Top 10 list this week, too many studs to leave out.
1. Alex Ovechkin, 5 G, 2 A, +4, 4 PIM, 3 PPP, 17 SOG
2. Henrik Lundqvist, 2 W, 0.50 GAA, 55 SV, .982 SV%, 1 SO
3. Jonathan Quick, 3 W, 1.33 GAA, 91 SV, .958 SV%, 1 SO
4. Jimmy Howard, 3 W, 1.51 GAA, 116 SV, .951 SV%, 1 SO
5. Steve Downie, 2 G, 5 A, +5, 4 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
6. Steven Stamkos, 6 G, 0 A, +2, 2 PIM, 2 PPP, 10 SOG
7. Chris Mason, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 31 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
8. Daniel Sedin, 4 G, 1 A, +4, 4 PIM, 0 PPP, 16 SOG
9. Tomas Vokoun, 3 W, 1.32 GAA, 107 SV, .955 SV%, 0 SO
10. Martin St. Louis, 0 G, 6 A, +2, 2 PIM, 2 PPP, 7 SOG
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday Night Game week 17
The final playoff spot is determined tonight as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys for NFC East supremacy. New York struck first with Eli Manning tossing a touchdown pass to Victor Cruz, who, after the catch and run, had racked up 74 yards. Lawrence Tynes made the extra point. The Giants added on in the second quarter with a 5 yard Ahmad Bradshaw touchdown rush, and Tynes was good with the extra point once again. New York would lead 21-0 at halftime after Manning found Bradshaw for a 10 yard touchdown connection, and Tynes added the PAT. Dallas got going in the third quarter with a 34 yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Laurent Robinson, and Dan Bailey was there to make the extra point. The Cowboys pulled even closer in the fourth quarter, as Romo found Robinson again, this time a 6 yard connection for a touchdown, and Bailey made another extra point. The Giants got some back with a 28 yard Tynes field goal. New York put it away at 31-14 with Manning tossing a 4 yard touchdown to Hakeem Nicks, and Tynes had the extra point. This was a final, and the Giants entered the playoffs as NFC East champions with a 9-7 record, while the Cowboys were 8-8.
NFL Late Games week 17
Six games on this afternoon, beginning with an NFC South battle between the in Atlanta Falcons and out Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fine state of Georgia. Atlanta struck first with a Jacquizz Rodgers touchdown run of 1 yard, and Matt Bryant supplied the extra point. The Falcons added on with a Matt Ryan touchdown to Julio Jones, a 17 yard play capped by a Bryant PAT. Ryan and Jones met up on the next offensive drive, this time going 48 yards to nab another touchdown connection, and Bryant was there with the extra point for Atlanta. The Falcons continued to dominate in the second quarter as Michael Turner ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Bryant tallied another extra point. Atlanta turned to the defense next, as Curtis Lofton picked off Josh Freeman and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, allowing Bryant the extra point. Turner picked up the Falcons offense again by ripping off an 81 yard touchdown rush, and Bryant was there with the extra point once again. Tampa Bay finally woke up and said something, as Freeman found Dezmon Briscoe for a 2 yard touchdown pass, and Connor Barth finally got a chance to kick an extra point. The score sat at 42-7 for halftime. The Buccaneers continued on the "comeback" trail with a third quarter field goal by Barth, from 41 yards away. Tampa Bay continued as Elbert Mack picked off Chris Redman for 40 yards and a touchdown, and Freeman passed to Kellen Winslow for the two point conversion. The Buccaneers rolled on in the fourth quarter with a Freeman and Briscoe connection, a 5 yard touchdown play, capped off by a failed two-point run for Freeman. Atlanta had some parting gifts when Bryant nailed a 20 yard field goal. This made it 45-24, the final, improving the Falcons to 10-6 and dropping the Buccaneers to 4-12. Atlanta will take the fifth seed in the NFC with the victory.
Out west, the Arizona Cardinals take on their NFC West opponents, the Seattle Seahawks in a meaningless game. Arizona drew first blood with a 1 yard Chester Taylor touchdown run, and Jay Feely made the extra point. Seattle answered in the second quarter on a Steven Hauschka field goal from 43 yards away. Feely answered for the Cardinals with a 41 yard field goal. This gave them a 10-3 lead to take into the half. The Seahawks tied it in the third quarter when Leon Washington unleashed a 48 yard touchdown run, and Hauschka supplied the extra point. Arizona took the lead again on a John Skelton touchdown pass of 13 yards to Todd Heap, and Feely made the extra point. Feely added a 43 yard field goal for the Cardinals in the fourth quarter. Seattle got back within range on Hauschka's 26 yard field goal. The Seahawks tied it with a 61 yard touchdown pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Ricardo Lockette, and Hauschka had the tying extra point. The game went to overtime, where Arizona won it on Feely's 28 yard field goal, improving them to 8-8, and dropping Seattle to 7-9.
Just a little to the northwest, the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will go to war for AFC West and California pride, where the Raiders need a win to stay in the postseason conversation. The Raiders are the underdogs here, requiring both a win and a Denver loss to clinch. Oakland was first on the board with a 3 yard Carson Palmer touchdown pass, this one landing in the hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. San Diego tied it up with Philip Rivers throwing a touchdown to Antonio Gates, a 38 yard play finished off by a Nick Novak extra point. The Chargers gained the lead with a 1 yard Mike Tolbert rush for a touchdown, and Novak was there with the extra point. The Raiders pulled back with Janikowski kicking a 52 yard field goal. San Diego quickly made up for it with a return of the ensuing kickoff by Richard Goodman for 105 yards and a touchdown, allowing Novak to score an extra point. Oakland got a few back again as Janikowski made a 43 yard field goal. The Chargers answered with Novak kicking a 51 yard field goal for a 24-13 lead, which lasted to halftime. Janikowski pulled the Raiders back in range again in the third quarter on a 27 yard chip shot. San Diego shot back when Rivers passed 13 yards to Vincent Jackson for a touchdown, and Novak made his PAT. Oakland kept kicking with a 32 yard field goal from Janikowski's foot. The Raiders pulled within shouting distance as Palmer connected with Kevin Boss for 22 yards and a touchdown, allowing Janikowski the extra point. The Chargers got more separation with Rivers throwing 43 yards for Malcom Floyd, resulting in a touchdown and a Novak extra point. The final is 38-26, eliminating Oakland from playoff contention on a tiebreaker with Denver. Both teams here are 8-8, but do not hold a tiebreaker advantage, and the wild card positions have been taken care of, so they are out on that front as well.
A similar situation unfolds in Denver, as the Broncos will need to beat their AFC West opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs to have a chance at a playoff seed. The Broncos have the upper hand over Oakland as mentioned above, needing only a win or an Oakland loss. Kansas City was first on the board with a 21 yard touchdown rush by Dexter McCluster, iced off with a Ryan Succop extra point. This lasted to halftime as a 7-0 score. Matt Prater got Denver on the board in the third quarter with a 38 yard field goal. This made it 7-3, and after a silent fourth quarter, the score was finalized. The Chiefs improve to 7-9, and the Broncos are now 8-8, and will take the division anyway due to a Raiders loss.
Back to Ohio, where the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. The Steelers would like this game and a Baltimore Ravens loss (see next paragraph) to clinch a bye next week. Cleveland first dented the scoreboard with a second quarter Phil Dawson field goal of 26 yards. The Browns added on with a Dawson kicking a 45 yard field goal. Pittsburgh got on the board as the half expired with a Shaun Suisham field goal of 19 yards, for a 6-3 score. Suisham evened the score for the Steelers with a 29 yard field goal in the third quarter. Pittsburgh grabbed a lead when Isaac Redman ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham nailed the extra point. Cleveland got a few back with Dawson kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers managed to hold off a furious late rally, improving to 12-4 while dropping the Browns to 4-12. Pittsburgh will be playing as a wild card next week due to the Baltimore victory below.
Finally, still in Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens for AFC North pride. Baltimore will have a bye next week with a win, while Cincinnati would like this game to clinch in the wild card race. Baltimore wasted little time getting on the board as Ray Rice busted out a 70 yard touchdown run, and Billy Cundiff kicked the extra point in. Cundiff added on a 42 yard field goal for the Ravens. Cincinnati replied on a 46 yard field goal from the boot of Mike Nugent. Baltimore replied back in the second quarter with Joe Flacco's 9 yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta, and Cundiff made it 17-3 with the PAT, which would be taken to the locker rooms. The Bengals replied in the third quarter on a 25 yard Bernard Scott touchdown run, iced off by a Nugent extra point. Cincinnati pulled closer when Nugent kicked a 46 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Ravens pulled farther ahead as Rice unleashed another big run, a 51 yard dash to the end zone for the touchdown, and Cundiff made the extra point. The Bengals got back within range as Nugent made a 23 yard field goal. The final here was 24-16, improving Baltimore to 12-4 and the advantage of a bye next week while Cincinnati falls to 9-7, who clinched the sixth seed thanks to a Denver loss.
Out west, the Arizona Cardinals take on their NFC West opponents, the Seattle Seahawks in a meaningless game. Arizona drew first blood with a 1 yard Chester Taylor touchdown run, and Jay Feely made the extra point. Seattle answered in the second quarter on a Steven Hauschka field goal from 43 yards away. Feely answered for the Cardinals with a 41 yard field goal. This gave them a 10-3 lead to take into the half. The Seahawks tied it in the third quarter when Leon Washington unleashed a 48 yard touchdown run, and Hauschka supplied the extra point. Arizona took the lead again on a John Skelton touchdown pass of 13 yards to Todd Heap, and Feely made the extra point. Feely added a 43 yard field goal for the Cardinals in the fourth quarter. Seattle got back within range on Hauschka's 26 yard field goal. The Seahawks tied it with a 61 yard touchdown pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Ricardo Lockette, and Hauschka had the tying extra point. The game went to overtime, where Arizona won it on Feely's 28 yard field goal, improving them to 8-8, and dropping Seattle to 7-9.
Just a little to the northwest, the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will go to war for AFC West and California pride, where the Raiders need a win to stay in the postseason conversation. The Raiders are the underdogs here, requiring both a win and a Denver loss to clinch. Oakland was first on the board with a 3 yard Carson Palmer touchdown pass, this one landing in the hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. San Diego tied it up with Philip Rivers throwing a touchdown to Antonio Gates, a 38 yard play finished off by a Nick Novak extra point. The Chargers gained the lead with a 1 yard Mike Tolbert rush for a touchdown, and Novak was there with the extra point. The Raiders pulled back with Janikowski kicking a 52 yard field goal. San Diego quickly made up for it with a return of the ensuing kickoff by Richard Goodman for 105 yards and a touchdown, allowing Novak to score an extra point. Oakland got a few back again as Janikowski made a 43 yard field goal. The Chargers answered with Novak kicking a 51 yard field goal for a 24-13 lead, which lasted to halftime. Janikowski pulled the Raiders back in range again in the third quarter on a 27 yard chip shot. San Diego shot back when Rivers passed 13 yards to Vincent Jackson for a touchdown, and Novak made his PAT. Oakland kept kicking with a 32 yard field goal from Janikowski's foot. The Raiders pulled within shouting distance as Palmer connected with Kevin Boss for 22 yards and a touchdown, allowing Janikowski the extra point. The Chargers got more separation with Rivers throwing 43 yards for Malcom Floyd, resulting in a touchdown and a Novak extra point. The final is 38-26, eliminating Oakland from playoff contention on a tiebreaker with Denver. Both teams here are 8-8, but do not hold a tiebreaker advantage, and the wild card positions have been taken care of, so they are out on that front as well.
A similar situation unfolds in Denver, as the Broncos will need to beat their AFC West opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs to have a chance at a playoff seed. The Broncos have the upper hand over Oakland as mentioned above, needing only a win or an Oakland loss. Kansas City was first on the board with a 21 yard touchdown rush by Dexter McCluster, iced off with a Ryan Succop extra point. This lasted to halftime as a 7-0 score. Matt Prater got Denver on the board in the third quarter with a 38 yard field goal. This made it 7-3, and after a silent fourth quarter, the score was finalized. The Chiefs improve to 7-9, and the Broncos are now 8-8, and will take the division anyway due to a Raiders loss.
Back to Ohio, where the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. The Steelers would like this game and a Baltimore Ravens loss (see next paragraph) to clinch a bye next week. Cleveland first dented the scoreboard with a second quarter Phil Dawson field goal of 26 yards. The Browns added on with a Dawson kicking a 45 yard field goal. Pittsburgh got on the board as the half expired with a Shaun Suisham field goal of 19 yards, for a 6-3 score. Suisham evened the score for the Steelers with a 29 yard field goal in the third quarter. Pittsburgh grabbed a lead when Isaac Redman ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham nailed the extra point. Cleveland got a few back with Dawson kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers managed to hold off a furious late rally, improving to 12-4 while dropping the Browns to 4-12. Pittsburgh will be playing as a wild card next week due to the Baltimore victory below.
Finally, still in Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens for AFC North pride. Baltimore will have a bye next week with a win, while Cincinnati would like this game to clinch in the wild card race. Baltimore wasted little time getting on the board as Ray Rice busted out a 70 yard touchdown run, and Billy Cundiff kicked the extra point in. Cundiff added on a 42 yard field goal for the Ravens. Cincinnati replied on a 46 yard field goal from the boot of Mike Nugent. Baltimore replied back in the second quarter with Joe Flacco's 9 yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta, and Cundiff made it 17-3 with the PAT, which would be taken to the locker rooms. The Bengals replied in the third quarter on a 25 yard Bernard Scott touchdown run, iced off by a Nugent extra point. Cincinnati pulled closer when Nugent kicked a 46 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Ravens pulled farther ahead as Rice unleashed another big run, a 51 yard dash to the end zone for the touchdown, and Cundiff made the extra point. The Bengals got back within range as Nugent made a 23 yard field goal. The final here was 24-16, improving Baltimore to 12-4 and the advantage of a bye next week while Cincinnati falls to 9-7, who clinched the sixth seed thanks to a Denver loss.
NHL Day 88 2011-2012
Just one game on tonight, as the Nashville Predators open the New Year at home against the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Pekka Rinne tend the twines. Calgary was on the board early with Jarome Iginla netting his fifteenth of the season, courtesy of Olli Jokinen and Curtis Glencross. Nashville replied with Kevin Klein netting his second of the year, with the help of Nick Spaling and Jordin Tootoo. The Predators took the lead on a Sergei Kostitsyn goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist. Nashville stayed on the offensive in the second period with a Matt Halischuk goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Tootoo and Jack Hillen. Kostitsyn helped the Predators even more with another goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, guided in by Hornqvist and Jerred Smithson. The Flames got going again in the third period when Rene Bourque registered his thirteenth of the year, via Lee Stempniak and Blake Comeau. Calgary got within one as Brendan Morrison made his fourth of the season, assisted by T.J. Brodie and Paul Byron. Nashville iced it at 5-3 with Kostitsyn completing his hat trick on his eighth of the year, and the lone assist went to Kevin Klein. The three stars went to Kostitsyn, Hornqvist, and Tootoo, while Klein earns an honorable mention.
NFL Early Games week 17
Last week of the regular season for the NFL. There are five teams in the NFC all locked up for their spots in the postseason (Packers, Lions, Falcons, 49ers, and Saints) while in prime time the Giants and Cowboys will go toe-to-toe for the last spot left on the table. In the AFC, the Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, and Texans are all locked up, while the Jets, Bengals, Titans, Raiders, and Broncos fight for the remaining spots, with the Bengals having a clear edge, and the AFC West teams also clinching on a win and enemy loss. With that said, nine games will be played on the first wave of kickoffs. First up...
The Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions, with the Packers resting their starters in an NFC North duel. Detroit drew first blood with an 8 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Titus Young, and Jason Hanson handled the extra point. They added on with a tackle on the ensuing kickoff for a 1 yard loss, resulting in a safety. Green Bay got on the board with a 22 yard Mason Crosby field goal. The Packers got the lead when Matt Flynn threw a 7 yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson, and Crosby made the extra point. Detroit took the lead back with a 13 yard Stafford touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson, and Hanson supplied another extra point. Green Bay quickly reclaimed the lead when Flynn passed to Ryan Grant, and after a catch and run of 80 yards, he was in the end zone, allowing the go-ahead point by Crosby. The Lions retook the lead with a Hanson field goal from 30 yards away. The Packers regained the lead and rode it into the half when Flynn threw a 36 yard touchdown to Nelson and Crosby made it 24-19 with the extra point. Detroit shot back and regained the lead once more on a Stafford and Young connection, a 2 yard play iced off by Hanson's PAT. Green Bay took control again with Flynn finding Nelson on a 58 yard connection for a touchdown, iced by Crosby with the extra point. The Lions replied and took the lead when Stafford threw 5 yards to Kevin Smith, good for a touchdown, and they made it a 3 point lead when Stafford found Tony Scheffler on the successful two point attempt. The Packers took the lead back yet again in the most back-and-forth game of the season when Flynn connected with Donald Driver for a 35 yard reception, and Crosby again made the extra point. Detroit took the lead back once more on a Stafford touchdown pass of 12 yards to Scheffler, and Hanson was there to make the extra point. Green Bay ended up ahead in the end by a 45-41 margin when Flynn found Jermichael Finley for 4 yards and a touchdown, allowing a final extra point for Crosby. The Packers are now 15-1 while the Lions fell to 10-6 and will be watching the Falcons in the later wave of games to determine where they will be seeded.
A meaningless AFC South games follows, as the Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Indianapolis Colts, who had done very well in the vein of "Suck for Luck." Jacksonville was first to score when Blaine Gabbert found Chastin West on a 23 yard touchdown connection, and Josh Scobee kicked in the extra point. Indianapolis got on the board in the second quarter with an Adam Vinatieri field goal of 48 yards. Scobee answered for the Jaguars with a 25 yard field goal. The score favored Jacksonville 10-3 at halftime. The Colts got a few back with Vinatieri making a third quarter field goal from 20 yards. The Jaguars replied with a pair of Scobee field goals, good from 32 and 47 yards away. Scobee kept kicking for Jacksonville in the fourth quarter, true from 39 yards. Indianapolis cut it to 19-13 with Dan Orlovsky throwing 12 yards for Austin Collie, good for a touchdown finished off with a Vinatieri PAT. This was a final, moving the Jaguars to 5-11 and the Colts down to 2-14.
To the AFC East, where the Miami Dolphins look to spoil the day of the New York Jets. Miami got out to an early lead with a 44 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. New York took the lead with a 1 yard Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Dustin Keller, allowing Nick Folk to kick the extra point. The Jets added on to the lead in the second quarter with a 31 yard field goal. The Dolphins cut the deficit to 10-6 with a Carpenter field goal from a whopping 58 yards as the half expired. Scoring resumed in the fourth quarter when Miami took the lead on a 1 yard Matt Moore touchdown pass to Charles Clay and Carpenter supplied the PAT. The Dolphins pulled away a little when Carpenter blasted in a 40 yard field goal. Miami put the game out of reach with a Carpenter field goal of 44 yards. New York wasn't done yet, as Sanchez found Patrick Turner with a 10 yard touchdown pass, and Folk's extra point put them within two, as 75 seconds remained on the clock. The Dolphins weathered the storm and won 19-17, improving to 6-10 while officially eliminating the Jets, who are now 8-8.
Back to the west a tad, as the NFC South sees the New Orleans Saints throw a long-shot attempt at clinching a bye against the visiting Carolina Panthers. New Orleans was first to score as Christopher Ivory busted out a 35 yard touchdown run, and John Kasay made the extra point. Carolina answered with a 12 yard Cam Newton pass to Steve Smith, good for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare kicked the extra point. The Saints took the lead back with a 15 yard Drew Brees touchdown pass to Marques Colston, and Kasay tacked on the extra point. Mare got a few back for the Panthers with a 41 yard field goal in the second quarter. New Orleans replied with a Kasay field goal of 43 yards. Carolina retied it when Jonathan Stewart ran 29 yards for a touchdown, and Mare made the extra point. The Saints took the lead back at 24-17 before the half when Brees found Colston gaain, this time a 42 yard connection resulting in a touchdown, and Kasay was true with the PAT. New Orleans kept on the attack in the third quarter when Brees threw a touchdown to Jimmy Graham for 19 yards, and Kasay added the extra point. The Saints rolled on with Brees throwing 1 yard for Jed Collins to record a touchdown, and Kasay again made the extra point. New Orleans didn't stop in the fourth quarter, as Brees lobbed a 9 yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles, and Kasay handled the extra point once more. This made it 45-17, the final, where the Saints went to 13-3 and knocked the Panthers back to 6-10.
Northward to the NFC North, as the Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears, with nothing on the line. Minnesota got on the board when Ryan Longwell nailed a 26 yard field goal. Percy Harvin helped the Vikings extend the lead with a 5 yard touchdown rush, and Longwell supplied the extra point. Chicago got going in the second quarter with a Josh McCown touchdown pass to Roy Williams, a 22 yard play, capped off by a Robbie Gould extra point. The Bears took the lead when Charles Tillman picked off Christian Ponder for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Gould again handled the extra point. Minnesota pulled back with Longwell kicking a 26 yard field goal for a 14-13 score heading into the locker rooms. Chicago added some distance with Gould nailing a 27 yard field goal. The Bears held on to by a 17-13 score, improving themselves to 8-8 and dropping the Vikings to 3-13.
East again, as the other AFC East matchup features the New England Patriots looking to clinch home field against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo was first on the board with a 4 yard Tashard Choice touchdown rush, and Brandon Coutu added on the extra point. The Bills added on with a Ryan Fitzpatrick tossing an 18 yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson, and Coutu was there with the extra point. Buffalo kept the attack up with a 15 yard Fitzpatrick touchdown throw to C.J. Spiller, and Coutu again made the extra point. New England woke up in the second quarter with a 1 yard BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown rush, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point afterward. The Patriots pulled closer with Tom Brady throwing a touchdown of 39 yards to Aaron Hernandez, and Gostkowski supplied the extra point. The score was 21-14 Bills at halftime. New England got within a point in the third quarter after field goals of 47 and 20 yards by Gostkowski. The Patriots went ahead on a 17 yard Brady touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski, and they made it a 7 point lead with Danny Woodhead's successful two point rush. New England got a little more separation with a 3 yard Green-Ellis run for a touchdown, and Gostkowski was good with the extra point. The Patriots continued the rally with Brady finding Gronkowski again for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Gostkowski had the 42nd unanswered point. New England rubbed some salt in the wound when Sterling Moore picked Fitzpatrick off and took it 21 yards to the house to record another touchdown, with Gostkowski kicking the extra point. The final stood at 49-21, hard to believe after the first quarter, with the Patriots now at 13-3 heading into the postseason and the Bills falling to 6-10 after what was an impressive start to their season.
In the AFC South again, the Houston Texans bring in the Tennessee Titans, as the Titans look to join their opponents in the playoffs. Houston was first on the board with a 4 yard Ben Tate touchdown rush, and Neil Rackers supplied the extra point. Tennessee got on the board with a 21 yard Rob Bironas field goal. The Titans took the lead on a Matt Hasselbeck touchdown pass to Donnie Avery, a 1 yard play, iced off with Bironas on the extra point. Rackers evened it for the Texans on a 52 yard field goal. Tennessee took a 13-10 lead into halftime when Bironas nailed a 43 yard field goal. Rackers tied it again in the third quarter for Houston with his 37 yard field goal. Bironas replied for the Titans on a 33 yard field goal. Rackers again tied the game in the fourth quarter as he made a 22 yard field goal for the Texans. Tennessee took the lead again on Hasselbeck's 23 yard touchdown pass to Nate Washington, and Bironas was there with the PAT. Houston answered late with Jake Delhomme tossing a touchdown of 5 yards to Bryant Johnson, but the two-point attempt after a penalty of their own doing was unsuccessful. The Titans would go on to win 23-22, improving them to 9-7 and knocking the Texans down to 10-6. Tennessee will be biting their fingernails about the TV during the later kickoffs, as they require a Cincinnati Bengals loss, Oakland Raiders win, and Denver Broncos win to get in.
Again returning to the Atlantic area, as the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Washington Redskins to close out the schedule. Alex Henery put Philadelphia on the board first with a 35 yard field goal. The Eagles extended the lead in the second quarter with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Michael Vick to Chad Hall, and Henery added on an extra point. They took a 10-0 lead into the locker rooms. Washington got on the board in the third quarter when Rex Grossman passed to Roy Helu, who had a touchdown after traveling 47 yards, and Graham Gano made the PAT. Henery replied for Philadelphia by making a 20 yard field goal. The Redskins pulled back when Gano converted a 27 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Eagles added separationwhen Vick threw to DeSean Jackson for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Henery was there to make the extra point. Philadelphia put the game out of reach with a Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, a 4 yard reception, with Henery supplying the extra point to make it 27-10. The Eagles continued their attack as Dion Lewis ran 9 yards for a touchdown, and Henery again made an extra point for a 34-10 lead. This was a final, giving the Eagles an 8-8 record and the Redskins a mark of 5-11.
Finally in the morning, the St. Louis Rams host the San Francisco 49ers, where both teams have little to play for besides pride. St. Louis surprisingly scored first as Kellen Clemens ran 18 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Brown added the extra point. San Francisco tied it up with an 8 yard Alex Smith touchdown run, and David Akers was there with the extra point. The 49ers grabbed the lead in the second quarter as Smith tossed a 28 yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree, and Akers made the extra point again. San Francisco extended the lead again with an Akers field goal from 36 yards. The 49ers continued to score with Akers good on a 42 yard field goal, making it 20-7, a score that lasted through halftime. The Rams got a few points back in the third quarter as Brown made a 49 yard field goal. San Francisco answered on an Akers touchdown pass to Crabtree on a trick play, 14 yards for the score, and then the magician kicked the PAT. Brown replied for St. Louis with a 48 yard field goal. The 49ers shot back when Anthony Dixon rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers made the extra point. The Rams got a few back again as Clemens passed 36 yards to Brandon Lloyd for a touchdown, and Brown handled the extra point. St. Louis continued the furious comeback attempt on a 1 yard Carnell Williams touchdown run, and Brown again made the extra point. They would fall short at 34-27, as San Francisco improves to 13-3 and will be the #2 seed in the NFC, and the Rams fall to 2-14.
The Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions, with the Packers resting their starters in an NFC North duel. Detroit drew first blood with an 8 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Titus Young, and Jason Hanson handled the extra point. They added on with a tackle on the ensuing kickoff for a 1 yard loss, resulting in a safety. Green Bay got on the board with a 22 yard Mason Crosby field goal. The Packers got the lead when Matt Flynn threw a 7 yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson, and Crosby made the extra point. Detroit took the lead back with a 13 yard Stafford touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson, and Hanson supplied another extra point. Green Bay quickly reclaimed the lead when Flynn passed to Ryan Grant, and after a catch and run of 80 yards, he was in the end zone, allowing the go-ahead point by Crosby. The Lions retook the lead with a Hanson field goal from 30 yards away. The Packers regained the lead and rode it into the half when Flynn threw a 36 yard touchdown to Nelson and Crosby made it 24-19 with the extra point. Detroit shot back and regained the lead once more on a Stafford and Young connection, a 2 yard play iced off by Hanson's PAT. Green Bay took control again with Flynn finding Nelson on a 58 yard connection for a touchdown, iced by Crosby with the extra point. The Lions replied and took the lead when Stafford threw 5 yards to Kevin Smith, good for a touchdown, and they made it a 3 point lead when Stafford found Tony Scheffler on the successful two point attempt. The Packers took the lead back yet again in the most back-and-forth game of the season when Flynn connected with Donald Driver for a 35 yard reception, and Crosby again made the extra point. Detroit took the lead back once more on a Stafford touchdown pass of 12 yards to Scheffler, and Hanson was there to make the extra point. Green Bay ended up ahead in the end by a 45-41 margin when Flynn found Jermichael Finley for 4 yards and a touchdown, allowing a final extra point for Crosby. The Packers are now 15-1 while the Lions fell to 10-6 and will be watching the Falcons in the later wave of games to determine where they will be seeded.
A meaningless AFC South games follows, as the Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Indianapolis Colts, who had done very well in the vein of "Suck for Luck." Jacksonville was first to score when Blaine Gabbert found Chastin West on a 23 yard touchdown connection, and Josh Scobee kicked in the extra point. Indianapolis got on the board in the second quarter with an Adam Vinatieri field goal of 48 yards. Scobee answered for the Jaguars with a 25 yard field goal. The score favored Jacksonville 10-3 at halftime. The Colts got a few back with Vinatieri making a third quarter field goal from 20 yards. The Jaguars replied with a pair of Scobee field goals, good from 32 and 47 yards away. Scobee kept kicking for Jacksonville in the fourth quarter, true from 39 yards. Indianapolis cut it to 19-13 with Dan Orlovsky throwing 12 yards for Austin Collie, good for a touchdown finished off with a Vinatieri PAT. This was a final, moving the Jaguars to 5-11 and the Colts down to 2-14.
To the AFC East, where the Miami Dolphins look to spoil the day of the New York Jets. Miami got out to an early lead with a 44 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. New York took the lead with a 1 yard Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Dustin Keller, allowing Nick Folk to kick the extra point. The Jets added on to the lead in the second quarter with a 31 yard field goal. The Dolphins cut the deficit to 10-6 with a Carpenter field goal from a whopping 58 yards as the half expired. Scoring resumed in the fourth quarter when Miami took the lead on a 1 yard Matt Moore touchdown pass to Charles Clay and Carpenter supplied the PAT. The Dolphins pulled away a little when Carpenter blasted in a 40 yard field goal. Miami put the game out of reach with a Carpenter field goal of 44 yards. New York wasn't done yet, as Sanchez found Patrick Turner with a 10 yard touchdown pass, and Folk's extra point put them within two, as 75 seconds remained on the clock. The Dolphins weathered the storm and won 19-17, improving to 6-10 while officially eliminating the Jets, who are now 8-8.
Back to the west a tad, as the NFC South sees the New Orleans Saints throw a long-shot attempt at clinching a bye against the visiting Carolina Panthers. New Orleans was first to score as Christopher Ivory busted out a 35 yard touchdown run, and John Kasay made the extra point. Carolina answered with a 12 yard Cam Newton pass to Steve Smith, good for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare kicked the extra point. The Saints took the lead back with a 15 yard Drew Brees touchdown pass to Marques Colston, and Kasay tacked on the extra point. Mare got a few back for the Panthers with a 41 yard field goal in the second quarter. New Orleans replied with a Kasay field goal of 43 yards. Carolina retied it when Jonathan Stewart ran 29 yards for a touchdown, and Mare made the extra point. The Saints took the lead back at 24-17 before the half when Brees found Colston gaain, this time a 42 yard connection resulting in a touchdown, and Kasay was true with the PAT. New Orleans kept on the attack in the third quarter when Brees threw a touchdown to Jimmy Graham for 19 yards, and Kasay added the extra point. The Saints rolled on with Brees throwing 1 yard for Jed Collins to record a touchdown, and Kasay again made the extra point. New Orleans didn't stop in the fourth quarter, as Brees lobbed a 9 yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles, and Kasay handled the extra point once more. This made it 45-17, the final, where the Saints went to 13-3 and knocked the Panthers back to 6-10.
Northward to the NFC North, as the Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears, with nothing on the line. Minnesota got on the board when Ryan Longwell nailed a 26 yard field goal. Percy Harvin helped the Vikings extend the lead with a 5 yard touchdown rush, and Longwell supplied the extra point. Chicago got going in the second quarter with a Josh McCown touchdown pass to Roy Williams, a 22 yard play, capped off by a Robbie Gould extra point. The Bears took the lead when Charles Tillman picked off Christian Ponder for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Gould again handled the extra point. Minnesota pulled back with Longwell kicking a 26 yard field goal for a 14-13 score heading into the locker rooms. Chicago added some distance with Gould nailing a 27 yard field goal. The Bears held on to by a 17-13 score, improving themselves to 8-8 and dropping the Vikings to 3-13.
East again, as the other AFC East matchup features the New England Patriots looking to clinch home field against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo was first on the board with a 4 yard Tashard Choice touchdown rush, and Brandon Coutu added on the extra point. The Bills added on with a Ryan Fitzpatrick tossing an 18 yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson, and Coutu was there with the extra point. Buffalo kept the attack up with a 15 yard Fitzpatrick touchdown throw to C.J. Spiller, and Coutu again made the extra point. New England woke up in the second quarter with a 1 yard BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown rush, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point afterward. The Patriots pulled closer with Tom Brady throwing a touchdown of 39 yards to Aaron Hernandez, and Gostkowski supplied the extra point. The score was 21-14 Bills at halftime. New England got within a point in the third quarter after field goals of 47 and 20 yards by Gostkowski. The Patriots went ahead on a 17 yard Brady touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski, and they made it a 7 point lead with Danny Woodhead's successful two point rush. New England got a little more separation with a 3 yard Green-Ellis run for a touchdown, and Gostkowski was good with the extra point. The Patriots continued the rally with Brady finding Gronkowski again for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Gostkowski had the 42nd unanswered point. New England rubbed some salt in the wound when Sterling Moore picked Fitzpatrick off and took it 21 yards to the house to record another touchdown, with Gostkowski kicking the extra point. The final stood at 49-21, hard to believe after the first quarter, with the Patriots now at 13-3 heading into the postseason and the Bills falling to 6-10 after what was an impressive start to their season.
In the AFC South again, the Houston Texans bring in the Tennessee Titans, as the Titans look to join their opponents in the playoffs. Houston was first on the board with a 4 yard Ben Tate touchdown rush, and Neil Rackers supplied the extra point. Tennessee got on the board with a 21 yard Rob Bironas field goal. The Titans took the lead on a Matt Hasselbeck touchdown pass to Donnie Avery, a 1 yard play, iced off with Bironas on the extra point. Rackers evened it for the Texans on a 52 yard field goal. Tennessee took a 13-10 lead into halftime when Bironas nailed a 43 yard field goal. Rackers tied it again in the third quarter for Houston with his 37 yard field goal. Bironas replied for the Titans on a 33 yard field goal. Rackers again tied the game in the fourth quarter as he made a 22 yard field goal for the Texans. Tennessee took the lead again on Hasselbeck's 23 yard touchdown pass to Nate Washington, and Bironas was there with the PAT. Houston answered late with Jake Delhomme tossing a touchdown of 5 yards to Bryant Johnson, but the two-point attempt after a penalty of their own doing was unsuccessful. The Titans would go on to win 23-22, improving them to 9-7 and knocking the Texans down to 10-6. Tennessee will be biting their fingernails about the TV during the later kickoffs, as they require a Cincinnati Bengals loss, Oakland Raiders win, and Denver Broncos win to get in.
Again returning to the Atlantic area, as the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Washington Redskins to close out the schedule. Alex Henery put Philadelphia on the board first with a 35 yard field goal. The Eagles extended the lead in the second quarter with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Michael Vick to Chad Hall, and Henery added on an extra point. They took a 10-0 lead into the locker rooms. Washington got on the board in the third quarter when Rex Grossman passed to Roy Helu, who had a touchdown after traveling 47 yards, and Graham Gano made the PAT. Henery replied for Philadelphia by making a 20 yard field goal. The Redskins pulled back when Gano converted a 27 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Eagles added separationwhen Vick threw to DeSean Jackson for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Henery was there to make the extra point. Philadelphia put the game out of reach with a Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, a 4 yard reception, with Henery supplying the extra point to make it 27-10. The Eagles continued their attack as Dion Lewis ran 9 yards for a touchdown, and Henery again made an extra point for a 34-10 lead. This was a final, giving the Eagles an 8-8 record and the Redskins a mark of 5-11.
Finally in the morning, the St. Louis Rams host the San Francisco 49ers, where both teams have little to play for besides pride. St. Louis surprisingly scored first as Kellen Clemens ran 18 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Brown added the extra point. San Francisco tied it up with an 8 yard Alex Smith touchdown run, and David Akers was there with the extra point. The 49ers grabbed the lead in the second quarter as Smith tossed a 28 yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree, and Akers made the extra point again. San Francisco extended the lead again with an Akers field goal from 36 yards. The 49ers continued to score with Akers good on a 42 yard field goal, making it 20-7, a score that lasted through halftime. The Rams got a few points back in the third quarter as Brown made a 49 yard field goal. San Francisco answered on an Akers touchdown pass to Crabtree on a trick play, 14 yards for the score, and then the magician kicked the PAT. Brown replied for St. Louis with a 48 yard field goal. The 49ers shot back when Anthony Dixon rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers made the extra point. The Rams got a few back again as Clemens passed 36 yards to Brandon Lloyd for a touchdown, and Brown handled the extra point. St. Louis continued the furious comeback attempt on a 1 yard Carnell Williams touchdown run, and Brown again made the extra point. They would fall short at 34-27, as San Francisco improves to 13-3 and will be the #2 seed in the NFC, and the Rams fall to 2-14.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
NHL Day 87 2011-2012
Congratulations are in order for yesterday's post, the 500th on this blog in well under 500 days. Thanks to everyone who's stopped by to check it out. We are nearing 2,500 hits, so there's been quite a few of you out there. On to today's hockey, the last of the year, beginning with a few matinee games.
First up, the New York Islanders host the similarly colored Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Evgeni Nabokov picked up the starts. New York began with a John Tavares goal, his thirteenth of the season coming on the power play from P.A. Parenteau and Matt Moulson. Edmonton answered on a Sam Gagner goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Corey Potter and Andy Sutton. The Islanders answered back on a Moulson goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, assisted by Tavares and Kyle Okposo. New York added on in the second period with a Parenteau power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Moulson and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders made it 4-1 with Matt Martin's fourth of the year, courtesy of Josh Bailey and Michael Grabner. The third period was scoreless, so this was a final, and the three stars went to Tavares, Moulson, and Martin, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcomed the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur were in goal. New Jersey led off with Ilya Kovalchuk converting a penalty shot as his twelfth of the season, coming after Brooks Orpik covered the puck. The Devils added on with a David Clarkson goal, his thirteenth of the year coming on the power play from Patrik Elias and Kovalchuk. The scoring resumed with Pittsburgh in the third period as Chris Kunitz notched his thirteenth of the season on the power play, powered by Matt Niskanen and Steve Sullivan. New Jersey iced it 3-1 with an empty net goal by Zach Parise, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Elias and Kovalchuk. The three stars were Kovalchuk, Clarkson, and Elias.
Down to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Mathieu Garon play in the blue paint. Steven Stamkos put Tampa Bay on the board first with his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Steve Downie. Carolina tied it when Justin Faulk netted his second of the year, a power play goal made possible by Drayson Bowman and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period when Jay Harrison scored on the power play, his third of the season, pushed through by Staal and Jamie McBain. The Lightning retied it as Stamkos scored again, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, guided in by St. Louis and Downie. Stamkos finished a hat trick in the third period as he made his twenty-sixth of the season, a power play goal where St. Louis wrapped up a sock trick and Ryan Malone had the other assist. The Lightning kept going with a Teddy Purcell goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Malone and Brett Clark. Tampa Bay added on when Downie put his sixth of the season away, with the help of Malone, who earns a sock trick and Tom Pyatt. The final was 5-2, with the three stars awarded to Stamkos, St. Louis, and Downie, while Malone and Staal earn honorable mentions.
Up to Minnesota, where the Wild host the Phoenix Coyotes. Curtis McElhinney went up against Niklas Backstrom in net. Minnesota struck first in the second period as Pierre-Marc Bouchard netted his ninth of the season, courtesy of Nick Johnson and Matt Cullen. Phoenix answered on a Daymond Langkow power play goal, his sixth of the year, an unassisted tally. The Coyotes took the lead in the third period on a pair of Radim Vrbata goals, his seventeenth and eighteenth of the campaign, with assists doled out to Ray Whitney, Kyle Chipchura, and Keith Yandle. The Wild got one back as Cullen potted his tenth of the season a penalty shot. Whitney iced the game for Phoenix with his fourteenth of the year, and empty net goal made possible by Rostislav Klesla. Vrbata, Cullen, and Bouchard took home the three stars in the 4-2 game, while Whitney also played well.
Now at the regular times, the Winnipeg Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec received the starting nods. Toronto drew first blood with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eleventh of the season, from Carl Gunnarsson and Dion Phaneuf on the power play. Winnipeg answered in the second period with a Zach Bogosian power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Tobias Enstrom and Antti Miettinen. The Jets took the lead with an Andrew Ladd goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Kyle Wellwood and Johnny Oduya. The Maple Leafs replied on a Phil Kessel goal, his twenty-first of the season, set up by Tim Connolly and Phaneuf. Winnipeg took a 3-2 lead on another power play goal, this time Blake Wheeler's sixth of the year, thanks to Ron Hainsey and Miettinen. There was no third period scoring, leaving this as a final, and giving the three stars to Wheeler, Bogosian, and Kessel, while Miettinen and Phaneuf also played well.
Eastward to Buffalo, as the Sabres welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson will oppose Jhonas Enroth from 200 feet away. Buffalo led off with a Brad Boyes goal, his third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jordan Leopold and Marc-Andre Gragnani. Matt Carkner answered for Ottawa in the second period, and he was helped by Kyle Turris and Erik Condra. The Sabres took the lead back with a Paul Gaustad goal, his third of the year, via Leopold and Brayden McNabb. The Senators tied it up again on the fifth of the campaign by Chris Neil, fueled by Condra and Zack Smith. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Ottawa toppled Buffalo 3-2 on Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Bobby Butler tallies, overpowering scores by Boyes and Jason Pominville. The three stars were Enroth (44 for 46 in saves), Leopold, and Anderson (26 for 28 in saves), while Condra gets an honorable mention.
Across the Great Lakes, the Detroit Red Wings bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. Detroit busted things open in the second period with a Johan Franzen goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Drew Miller. Detroit made it 3-0 with Jiri Hudler notching his ninth of the campaign, with the help of Valtteri Filppula and Henrik Zetterberg. The third period was silent, so this was a final. The three stars were awarded to Howard (31 save shutout), Abdelkader, and Hudler.
South a tad to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Steve Mason are the masked men. Columbus got things going in the second period with the second of the season by John Moore, assisted by Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets added on with a Samuel Pahlsson goal, his second of the year, fueled by R.J. Umberger and Marc Methot. Washington got on the board in the third period with an unassisted Alex Ovechkin goal, his fifteenth of the season. Alexander Semin tied it for the Capitals on his tenth of the year, courtesy of Dennis Wideman and Nicklas Backstrom. Wideman quickly gave Washington the lead after that, netting his sixth of the season just twenty-eight seconds later, with the help of Marcus Johansson and Roman Hamrlik. The Capitals iced it 4-2 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Dmitry Orlov and Karl Alzner. The three stars were given to Ovechkin, Wideman, ad Pahlsson.
Back to Florida, where the Panthers host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Jose Theodore are in the creases, but Scott Clemmensen had to relieve Thoedore in the second period due to injury. Travis Moen got things started for Montreal with his ninth of the season, coming off of Lars Eller and Tomas Kaberle. Florida answered in the second period with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell on the power play. The Panthers added on in the third period with a Shawn Matthias goal, his seventh of the campaign, and Ed Jovanovski had the lone assist. Florida made it 3-1 with another Fleischmann goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the season, pushed through by Jason Garrison. The Canadiens made a late comeback attempt just eleven seconds later with an Erik Cole goal, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Yannick Weber and David Desharnais. The final held at 3-2 Panthers, and Fleischmann, Matthias, and Clemmensen (17 for 18 in saves) earned the three stars.
Across the southern end of the USA, the Anaheim Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere went up against his old team, while Jonas Hiller guarded the opposite goalmouth. Milan Hejduk got things going for Colorado on his tenth of the season, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly. Kyle Quincey added on for the Avalanche in the second period with his fourth of the year, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Kevin Porter. Colorado kept it up with a Chuck Kobasew goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Jay McClement and Ryan O'Byrne. Anaheim got on the board with a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Bobby Ryan and Saku Koivu. The Avalanche replied in the third period with another Hejduk goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The Ducks cut it down to 4-2, as close as it would get, when Ryan potted his thirteenth of the year, with a little help from Koivu and Cam Fowler. The three stars were O'Reilly, Hejduk, and Visnovsky, while Ryan and Koivu played well as well.
Back to the east a tad, as the Dallas Stars host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Dallas led off with a Loui Eriksson goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley. Boston answered when Tyler Seguin recorded his fifteenth of the year, with the help of David Krejci. Daley shot back for the Stars on his fourth of the season, and Tom Wandell picked up the lone assist. Dallas extended the lead with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Jamie Benn and Daley. Wandell pushed the Stars farther ahead with his second of the season in the second period, helped along by Adam Burish and Benn. The Bruins cut it down to 4-2 in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. This was a final, and the three stars belonged to Daley, Benn, and Wandell, with honorable mention for Krejci.
Finally, the last game of 2011 is in Los Angeles, where the Kings host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Quick tend the twines. Vancouver opened with a Kevin Bieksa goal, his fourth of the season, with help from Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles replied on a Brad Richardson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov. The Kings took the lead in the second period with Matt Greene nailing his second of the season, with the help of Loktionov. Los Angeles extended the lead with an Anze Kopitar goal, his eleventh of the year, guided in by Justin Williams and Jack Johnson. The Kings added on again with a power play goal by Williams, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Voynov and Jarret Stoll. This made it 4-1, the eventual final, and the three stars went to Greene, Kopitar, and Quick (27 for 28 in saves), while Loktionov and Voynov also played well.
Everyone please have a safe and happy New Year, and I appreciate the continued support. Best of luck to all in 2012.
First up, the New York Islanders host the similarly colored Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Evgeni Nabokov picked up the starts. New York began with a John Tavares goal, his thirteenth of the season coming on the power play from P.A. Parenteau and Matt Moulson. Edmonton answered on a Sam Gagner goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Corey Potter and Andy Sutton. The Islanders answered back on a Moulson goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, assisted by Tavares and Kyle Okposo. New York added on in the second period with a Parenteau power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Moulson and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders made it 4-1 with Matt Martin's fourth of the year, courtesy of Josh Bailey and Michael Grabner. The third period was scoreless, so this was a final, and the three stars went to Tavares, Moulson, and Martin, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcomed the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur were in goal. New Jersey led off with Ilya Kovalchuk converting a penalty shot as his twelfth of the season, coming after Brooks Orpik covered the puck. The Devils added on with a David Clarkson goal, his thirteenth of the year coming on the power play from Patrik Elias and Kovalchuk. The scoring resumed with Pittsburgh in the third period as Chris Kunitz notched his thirteenth of the season on the power play, powered by Matt Niskanen and Steve Sullivan. New Jersey iced it 3-1 with an empty net goal by Zach Parise, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Elias and Kovalchuk. The three stars were Kovalchuk, Clarkson, and Elias.
Down to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Mathieu Garon play in the blue paint. Steven Stamkos put Tampa Bay on the board first with his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Steve Downie. Carolina tied it when Justin Faulk netted his second of the year, a power play goal made possible by Drayson Bowman and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period when Jay Harrison scored on the power play, his third of the season, pushed through by Staal and Jamie McBain. The Lightning retied it as Stamkos scored again, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, guided in by St. Louis and Downie. Stamkos finished a hat trick in the third period as he made his twenty-sixth of the season, a power play goal where St. Louis wrapped up a sock trick and Ryan Malone had the other assist. The Lightning kept going with a Teddy Purcell goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Malone and Brett Clark. Tampa Bay added on when Downie put his sixth of the season away, with the help of Malone, who earns a sock trick and Tom Pyatt. The final was 5-2, with the three stars awarded to Stamkos, St. Louis, and Downie, while Malone and Staal earn honorable mentions.
Up to Minnesota, where the Wild host the Phoenix Coyotes. Curtis McElhinney went up against Niklas Backstrom in net. Minnesota struck first in the second period as Pierre-Marc Bouchard netted his ninth of the season, courtesy of Nick Johnson and Matt Cullen. Phoenix answered on a Daymond Langkow power play goal, his sixth of the year, an unassisted tally. The Coyotes took the lead in the third period on a pair of Radim Vrbata goals, his seventeenth and eighteenth of the campaign, with assists doled out to Ray Whitney, Kyle Chipchura, and Keith Yandle. The Wild got one back as Cullen potted his tenth of the season a penalty shot. Whitney iced the game for Phoenix with his fourteenth of the year, and empty net goal made possible by Rostislav Klesla. Vrbata, Cullen, and Bouchard took home the three stars in the 4-2 game, while Whitney also played well.
Now at the regular times, the Winnipeg Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec received the starting nods. Toronto drew first blood with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eleventh of the season, from Carl Gunnarsson and Dion Phaneuf on the power play. Winnipeg answered in the second period with a Zach Bogosian power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Tobias Enstrom and Antti Miettinen. The Jets took the lead with an Andrew Ladd goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Kyle Wellwood and Johnny Oduya. The Maple Leafs replied on a Phil Kessel goal, his twenty-first of the season, set up by Tim Connolly and Phaneuf. Winnipeg took a 3-2 lead on another power play goal, this time Blake Wheeler's sixth of the year, thanks to Ron Hainsey and Miettinen. There was no third period scoring, leaving this as a final, and giving the three stars to Wheeler, Bogosian, and Kessel, while Miettinen and Phaneuf also played well.
Eastward to Buffalo, as the Sabres welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson will oppose Jhonas Enroth from 200 feet away. Buffalo led off with a Brad Boyes goal, his third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jordan Leopold and Marc-Andre Gragnani. Matt Carkner answered for Ottawa in the second period, and he was helped by Kyle Turris and Erik Condra. The Sabres took the lead back with a Paul Gaustad goal, his third of the year, via Leopold and Brayden McNabb. The Senators tied it up again on the fifth of the campaign by Chris Neil, fueled by Condra and Zack Smith. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Ottawa toppled Buffalo 3-2 on Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Bobby Butler tallies, overpowering scores by Boyes and Jason Pominville. The three stars were Enroth (44 for 46 in saves), Leopold, and Anderson (26 for 28 in saves), while Condra gets an honorable mention.
Across the Great Lakes, the Detroit Red Wings bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. Detroit busted things open in the second period with a Johan Franzen goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Drew Miller. Detroit made it 3-0 with Jiri Hudler notching his ninth of the campaign, with the help of Valtteri Filppula and Henrik Zetterberg. The third period was silent, so this was a final. The three stars were awarded to Howard (31 save shutout), Abdelkader, and Hudler.
South a tad to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Washington Capitals. Tomas Vokoun and Steve Mason are the masked men. Columbus got things going in the second period with the second of the season by John Moore, assisted by Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets added on with a Samuel Pahlsson goal, his second of the year, fueled by R.J. Umberger and Marc Methot. Washington got on the board in the third period with an unassisted Alex Ovechkin goal, his fifteenth of the season. Alexander Semin tied it for the Capitals on his tenth of the year, courtesy of Dennis Wideman and Nicklas Backstrom. Wideman quickly gave Washington the lead after that, netting his sixth of the season just twenty-eight seconds later, with the help of Marcus Johansson and Roman Hamrlik. The Capitals iced it 4-2 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Dmitry Orlov and Karl Alzner. The three stars were given to Ovechkin, Wideman, ad Pahlsson.
Back to Florida, where the Panthers host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Jose Theodore are in the creases, but Scott Clemmensen had to relieve Thoedore in the second period due to injury. Travis Moen got things started for Montreal with his ninth of the season, coming off of Lars Eller and Tomas Kaberle. Florida answered in the second period with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Stephen Weiss and Brian Campbell on the power play. The Panthers added on in the third period with a Shawn Matthias goal, his seventh of the campaign, and Ed Jovanovski had the lone assist. Florida made it 3-1 with another Fleischmann goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the season, pushed through by Jason Garrison. The Canadiens made a late comeback attempt just eleven seconds later with an Erik Cole goal, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Yannick Weber and David Desharnais. The final held at 3-2 Panthers, and Fleischmann, Matthias, and Clemmensen (17 for 18 in saves) earned the three stars.
Across the southern end of the USA, the Anaheim Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere went up against his old team, while Jonas Hiller guarded the opposite goalmouth. Milan Hejduk got things going for Colorado on his tenth of the season, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly. Kyle Quincey added on for the Avalanche in the second period with his fourth of the year, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Kevin Porter. Colorado kept it up with a Chuck Kobasew goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Jay McClement and Ryan O'Byrne. Anaheim got on the board with a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Bobby Ryan and Saku Koivu. The Avalanche replied in the third period with another Hejduk goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The Ducks cut it down to 4-2, as close as it would get, when Ryan potted his thirteenth of the year, with a little help from Koivu and Cam Fowler. The three stars were O'Reilly, Hejduk, and Visnovsky, while Ryan and Koivu played well as well.
Back to the east a tad, as the Dallas Stars host the Boston Bruins. Tim Thomas and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Dallas led off with a Loui Eriksson goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley. Boston answered when Tyler Seguin recorded his fifteenth of the year, with the help of David Krejci. Daley shot back for the Stars on his fourth of the season, and Tom Wandell picked up the lone assist. Dallas extended the lead with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Jamie Benn and Daley. Wandell pushed the Stars farther ahead with his second of the season in the second period, helped along by Adam Burish and Benn. The Bruins cut it down to 4-2 in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. This was a final, and the three stars belonged to Daley, Benn, and Wandell, with honorable mention for Krejci.
Finally, the last game of 2011 is in Los Angeles, where the Kings host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Quick tend the twines. Vancouver opened with a Kevin Bieksa goal, his fourth of the season, with help from Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles replied on a Brad Richardson goal, his third of the year, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov. The Kings took the lead in the second period with Matt Greene nailing his second of the season, with the help of Loktionov. Los Angeles extended the lead with an Anze Kopitar goal, his eleventh of the year, guided in by Justin Williams and Jack Johnson. The Kings added on again with a power play goal by Williams, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Voynov and Jarret Stoll. This made it 4-1, the eventual final, and the three stars went to Greene, Kopitar, and Quick (27 for 28 in saves), while Loktionov and Voynov also played well.
Everyone please have a safe and happy New Year, and I appreciate the continued support. Best of luck to all in 2012.
Friday, December 30, 2011
NHL Day 86 2011-2012
Just five games on tonight, beginning with...
The Washington Capitals hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Tomas Vokoun tend the twines. Washington led off with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist from the goalie Vokoun. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period with Nicklas Backstrom potting his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Alexander Semin and Roman Hamrlik. Buffalo got on the board when Jochen Hecht notched his fourth of the season, with help from Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Washington made it 3-1 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by Backstrom and Semin. This went to be finalized, with Vokoun (25 for 26 in saves), Ovechkin, and Backstrom getting the three stars, while Semin gets an honorable mention.
Up to the other nationals capital, as the Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames. Backups Leland Irving and Alex Auld are in net. Calgary led off with a Rene Bourque goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. The Flames added on with the fifteenth of the year for Curtis Glencross, a power play goal, powered by Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla. Calgary struck again with a Chris Butler goal, set up by Anton Babchuk and Mikael Backlund. Ottawa got on the board with a Nick Foligno goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar. The Senators pulled closer as Zack Smith recorded his eleventh of the year, coming off of Brian Lee and Chris Phillips. Ottawa tied it as Erik Karlsson registered his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The game went to overtime, where the Senators downed the Flames with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Karlsson and Chris Neil. The three stars were awarded to Alfredsson, Karlsson, and Bouwmeester in the 4-3 game.
To the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Scott Clemmensen received the starts, but Jose Theodore relieved Clemmensen in the first period. New York started off with a Carl Hagelin goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on with a Brad Richards goal, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Jeff Woywitka. New York extended the lead again with a Michael Del Zotto goal, his fifth of the season, with the assists provided by Richards and Hagelin. The Rangers kept the attack up in the second period, as Brandon Dubinsky netted his fourth of the year, guided in by McDonagh. Florida got on the board with the second of the season for Matt Bradley, pushed through by Erik Gudbranson. New York held on for a 4-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and Bradley, while Hagelin and McDonagh earn honorable mentions.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak are in front of the cages. Nashville was first to score, as Matt Halischuk deposited his eighth of the season, via Roman Josi. St. Louis replied with a T.J. Oshie goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of David Backes and David Perron. This tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where the Predators took the game 2-1 on a lone tally by Martin Erat, to topple the Blues. The three stars were handed out to Rinne (35 for 36 in saves), Halak (33 for 34 in saves), and Erat.
Finally, in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford will be playing from the creases. Justin Abdelkader opened things up for Detroit with his third of the season, thanks to Drew Miller and Danny Cleary. Chicago answered with the twenty-first of the year by Jonathan Toews, occurring on a penalty shot from a Nicklas Lidstrom hook. The Red Wings got the lead back on Todd Bertuzzi's second period goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Mike Commodore and Jonatha Ericsson. The Blackhawks retied it with Marian Hossa's goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Dan Carcillo and Nick Leddy. Chicago took the lead in the third period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his second of the season, set up by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp. The final was 3-2 Blackhawks, and the three stars were awarded to Hossa, Toews, and Seabrook.
The Washington Capitals hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Tomas Vokoun tend the twines. Washington led off with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist from the goalie Vokoun. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period with Nicklas Backstrom potting his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Alexander Semin and Roman Hamrlik. Buffalo got on the board when Jochen Hecht notched his fourth of the season, with help from Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Washington made it 3-1 with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by Backstrom and Semin. This went to be finalized, with Vokoun (25 for 26 in saves), Ovechkin, and Backstrom getting the three stars, while Semin gets an honorable mention.
Up to the other nationals capital, as the Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames. Backups Leland Irving and Alex Auld are in net. Calgary led off with a Rene Bourque goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. The Flames added on with the fifteenth of the year for Curtis Glencross, a power play goal, powered by Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla. Calgary struck again with a Chris Butler goal, set up by Anton Babchuk and Mikael Backlund. Ottawa got on the board with a Nick Foligno goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar. The Senators pulled closer as Zack Smith recorded his eleventh of the year, coming off of Brian Lee and Chris Phillips. Ottawa tied it as Erik Karlsson registered his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The game went to overtime, where the Senators downed the Flames with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Karlsson and Chris Neil. The three stars were awarded to Alfredsson, Karlsson, and Bouwmeester in the 4-3 game.
To the south, the Florida Panthers welcome the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Scott Clemmensen received the starts, but Jose Theodore relieved Clemmensen in the first period. New York started off with a Carl Hagelin goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers added on with a Brad Richards goal, his thirteenth of the year, fueled by Jeff Woywitka. New York extended the lead again with a Michael Del Zotto goal, his fifth of the season, with the assists provided by Richards and Hagelin. The Rangers kept the attack up in the second period, as Brandon Dubinsky netted his fourth of the year, guided in by McDonagh. Florida got on the board with the second of the season for Matt Bradley, pushed through by Erik Gudbranson. New York held on for a 4-1 win, and the three stars were awarded to Richards, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and Bradley, while Hagelin and McDonagh earn honorable mentions.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak are in front of the cages. Nashville was first to score, as Matt Halischuk deposited his eighth of the season, via Roman Josi. St. Louis replied with a T.J. Oshie goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of David Backes and David Perron. This tie lasted all the way to a shootout, where the Predators took the game 2-1 on a lone tally by Martin Erat, to topple the Blues. The three stars were handed out to Rinne (35 for 36 in saves), Halak (33 for 34 in saves), and Erat.
Finally, in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford will be playing from the creases. Justin Abdelkader opened things up for Detroit with his third of the season, thanks to Drew Miller and Danny Cleary. Chicago answered with the twenty-first of the year by Jonathan Toews, occurring on a penalty shot from a Nicklas Lidstrom hook. The Red Wings got the lead back on Todd Bertuzzi's second period goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Mike Commodore and Jonatha Ericsson. The Blackhawks retied it with Marian Hossa's goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Dan Carcillo and Nick Leddy. Chicago took the lead in the third period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his second of the season, set up by Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp. The final was 3-2 Blackhawks, and the three stars were awarded to Hossa, Toews, and Seabrook.
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