallas Stars hosted the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi went up against Andrew Raycroft in goal. San Jose struck first with a Brent Burns power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks kept it up in the second period with another power play goal, the seventh of the year by Logan Couture, and Thornton and Marleau had the helpers again. San Jose extended the lead with Brad Winchester netting his second of the season, via Andrew Desjardins. The Sharks kept rolling with a third period goal from Jamie McGinn, his second of the campaign, courtesy of Michal Handzus and Martin Havlat. Dallas made it 4-1, the eventual final, with Mike Ribeiro sinking his second of the year off of Loui Eriksson. The three stars were Couture, Thornton, and Marleau, while Niemi's 30 for 31 performance in saves was also good.

Finally, in Edmonton, the Oilers host the Chicago Blackhawks. Both Ray Emery and Corey Crawford suffered against Nikolai Khabibulin's team. Edmonton struck first with an Ales Hemsky goal, made possible by Jeff Petry. Chicago tied it on a Patrick Sharp power play goal, his seventh of the season, thanks to Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane. The Oilers took it back with Ryan Jones notching his fifth of the year, with the help of Shawn Horcoff and Tom Gilbert. Edmonton continued with the eleventh of the season for Ryan Smyth, courtesy of Jordan Eberle and Petry. The Oilers continued to attack with the fourth of the year by Taylor Hall, a power play goal guided in by Horcoff and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Eberle pushed Edmonton further ahead with his fifth of the season, and Nugent-Hopkins and Petry got the assists, the latter finishing a sock trick in one period. The Oilers pushed on in the second period with a power play goal by Gilbert, his third of the year, and Nugent-Hopkins collected the natural sock trick while the other helper was credited to Eberle. Edmonton stayed relentless when Hall drained his second of the game and fifth of the season, and Gilbert and Nugent-Hopkins again had assists. The Blackhawks finally replied with a power play goal by Dave Bolland, his sixth of the year, fueled by Nick Leddy and Steve Montador. Horcoff got the Oilers back on track with yet another power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Eberle and Gilbert, who both completed sock tricks. Edmonton made it 9-2 as Hall finished off a hat trick in the third period, his sixth of the year, and Nugent-Hopkins tallied his fifth assist of the game here. The three stars were Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, and Gilbert, while Eberle, Petry, and Horcoff all had three or more points.

NHL Day 44 2011-2012

Only three games on tonight. First off, the...

Carolina Hurricanes host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Brian Boucher are in front of the cages. Buffalo opened with a power play goal by Jason Pominville, his eighth of the season, powered by Thomas Vanek and Brad Boyes. This held up in the final two periods to be a final, and Enroth (34 save shutout), Pominville, and Boucher (19 for 20 in saves) were awarded the three stars.

Following that, the Calgary Flames host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Calgary struck first with a Lee Stempniak goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by the tenth assist for Alex Tanguay and a T.J. Brodie helper. Chicago quickly replied with a Viktor Stalberg goal, his fifth of the year, off of Jonathan Toews and Nick Leddy. The Flames jumped back into attack mode early in the second period with Rene Bourque scoring his sixth of the season forty seconds in with the help of Curtis Glencross and Scott Hannan. Calgary extended the lead seventeen seconds later, with the second of the year for Paul Byron, made possible by Roman Horak. The Blackhawks didn't not fade in the face of this adversity, with Marian Hossa pulling them closer on a power play goal, his ninth of the season, via Duncan Keith (assist number 10) and Toews. The Flames took it back as Glencross notched his sixth of the year, guided in by Jay Bouwmeester and Olli Jokinen. Calgary kept rolling in the third period with another Glencross goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Jokinen. The final was 5-2, and the three stars were Glencross, Bourque, and Stempniak, while Jokinen and Toews get honorable mention.

Lastly, in Colorado, the Avalanche welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Jean-Sebastien Giguere get the starting nods. Colorado opened the scoring with a Chuck Kobasew goal, his third of the season, fueled by the tenth assist for Ryan Wilson and a T.J. Galiardi assist. The Avalanche made it 2-0 late in the third period on a power play goal by Paul Stastny, his sixth of the year, powered by Gabriel Landeskog and Shane O'Brien. Colorado wrapped it up 3-0 on a Matt Duchene empty net goal, his eighth of the campaign, assisted by David Jones and Kyle Quincey. The three stars were Giguere, Stastny, and Kobasew.

NHL Day 43 2011-2012

Whole lot of games on tonight, eleven in total, beginning with the New York Islanders hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Evgeni Nabokov got the starts, but Nabokov was pulled after an injury, and replaced by the glass goaltender Rick DiPietro. New York got started in the second period with the third of the season from P.A. Parenteau, an unassisted goal. The Islanders added on with Jay Pandolfo striking, and he was helped by Josh Bailey and Matt Martin. New York kept strong with Mark Streit depositing his second of the year, courtesy of Martin. Montreal got one back on a Max Pacioretty tally, his ninth of the season, and Lars Eller had the only assist. The Canadiens kept on the offensive with Erik Cole recording his fifth of the year, off of Raphael Diaz and Tomas Plekanec. The Islanders put the attack down with Matt Moulson scoring his sixth of the season, made possible by John Tavares and the goalie DiPietro. Montreal got one back again late in the third period, as Brian Gionta's fifth of the year made it 4-3, thanks to Michael Cammalleri and Plekanec. This was a final, and the three stars were Pandolfo, DiPietro (24 for 27 in saves in relief), and Streit, while Martin and Plekanec grab honorable mention.

Heading toward Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia Flyers welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith opposes former Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov in the nets. The scoring began with Philadelphia's James van Riemsdyk in the second period, as he netted his seventh of the season with the help of Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. Phoenix tied it in the third period when Mikkel Boedker put away his third of the year, thanks to Boyd Gordon and Lauri Korpikoski. The Flyers stole it late on a Matt Read goal with nineteen seconds remaining, his sixth of the campaign, assisted by Max Talbot and Jakub Voracek's tenth helper. The three stars were Bryzgalov (30 for 31 in saves), Read, and Smith (40 for 42 in saves).

Back to the coast, as the Boston Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Backups Curtis Sanford and Tuukka Rask will be stopping the pucks. The scoring began with Columbus in the second period on a Derek MacKenzie goal, his third of the season, fueled by Nikita Nikitin and Grant Clitsome on the power play. Boston replied with Adam McQuaid registering an unassisted goal. The tie lasted into a shootout, where the Bruins' Rich Peverley and David Krejci outweighed the Blue Jackets' Mark Letestu for a 2-1 win. The three stars are McQuaid, Krejci, and Rask (30 for 31 in saves).

Down to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Dwayne Roloson tend the twines. Tampa Bay was first to score as Vincent Lecavalier put away his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Lightning extended the lead in the second period when Brett Connolly sank his fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Dominic Moore and Marc-Andre Bergeron. Tampa Bay kept on the offensive as Steve Downie found a home for his second of the season, via Eric Brewer and Steven Stamkos on the power play. The Lightning all but secured victory with an unassisted empty net goal for Lecavalier, his second tally of the night and eighth of the year. Pittsburgh decided they'd show up a bit late instead of not showing up at all, as Tyler Kennedy netted his second of the campaign from Paul Martin and Jordan Staal. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Roloson (33 for 34 in saves), Victor Hedman, and Lecavalier. Honorable mentions for Downie, Connolly, and Kennedy.

Northward to Minnesota, as the Wild welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Niklas Backstrom will be in the blue paint. The scoring began late in the third period with Minnesota's Devin Setoguchi recording his sixth of the campaign, assisted by Dany Heatley and the tenth assist from Mikko Koivu. The final was 1-0, with Backstrom (27 save shutout), Setoguchi, and Nick Schultz receiving the three stars in the defensive battle.

To the Music City, where the Nashville Predators host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ben Scrivens takes on Pekka Rinne in net. Nashville began with a Martin Erat goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Mike Fisher and Sergei Kostitsyn. Toronto answered with a John-Michael Liles goal, his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Joffrey Lupul and Tyler Bozak. The Predators took the lead back with Ryan Suter registering his fourth of the season, and Kostitsyn and Shea Weber had the helper. Erat struck again in the third period with his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Fisher and sock trick Kostitsyn. The Predators finished it at 4-1 with the fifth of the campaign by Matt Halischuk, an empty net goal set up by Suter. The three stars were awarded to Erat, Kostitsyn, and Fisher, while Rinne (38 for 39 in saves) gets an honorable mention.

Into Missouri, where the St. Louis Blues welcome the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Jaroslav Halak participate in a game of former Montreal goaltenders. St. Louis opened with the fifth of the season by David Backes, an unassisted goal. Florida replied with the third of the year off the tape of Mike Santorelli, and that was also unassisted. The Blues retook the lead on a Chris Porter, goal, yet another without help. St. Louis made it 3-1 on a Kris Russell goal, his fourth of the campaign, produced with effort from Vladimir Sobotka and Jamie Langenbrunner. The final was 4-1 after Backes netted a second goal, his sixth of the year, an empty net goal requiring no assistance. The three stars went to Backes, Sobotka, and Porter.

Crossing into Canada, where the Winnipeg Jets host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Ondrej Pavelec will wear the goalie masks. Washington began the scoring on an Alexander Semin goal, his fourth of the season, via Jason Chimera and Brooks Laich. Winnipeg replied with Evander Kane potting his seventh of the year, courtesy of Alex Burmistrov. Kane put the Jets out front with his second of the game and eighth of the season, made possible by Kyle Wellwood. Winnipeg extended the lead with Blake Wheeler tallying on the power play, helped along by Bryan Little. The Jets remained tough to contain as Wellwood notched his sixth of the year on the power play, powered by Andrew Ladd and Tim Stapleton. The final stayed at 4-1, with Kane, Pavelec (31 for 31 in saves), and Dustin Byfuglien taking the three stars, and honorable mention to all point-getters.

Westward to Edmonton, where the Oilers host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Nikolai Khabibulin will be in front of the cages. Ottawa struck first on a Colin Greening goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Milan Michalek and Jason Spezza. Nine seconds later, the Senators added on with Kaspars Daugavins netting his second of the year, thanks to Zack Smith and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa made it 3-0 with a Michalek goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Spezza. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with an Anton Lander goal, assisted by Lennart Petrell. The Senators answered on a Jesse Winchester goal, guided in by Bobby Butler. Ottawa stayed strong in the third period with Zenon Konopka scoring his second of the year, via Sergei Gonchar. The Oilers cut it to 4-2, and would lose by this margin, after a power play goal by Ryan Jones, his fourth of the campaign, aided by Eric Belanger and Ryan Smyth. Spezza, Michalek, and Lander were the three stars.

The second night of a back-to-back in the Battle of California, as the Anaheim Ducks take their turn hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick goes against Dan Ellis in the nets. Los Angeles struck first in the second period on a Mike Richards goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov. Anaheim tied it up with the third of the year by Andrew Cogliano, guided in by Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne. The Kings took the lead back with Simon Gagne scoring shorthanded, his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Voynov, powered by Gagne and Dustin Brown as his third of the year. The Ducks replied as Corey Perry found a place for his seventh of the season, thanks to Ryan Getzlaf and Kurtis Foster on the power play. Cogliano tied it for Anaheim with his second of the game and fourth of the year, made possible by Luca Sbisa and Selanne. The Kings regained the lead as the ninth of the season for Anze Kopitar found twine, coming through Justin Williams and Rob Scuderi. Los Angeles wrapped it up 5-3 with Richards' second of the game and seventh of the year, an empty net goal pushed through by Kopitar. The three stars were Cogliano, Kopitar, and Selanne, while Richards, Gagne, Voynov, are the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Northern California, the San Jose Sharks host their semi-close rivals, the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Antti Niemi play between the pipes. Niklas Kronwall put Detroit up first with a power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom. San Jose tied it with a shorthanded goal, the tenth tally of the year by Joe Pavelski, set up by the tenth assist from Joe Thornton and a Marc-Edouard Vlasic helper. The Sharks took the lead in the second period on Thornton's fifth of the season, courtesy of Logan Couture and Vlasic. San Jose extended the lead with Vlasic notching his second of the year, helped along by Andrew Desjardins and Brad Winchester. The Sharks made it 4-1 with the second of the season by Torrey Mitchell, assisted by Vlasic for a sock trick and Jamie McGinn. Howard was pulled in favor of Ty Conklin for the third period. San Jose took this in stride, as Winchester scored in the third period with the help of Andrew Murray. The Red Wings finished the scoring at 5-2 with Danny Cleary on the power play, his third of the year, guided in by Valtteri Filppula and Henrik Zetterberg. The three stars were Vlasic, Thornton, and Winchester.

Thursday Night game week 11

This week, the Denver Broncos hosted the New York Jets. Denver began on a 37 yard Matt Prater field goal. New York tied it with Nick Folk's second quarter field goal from 21 yards. The score was 3 all at halftime. The Jets got the lead in the third quarter on a 1 yard fumble return for a touchdown by Matt Slauson, and Folk made the extra point. The Broncos tied it with a defensive touchdown, as Andre' Goodman intercepted Mark Sanchez and took it back 26 yards to score, forcing Prater to kick the tying extra point. New York regained the lead with a fourth quarter field goal by Folk, good from 45 yards out. Denver made it 17-13 as Tim Tebow ran 20 yards for a touchdown, and Prater applied the extra point. This was a final, and the two teams now sit at 5-5 each.

NHL Day 42 2011-2012

Only four games on tonight, beginning with the Montreal Canadiens hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Carey Price take to the nets. Montreal opened with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his fourth of the season, via Tomas Plekanec and the goalie Price. The Canadiens added on with Yannick Weber striking in a power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Erik Cole and Plekanec. Montreal added on again with a second period goal from P.K. Subban, made possible by Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. The Canadiens extended the lead once again with a Travis Moen goal, his sixth of the season, helped in by Scott Gomez and Subban. The final was 4-0, and the three stars were Price (25 save shutout), Plekanec, and Subban.

Just a tad south, with the Buffalo Sabres hosting the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Jhonas Enroth tend the twines. New Jersey led off with the sixth of the season for Zach Parise, a shorthanded goal set up by Adam Henrique. The Devils extended the lead on an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, his third of the year, a power play goal, thanks to Patrik Elias' tenth assist and a helper by Brodeur. Buffalo got on the board as Tyler Myers scored, a power play goal from Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek. New Jersey got it back in the second period when Mark Fayne put away his third of the season, with the help of Henrique. The Devils pushed it to 4-1 with an Elias goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Petr Sykora. The Sabres got one back as Myers struck for the second time this game, and helping him were Nathan Gerbe and Matt Ellis. New Jersey neutralized the goal with David Clarkson potting his sixth of the season, assisted by Andy Greene. This forced Drew MacIntyre to relieve Enroth. Buffalo made it 5-3 with a Jordan Leopold goal, his fourth of the year, and Drew Stafford and Ville Leino had the helpers. This was a final, and the three stars went to Elias, Myers, and Brodeur (29 for 32 in saves), while Henrique earns honorable mention.

Heading out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford opposes -e Cory Schneider for the goalies. The scoring started in the second period with Vancouver's Jannik Hansen sinking his fifth of the season, coming off of Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Chicago tied it when Andrew Brunette put his fourth of the year into the mesh, a power play goal set up by Marcus Kruger and Steve Montador. The Blackhawks took the lead with Patrick Kane power play goal powered by Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith as his seventh of the season. Chicago extended the lead with the tenth of the year by Jonathan Toews, fueled by Viktor Stalberg and Hossa. Patrick Sharp kept the Blackhawks in charge, scoring his sixth of the season thanks to Nick Leddy and Kane. Chicago made it 5-1 as Montador potted his fourth of the year, made possible by Hossa's sock trick assist and Toews. The three stars went to Keith, Hossa, and Hansen, while honorable mentions are for Kane, Montador, and Toews.

Finally, the battle of California rages on when the Los Angeles Kings host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Jonathan Quick play in the nets. Los Angeles struck first in the second period with a power play goal from Mike Richards, his fifth of the season received from Jack Johnson and Dustin Brown. Anaheim tied it with a third period goal by Teemu Selanne, his sixth of the year coming on the power play from Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The tie was broken in the shootout, as the Kings beat the Ducks with goals from Jarret Stoll and Justin Williams to overpower Getzlaf. The three stars were Richards, Quick (23 for 24 in saves), and Hiller (36 for 37 in saves).

NHL Day 41 2011-2012

Nine games are being played today. We begin in...

Ohio, where the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Steve Mason got the starting nods. Columbus opened with a shorthanded and unassisted Antoine Vermette goal. The Blue Jackets extended the lead with Mark Letestu notching his second of the season on the power play, from Nikita Nikitin and Grant Clitsome. Minnesota got going in the second period with the eighth of the year by Matt Cullen, made possible by Kyle Brodziak and Jared Spurgeon on the man advantage. Nick Johnson tied it up for the Wild with his second of the season, assisted by Darroll Powe and Warren Peters. Minnesota took the lead with a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Justin Falk. The Wild made it a 4-2 final with Devin Setoguchi potting his fifth of the campaign into the empty net without help. The three stars were Backstrom (43 for 45 in saves), Clutterbuck, and Vermette.

The battle of New York is next, as the Islanders host the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist opposes Evgeni Nabokov in the creases. The Rangers led off with the second of the season by Sean Avery, via Brian Boyle and Mike Sauer. The Islanders tied it on a Frans Nielsen goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by P.A. Parenteau and Travis Hamonic. The Rangers retook the lead in the second period with a Steve Eminger goal set up by Ryan Callahan and Jeff Woywitka. The Islanders retied it on a power play goal by Matt Moulson, his fifth of the season, powered by John Tavares and Nielsen. The Rangers stole the lead with a Brad Richards goal, his sixth of the year, from Brandon Dubinsky. The Rangers made it 4-2 with Callahan's eighth of the campaign, and Ryan McDonagh had the lone assist. This was the final score, with the three stars being

Up to Toronto, with the Maple Leafs welcoming the Phoenix Coyotes. In goal are Mike Smith and Ben Scrivens. Phoenix struck first on the fifth of the season by Shane Doan, assisted by Mikkel Boedker. Oliver Ekman-Larsson extended the Coyotes lead with his fourth of the year, and the helpers were provided by Kyle Chipchura and Raffi Torres. Toronto got on the board in the third period with a Mike Komisarek goal off of Matthew Lombardi and Joey Crabb. The Maple Leafs tied it on a Phil Kessel power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, powered by Nikolai Kulemin and Carl Gunnarsson. The tie was broken in a shootout, as Phoenix's Patrick O'Sullivan and Radim Vrbata toppled Toronto for a 3-2 win. The three stars were

Back down to Boston, where the Bruins host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Tim Thomas are designated to stop the puck. David Clarkson opened the scoring for New Jersey in the second period with his fifth of the season, coming off of Petr Sykora and Zach Parise, a power play goal. Boston tied it with the fifth of the year for Chris Kelly, and Gregory Campbell picked up the lone assist. The Bruins took the lead in the third period on a Brad Marchand goal, his sixth of the season, with help coming from Zeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. The Devils took little time to retie the game on a Nick Palmieri goal, his second of the year, made possible by Andy Greene. Boston stole it back with a Shawn Thornton tally, guided in by Jordan Caron and Campbell. New Jersey tied it again with Palmieri's second of the night and third of the season, courtesy of Adam Henrique and Parise. The Bruins would win 4-3 with Benoit Pouliot scoring his second of the year, with the help of Joe Corvo and Rich Peverley. The three stars were Milan Lucic, Palmieri, and Campbell. Honorable mentions go to Parise.

Moving to Pennsylvania, where the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Marc-Andre Fleury are playing goal. Colorado led off with the second of the season by Jay McClement, assisted by Milan Hejduk and Erik Johnson. Matt Duchene added on for the Avalanche with his seventh of the year, via Paul Stastny and the tenth assist from Kyle Quincey. Pittsburgh got on the board with the ninth of the season for Jordan Staal, helped along by Tyler Kennedy and Deryk Engelland. Colorado restored a two goal lead as David Jones found a home for his seventh of the year, thanks to McClement and T.J. Galiardi. The Penguins pulled back in the second period with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Arron Asham and Craig Adams. Pittsburgh tied it on a Brooks Orpik goal from Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. Malkin gave the Penguins the lead on his fifth of the year, courtesy of Neal. Pittsburgh continued to surge with a Neal power play goal, powered by Steve Sullivan and Kris Letang as his twelfth of the season. Letang tacked on his second of the year for the Penguins, and the puck gathered steam off of Staal and Joe Vitale. The final was 6-3, and Neal, Malkin, and Letang took the three stars, with honorable mentions in McClement and Staal.

To the Midwest, where the St. Louis Blues host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Brian Elliott are manning the nets. Detroit was first on the board with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his second of the season, fueled by Drew Miller. St. Louis tied it with a power play goal by Matt D'Agostini, his fifth of the year, powered by Patrik Berglund and the tenth assist for Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues took the lead with Alex Steen notching his seventh of the season, guided in by Carlo Colaiacovo. The final was 2-1, and the three stars were David Backes, Elliott (21 for 22 in saves), and Barret Jackman, although I think Howard (35 for 37 in saves), D'Agostini, and Steen were all more worthy of spots.

Down to Nashville, where the Predators host the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Pekka Rinne play between the pipes. Washington opened the scoring in the late third period with a Troy Brouwer goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Marcus Johansson and Cody Eakin. Nashville tied it twenty-eight seconds after on the third of the year for Martin Erat, thanks to Shea Weber and Mike Fisher. The Predators took a 2-1 lead with just twenty-five seconds left in regulation as Colin Wilson put away his fourth of the season, with the help of Erat. Five seconds after that, Nashville made it 3-1 with Weber's third of the year, an empty net goal guided in by Fisher only. The three stars were Rinne (39 for 40 in saves), Wilson, and Erat, with honorable mention for Weber and Fisher.

Into Texas, where the Dallas Stars welcome the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Kari Lehtonen are wearing the goalie masks. Florida opened with a Dmitry Kulikov goal, coming through Tomas Kopecky. The Panthers added on with Jason Garrison sinking his seventh of the season, courtesy of Mike Santorelli and Brian Campbell. Florida struck again in the second period on the seventh of the year for Tomas Fleischmann, assisted by Stephen Weiss and the tenth assist by Kris Versteeg. Weiss kept the Panthers well in charge with his sixth of the season, made possible by Versteeg and the tenth assist for Fleischmann. Halfway through the third period, Florida scored again on Versteeg's ninth of the year, via Weiss. The Panthers kept it coming as Evgeny Dadonov put away his second of the campaign, helped along by Marco Sturm and Mike Weaver. The final was 6-0, and the three stars were Weiss, Versteeg, and Fleischmann, while Clemmensen polished off a 25 save shutout.

Finally, the Calgary Flames host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Ottawa opened the scoring with a second period Daniel Alfredssomn goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Nick Foligno. Calgary tied it on a Tom Kostopoulos goal, his second of the year, assisted by Matt Stajan. The Senators took the lead in the third period with a Bobby Butler goal, guided in by Sergei Gonchar's tenth assist and Chris Phillips, and he extended it with a second goal off of Jesse Winchester and Erik Karlsson. The final was 3-1, and the three stars were Butler, Mark Giordano, and Anderson (37 for 38 in saves).