Hockey wall to wall for about eleven hours today. I'll get a jump on it now, and it will be wrapped up Saturday morning. Enjoy the games, beginning with...
The Boston Bruins hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Tuukka Rask will play in goal. Detroit struck first with a Valtteri Filppula foal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg and Ian White. Boston tied it in the second period with the third of the year by Daniel Paille, coming off of Nathan Horton. The Red Wings quickly took the lead back when Pavel Datsyuk sent his sixth of the season into the twine, thanks to Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen. The Bruins tied it in the third period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his fifth of the year, an unassisted tally. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Detroit's Datsyuk and Bertuzzi topped Boston's Horton for a 3-2 win. The three stars were Filppula, Bergeron, and Datsyuk.
Head over to New York, with the Islanders hosting the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Al Montoya will get the starts. New Jersey finally dented the scoreboard in the second period with a power play goal by Petr Sykora, his fifth of the season, powered by Adam Larsson and Adam Henrique. This would stand as the only goal for a 1-0 Devils win, and Hedberg (23 save shutout), Sykora, and Montoya (22 for 23 in saves) were the three stars.
Into Pennsylvania, as the Philadelphia Flyers welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Sergei Bobrovsky are sent out to stop pucks. Montreal got first dibs on the lead with a Petteri Nokelainen goal, courtesy of Hal Gill and Josh Gorges. Philadelphia tied it in the second period with the twelfth of the season by Claude Giroux, helped along by Matt Carle. Jakub Voracek put the Flyers in the lead with his fourth of the year, coming off of Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn. Giroux kept Philadelphia on the offensive with his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, via Coburn and Voracek. The final was 3-1, and the three stars were handed out to Giroux, Voracek, and Bobrovsky (23 for 24 in saves), while Coburn also had a worthy game.
Also, in the Nation's capital, the Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist will be in goal as well as Michal Neuvirth. New York busted the scoring open in the second period when the tenth of the season by Marian Gaborik crossed the goal line, and assisting him was Derek Stepan. The Rangers added on with an Artem Anisimov power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi. New York scored again when the second of the season by Ruslan Feodtenko found twine, with the help of Ryan Callahan. Washington got on the board with a Troy Brouwer goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals got closer with a Carlson power play goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Marcus Johansson and Dmitry Orlov. The Rangers got one back as Brian Boyle scored his second of the year via John Mitchell and Carl Hagelin. New York took stronger command of a lead in the third period with Brad Richards netting his seventh of the season, helped along by Callahan and Girardi. Washington answered with Alex Ovechkin recording his eighth of the year, coming off of Backstrom and Brouwer. The Rangers would win 6-3 when Fedotenko found a place for his second of the game and third of the campaign, and Callahan helped him while earning a sock trick, as well was Richards grabbing an assist. The three stars were Callahan, Girardi, and Carlson, while honorable mentions include Richards, Brouwer, Backstrom, Fedotenko, and Anisimov.
Out west, the Anaheim Ducks take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jonas Hiller are between the pipes. Anaheim opened early with a Bobby Ryan goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The Ducks added on with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. Chicago got one back as Patrick Sharp deposited his eighth of the season, thanks to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Anaheim took it back as Selanne scored his eighth of the year on the power play, powered by Francois Beauchemin and Cam Fowler. Dave Bolland put the Blackhawks back within one on his seventh of the season, a power play goal made possible by Andre Brunette and Marcus Kruger. The Ducks kept on the attack with a Ryan goal in the second period, his seventh of the year and second of the game, fueled by Luca Sbisa and Getzlaf. Chicago picked up the scoring in the third period, first with a Toews goal, his eleventh of the season, with helpers by Duncan Keith and Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks got the lead as Sharp netted two more goals for a hat trick, his ninth and tenth of the year, and assists were awarded to Toews twice, for a sock trick, and Stalberg once. Toews padded the lead for Chicago with his second of the game and twelfth of the season, a power play goal, after passes from Keith and Nick Leddy. Anaheim made it 6-5 with eight seconds left, on Perry's ninth of the year, but even the helpers from Koivu and Getzlaf couldn't save them from defeat. The three stars went to Sharp, Ryan, and Toews, while the honorable mentions include Keith, Stalberg, Perry, Selanne, Getzlaf, and Koivu.
Wrapping up the early games are the Minnesota Wild hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Josh Harding will be guarding the cages. Edmonton jumped out ahead early with the twelfth of the season by Ryan Smyth, assisted by Jordan Eberle and Theo Peckham. The Oilers extended the lead with the ninth of the year for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a power play goal set up by Smyth and Sam Gagner. Minnesota got on the board with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his seventh of the season, coming on the man-advantage from Mikko Koivu and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild tied it in the second period on a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton took the lead back with Taylor Hall sinking his seventh of the season, and Tom Gilbert and Shawn Horcoff took credit for the helpers. Horcoff got the Oilers moving in the third period with his seventh of the campaign, pushed through by Ales Hemsky and Hall. Edmonton iced it at 5-2 with Nugent-Hopkins potting his tenth of the year and second of the game into the empty net, after receiving it through Eberle and Smyth. The three stars were Hall, Cal Clutterbuck, and Khabibulin (30 for 32 in saves), while the honorable mentions are Nugent-Hopkins, Smyth, Horcoff, and Eberle.
The regularly scheduled games begin with the Pittsburgh Penguins welcoming the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Marc-Andre Fleury started in goal, but Alex Auld was quickly called on to relieve Anderson. Ottawa was first on the board with the third of the season by Kaspars Daugavins, via Zack Smith and Erik Karlsson. Pittsburgh replied very quickly with Chris Kunitz netting his eighth of the year, thanks to Sidney Crosby and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins extended the lead on the third of the season by Tyler Kennedy, from Paul Martin and the goalie Fleury. Pittsburgh kept rolling with a Steve Sullivan power play goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Evgeni Malkin and Crosby. Malkin chased Anderson with his seventh of the season for the Penguins, and he got assistance from Kris Letang and Crosby, the latter finishing off a sock trick. Pittsburgh stayed strong in the second period with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his fifth of the campaign, thanks to Arron Asham and Kennedy. The Senators finally got one back with Jared Cowen recording his second of the year, assisted by Daniel Alfredsson and Nick Foligno. The Penguins replied in the third period with the eleventh of the season by Jordan Staal, fueled by Kennedy and Martin. Ottawa finished the scoring at 6-3 with Erik Condra notching his second of the year, guided in by Foligno and Brian Lee. Malkin, Crosby, and Kennedy were the three stars, while Martin and Foligno earn the honorable mention.
Down south, the Carolina Hurricanes play host to Winnipeg Jets. Chris Mason and Cam Ward got the starting nods. Winnipeg opened with an Evander Kane goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Johnny Oduya. Jiri Tlusty answered for Carolina in the second period, his fourth of the year being helped in by Brandon Sutter and Jamie McBain. The Jets took the lead back with the eighth of the season for Andrew Ladd, fueled by Zach Bogosian and Nik Antropov. Winnipeg made it a 3-1 final with an empty net goal from Bryan Little, his sixth of the year, and Bogosian had the lone assist. The three stars were Ladd, Bogosian, and Kane.
Into Ohio, where the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Curtis Sanford took their places in the blue paint, but Enroth was eventually chased in favor of Drew MacIntyre. Columbus started off with the third of the season by Mark Letestu, courtesy of Ryan Johansen and Fedor Tyutin. The Blue Jackets extended the lead with a Rick Nash power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by James Wisniewski and Jeff Carter. Columbus attacked again in the second period with a Marc Methot goal, guided in by Wisniewski and Derek Dorsett. Twelve seconds later, the Blue Jackets had Enroth out with the third of the campaign by R.J. Umberger, assisted by Johansen. Buffalo finally woke up with a goal by Jordan Leopold, his fifth of the season, made possible by Zack Kassian and Robyn Regehr. Nash made it 5-1 with his second of the game and seventh of the year, with helpers provided by Carter and Nikita Nikitin. The third period was silent in scoring, so this was a final, and the three stars were Nash, Methot, and Vinny Prospal, while Carter, Wisniewski, and Johansen all had respectable output.
Backtrack down to the first game of a back-to-back in the Battle of Florida, as the Panthers host their northern neighbors, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Jose Theodore will be tending to the twines. Florida opened the scoring in the second period with the tenth of the season by Tomas Fleischmann, assisted by Stephen Weiss. Tampa Bay answered in the third period to tie it on the tenth of the year by Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis had the lone assist. The tie lasted into overtime, where Dmitry Kulikov had an untimely penalty, and Steven Stamkos cashed in for the Lightning, winning it 2-1 on his twelfth of the campaign, powered by St. Louis and Marc-Andre Bergeron. Stamkos, Garon (23 for 24 in saves), and Theodore (29 for 31 in saves) were named three stars, while St. Louis also had a decent performance.
Northwest to Missouri for the St. Louis Blues hosting the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Brian Elliott wore the goalie masks. St. Louis led off with a shorthanded David Backes goal, his eighth of the season, with help from Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues made it 2-0 in the third period, the eventual final, as Alex Pietrangelo notched his fourth of the year, thanks to Alex Steen and Backes. The three stars were Elliott (24 save shutout), Backes, and Ryan Reaves, while Pietrangelo would have also fit the bill for third star.
South again to Texas, where the Dallas Stars will host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Kari Lehtonen were rolled out as the goalies. Dallas opened with an Eric Nystrom goal, his sixth of the season, thanks to Michael Ryder and Jamie Benn. Toronto replied with a Joey Crabb tally, his fourth of the year, made possible by Dion Phaneuf and Joe Colborne. The Maple Leafs took the lead with a power play goal by Phaneuf, his third of the season, powered by John-Michael Liles and Joffrey Lupul. The Stars tied it in the second period when Nystrom struck again, his second of the game and seventh of the year, assisted by Radek Dvorak and Benn. Toronto got the lead again in the third period with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Tim Connolly and Nikolai Kulemin. Dallas tied it at 3 with a Dvorak goal, his second of the year, via Mike Ribeiro and Philip Larsen. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Lupul's goal put the Maple Leafs over the Stars 4-3. The three stars were Dvorak, Nystrom, and Phaneuf, and the honorable mentions are Lupul and Benn.
Finally, the Phoenix Coyotes welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Mike Smith will be in front of the cages. Vancouver opened in the second period with a Sami Salo goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks added on with an unassisted Ryan Kesler goal, his fourth of the campaign. Vancouver continued with a David Booth goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Kesler and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks showed no mercy in the third period as Maxim Lapierre scored his fourth of the season unassisted. Vancouver finished it at 5-0 with Alexandre Burrows scoring his seventh of the year, and Cody Hodgson and the lone assist. The three stars were Schneider (22 save shutout), Kesler, and Salo.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Football 2011 (week 12)
Three games to watch as everybody enjoys family, food, and football in the USA today. First off...
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers meet for a very charged game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The scoring opened in the second quarter with an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to Greg Jennings, good for 3 yards. Mason Crosby had the extra point. This made the score at halftime 7-0. The Packers got going in the third quarter with a 1 yard John Kuhn touchdown run, and Crosby again made the extra point. Green Bay went back to the sky as Rodgers tossed a 65 yard touchdown to James Jones, and Crosby once again made the PAT. Crosby kept the Packers going with a 35 yard field goal. Detroit finally got on the board with a 16 yard Keiland Williams rushing touchdown, and Matthew Stafford threw the two-point conversion successfully into the arms of Titus Young. Green Bay took a few more points with Crosby kicking a 32 yard field goal. The final was 27-15 after Stafford threw a 3 yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson, and Jason Hanson made an extra point. The Packers went to 11-0 and the Lions fell to 7-4.
Following that, the mid-late afternoon special is the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Shayne Graham field goal from 26 yards. Dallas tied it in the second quarter with Dan Bailey good from 32 yards for a field goal. The Cowboys added on with Tony Romo passing 5 yards to Laurent Robinson for a touchdown, and Bailey made the extra point. The Dolphins pulled back to 10-6 before the half when Graham made a 28 yard field goal. Miami kept kicking in the third quarter with a 27 yard field goal from Graham. The Dolphins finally got in the end zone when Matt Moore passed to Brandon Marshall for a 35 yard touchdown, and Graham had the PAT. Dallas retook the lead in the fourth quarter when Romo met up with Robinson again, this time for an 18 yard touchdown, and Bailey made the extra point. Miami went back ahead with a 23 yard field goal by Graham. The Cowboys would win it 20-19 at the last second with a 28 yard field goal by Bailey, moving them to 7-4 and knocking the Dolphins down to 3-8.
Finally, the Harbaugh Bowl is beginning in the evening, as the Baltimore Ravens host the San Francisco 49ers. Baltimore led off with Billy Cundiff kicking a 39 yard field goal. San Francisco answered with a 45 yard field goal by David Akers. Cundiff put the Ravens back in front 6-3 with a 23 yard field goal in the second quarter. This was the score at halftime. The 49ers tied it in the third quarter with Akers blasting a 52 yard field goal. Baltimore grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter with a Joe Flacco touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta for 8 yards, and Cundiff made the PAT. The Ravens made it 16-6 with Cundiff kicking a 39 yard field goal. This was a final, and the Ravens move to 8-3 while the 49ers fall to 9-2.
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers meet for a very charged game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The scoring opened in the second quarter with an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to Greg Jennings, good for 3 yards. Mason Crosby had the extra point. This made the score at halftime 7-0. The Packers got going in the third quarter with a 1 yard John Kuhn touchdown run, and Crosby again made the extra point. Green Bay went back to the sky as Rodgers tossed a 65 yard touchdown to James Jones, and Crosby once again made the PAT. Crosby kept the Packers going with a 35 yard field goal. Detroit finally got on the board with a 16 yard Keiland Williams rushing touchdown, and Matthew Stafford threw the two-point conversion successfully into the arms of Titus Young. Green Bay took a few more points with Crosby kicking a 32 yard field goal. The final was 27-15 after Stafford threw a 3 yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson, and Jason Hanson made an extra point. The Packers went to 11-0 and the Lions fell to 7-4.
Following that, the mid-late afternoon special is the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Shayne Graham field goal from 26 yards. Dallas tied it in the second quarter with Dan Bailey good from 32 yards for a field goal. The Cowboys added on with Tony Romo passing 5 yards to Laurent Robinson for a touchdown, and Bailey made the extra point. The Dolphins pulled back to 10-6 before the half when Graham made a 28 yard field goal. Miami kept kicking in the third quarter with a 27 yard field goal from Graham. The Dolphins finally got in the end zone when Matt Moore passed to Brandon Marshall for a 35 yard touchdown, and Graham had the PAT. Dallas retook the lead in the fourth quarter when Romo met up with Robinson again, this time for an 18 yard touchdown, and Bailey made the extra point. Miami went back ahead with a 23 yard field goal by Graham. The Cowboys would win it 20-19 at the last second with a 28 yard field goal by Bailey, moving them to 7-4 and knocking the Dolphins down to 3-8.
Finally, the Harbaugh Bowl is beginning in the evening, as the Baltimore Ravens host the San Francisco 49ers. Baltimore led off with Billy Cundiff kicking a 39 yard field goal. San Francisco answered with a 45 yard field goal by David Akers. Cundiff put the Ravens back in front 6-3 with a 23 yard field goal in the second quarter. This was the score at halftime. The 49ers tied it in the third quarter with Akers blasting a 52 yard field goal. Baltimore grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter with a Joe Flacco touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta for 8 yards, and Cundiff made the PAT. The Ravens made it 16-6 with Cundiff kicking a 39 yard field goal. This was a final, and the Ravens move to 8-3 while the 49ers fall to 9-2.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
NHL Day 49 2011-2012
There are a lot of games in the next four days, although tomorrow will be absolutely silent for hockey purposes. We begin this stretch of insanity with thirteen games tonight.
First up, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net. St. Louis struck first with a Scott Nichol goal, going down unassisted. Pittsburgh tied it in the third period with a Steve Sullivan power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Tyler Kennedy. The Blues took the lead back on Jamie Langenbrunner goal, his second of the year, assisted by Chris Stewart and Ian Cole. The Penguins tied it back up with a James Neal goal, his thirteenth of the season, and Malkin had the lone assist. St. Louis took the game in the waning seconds of overtime when the third of the year for Alex Pietrangelo got across the goal line, thanks to Vladimir Sobotka and Matt D'Agostini. The three stars were Langenbrunner, Malkin, and Pietrangelo.
Next, the other over-covered team, the Washington Capitals, welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Tomas Vokoun wear the masks. Washington was first on the board as the recently-benched Alexander Semin popped in his fifth of the season, thanks to Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Winnipeg answered with an Andrew Ladd goal, his seventh of year, helped in by Nik Antropov and Kyle Wellwood. The Capitals took the lead back with Jason Chimera's seventh of the season, courtesy of Brooks Laich and Karl Alzner. The Jets answered again on the seventh of the year by Wellwood, assisted by Ladd and Zach Bogosian. Washington took the lead once again in the second period on the seventh of the season from Nicklas Backstrom, guided in by Troy Brouwer and Dmitry Orlov. Winnipeg tied it again with a Bryan Little goal, his fifth of the year, and helpers were credited to Blake Wheeler and Mark Flood. The tie lasted to overtime, where Chimera's second of the game and eighth of the campaign served as a game winner for the Capitals, and helping him down the Jets were Dennis Wideman and Marcus Johansson. In the 4-3 game, the three stars went to Chimera, Semin, and Ovechkin, while Wellwood and Ladd had the best efforts for the opposition.
To the Motor City, where the Detroit Red Wings will host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Detroit drew first blood with a Tomas Holmstrom goal, his second of the season, made possible by Nicklas Lidstrom and Jiri Hudler. Calgary tied it with the sixth of the year by Jarome Iginla, assisted by Alex Tanguay and Chris Butler. The Flames grabbed the lead on a Brendan Morrison goal, fueled by Tim Jackman. The Red Wings tied it back up with an Ian White goal, his fourth of the season, thanks to Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit got the lead back with Holmstrom's second of the game and third of the year, a power play goal powered by Datsyuk and White. Calgary got another equalizer with a power play goal by Olli Jokinen, his fifth of the season, guided in by T.J. Brodie and Jay Bouwmeester. The Red Wings again took the lead, with Datsyuk netting his fifth of the year on the power play, via Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg. Detroit started to run away with it when Valtteri Filppula notched his fourth of the season off of Hudler and White. The final was 5-3, and the three stars were Datsyuk, Holmstrom, and White, while honorable mentions go to Lidstrom and Hudler.
Back to the coast as the New York Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Rick DiPietro are in the blue paint. Philadelphia opened eighteen seconds in with the second of the season by Andrej Meszaros, assisted by Max Talbot and Matt Carle. New York tied it just nineteen seconds later, as Kyle Okposo scored with help from Michael Grabner. The Islanders took the lead when Okposo scored again, a power play goal powered by Josh Bailey and Grabner. Grabner kept New York in charge with his sixth of the year, thanks to Okposo and Frans Nielsen, and Bryzgalov was pulled in favor of Sergei Bobrovsky for the second period onward. The Flyers got one back in the second period with the ninth of the season by Scott Hartnell, a power play goal powered by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. Philadelphia finally got the equalizer with Danny Briere's sixth of the year, courtesy of Braydon Coburn. Briere took care of business to push the Flyers to 4-3 win in overtime, scoring his second of the game and seventh of the campaign with assistance from Hartnell and Coburn. The three stars were awarded to Okposo, Briere, and Grabner, while Coburn and Hartnell would make up the honorable mentions.
Heading to upstate New York, as the Buffalo Sabres do battle with the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Jhonas Enroth receive the starting nods. Buffalo was first to score when Christian Ehrhoff netted his second of the season, a power play goal from Drew Stafford and Marc-Andre Gragnani. The Sabres added on with another power play goal, the twelfth of the year by Thomas Vanek, powered by Jason Pominville. Boston pulled back in the second period with the twelfth of the season by Tyler Seguin, also a power play goal, made possible by Patrice Bergeron and Rich Peverley. Buffalo got it back with a T.J. Brennan goal off of Derek Roy and Gragnani. The Bruins replied with Brad Marchand depositing his seventh of the year, and Bergeron and Seguin had the helpers. Boston got an equalizer in the third period in the form of a Zdeno Chara power play goal, with assists from Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The tie lasted into a shootout, where the Bruins beat the Sabres in the fifth round on a Benoit Pouliot goal. The three stars went to Seguin, Pouliot, and Brennan, while Bergeron and Gragnani get the honorable mentions.
Back into the tristate region, as the New Jersey Devils host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis Sanford and Martin Brodeur will be between the pipes. New Jersey was first on the board with a second period Dainius Zubrus goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Adam Larsson and Patrik Elias. Columbus tied it in the second period with a Jared Boll goal, assisted by Marc Methot and Vinny Prospal. The tie lasted into a shootout, where the Devils downed the Blue Jackets on goals by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise for a 2-1 win. Earning the three stars were Boll, Brodeur (35 for 36 in saves), and Sanford (23 for 24 in saves).
Down the coast to Carolina, as the Hurricanes welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Playing in front of the cages are Carey Price and Cam Ward. Carolina was first to score with the third of the season by Jiri Tlusty, assisted by Brandon Sutter and Justin Faulk. The Hurricanes added on with an Anthony Stewart goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Tim Brent and Brett Sutter. Montreal got going in the second period with the second of the season by Lars Eller, a shorthanded goal via Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens tied it in the third period when the fifth of the year by Michael Cammalleri found twine, courtesy of Josh Gorges and P.K. Subban. Carolina regained the lead with Brandon's fifth of the season, off of Pat Dwyer and Tlusty. Montreal tied it back up with the seventh of the year by Travis Moen, guided in by Yannick Weber and Eller. The tie was broken in the shootout, as the Canadiens rose 4-3 over the Hurricanes on Brian Gionta's lone tally. Eller, Price (30 for 33 in saves), and Brandon had the three stars, while Tlusty earns honorable mention.
Southward farther to Florida, with the Panthers hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Jose Theodore are in goal. Florida struck first on the power play, with the eighth of the season by Jason Garrison, powered by Brian Campbell and Tomas Fleischmann. The Panthers added on in the second period with the twelfth of the year for Kris Versteeg, via Fleischmann and Keaton Ellerby. New York got on the board with the fourth of the season by Derek Stepan, assisted by Marian Gaborik and Ryan McDonagh. The 2-1 score lasted through a quiet third period for a Florida victory. The three stars were awarded to Fleischmann, Lundqvist (36 for 38 in saves), and Garrison.
Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild will welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Josh Harding are the goalies of choice tonight. Nashville was first to score with the second of the season for Jordin Tootoo, made possible by Craig Smith and Nick Spaling. Minnesota tied it in the third period with the sixth of the year by Dany Heatley, fueled by Mikko Koivu and Devin Setoguchi. The Wild snagged the lead with a power play goal by Kyle Brodziak, his fifth of the season, powered by Matt Cullen and Marco Scandella. Minnesota extended the lead with a shorthanded Cal Clutterbuck goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Koivu. The Predators got one back as Ryan Suter sank his fifth of the season, a power play goal assisted by Tootoo and Martin Erat. The final would be 3-2, and the three stars were Heatley, Harding (23 for 25 in saves), and Koivu.
Zigzagging to Dallas, with the Stars hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen will be stopping the pucks. Los Angeles opened the scoring in the second period on a Mike Richards goal, his tenth of the season, and the lone assist came from Dustin Brown. The Kings added on quickly with a Kevin Westgarth goal, made possible by Ethan Moreau. Dallas got on the board with a Jamie Benn goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Eric Nystrom and Radek Dvorak. The Stars tied it with twenty-one seconds remaining in regulation on a Loui Eriksson goal, his tenth of the season coming on the power play via Benn and Michael Ryder. Dallas completed the comeback in a 3-2 win in overtime with a Steve Ott goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Stephane Robidas and Mike Ribeiro. The three stars were Ott, Benn, and Eriksson.
West to Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Mike Smith guard the cages. Anaheim was first on the scoreboard with the fourth of the season by Saku Koivu, assisted by Andrew Cogliano and Cam Fowler. Phoenix tied it with a Keith Yandle goal, his second of the year, made possible by Shane Doan and Ray Whitney. The Coyotes grabbed the lead with a power play goal by Radim Vrbata, his tenth of the season, powered by Martin Hanzal and Yandle. Phoenix rolled on in the second period with another Vrbata goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, fueled by Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes stayed relentless when Ekman-Larsson struck in the third period with his fifth of the season, thanks to Doan. Corey Perry got one back for the Ducks by registering his eighth of the year, helped along by Ryan Getzlaf and Toni Lydman. The final was 4-2 and the three stars were Vrbata, Yandle, and Ekman-Larsson, while Doan earns an honorable mention.
Up into the Rockies, with the Colorado Avalanche playing host to the Vancouver Canucks. Guarding the goalmouths, we have Cory Schneider and Semyon Varlamov. Vancouver struck first with a Manny Malhotra goal, set up by Cody Hodgson and Jannik Hansen. The Canucks extended the lead on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Dan Hamhuis. Vancouver iced it at 3-0 with a Ryan Kesler empty net goal, his third of the year going in unassisted. The three stars were Schneider (24 save shutout), Burrows, and Varlamov (26 for 28 in saves).
Lastly, we hit the west coast with the San Jose Sharks hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi will be in front of the cages. San Jose opened the scoring late in the second period with a Jason Demers goal, a power play goal from Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture. This goal would hold up as the only one, for a 1-0 Sharks win. The three stars were Niemi (34 save shutout), Demers, and Marian Hossa, although I give Corey Crawford (20 for 21 in saves) his credit.
First up, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net. St. Louis struck first with a Scott Nichol goal, going down unassisted. Pittsburgh tied it in the third period with a Steve Sullivan power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Tyler Kennedy. The Blues took the lead back on Jamie Langenbrunner goal, his second of the year, assisted by Chris Stewart and Ian Cole. The Penguins tied it back up with a James Neal goal, his thirteenth of the season, and Malkin had the lone assist. St. Louis took the game in the waning seconds of overtime when the third of the year for Alex Pietrangelo got across the goal line, thanks to Vladimir Sobotka and Matt D'Agostini. The three stars were Langenbrunner, Malkin, and Pietrangelo.
Next, the other over-covered team, the Washington Capitals, welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Tomas Vokoun wear the masks. Washington was first on the board as the recently-benched Alexander Semin popped in his fifth of the season, thanks to Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Winnipeg answered with an Andrew Ladd goal, his seventh of year, helped in by Nik Antropov and Kyle Wellwood. The Capitals took the lead back with Jason Chimera's seventh of the season, courtesy of Brooks Laich and Karl Alzner. The Jets answered again on the seventh of the year by Wellwood, assisted by Ladd and Zach Bogosian. Washington took the lead once again in the second period on the seventh of the season from Nicklas Backstrom, guided in by Troy Brouwer and Dmitry Orlov. Winnipeg tied it again with a Bryan Little goal, his fifth of the year, and helpers were credited to Blake Wheeler and Mark Flood. The tie lasted to overtime, where Chimera's second of the game and eighth of the campaign served as a game winner for the Capitals, and helping him down the Jets were Dennis Wideman and Marcus Johansson. In the 4-3 game, the three stars went to Chimera, Semin, and Ovechkin, while Wellwood and Ladd had the best efforts for the opposition.
To the Motor City, where the Detroit Red Wings will host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Detroit drew first blood with a Tomas Holmstrom goal, his second of the season, made possible by Nicklas Lidstrom and Jiri Hudler. Calgary tied it with the sixth of the year by Jarome Iginla, assisted by Alex Tanguay and Chris Butler. The Flames grabbed the lead on a Brendan Morrison goal, fueled by Tim Jackman. The Red Wings tied it back up with an Ian White goal, his fourth of the season, thanks to Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit got the lead back with Holmstrom's second of the game and third of the year, a power play goal powered by Datsyuk and White. Calgary got another equalizer with a power play goal by Olli Jokinen, his fifth of the season, guided in by T.J. Brodie and Jay Bouwmeester. The Red Wings again took the lead, with Datsyuk netting his fifth of the year on the power play, via Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg. Detroit started to run away with it when Valtteri Filppula notched his fourth of the season off of Hudler and White. The final was 5-3, and the three stars were Datsyuk, Holmstrom, and White, while honorable mentions go to Lidstrom and Hudler.
Back to the coast as the New York Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Rick DiPietro are in the blue paint. Philadelphia opened eighteen seconds in with the second of the season by Andrej Meszaros, assisted by Max Talbot and Matt Carle. New York tied it just nineteen seconds later, as Kyle Okposo scored with help from Michael Grabner. The Islanders took the lead when Okposo scored again, a power play goal powered by Josh Bailey and Grabner. Grabner kept New York in charge with his sixth of the year, thanks to Okposo and Frans Nielsen, and Bryzgalov was pulled in favor of Sergei Bobrovsky for the second period onward. The Flyers got one back in the second period with the ninth of the season by Scott Hartnell, a power play goal powered by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. Philadelphia finally got the equalizer with Danny Briere's sixth of the year, courtesy of Braydon Coburn. Briere took care of business to push the Flyers to 4-3 win in overtime, scoring his second of the game and seventh of the campaign with assistance from Hartnell and Coburn. The three stars were awarded to Okposo, Briere, and Grabner, while Coburn and Hartnell would make up the honorable mentions.
Heading to upstate New York, as the Buffalo Sabres do battle with the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Jhonas Enroth receive the starting nods. Buffalo was first to score when Christian Ehrhoff netted his second of the season, a power play goal from Drew Stafford and Marc-Andre Gragnani. The Sabres added on with another power play goal, the twelfth of the year by Thomas Vanek, powered by Jason Pominville. Boston pulled back in the second period with the twelfth of the season by Tyler Seguin, also a power play goal, made possible by Patrice Bergeron and Rich Peverley. Buffalo got it back with a T.J. Brennan goal off of Derek Roy and Gragnani. The Bruins replied with Brad Marchand depositing his seventh of the year, and Bergeron and Seguin had the helpers. Boston got an equalizer in the third period in the form of a Zdeno Chara power play goal, with assists from Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The tie lasted into a shootout, where the Bruins beat the Sabres in the fifth round on a Benoit Pouliot goal. The three stars went to Seguin, Pouliot, and Brennan, while Bergeron and Gragnani get the honorable mentions.
Back into the tristate region, as the New Jersey Devils host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis Sanford and Martin Brodeur will be between the pipes. New Jersey was first on the board with a second period Dainius Zubrus goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Adam Larsson and Patrik Elias. Columbus tied it in the second period with a Jared Boll goal, assisted by Marc Methot and Vinny Prospal. The tie lasted into a shootout, where the Devils downed the Blue Jackets on goals by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise for a 2-1 win. Earning the three stars were Boll, Brodeur (35 for 36 in saves), and Sanford (23 for 24 in saves).
Down the coast to Carolina, as the Hurricanes welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Playing in front of the cages are Carey Price and Cam Ward. Carolina was first to score with the third of the season by Jiri Tlusty, assisted by Brandon Sutter and Justin Faulk. The Hurricanes added on with an Anthony Stewart goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Tim Brent and Brett Sutter. Montreal got going in the second period with the second of the season by Lars Eller, a shorthanded goal via Raphael Diaz. The Canadiens tied it in the third period when the fifth of the year by Michael Cammalleri found twine, courtesy of Josh Gorges and P.K. Subban. Carolina regained the lead with Brandon's fifth of the season, off of Pat Dwyer and Tlusty. Montreal tied it back up with the seventh of the year by Travis Moen, guided in by Yannick Weber and Eller. The tie was broken in the shootout, as the Canadiens rose 4-3 over the Hurricanes on Brian Gionta's lone tally. Eller, Price (30 for 33 in saves), and Brandon had the three stars, while Tlusty earns honorable mention.
Southward farther to Florida, with the Panthers hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Jose Theodore are in goal. Florida struck first on the power play, with the eighth of the season by Jason Garrison, powered by Brian Campbell and Tomas Fleischmann. The Panthers added on in the second period with the twelfth of the year for Kris Versteeg, via Fleischmann and Keaton Ellerby. New York got on the board with the fourth of the season by Derek Stepan, assisted by Marian Gaborik and Ryan McDonagh. The 2-1 score lasted through a quiet third period for a Florida victory. The three stars were awarded to Fleischmann, Lundqvist (36 for 38 in saves), and Garrison.
Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild will welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Josh Harding are the goalies of choice tonight. Nashville was first to score with the second of the season for Jordin Tootoo, made possible by Craig Smith and Nick Spaling. Minnesota tied it in the third period with the sixth of the year by Dany Heatley, fueled by Mikko Koivu and Devin Setoguchi. The Wild snagged the lead with a power play goal by Kyle Brodziak, his fifth of the season, powered by Matt Cullen and Marco Scandella. Minnesota extended the lead with a shorthanded Cal Clutterbuck goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Koivu. The Predators got one back as Ryan Suter sank his fifth of the season, a power play goal assisted by Tootoo and Martin Erat. The final would be 3-2, and the three stars were Heatley, Harding (23 for 25 in saves), and Koivu.
Zigzagging to Dallas, with the Stars hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen will be stopping the pucks. Los Angeles opened the scoring in the second period on a Mike Richards goal, his tenth of the season, and the lone assist came from Dustin Brown. The Kings added on quickly with a Kevin Westgarth goal, made possible by Ethan Moreau. Dallas got on the board with a Jamie Benn goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Eric Nystrom and Radek Dvorak. The Stars tied it with twenty-one seconds remaining in regulation on a Loui Eriksson goal, his tenth of the season coming on the power play via Benn and Michael Ryder. Dallas completed the comeback in a 3-2 win in overtime with a Steve Ott goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Stephane Robidas and Mike Ribeiro. The three stars were Ott, Benn, and Eriksson.
West to Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Mike Smith guard the cages. Anaheim was first on the scoreboard with the fourth of the season by Saku Koivu, assisted by Andrew Cogliano and Cam Fowler. Phoenix tied it with a Keith Yandle goal, his second of the year, made possible by Shane Doan and Ray Whitney. The Coyotes grabbed the lead with a power play goal by Radim Vrbata, his tenth of the season, powered by Martin Hanzal and Yandle. Phoenix rolled on in the second period with another Vrbata goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, fueled by Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes stayed relentless when Ekman-Larsson struck in the third period with his fifth of the season, thanks to Doan. Corey Perry got one back for the Ducks by registering his eighth of the year, helped along by Ryan Getzlaf and Toni Lydman. The final was 4-2 and the three stars were Vrbata, Yandle, and Ekman-Larsson, while Doan earns an honorable mention.
Up into the Rockies, with the Colorado Avalanche playing host to the Vancouver Canucks. Guarding the goalmouths, we have Cory Schneider and Semyon Varlamov. Vancouver struck first with a Manny Malhotra goal, set up by Cody Hodgson and Jannik Hansen. The Canucks extended the lead on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Dan Hamhuis. Vancouver iced it at 3-0 with a Ryan Kesler empty net goal, his third of the year going in unassisted. The three stars were Schneider (24 save shutout), Burrows, and Varlamov (26 for 28 in saves).
Lastly, we hit the west coast with the San Jose Sharks hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi will be in front of the cages. San Jose opened the scoring late in the second period with a Jason Demers goal, a power play goal from Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture. This goal would hold up as the only one, for a 1-0 Sharks win. The three stars were Niemi (34 save shutout), Demers, and Marian Hossa, although I give Corey Crawford (20 for 21 in saves) his credit.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
NHL Day 48 2011-2012
Only three games going on tonight. We begin with the similarly-colored game...
As the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Dwayne Roloson get the starting nods. Toronto led off with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Jake Gardiner and Tim Connolly. Tampa Bay replied with a power play goal by Vincent Lecavalier, his ninth of the year, thanks to Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. The Maple Leafs took the lead back on a power play goal by Connolly, his third of the season, powered by Nikolai Kulemin and Cody Franson. Toronto extended the lead with the third of the year from Tyler Bozak, yet another power play goal, set up by Phil Kessel and Connolly. The Maple Leafs tacked a goal by Joe Colborne onto the scoreboard in the second period, assisted by Matt Frattin and John-Michael Liles. Toronto got another goal in the third period, the second of the night and fourth of the season for Bozak, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs remained relentless, as Joffrey Lupul registered his eleventh of the year, fueled by Bozak and Dion Phaneuf. Toronto poured another on in the form of the third of the season by Joey Crabb, courtesy of Frattin and Gardiner. This left the final at 7-1, and the three stars were Connolly, Bozak, and Gardiner, while Frattin earns an honorable mention.
Heading northwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Bernier will oppose Jaroslav Halak in between the pipes. St. Louis led off with Alex Steen potting his eighth of the season, courtesy of T.J. Oshie. Los Angeles tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Anze Kopitar, his tenth of the year, powered by Mike Richards. Richards gave the Kings a lead in the third period with his ninth of the season, and Andrei Loktionov had the lone helper. The Blues tied it on a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his second of the year, thanks to Matt D'Agostini and Kris Russell. Los Angeles took the lead back with Willie Mitchell's goal, made possible by Simon Gagne. They would hold on for a 3-2 lead, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Bernier (23 for 25 in saves), and Sobotka.
Finally, the Nashville Predators welcome the increasingly dangerous Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Pekka Rinne received the starts, but Anders Lindback spelled Rinne from the second period onward. Edmonton opened on a power play goal by Shawn Horcoff, his fifth of the season, powered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. Ales Hemsky extended the lead for the Oilers with his second of the year, fueled by Ryan Smyth and Jordan Eberle. Eberle turned around and added on for Edmonton shortly after, notching his sixth of the season off of Hall and Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers got back to it in the third period with Eberle's second of the game and seventh of the year, via Smyth and Ladislav Smid. Nashville got on the board with a Jordin Tootoo goal, coming on the power play from Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Edmonton replied with Jeff Petry notching a power play goal, guided in by Eric Belanger and Hemsky. The Oilers continued to unleash their fury as Horcoff's second of the game and sixth of the campaign found twine, and Sam Gagner and Ryan Jones had the assists. The Predators got it to 6-2 on a Jonathon Blum goal, his second of the year, with the help of Mike Fisher and Tootoo. The three stars were Eberle, Dubnyk (30 for 32 in saves), and Nugent-Hopkins. The honorable mentions were Hall, Hemsky, Horcoff, Tootoo, and Smyth.
As the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Dwayne Roloson get the starting nods. Toronto led off with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Jake Gardiner and Tim Connolly. Tampa Bay replied with a power play goal by Vincent Lecavalier, his ninth of the year, thanks to Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. The Maple Leafs took the lead back on a power play goal by Connolly, his third of the season, powered by Nikolai Kulemin and Cody Franson. Toronto extended the lead with the third of the year from Tyler Bozak, yet another power play goal, set up by Phil Kessel and Connolly. The Maple Leafs tacked a goal by Joe Colborne onto the scoreboard in the second period, assisted by Matt Frattin and John-Michael Liles. Toronto got another goal in the third period, the second of the night and fourth of the season for Bozak, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs remained relentless, as Joffrey Lupul registered his eleventh of the year, fueled by Bozak and Dion Phaneuf. Toronto poured another on in the form of the third of the season by Joey Crabb, courtesy of Frattin and Gardiner. This left the final at 7-1, and the three stars were Connolly, Bozak, and Gardiner, while Frattin earns an honorable mention.
Heading northwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Bernier will oppose Jaroslav Halak in between the pipes. St. Louis led off with Alex Steen potting his eighth of the season, courtesy of T.J. Oshie. Los Angeles tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Anze Kopitar, his tenth of the year, powered by Mike Richards. Richards gave the Kings a lead in the third period with his ninth of the season, and Andrei Loktionov had the lone helper. The Blues tied it on a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his second of the year, thanks to Matt D'Agostini and Kris Russell. Los Angeles took the lead back with Willie Mitchell's goal, made possible by Simon Gagne. They would hold on for a 3-2 lead, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Bernier (23 for 25 in saves), and Sobotka.
Finally, the Nashville Predators welcome the increasingly dangerous Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Pekka Rinne received the starts, but Anders Lindback spelled Rinne from the second period onward. Edmonton opened on a power play goal by Shawn Horcoff, his fifth of the season, powered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. Ales Hemsky extended the lead for the Oilers with his second of the year, fueled by Ryan Smyth and Jordan Eberle. Eberle turned around and added on for Edmonton shortly after, notching his sixth of the season off of Hall and Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers got back to it in the third period with Eberle's second of the game and seventh of the year, via Smyth and Ladislav Smid. Nashville got on the board with a Jordin Tootoo goal, coming on the power play from Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Edmonton replied with Jeff Petry notching a power play goal, guided in by Eric Belanger and Hemsky. The Oilers continued to unleash their fury as Horcoff's second of the game and sixth of the campaign found twine, and Sam Gagner and Ryan Jones had the assists. The Predators got it to 6-2 on a Jonathon Blum goal, his second of the year, with the help of Mike Fisher and Tootoo. The three stars were Eberle, Dubnyk (30 for 32 in saves), and Nugent-Hopkins. The honorable mentions were Hall, Hemsky, Horcoff, Tootoo, and Smyth.
Fantasy Football All-Stars week 11
Time's getting shorter for those still on the outside looking in. There are 3 weeks left in standard football leagues. Here's who helped make the push ahead this week.
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Running Back: Kevin Smith and Ray Rice
Wide Receiver: Jordy Nelson and Nate Washington
Tight End: Rob Gronkowski
Kicker: David Akers
Team Defense: New England
Defensive Player: Chris Clemons
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Running Back: Kevin Smith and Ray Rice
Wide Receiver: Jordy Nelson and Nate Washington
Tight End: Rob Gronkowski
Kicker: David Akers
Team Defense: New England
Defensive Player: Chris Clemons
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday Night Football week 11
This week the New England Patriots host the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City opened with a Ryan Succop field goal from 26 yards. New England got going in the second quarter when Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowksi met up for a 52 yard touchdown reception, and Stephen Gostkowski added the extra point. The score at halftime was 10-3 Patriots due to a 21 yard Gostkowski field goal. New England kept charging in the third quarter with a Brady pass of 19 yards to Gronkowski for another touchdown, and Gostkowski again added the PAT. The Patriots next touchdown was special, as Julian Edelman returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown, and Gostkowski supplied the extra point. Gostkowski kept pushing New England ahead, tacking on a 19 yard field goal. The Patriots finished it at 34-3 with Shane Vereen rushing 4 yards for a touchdown and Gostkowski kicking the final extra point. The Patriots are now 7-3, and the Chiefs fell to 4-6.
NHL Day 47 2011-2012
There are seven games being played tonight. We begin with the Washington Capitals hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera opposes Tomas Vokoun in goal. Phoenix opened on a shorthanded and unassisted Radim Vrbata goal, his ninth of the season. The Coyotes added on in the second period with a penalty shot by Lauri Korpikoski, good as his fourth of the year. Washington got on the board with a John Carlson goal, his third of the season, going down unassisted. The Capitals tied it with Cody Eakin potting his second of the year, and Jeff Schultz had the lone assist. Washington took the lead in the third period when Nicklas Backstrom scored his sixth of the season off of Joel Ward and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals extended the lead on a power play goal by Brooks Laich, his fourth of the year, with help from Backstrom. Phoenix got one back when Korpikoski netted his second of the night and fifth of the season, guided in by Ray Whitney and Boyd Gordon. They couldn't get the equalizer, and lost 4-3. The three stars were awarded to Backstrom, Korpikoski, and Ward.
Next up, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Calgary Flames. Backups Henrik Karlsson and Curtis Sanford will play goal. Jeff Carter got Columbus going first with his second of the season, via Vinny Prospal and Nikita Nikitin. The Blue Jackets kept it up with an Antoine Vermette goal, his second of the year, made possible by Derek Dorsett and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus extended the lead again in the second period on Carter's second of the game and third of the season, thanks to Prospal and James Wisniewski on the power play. Calgary got on the board with a Mark Giordano power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Alex Tanguay and Rene Bourque. The Blue Jackets iced it on an empty net goal by Rick Nash, his fifth of the campaign, and Prospal got the lone helper to clinch a sock trick. The three stars were Carter, Sanford (27 for 28 in saves), and Prospal.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... The Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson and Marc-Andre Fleury are in goal. Pittsburgh opened with a goal by Sidney Crosby, his first of the season, assisted by Pascal Dupuis and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins added on with a Brooks Orpik goal, his second of the year, fueled by Crosby and Dupuis. Pittsburgh kept on the attack with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal in the second period, his sixth of the season, powered by Kris Letang and Crosby. The Penguins stayed relentless as Steve Sullivan drained his second of the year, with the help of Malkin and James Neal. Pittsburgh went back to work in the third period, as Crosby potted his second of the night and the year, thanks to Dupuis, who got a sock trick, and Zbynek Michalek. The final was 5-0, and the three stars were Crosby, Dupuis, and Fleury (29 save shutout) while Malkin earns an honorable mention.
Staying in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Flyers hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Ilya Bryzgalov got the starting nods. Carolina opened with Alexei Ponikarovsky sinking his fourth of the season, with the help of Chad LaRose and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. The Hurricanes added on with a Jeff Skinner goal, his ninth of the year, thanks to Tuomo Ruutu and Jay Harrison. Philadelphia got on the board with an unassisted James van Riemsdyk goal, his eighth of the season. Carolina replied on a LaRose goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Tomas Kaberle and Ponikarovsky. The Flyers answered back on a Matt Read power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by van Riemsdyk and Kimmo Timonen. The Hurricanes got it back on the power play when Ponikarovsky's second of the night and fifth of the year found twine, coming off of LaRose and Jokinen. The third period was silent, leaving a 4-2 final on the board, and the three stars were Ponikarovsky, LaRose, and van Riesmdyk, while Jokinen gets the honorable mention.
Up to Montreal, where the Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Carey Price tend the twines. Boston led off on an Andrew Ference goal, his second of the season, made possible by Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly. This held up to the end, for a 1-0 final in the Bruins favor. Thomas (33 save shutout), Price (17 for 18 in saves), and Alexei Emelin were the official three stars, although Ference probably has a good case.
Down to Florida, where the Panthers host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Jose Theodore will be stopping the puck tonight. New Jersey was first to score on the fourth of the season by Ilya Kovalchuk, assisted by Henrik Tallinder and Andy Greene. The Devils added on with Petr Sykora recording his fourth of the year, thanks to Adam Larsson and Greene. New Jersey surged further ahead when Dainius Zubrus sent his sixth of the season into the twine, helped along by Patrik Elias and the goalie Brodeur. Florida pulled within one in the second period on two consecutive Kris Versteeg goals, his tenth and eleventh of the year, and the assists were spread amongst Stephen Weiss, Dmitry Kulikov, and Jason Garrison. The Panthers tied it in the third period with a Stephen Weiss shorthanded goal, his eighth of the season guided in by Garrison and Mike Weaver. Florida took the lead late at 4-3 when Tomas Fleischmann netted his ninth of the year, with assists provided by Weiss and Versteeg. This was a final, and the three stars were given to Weiss, Fleischmann, and Versteeg, while Garrison and Greene had good games too.
Lastly, the Dallas Stars welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Kari Lehtonen will be in the blue paint. Dallas led off when Toby Petersen scored off of Tom Wandell and Eric Nystrom. The Stars extended the lead in the second period with a Steve Ott goal, his third of the season, thanks to Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow. Edmonton got on the board with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins putting his eighth of the year into the cage, courtesy of Jordan Eberle and Ryan Smyth. Dallas got it back with Michael Ryder notching his seventh of the season, guided in by Nicklas Grossman and Loui Eriksson. The Stars wrapped it up 4-1 with Radek Dvorak netting an empty netter, helped along by Vernon Fiddler. This was a final, with Ott, Jamie Benn, and Petersen collecting the three stars and all point earners getting honorable mention.
Next up, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Calgary Flames. Backups Henrik Karlsson and Curtis Sanford will play goal. Jeff Carter got Columbus going first with his second of the season, via Vinny Prospal and Nikita Nikitin. The Blue Jackets kept it up with an Antoine Vermette goal, his second of the year, made possible by Derek Dorsett and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus extended the lead again in the second period on Carter's second of the game and third of the season, thanks to Prospal and James Wisniewski on the power play. Calgary got on the board with a Mark Giordano power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Alex Tanguay and Rene Bourque. The Blue Jackets iced it on an empty net goal by Rick Nash, his fifth of the campaign, and Prospal got the lone helper to clinch a sock trick. The three stars were Carter, Sanford (27 for 28 in saves), and Prospal.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... The Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson and Marc-Andre Fleury are in goal. Pittsburgh opened with a goal by Sidney Crosby, his first of the season, assisted by Pascal Dupuis and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins added on with a Brooks Orpik goal, his second of the year, fueled by Crosby and Dupuis. Pittsburgh kept on the attack with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal in the second period, his sixth of the season, powered by Kris Letang and Crosby. The Penguins stayed relentless as Steve Sullivan drained his second of the year, with the help of Malkin and James Neal. Pittsburgh went back to work in the third period, as Crosby potted his second of the night and the year, thanks to Dupuis, who got a sock trick, and Zbynek Michalek. The final was 5-0, and the three stars were Crosby, Dupuis, and Fleury (29 save shutout) while Malkin earns an honorable mention.
Staying in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Flyers hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Ilya Bryzgalov got the starting nods. Carolina opened with Alexei Ponikarovsky sinking his fourth of the season, with the help of Chad LaRose and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. The Hurricanes added on with a Jeff Skinner goal, his ninth of the year, thanks to Tuomo Ruutu and Jay Harrison. Philadelphia got on the board with an unassisted James van Riemsdyk goal, his eighth of the season. Carolina replied on a LaRose goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Tomas Kaberle and Ponikarovsky. The Flyers answered back on a Matt Read power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by van Riemsdyk and Kimmo Timonen. The Hurricanes got it back on the power play when Ponikarovsky's second of the night and fifth of the year found twine, coming off of LaRose and Jokinen. The third period was silent, leaving a 4-2 final on the board, and the three stars were Ponikarovsky, LaRose, and van Riesmdyk, while Jokinen gets the honorable mention.
Up to Montreal, where the Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Carey Price tend the twines. Boston led off on an Andrew Ference goal, his second of the season, made possible by Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly. This held up to the end, for a 1-0 final in the Bruins favor. Thomas (33 save shutout), Price (17 for 18 in saves), and Alexei Emelin were the official three stars, although Ference probably has a good case.
Down to Florida, where the Panthers host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Jose Theodore will be stopping the puck tonight. New Jersey was first to score on the fourth of the season by Ilya Kovalchuk, assisted by Henrik Tallinder and Andy Greene. The Devils added on with Petr Sykora recording his fourth of the year, thanks to Adam Larsson and Greene. New Jersey surged further ahead when Dainius Zubrus sent his sixth of the season into the twine, helped along by Patrik Elias and the goalie Brodeur. Florida pulled within one in the second period on two consecutive Kris Versteeg goals, his tenth and eleventh of the year, and the assists were spread amongst Stephen Weiss, Dmitry Kulikov, and Jason Garrison. The Panthers tied it in the third period with a Stephen Weiss shorthanded goal, his eighth of the season guided in by Garrison and Mike Weaver. Florida took the lead late at 4-3 when Tomas Fleischmann netted his ninth of the year, with assists provided by Weiss and Versteeg. This was a final, and the three stars were given to Weiss, Fleischmann, and Versteeg, while Garrison and Greene had good games too.
Lastly, the Dallas Stars welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Kari Lehtonen will be in the blue paint. Dallas led off when Toby Petersen scored off of Tom Wandell and Eric Nystrom. The Stars extended the lead in the second period with a Steve Ott goal, his third of the season, thanks to Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow. Edmonton got on the board with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins putting his eighth of the year into the cage, courtesy of Jordan Eberle and Ryan Smyth. Dallas got it back with Michael Ryder notching his seventh of the season, guided in by Nicklas Grossman and Loui Eriksson. The Stars wrapped it up 4-1 with Radek Dvorak netting an empty netter, helped along by Vernon Fiddler. This was a final, with Ott, Jamie Benn, and Petersen collecting the three stars and all point earners getting honorable mention.
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