Nine games this Tuesday evening, keeping with a recent theme of concentrating the games around a small period of time. We begin with a powerful match in the Eastern Conference as...
The Boston Bruins host the New York Rangers. Stud goalies getting the starts here are Henrik Lundqvist and Tim Thomas. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, set up by Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers added on with Ryan McDonagh notching his sixth of the year, an unassisted goal. New York struck again with a third period Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Anton Stralman. The final held at 3-0, and the three stars were awarded to Lundqvist (42 save shutout), Callahan, and McDonagh.
Also with a Northeast vs. Atlantic division match, the Buffalo Sabres take on the New Jersey Devils in upstate New York. Martin Brodeur and Ryan Miller will take to the cages. New Jersey led off with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, his twenty-third of the season, a power play goal made possible by Patrik Elias and David Clarkson. Buffalo evened the score in the second period when Jason Pominville netted his twenty-first of the year, an unassisted goal. The Devils took the lead in the third period on a Petr Sykora goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Adam Henrique and Kovalchuk. New Jersey added on with another Kovalchuk goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, guided in by Henrique and Mark Fayne. The Devils iced it at 4-1 with a Kovalchuk empty net goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign securing a hat trick, with Zach Parise recording the only assist. The three stars were given out to Kovalchuk, Brodeur (29 for 30 in saves), and Henrique.
Out west, the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Steve Mason got the starting nods. St. Louis struck first on a shorthanded goal by David Backes, his seventeenth of the season, set up by David Perron. Columbus tied it in the last second of the first period with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Mark Letestu and Jeff Carter. The Blue Jackets took a lead in the third period with a Derek Dorsett goal, his tenth of the season, helped along by Samuel Pahlsson and Antoine Vermette. This was the deciding goal of the 2-1 game, and the three stars belonged to Wisniewski, Dorsett, and Mason (31 for 32 in saves).
Southeast to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Mathieu Garon will try to stop the puck. Ottawa was first on the board with the tenth of the season by Erik Karlsson, assisted by Jason Spezza and Bobby Butler. The Senators extended their lead in the second period with a Spezza power play goal, his twenty-third of the year, powered by Filip Kuba and Karlsson. Ottawa added on with a third period goal by Spezza, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the season, made possible by Butler and Milan Michalek. Spezza finished his hat trick and iced the game at 4-0 with his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Sergei Gonchar as it found the empty cage. Spezza, Anderson (28 save shutout), and Karlsson had the three stars while Butler gets an honorable mention.
Northwest to Minnesota, with the Wild bringing in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Josh Harding were in the blue paint. Minnesota was first on the scoreboard with a Dany Heatley power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Mikko Koivu. Anaheim tied it on Niklas Hagman's third period goal, his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Ducks took the lead with Corey Perry potting his twenty-seventh of the season, with a lone helper by Luca Sbisa. This late goal made it 2-1, a final, with the three stars being Perry, Harding (23 for 25 in saves), and Heatley.
Backtracking to Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Joey MacDonald will have the green light in goal. Detroit led off with a Henrik Zetterberg power play goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom. The Red Wings added on with a Brad Stuart goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Darren Helm. Detroit extended the lead with Jiri Hudler netting his eighteenth of the season in the third period, helped along by Valtteri Filppula and Ian White. Dallas broke up the shutout late, leaving the score at 3-1 after Adam Burish put away his fifth of the year, assisted by Michael Ryder and Loui Eriksson. The three stars were handed out to Zetterberg, Helm, and MacDonald (20 for 21 in saves), while Detroit as a whole gets honorable mention for having the longest home winning streak ever.
South a bit to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Ryan Suter got Nashville on the board first with his seventh of the season, helped along by Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Fisher. Chicago quickly evened the score with a Bryan Bickell goal, his sixth of the year, via Jamal Mayers and Andrew Shaw. The Predators retook the lead in the second period when Nick Spaling sank his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period as Marian Hossa deposited his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Duncan Keith. Nashville got the lead back with Ellis recording his third of the season, an David Legwand had the lone assist. This was it, as the Predators took a 3-2 win, and the three stars went to Ellis, Suter, and Hossa.
Crossing into Canada, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Ondrej Pavelec are between the irons. Winnipeg was first on the board as Chris Thorburn registered his third of the season, with the help of Jim Slater and Tanner Glass. New York tied it in the second period as Matt Moulson's twenty-fifth of the year found twine, a power play goal guided in by John Tavares. The Islanders gained the lead with a P.A. Parenteau goal in the third period, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Milan Jurcina and Brian Rolston. New York iced it at 3-1 with a Matt Martin empty net goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Parenteau. The three stars went out to Parenteau, Nabokov (37 for 38 in saves), and Thorburn.
Finally, we head west to Alberta, where the Calgary Flames welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonas Gustavsson and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Calgary opened with an Alex Tanguay goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Olli Jokinen and T.J. Brodie. The Flames extended the lead when Jokinen notched his eighteenth of the year, guided in by Tanguay and Jarome Iginla. Toronto got one back when Tyler Bozak netted his thirteenth of the season, thanks to Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Calgary answered in the second period with Paul Byron making his third of the year on a penalty shot created from a Dion Phaneuf hook. The Flames added on with Blake Comeau recording his fourth of the season, with assists provided by Michael Cammalleri and Mark Giordano. Calgary made it 5-1 with an Iginla goal, his twenty-second of the year, via Tanguay. This was a final, and the three stars went to Kiprusoff (41 for 42 in saves), Jokinen, and Byron, while Iginla and Tanguay get the honorable mentions.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
NHL Day 131 2011-2012
Only three games on this Monday evening, although this will be a low point for the week as the games will kick into high gear through the weekend. First up tonight...
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Carey Price tended the twines. Carolina opened on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Bryan Allen. The Hurricanes added on in the second period when Jaroslav Spacek scored his second of the year, with the help of Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. Tomas Plekanec got Montreal going with his twelfth of the season, where Chris Campoli had the only assist. The Canadiens tied it as Erik Cole recorded a power play goal, his twenty-first of the year, powered by David Desharnais and Tomas Kaberle. Montreal took the lead with another power play goal, Desharnais' eleventh of the season, made possible by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. Carolina retied it when Eric Staal scored a shorthanded goal, his fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes claimed the lead once again with a Jamie McBain goal, his fifth of the season, a power play goal set up by Staal and Justin Faulk. Staal finished it at 5-3 for Carolina with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, assisted by McBain. The three stars went to Staal, Cole, and Desharnais, while McBain gets an honorable mention.
In the states, the Washington Capitals host the San Jose Sharks. Backups Thomas Greiss and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. San Jose led off with a Joe Pavelski goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Dan Boyle and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks extended the lead in the second period with another Pavelski goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, courtesy of Logan Couture and Joe Thornton on the power play. San Jose added on again with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Pavelski and Couture. Washington got on the board with a second left in the frame, as Dmitry Orlov blasted his second of the year into the cage, with helpers provided by Jason Chimera and Roman Hamrlik. The Sharks answered it in the third period as Brent Burns put away his eighth of the season, thanks to Thornton and Pavelski. San Jose rolled along with another Ryane Clowe power play goal, his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Marleau and Thornton for a sock trick. The Capitals got one back when Hamrlik netted his second of the season, via Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle. Washington inched closer when Jeff Schultz scored, with the assistance of Mathieu Perreault. They lost 5-3, with the three stars being Pavelski, Thornton, and Couture, while Marleau and Hamrlik take the honorable mentions.
Finally, out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. In front of the nets are Jason LaBarbera and Roberto Luongo. Vancouver got the scoring started in the second period when David Booth scored his tenth of the season, with assists provided by Ryan Kesler and Aaron Rome. Phoenix tied it late in the third period as Keith Yandle notched his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Canucks won the game 2-1 with shootout tallies by Cody Hodgson, Alexander Edler, Booth, and Kesler to overpower the Coyotes' efforts by Ray Whitney, Gilbert Brule, and Mikkel Boedker. The three stars were given to Booth, Martin Hanzal, and Luongo (23 for 24 in saves).
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Carey Price tended the twines. Carolina opened on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Bryan Allen. The Hurricanes added on in the second period when Jaroslav Spacek scored his second of the year, with the help of Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen on the power play. Tomas Plekanec got Montreal going with his twelfth of the season, where Chris Campoli had the only assist. The Canadiens tied it as Erik Cole recorded a power play goal, his twenty-first of the year, powered by David Desharnais and Tomas Kaberle. Montreal took the lead with another power play goal, Desharnais' eleventh of the season, made possible by P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty. Carolina retied it when Eric Staal scored a shorthanded goal, his fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes claimed the lead once again with a Jamie McBain goal, his fifth of the season, a power play goal set up by Staal and Justin Faulk. Staal finished it at 5-3 for Carolina with an empty net goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, assisted by McBain. The three stars went to Staal, Cole, and Desharnais, while McBain gets an honorable mention.
In the states, the Washington Capitals host the San Jose Sharks. Backups Thomas Greiss and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. San Jose led off with a Joe Pavelski goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Dan Boyle and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks extended the lead in the second period with another Pavelski goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, courtesy of Logan Couture and Joe Thornton on the power play. San Jose added on again with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Pavelski and Couture. Washington got on the board with a second left in the frame, as Dmitry Orlov blasted his second of the year into the cage, with helpers provided by Jason Chimera and Roman Hamrlik. The Sharks answered it in the third period as Brent Burns put away his eighth of the season, thanks to Thornton and Pavelski. San Jose rolled along with another Ryane Clowe power play goal, his eleventh of the year, pushed through by Marleau and Thornton for a sock trick. The Capitals got one back when Hamrlik netted his second of the season, via Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle. Washington inched closer when Jeff Schultz scored, with the assistance of Mathieu Perreault. They lost 5-3, with the three stars being Pavelski, Thornton, and Couture, while Marleau and Hamrlik take the honorable mentions.
Finally, out west, the Vancouver Canucks welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. In front of the nets are Jason LaBarbera and Roberto Luongo. Vancouver got the scoring started in the second period when David Booth scored his tenth of the season, with assists provided by Ryan Kesler and Aaron Rome. Phoenix tied it late in the third period as Keith Yandle notched his eighth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Canucks won the game 2-1 with shootout tallies by Cody Hodgson, Alexander Edler, Booth, and Kesler to overpower the Coyotes' efforts by Ray Whitney, Gilbert Brule, and Mikkel Boedker. The three stars were given to Booth, Martin Hanzal, and Luongo (23 for 24 in saves).
Fantasy Hockey All-Stars week 17
1. Mike Smith, 4 W, 0.74 GAA, 119 SV, .975 SV%, 1 SO
2. Evgeni Malkin, 3 G, 5 A, +6, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 11 SOG
3. David Perron, 6 G, 1 A, +5, 4 PIM, 3 PPP, 10 SOG
4. Corey Perry, 4 , 0 A, +3, 10 PIM, 2 PPP, 23 SOG
5. Carey Price, 3 W, 1.30 GAA, 95 SV, .960 SV%, 1 SO
2. Evgeni Malkin, 3 G, 5 A, +6, 2 PIM, 3 PPP, 11 SOG
3. David Perron, 6 G, 1 A, +5, 4 PIM, 3 PPP, 10 SOG
4. Corey Perry, 4 , 0 A, +3, 10 PIM, 2 PPP, 23 SOG
5. Carey Price, 3 W, 1.30 GAA, 95 SV, .960 SV%, 1 SO
Sunday, February 12, 2012
NHL Day 130 2011-2012
Seven games on an unusually busy Sunday afternoon in hockey. We begin with...
The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Henrik Lundqvist will get the starting nods in goal. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan goal, his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Anton Stralman and Brad Richards. Washington tied it in the second period with Alexander Semin notching his fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Jason Chimera and John Carlson. The Rangers regained the lead on a Ryan McDonagh tally, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Brian Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky. New York extended their lead in the third period when Brandon Prust scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal passed through by Dubinsky and Marc Staal. The Capitals pulled back to 3-2 with a Carlson goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Alex Ovechkin and Roman Hamrlik. They never tied it, so this was a final, and the three stars were McDonagh, Prust, and Dubinsky, while Carlson gets the honorable mention.
Staying in the same metro area, the New York Islanders welcome the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Evgeni Nabokov will be between the pipes. Frans Nielsen put New York ahead first with his tenth of the season, set up by P.A. Parenteau and Andrew MacDonald. Florida answered with a Tyson Strachan goal, fueled by Marcel Goc. The Panthers gained the lead in the second period as Tomas Fleischmann netted his eighteenth of the year, thanks to Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss. Florida added on with a power play goal by Weiss, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. The Panthers extended the lead again when Jack Skille's third of the year found twine, and the lone helper on the tally was Shawn Matthias. This was a final after a scoreless third period, and the three stars of the 4-1 game were Versteeg, Fleischmann, and Theodore (26 for 27 in saves).
Westward to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Steve Mason will wear the masks. Anaheim led off with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks extended the lead with a Perry power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, powered by Saku Koivu and Getzlaf. Columbus shot back with a Fedor Tyutin goal, his fourth of the season, also on the power play, with help from Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal. Anaheim took it back in the second period as Jason Blake recorded his fifth of the year, thanks to Getzlaf, who got a sock trick with the helper. The Ducks added on as Bobby Ryan potted a power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, made possible by Teemu Selanne and Cam Fowler. Anaheim rolled on with Perry finishing his hat trick on the power play with his twenty-sixth of the year, with assists provided by Ryan. The Blue Jackets answered with Aaron Johnson recording his third of the season, via James Wisniewski and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus got as close as 5-3 before time expired, this happening due to an Antoine Vermette power play goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, set up by Rick Nash and Tyutin. Perry, Getzlaf, and Tyutin had the three stars, while Ryan earns the honorable mention.
To the south, the Dallas Stars take on the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Los Angeles was first on the board with a Dwight King goal, made possible by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. The Kings extended the lead in the second period when Andrei Loktionov scored his second of the season, powered by Jack Johnson and Kopitar. Dallas got one back with Loui Eriksson depositing his eighteenth of the year, via Alex Goligoski and Mike Ribeiro. The Stars tied it with Michael Ryder sinking his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Eriksson and Goligoski in the third period. Los Angeles got the lead back with Jordan Nolan's goal, courtesy of Mike Richards and King. The Kings iced at 4-2 with Williams scoring an empty net goal, his eleventh of the year, an unassisted tally. The three stars were given to King, Eriksson, and Nolan, while Williams, Kopitar, and Goligoski got the honorable mentions.
Back northeast a bit, the St. Louis Blues host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jaroslav Halak will take to the twines. St. Louis started the scoring with Alex Pietrangelo netting his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of T.J. Oshie and Andy McDonald. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with David Perron notching his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo iced it for St. Louis in the third period with his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, an unassisted empty net goal. The three stars were handed out to Pietrangelo, Halak (25 save shutout), and McDonald.
East even farther to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the blue paint we have Mathieu Garon and Brent Johnson. Tampa Bay struck first with a Steve Downie goal, his tenth of the season, set up by Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on with another Downie goal eleven seconds later, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, coming off of Purcell and Brett Clark. Pittsburgh answered with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his thirty-first of the season, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Penguins got an equalizer in the second period when Chris Kunitz put away his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Letang and the goalie Johnson. Pittsburgh took the lead when Letang scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Kunitz and Neal. The Penguins extended their lead with Malkin's second of the game and thirty-second of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal, the latter wrapping up a sock trick. The third period was silent, leaving the final at 4-2, where Letang, Malkin, and Kunitz get the three stars and Neal, Downie, and Purcell get the honorable mentions.
Finally, a bit to the west, the Detroit Red Wings are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Joey MacDonald are in goal in place of their injured higher-ups. Detroit scored first as Niklas Kronwall put his twelfth of the season away, with the help of Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi on the power play. Philadelphia answered with a Brayden Schenn goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Danny Briere. Schenn gave the Flyers the lead in the second period with his eighth of the season and second of the night, and Braydon Coburn provided the lone assist. The Red Wings retied it with Pavel Datsyuk scoring his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johan Franzen and Ian White. Philadelphia retook the lead with Max Talbot registering his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Scott Hartnell and Matt Read. Detroit got another equalizer with Zetterberg netting his eleventh of the year, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Brad Stuart. The Red Wings gained the lead in the third period with Franzen registering his twenty-second of the season, via Nicklas Lidstrom and Zetterberg. This would hold for a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Franzen, while Zetterberg and Schenn also had honorable performances.
The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Henrik Lundqvist will get the starting nods in goal. New York opened with a Ryan Callahan goal, his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Anton Stralman and Brad Richards. Washington tied it in the second period with Alexander Semin notching his fifteenth of the year, courtesy of Jason Chimera and John Carlson. The Rangers regained the lead on a Ryan McDonagh tally, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Brian Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky. New York extended their lead in the third period when Brandon Prust scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal passed through by Dubinsky and Marc Staal. The Capitals pulled back to 3-2 with a Carlson goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Alex Ovechkin and Roman Hamrlik. They never tied it, so this was a final, and the three stars were McDonagh, Prust, and Dubinsky, while Carlson gets the honorable mention.
Staying in the same metro area, the New York Islanders welcome the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Evgeni Nabokov will be between the pipes. Frans Nielsen put New York ahead first with his tenth of the season, set up by P.A. Parenteau and Andrew MacDonald. Florida answered with a Tyson Strachan goal, fueled by Marcel Goc. The Panthers gained the lead in the second period as Tomas Fleischmann netted his eighteenth of the year, thanks to Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss. Florida added on with a power play goal by Weiss, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. The Panthers extended the lead again when Jack Skille's third of the year found twine, and the lone helper on the tally was Shawn Matthias. This was a final after a scoreless third period, and the three stars of the 4-1 game were Versteeg, Fleischmann, and Theodore (26 for 27 in saves).
Westward to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Steve Mason will wear the masks. Anaheim led off with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks extended the lead with a Perry power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, powered by Saku Koivu and Getzlaf. Columbus shot back with a Fedor Tyutin goal, his fourth of the season, also on the power play, with help from Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal. Anaheim took it back in the second period as Jason Blake recorded his fifth of the year, thanks to Getzlaf, who got a sock trick with the helper. The Ducks added on as Bobby Ryan potted a power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, made possible by Teemu Selanne and Cam Fowler. Anaheim rolled on with Perry finishing his hat trick on the power play with his twenty-sixth of the year, with assists provided by Ryan. The Blue Jackets answered with Aaron Johnson recording his third of the season, via James Wisniewski and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus got as close as 5-3 before time expired, this happening due to an Antoine Vermette power play goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, set up by Rick Nash and Tyutin. Perry, Getzlaf, and Tyutin had the three stars, while Ryan earns the honorable mention.
To the south, the Dallas Stars take on the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Los Angeles was first on the board with a Dwight King goal, made possible by Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar. The Kings extended the lead in the second period when Andrei Loktionov scored his second of the season, powered by Jack Johnson and Kopitar. Dallas got one back with Loui Eriksson depositing his eighteenth of the year, via Alex Goligoski and Mike Ribeiro. The Stars tied it with Michael Ryder sinking his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Eriksson and Goligoski in the third period. Los Angeles got the lead back with Jordan Nolan's goal, courtesy of Mike Richards and King. The Kings iced at 4-2 with Williams scoring an empty net goal, his eleventh of the year, an unassisted tally. The three stars were given to King, Eriksson, and Nolan, while Williams, Kopitar, and Goligoski got the honorable mentions.
Back northeast a bit, the St. Louis Blues host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jaroslav Halak will take to the twines. St. Louis started the scoring with Alex Pietrangelo netting his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of T.J. Oshie and Andy McDonald. The Blues extended the lead in the second period with David Perron notching his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo iced it for St. Louis in the third period with his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, an unassisted empty net goal. The three stars were handed out to Pietrangelo, Halak (25 save shutout), and McDonald.
East even farther to Pittsburgh, as the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the blue paint we have Mathieu Garon and Brent Johnson. Tampa Bay struck first with a Steve Downie goal, his tenth of the season, set up by Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman. The Lightning added on with another Downie goal eleven seconds later, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, coming off of Purcell and Brett Clark. Pittsburgh answered with an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his thirty-first of the season, powered by Kris Letang and James Neal. The Penguins got an equalizer in the second period when Chris Kunitz put away his sixteenth of the year, guided in by Letang and the goalie Johnson. Pittsburgh took the lead when Letang scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Kunitz and Neal. The Penguins extended their lead with Malkin's second of the game and thirty-second of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal, the latter wrapping up a sock trick. The third period was silent, leaving the final at 4-2, where Letang, Malkin, and Kunitz get the three stars and Neal, Downie, and Purcell get the honorable mentions.
Finally, a bit to the west, the Detroit Red Wings are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Joey MacDonald are in goal in place of their injured higher-ups. Detroit scored first as Niklas Kronwall put his twelfth of the season away, with the help of Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi on the power play. Philadelphia answered with a Brayden Schenn goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Danny Briere. Schenn gave the Flyers the lead in the second period with his eighth of the season and second of the night, and Braydon Coburn provided the lone assist. The Red Wings retied it with Pavel Datsyuk scoring his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johan Franzen and Ian White. Philadelphia retook the lead with Max Talbot registering his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Scott Hartnell and Matt Read. Detroit got another equalizer with Zetterberg netting his eleventh of the year, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Brad Stuart. The Red Wings gained the lead in the third period with Franzen registering his twenty-second of the season, via Nicklas Lidstrom and Zetterberg. This would hold for a 4-3 win, and the three stars were awarded to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Franzen, while Zetterberg and Schenn also had honorable performances.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
NHL Day 129 2011-2012
Twelve games on today, split cleanly between matinees and evening games. Speaking of evening games, I will be out tonight seeing the Seattle Thunderbirds play the Portland Winterhawks, so the latter half of this post won't be written until tomorrow morning. First up today...
The Boston Bruins welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Tim Thomas are the masked men. Boston led off with a Patrice Bergeron shorthanded goal, his sixteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Brad Marchand. Nashville tied it as Shea Weber notched his eleventh of the year in the second period, courtesy of Ryan Suter on the power play. The Bruins retook the lead in the third period as Daniel Paille registered his ninth of the season, with the help of Shawn Thornton and Johnny Boychuk. The Predators evened the score again on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Sergei Kostitsyn and the goalie Rinne. Nashville took a lead on a Mike Fisher goal, his seventeenth of the season, fueled by Hornqvist and Francis Bouillon. Boston tied it back up late in the period when Milan Lucic's twentieth of the year went in on the power play, powered by Rich Peverley and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins beat the Predators 4-3 in the shootout with tallies from Tyler Seguin and Bergeron. The three stars were awarded to Bergeron, Lucic, and Seguin, while Hornqvist earns honorable mention.
To Long Island, where the New York Islanders host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Evgeni Nabokov get the green light to start. New York struck first on a Michael Grabner goal, his fifteenth of the season, going in thanks to Mark Eaton and Kyle Okposo. Los Angeles tied it in the second period with an Andrei Loktionov goal, made possible by Dustin Brown and Rob Scuderi. The Islanders took the game in overtime with a Mark Streit goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Matt Moulson and Andrew MacDonald, good for a 2-1 win. The three stars belonged to Nabokov (34 for 35 in saves), Quick (23 for 25 in saves), and Streit.
Crossing a state border to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Martin Brodeur are in the blue paint. New Jersey opened with a Steve Bernier goal, made possible by Alexei Ponikarovsky and Dainius Zubrus. Florida tied it with a Sean Bergenheim power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Erik Gudbranson and Marcel Goc. The Panthers took the lead in the second period on Kris Versteeg's twenty-first of the year, assisted by Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann. Florida iced at 3-1 when Mikael Samuelsson scored his seventh of the campaign, an empty net goal with Goc getting the lone assist. The three stars were given to Clemmensen (27 for 28 in saves), Bergenheim, and Brian Campbell, while Goc gets honorable mention.
Staying in the division, the Philadelphia Flyers play host to the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Sergei Bobrovsky are in net. New York started the scoring with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, coming off of Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards. Philadelphia answered with a Wayne Simmonds goal, his eighteenth of the year, pushed through by Andrej Meszaros and Braydon Coburn. The Rangers took the lead back as Gaborik recorded his twenty-seventh of the season, a power play goal set up by Richards and Derek Stepan. The Flyers retied it in the second period with Claude Giroux putting away his twenty-second of the year, thanks to Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. New York retook the lead once again with Callahan's second of the game and twentieth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michael Del Zotto and Gaborik. The Rangers padded their lead with a third period Artem Anisimov goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Stepan and Gaborik, the latter clinching a sock trick. Shortly afterwards, Simmonds fought with Brian Boyle to complete his Gordie Howe Hat Trick. New York extended the lead further with a Callahan goal to complete his hat trick, his twenty-first of season, guided in by Carl Hagelin and Richards, the latter getting a sock trick as well. The final sat at 5-2, and the three stars were awarded to Callahan, Gaborik, and Simmonds, while Richards and Stepan earn the honorable mentions.
Up north in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Craig Anderson wear the pads. Daniel Alfredsson opened the scoring for Ottawa with his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza. Edmonton tied the game in the second period as Magnus Paajarvi scored, thanks to Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff. Milan Michalek reclaimed the lead for the Senators with his twenty-fourth of the year, fueled by Spezza and Bobby Butler. The Oilers got another equalizer with Ben Eager recording his sixth of the season, and Jeff Petry and Anton Lander tallied the helpers. Edmonton took the lead in the third period as Horcoff put away his tenth of the year, with the help of Hemsky and Paajarvi. Ottawa tied it as Karlsson sank his ninth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Oilers took the game 4-3 in overtime with a Taylor Hall goal, his nineteenth of the year, and Horcoff and Tom Gilbert got the helpers. The three stars went to Khabibulin (39 for 42 in saves), Michalek, and Hall, while Horcoff, Hemsky, Paajarvi, Spezza and Karlsson got the honorable mentions.
Back stateside, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Marc-Andre Fleury are tasked with stopping the puck. Winnipeg opened on a Kyle Wellwood goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Tobias Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets extended the lead with a Alex Burmistrov goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Antti Miettinen and Tim Stapleton. Pittsburgh got one back when Dustin Jeffery sank his third of the season, thanks to Jordan Staal and Kris Letang. The Penguins evened the score on a James Neal goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, with a lone helper by Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh took the lead in the second period as Chris Kunitz netted his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Malkin and the goalie Fleury. Letang added on for the Penguins with his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Malkin, who gets a sock trick, and Kunitz. Winnipeg finally got one back as Stapleton put his eighth of the season away, coming off of Blake Wheeler. Pittsburgh replied quickly with a Malkin goal, his thirtieth of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal. The Jets answered with a third period Byfuglien goal, his eighth of the season, with Bryan Little and Wheeler touching the puck previously. The Penguins quickly shot back with a Richard Park goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Craig Adams and Brooks Orpik. Pittsburgh kept going with a Staal goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Pascal Dupuis and Matt Cooke. Winnipeg got another one back with Little netting his fourteenth of the year, via Ron Hainsey and Zach Bogosian. The Penguins made it 8-5 with Letang putting his second of the game and seventh of the campaign in the net, a power play goal with assistance coming from Malkin and Kunitz, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars of the game were Malkin, Letang, and Kunitz, while the honorable mentions include Neal, Staal, Little, Byfuglien, Stapleton, and Wheeler.
In the afternoon sessions, we begin with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and James Reimer earned the starts, but Reimer was replaced by Jonas Gustavsson in the third period. Montreal opened the scoring in the second period as Erik Cole nailed his twentieth of the season, with a lone assist by David Desharnais. The Canadiens added on when Rene Bourque potted his sixteenth of the year, thanks to Tomas Plekanec and Mathieu Darche. Montreal padded their lead with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his twenty-third of the campaign, powered by P.K. Subban and Desharnais. The Canadiens struck again with Lars Eller converting his twelfth of the season, an unassisted goal. Montreal iced it at 5-0 in the third period when Darche put away his fourth of the year, coming off of Plekanec and the goalie Price. The three stars were Price (32 save shutout), Plekanec, and Desharnais, while Darche also played a strong game.
Down south a tad, the Buffalo Sabres host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Tampa Bay led off with a Steve Downie goal in the second period, his ninth of the season, assisted by Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. The Lightning added on with a Stamkos goal, his thirty-seventh of the year, with a lone helper provided by Teddy Purcell. Buffalo got one back in the third period when Jason Pominivlle notched his twentieth of the campaign, fueled by Thomas Vanek and Mike Weber. They never got the equalizer, losing 2-1, and the three stars went to Stamkos, Garon (26 for 27 in saves), and Pominville.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues welcomed the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Brian Elliott were guarding the goalmouths. Colorado opened with a Shane O'Brien goal, his second of the season, courtesy of David Van der Gulik. St. Louis answered as David Perron netted a power play goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by T.J. Oshie and David Backes. The Blues took the lead on another Perron power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Oshie. The Avalanche retied it on a power play goal of their own, the second of the year for Erik Johnson, powered by Ryan O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The tie lasted into overtime, where Carlo Colaiacovo took the game in favor of St. Louis with his second of the campaign, fueled by Patrik Berglund and Perron. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Perron, Chris Porter, and B.J. Crombeen, while Oshie gets the honorable mention and St. Louis gets a rebuke for lousy three stars picking.
Northward to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Niklas Backstrom will attempt to stop the puck. Minnesota led off with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Mikko Koivu and Marek Zidlicky. Columbus answered with an R.J. Umberger goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Rick Nash and Derick Brassard. The Blue Jackets gained the lead in the second period on a power play goal by Umberger, his second of the game and ninth of the season, powered by James Wisniewski and Nash. Columbus iced it at 3-1 with an unassisted empty net goal in the third period off the tape of Wisniewski, his third of the year. The three stars went to Mason (34 for 35 in saves), Umberger, and Setoguchi, while Nash and Wisniewski take the honorable mentions.
Well to the southwest, the Phoenix Coyotes take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Mike Smith will play in the blue paint. Phoenix led off when Radim Vrbata notched his twenty-sixth of the season, and Ray Whitney had the only assist. The Coyotes added on with a Boyd Gordon goal, his seventh of the year, pushed through by Gilbert Brule and Lauri Korpikoski. Phoenix made it 3-0 in the second period, a score that would hope when the rest of the game went scoreless, on a Kyle Chipchura goal, his second of the campaign, helped along by Brule and Raffi Torres. The three stars of the game were Smith (38 save shutout), Chipchura, and Brule.
Finally, in Calgary, the Flames host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Miikka Kiprusoff did battle from the creases. Calgary led off with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Blake Comeau and Scott Hannan. The Flames extended the lead in the second period when Roman Horak potted his third of the year, thanks to Lance Bouma and Cory Sarich. Vancouver got one back with a Cody Hodgson goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Mike Duco and Alexander Edler. The Canucks tied it in the third period with a David booth goal, his ninth of the year, helped along by Dan Hamhuis. The game went to a shootout, where Calgary overpower Vancouver as Olli Jokinen and Jarome Iginla scored to beat Alexandre Burrows lone tally for a 3-2 win. The three stars were awarded to Kiprusoff (29 for 31 in saves), Hamhuis, and Horak.
The Boston Bruins welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Tim Thomas are the masked men. Boston led off with a Patrice Bergeron shorthanded goal, his sixteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Brad Marchand. Nashville tied it as Shea Weber notched his eleventh of the year in the second period, courtesy of Ryan Suter on the power play. The Bruins retook the lead in the third period as Daniel Paille registered his ninth of the season, with the help of Shawn Thornton and Johnny Boychuk. The Predators evened the score again on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Sergei Kostitsyn and the goalie Rinne. Nashville took a lead on a Mike Fisher goal, his seventeenth of the season, fueled by Hornqvist and Francis Bouillon. Boston tied it back up late in the period when Milan Lucic's twentieth of the year went in on the power play, powered by Rich Peverley and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins beat the Predators 4-3 in the shootout with tallies from Tyler Seguin and Bergeron. The three stars were awarded to Bergeron, Lucic, and Seguin, while Hornqvist earns honorable mention.
To Long Island, where the New York Islanders host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Evgeni Nabokov get the green light to start. New York struck first on a Michael Grabner goal, his fifteenth of the season, going in thanks to Mark Eaton and Kyle Okposo. Los Angeles tied it in the second period with an Andrei Loktionov goal, made possible by Dustin Brown and Rob Scuderi. The Islanders took the game in overtime with a Mark Streit goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Matt Moulson and Andrew MacDonald, good for a 2-1 win. The three stars belonged to Nabokov (34 for 35 in saves), Quick (23 for 25 in saves), and Streit.
Crossing a state border to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Martin Brodeur are in the blue paint. New Jersey opened with a Steve Bernier goal, made possible by Alexei Ponikarovsky and Dainius Zubrus. Florida tied it with a Sean Bergenheim power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Erik Gudbranson and Marcel Goc. The Panthers took the lead in the second period on Kris Versteeg's twenty-first of the year, assisted by Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann. Florida iced at 3-1 when Mikael Samuelsson scored his seventh of the campaign, an empty net goal with Goc getting the lone assist. The three stars were given to Clemmensen (27 for 28 in saves), Bergenheim, and Brian Campbell, while Goc gets honorable mention.
Staying in the division, the Philadelphia Flyers play host to the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Sergei Bobrovsky are in net. New York started the scoring with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, coming off of Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards. Philadelphia answered with a Wayne Simmonds goal, his eighteenth of the year, pushed through by Andrej Meszaros and Braydon Coburn. The Rangers took the lead back as Gaborik recorded his twenty-seventh of the season, a power play goal set up by Richards and Derek Stepan. The Flyers retied it in the second period with Claude Giroux putting away his twenty-second of the year, thanks to Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. New York retook the lead once again with Callahan's second of the game and twentieth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michael Del Zotto and Gaborik. The Rangers padded their lead with a third period Artem Anisimov goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Stepan and Gaborik, the latter clinching a sock trick. Shortly afterwards, Simmonds fought with Brian Boyle to complete his Gordie Howe Hat Trick. New York extended the lead further with a Callahan goal to complete his hat trick, his twenty-first of season, guided in by Carl Hagelin and Richards, the latter getting a sock trick as well. The final sat at 5-2, and the three stars were awarded to Callahan, Gaborik, and Simmonds, while Richards and Stepan earn the honorable mentions.
Up north in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Craig Anderson wear the pads. Daniel Alfredsson opened the scoring for Ottawa with his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza. Edmonton tied the game in the second period as Magnus Paajarvi scored, thanks to Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff. Milan Michalek reclaimed the lead for the Senators with his twenty-fourth of the year, fueled by Spezza and Bobby Butler. The Oilers got another equalizer with Ben Eager recording his sixth of the season, and Jeff Petry and Anton Lander tallied the helpers. Edmonton took the lead in the third period as Horcoff put away his tenth of the year, with the help of Hemsky and Paajarvi. Ottawa tied it as Karlsson sank his ninth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Oilers took the game 4-3 in overtime with a Taylor Hall goal, his nineteenth of the year, and Horcoff and Tom Gilbert got the helpers. The three stars went to Khabibulin (39 for 42 in saves), Michalek, and Hall, while Horcoff, Hemsky, Paajarvi, Spezza and Karlsson got the honorable mentions.
Back stateside, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Marc-Andre Fleury are tasked with stopping the puck. Winnipeg opened on a Kyle Wellwood goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Tobias Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets extended the lead with a Alex Burmistrov goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Antti Miettinen and Tim Stapleton. Pittsburgh got one back when Dustin Jeffery sank his third of the season, thanks to Jordan Staal and Kris Letang. The Penguins evened the score on a James Neal goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, with a lone helper by Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh took the lead in the second period as Chris Kunitz netted his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Malkin and the goalie Fleury. Letang added on for the Penguins with his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Malkin, who gets a sock trick, and Kunitz. Winnipeg finally got one back as Stapleton put his eighth of the season away, coming off of Blake Wheeler. Pittsburgh replied quickly with a Malkin goal, his thirtieth of the year, fueled by Kunitz and Neal. The Jets answered with a third period Byfuglien goal, his eighth of the season, with Bryan Little and Wheeler touching the puck previously. The Penguins quickly shot back with a Richard Park goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Craig Adams and Brooks Orpik. Pittsburgh kept going with a Staal goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Pascal Dupuis and Matt Cooke. Winnipeg got another one back with Little netting his fourteenth of the year, via Ron Hainsey and Zach Bogosian. The Penguins made it 8-5 with Letang putting his second of the game and seventh of the campaign in the net, a power play goal with assistance coming from Malkin and Kunitz, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars of the game were Malkin, Letang, and Kunitz, while the honorable mentions include Neal, Staal, Little, Byfuglien, Stapleton, and Wheeler.
In the afternoon sessions, we begin with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and James Reimer earned the starts, but Reimer was replaced by Jonas Gustavsson in the third period. Montreal opened the scoring in the second period as Erik Cole nailed his twentieth of the season, with a lone assist by David Desharnais. The Canadiens added on when Rene Bourque potted his sixteenth of the year, thanks to Tomas Plekanec and Mathieu Darche. Montreal padded their lead with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his twenty-third of the campaign, powered by P.K. Subban and Desharnais. The Canadiens struck again with Lars Eller converting his twelfth of the season, an unassisted goal. Montreal iced it at 5-0 in the third period when Darche put away his fourth of the year, coming off of Plekanec and the goalie Price. The three stars were Price (32 save shutout), Plekanec, and Desharnais, while Darche also played a strong game.
Down south a tad, the Buffalo Sabres host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Tampa Bay led off with a Steve Downie goal in the second period, his ninth of the season, assisted by Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. The Lightning added on with a Stamkos goal, his thirty-seventh of the year, with a lone helper provided by Teddy Purcell. Buffalo got one back in the third period when Jason Pominivlle notched his twentieth of the campaign, fueled by Thomas Vanek and Mike Weber. They never got the equalizer, losing 2-1, and the three stars went to Stamkos, Garon (26 for 27 in saves), and Pominville.
Out west, the St. Louis Blues welcomed the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Brian Elliott were guarding the goalmouths. Colorado opened with a Shane O'Brien goal, his second of the season, courtesy of David Van der Gulik. St. Louis answered as David Perron netted a power play goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by T.J. Oshie and David Backes. The Blues took the lead on another Perron power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Oshie. The Avalanche retied it on a power play goal of their own, the second of the year for Erik Johnson, powered by Ryan O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The tie lasted into overtime, where Carlo Colaiacovo took the game in favor of St. Louis with his second of the campaign, fueled by Patrik Berglund and Perron. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Perron, Chris Porter, and B.J. Crombeen, while Oshie gets the honorable mention and St. Louis gets a rebuke for lousy three stars picking.
Northward to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Niklas Backstrom will attempt to stop the puck. Minnesota led off with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Mikko Koivu and Marek Zidlicky. Columbus answered with an R.J. Umberger goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Rick Nash and Derick Brassard. The Blue Jackets gained the lead in the second period on a power play goal by Umberger, his second of the game and ninth of the season, powered by James Wisniewski and Nash. Columbus iced it at 3-1 with an unassisted empty net goal in the third period off the tape of Wisniewski, his third of the year. The three stars went to Mason (34 for 35 in saves), Umberger, and Setoguchi, while Nash and Wisniewski take the honorable mentions.
Well to the southwest, the Phoenix Coyotes take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Mike Smith will play in the blue paint. Phoenix led off when Radim Vrbata notched his twenty-sixth of the season, and Ray Whitney had the only assist. The Coyotes added on with a Boyd Gordon goal, his seventh of the year, pushed through by Gilbert Brule and Lauri Korpikoski. Phoenix made it 3-0 in the second period, a score that would hope when the rest of the game went scoreless, on a Kyle Chipchura goal, his second of the campaign, helped along by Brule and Raffi Torres. The three stars of the game were Smith (38 save shutout), Chipchura, and Brule.
Finally, in Calgary, the Flames host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Miikka Kiprusoff did battle from the creases. Calgary led off with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Blake Comeau and Scott Hannan. The Flames extended the lead in the second period when Roman Horak potted his third of the year, thanks to Lance Bouma and Cory Sarich. Vancouver got one back with a Cody Hodgson goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Mike Duco and Alexander Edler. The Canucks tied it in the third period with a David booth goal, his ninth of the year, helped along by Dan Hamhuis. The game went to a shootout, where Calgary overpower Vancouver as Olli Jokinen and Jarome Iginla scored to beat Alexandre Burrows lone tally for a 3-2 win. The three stars were awarded to Kiprusoff (29 for 31 in saves), Hamhuis, and Horak.
Friday, February 10, 2012
NHL Day 128 2011-2012
Just four games on, after one of the day's games was pushed back to tomorrow. We will start now in...
Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Dallas opened with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his twentieth of the season, powered by Alex Goligoski and Loui Eriksson. The Stars added on in the third period when Tomas Vincour notched his second of the year, thanks to Jamie Benn and Steve Ott. Buffalo got on the board with a Thomas Vanek goal, his twentieth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jason Pominville and Christian Ehrhoff. The Sabres tied it as Derek Roy recorded his eleventh of the year, guided in by Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers. The game went to a shootout, where Brad Boyes scored, was answered by Benn, and then Buffalo went up for good as Nathan Gerbe scored, for a 3-2 win over Dallas. The three stars were Gerbe, Pominville, and Goligoski.
Westward to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Joey MacDonald are in the creases. Anaheim led off with a George Parros goal, assisted by Rod Pelley. Detroit tied it with a Jakub Kindl goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader. The game was decided in the shootout, as the Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk and Todd Bertuzzi overpowered the Ducks' Teemu Selanne for a 2-1 win. The three stars were awarded to Bertuzzi, MacDonald (29 for 30 in saves), and Hiller (23 for 24 in saves).
West again, as we land in Colorado, where the Avalanche welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will be between the pipes. Carolina started off with a Tim Brent goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Anthony Stewart and Chad LaRose. Colorado evened it late with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his thirteenth of the year, via Peter Mueller. The Hurricanes regained the lead thirty-one seconds later as Jiri Tlusty notched his twelfth of the season, with the help of Eric Staal and Tuomo Ruutu. The Avalanche retied it again in the second period when the thirteenth of the year by Milan Hejduk found twine, guided in by Paul Stastny and David Jones. Carolina retook the lead again with a Staal goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Ruutu and Jay Harrison. Stastny tied it back up for Colorado on his fourteenth of the year, set up by Jones and Jan Hejda. The Avalanche took the game 4-3 in overtime as Ryan O'Reilly scored his fifteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars went to O'Reilly, Stastny, and Landeskog, while Staal, Ruutu, and Jones earn the honorable mentions.
Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi are guarding the goals. San Jose led off with a Justin Braun goal, his second of the season, a power play goal made possible by Logan Couture and Brent Burns. The Sharks added on with a Dan Boyle power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Couture and Braun. Chicago got one back as Marcus Kruger notched his fourth of the season, via Nick Leddy and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks tied it with Kruger's second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Brent Seabrook and Sharp. San Jose retook the lead with a Joe Thornton goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Joe Pavelski. Chicago got another equalizer in the third period with Bryan Bickell putting his fifth of the year away, helped along by Dave Bolland and Sami Lepisto. The Sharks got it back when Benn Ferriero deposited his seventh of the season, pushed through by Brad Winchester and Burns. San Jose iced it at 5-3 with a power play goal off the tape of Jamie McGinn, his twelfth of the year, set up by Ryane Clowe and Burns, the latter getting a sock trick. McGinn, Burns, and Braun had the three stars, while Kruger, Sharp, and Couture had the honorable mentions.
Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Dallas opened with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his twentieth of the season, powered by Alex Goligoski and Loui Eriksson. The Stars added on in the third period when Tomas Vincour notched his second of the year, thanks to Jamie Benn and Steve Ott. Buffalo got on the board with a Thomas Vanek goal, his twentieth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jason Pominville and Christian Ehrhoff. The Sabres tied it as Derek Roy recorded his eleventh of the year, guided in by Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers. The game went to a shootout, where Brad Boyes scored, was answered by Benn, and then Buffalo went up for good as Nathan Gerbe scored, for a 3-2 win over Dallas. The three stars were Gerbe, Pominville, and Goligoski.
Westward to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Joey MacDonald are in the creases. Anaheim led off with a George Parros goal, assisted by Rod Pelley. Detroit tied it with a Jakub Kindl goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader. The game was decided in the shootout, as the Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk and Todd Bertuzzi overpowered the Ducks' Teemu Selanne for a 2-1 win. The three stars were awarded to Bertuzzi, MacDonald (29 for 30 in saves), and Hiller (23 for 24 in saves).
West again, as we land in Colorado, where the Avalanche welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Jean-Sebastien Giguere will be between the pipes. Carolina started off with a Tim Brent goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Anthony Stewart and Chad LaRose. Colorado evened it late with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his thirteenth of the year, via Peter Mueller. The Hurricanes regained the lead thirty-one seconds later as Jiri Tlusty notched his twelfth of the season, with the help of Eric Staal and Tuomo Ruutu. The Avalanche retied it again in the second period when the thirteenth of the year by Milan Hejduk found twine, guided in by Paul Stastny and David Jones. Carolina retook the lead again with a Staal goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Ruutu and Jay Harrison. Stastny tied it back up for Colorado on his fourteenth of the year, set up by Jones and Jan Hejda. The Avalanche took the game 4-3 in overtime as Ryan O'Reilly scored his fifteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars went to O'Reilly, Stastny, and Landeskog, while Staal, Ruutu, and Jones earn the honorable mentions.
Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi are guarding the goals. San Jose led off with a Justin Braun goal, his second of the season, a power play goal made possible by Logan Couture and Brent Burns. The Sharks added on with a Dan Boyle power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Couture and Braun. Chicago got one back as Marcus Kruger notched his fourth of the season, via Nick Leddy and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks tied it with Kruger's second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Brent Seabrook and Sharp. San Jose retook the lead with a Joe Thornton goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by Joe Pavelski. Chicago got another equalizer in the third period with Bryan Bickell putting his fifth of the year away, helped along by Dave Bolland and Sami Lepisto. The Sharks got it back when Benn Ferriero deposited his seventh of the season, pushed through by Brad Winchester and Burns. San Jose iced it at 5-3 with a power play goal off the tape of Jamie McGinn, his twelfth of the year, set up by Ryane Clowe and Burns, the latter getting a sock trick. McGinn, Burns, and Braun had the three stars, while Kruger, Sharp, and Couture had the honorable mentions.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
NHL Day 127 2011-2012
Ten games to be played tonight, beginning with the...
Washington Capitals hosting the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Tomas Vokoun got the starts. Washington started the scoring in the third period as Alex Ovechkin sank his twenty-third of the season, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Dennis Wideman. Semin extended the Capitals lead with a power play goal of his own, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Ovechkin and Wideman. Winnipeg got one back as Evander Kane scored his nineteenth of the season, a power play goal assisted by Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien tied it for the Jets with his seventh of the year just twelve seconds later, another power play goal, going in unassisted. Winnipeg ended up winning with Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little overpowering Ovechkin and Washington in the shootout, for a 3-2 win. The three stars were awarded to Ovechkin, Semin, and Pavelec (32 for 34 in saves), while Byfuglien and Wideman get honorable mentions.
Next up, the New Jersey Devils welcomed the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Johan Hedberg began in goal, but Halak was pulled for Brian Elliott in the middle of the second period. New Jersey opened with a Zach Parise power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Ilya Kovalchuk and Kurtis Foster. Chris Stewart tied it for the St. Louis with his eleventh of the year, assisted by Vladimir Sobotka and Chris Porter. The Blues gained the lead in the second period as David Perron netted his seventh of the season, with the help of David Backes and Barret Jackman. The Devils retied it when Adam Henrique made his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Andy Greene and Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey gained the lead again with Patrik Elias registering his nineteenth of the season, made possible by Kovalchuk and Petr Sykora. St. Louis evened the game when Patrik Berglund put away his thirteenth of the year, and Roman Polak and Chris Stewart had the assists. The Blues beat the Devils in the shootout on a lone T.J. Oshie goal for a 4-3 win. Kovalchuk, Stewart, and Parise took the three stars.
Westward a bit to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Curtis Sanford play in the creases. Dallas led off with a Jamie Benn goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Stephane Robidas and Steve Ott. The Stars added on with Alex Goligoski netting his seventh of the year, courtesy of Tomas Vincour and Mike Ribeiro. Dallas kept going in the second period with Robidas potting his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Ribeiro and Goligoski. Vinny Prospal got one back for Columbus with his tenth of the year, a power play goal set up by Fedor Tyutin and Derick Brassard. The Blue Jackets pulled closer as Rick Nash made his eighteenth of the season, also a power play goal, powered by Brassard and Tyutin. The Stars iced it at 4-2 with Benns notching his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, an empty net goal going in unassisted. The three stars went to Robidas, Brassard, and Goligoski, while Benn, Ribeiro, and Tyutin deserve honorable mentions.
Backtracking to New York, where the Islanders host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Evgeni Nabokov took care of the cages. Montreal opened with a Max Pacioretty goal, his twentieth of the season, guided in by Erik Cole. Pacioretty extended the Canadiens lead in the second period with his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, made possible by David Desharnais. Montreal added on again in the third period as Scott Gomez, a power play goal powered by Raphael Diaz and Chris Campoli. New York got one back as Matt Moulson potted his twenty-fourth of the season, a power play goal set up by John Tavares and P.A. Parenteau. The Islanders got closer with a Mark Streit goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Kyle Okposo. The Canadiens iced it at 4-2 when Pacioretty tallied an empty netter, his twenty-second of the campaign, to finish his hat trick, and Tomas Plekanec picked up the assist. The three stars were Pacioretty, Streit, and Gomez.
In the same general region, the New York Rangers brought in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Martin Biron wore the masks tonight. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos goal, his thirty-sixth of the season, assisted by Brett Connolly and J.T. Wyman. New York answered in the second period with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Michael Del Zotto and Derek Stepan. Stepan soon gave the Rangers the lead with his eleventh of the season, made possible by Dan Girardi and Marian Gaborik. Twenty-one seconds after that, the Lightning retied it with the twenty-first of the year by Vincent Lecavalier, passed through Teddy Purcell and Matt Gilroy. Tampa Bay gained the lead with Bruno Gervais notching his fourth of the season on the power play, powered by Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. New York tied it again as Brian Boyle netted his fifth of the year in the third period, with help from Carl Hagelin and Anton Stralman. The Rangers beat the Lightning in overtime as Brad Richards struck with his seventeenth of the campaign, guided in by Artem Anisimov and Del Zotto. Boyle, Richards, and Callahan got the three stars, while the honorable mentions were Stamkos, Stepan, and Del Zotto.
Into Philadelphia, where the Flyers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Sergei Bobrovsky are in front of the nets. Philadelphia opened with an interesting series of events, as Scott Hartnell recorded his twenty-sixth of the season, and Erik Gustafsson had the lone assist, while Hartnell dropped the gloves with Dion Phaneuf. Toronto evened the score in the second period as Tyler Bozak potted his eleventh of the year, thanks to Phil Kessel and Luke Schenn. The Flyers retook the lead on a Max Talbot goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Andrej Meszaros. The Maple Leafs tied it again with a power play goal by Joffrey Lupul, his twenty-second of the year, powered by Phaneuf and Kessel. Philadelphia again went ahead on a Claude Giroux goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Hartnell, who clinched a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jaromir Jagr. The Flyers extended the lead as Brayden Schenn put away his sixth of the year, via Danny Briere and Wayne Simmonds. Toronto got one back when Bozak struck again, his second of the game and twelfth of the season, guided in by Luke Schenn and Lupul. There was no third period scoring, so Philadelphia won 4-3. The three stars were given to Hartnell, Giroux, and Lupul, while Kessel, Bozak, and Luke Schenn all earned honorable mentions.
Up north in Ottawa, the Senators hosted the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Alex Auld were given the green light in goal. Ottawa opened when Jason Spezza struck with his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Milan Michalek and Bobby Butler. Nashville tied it on Gabriel Bourque's second of the year, courtesy of Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Suter. The Senators regained the lead on a Chris Phillips goal, fueled by Butler and Spezza. Patric Hornqvist tied it back up again for the Predators, as his sixteenth of the season came on the power play from Suter and Martin Erat. Spezza took the lead back for Ottawa with his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Michalek. The Senators extended the lead with a Phillips goal, his second of the game, another power play goal, set up by Filip Kuba and Nick Foligno. Nashville got as close as 4-3 before losing with an unassisted Erat goal, his thirteenth of the campaign. The three stars ended up being Phillips, Spezza, and Butler, while Erat, Suter, and Michalek get the honorable mentions.
Well to the south, the Florida Panthers brought in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Scott Clemmensen started between the pipes, but Jonathan Bernier replaced Quick for the third period. Florida started the scoring in the second period as Sean Bergenheim scored his tenth of the season, thanks to Marcel Goc and Mike Weaver. The Panthers added on when Mike Santorelli scored his seventh of the year, made possible by Tomas Fleischmann and Shawn Matthias. Los Angeles got one back late in the third period with the fifth of the season by Drew Doughty, fueled by Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Florida iced it at 3-1 with a Matt Bradley empty net goal, with assists provided by Matthias and Jason Garrison. Santorelli, Doughty, and Bergenheim got the three stars, while Matthias earns the honorable mention.
Northwest now to Minnesota, as the Wild welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom tended the twines. Minnesota opened with a Dany Heatley goal thirteen seconds into the game, his eighteenth of the season, with a lone helper by Devin Setoguchi. Vancouver tied it with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, powered by Alexander Edler and Sami Salo. The Canucks took the lead with an unassisted Maxim Lapierre goal, his sixth of the season. Vancouver added on with Henrik Sedin's second period goal, his twelfth of the year, fueled by Byron Bitz and Daniel. The Canucks extended the lead again in the third period when Manny Malhotra sent his fifth of the season into the mesh, with guidance from Kevin Bieksa and Jannik Hansen. Setoguchi got one back for the Wild in the third period by registering his eleventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Nate Prosser. Vancouver iced it at 5-2 when Ryan Kesler deposited his eighteenth of the campaign, an empty goal passed through Alexandre Burrows and David Booth. The three stars were given to Daniel, Schneider (22 for 24 in saves), and Heatley, while Setoguchi gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Phoenix, the Coyotes do battle with the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Mike Smith guard the goalmouths. Phoenix led off as Taylor Pyatt made his seventh of the season, assisted by Rostislav Klesla and Kyle Chipchura. Calgary tied it in the third period with Olli Jokinen registering his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Mark Giordano and Scott Hannan. The Coyotes won it 2-1 in overtime when Shane Doan notched his sixteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. The three stars were awarded to Doan, Smith (22 for 23 in saves), and Pyatt.
Washington Capitals hosting the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Tomas Vokoun got the starts. Washington started the scoring in the third period as Alex Ovechkin sank his twenty-third of the season, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Dennis Wideman. Semin extended the Capitals lead with a power play goal of his own, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Ovechkin and Wideman. Winnipeg got one back as Evander Kane scored his nineteenth of the season, a power play goal assisted by Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien tied it for the Jets with his seventh of the year just twelve seconds later, another power play goal, going in unassisted. Winnipeg ended up winning with Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little overpowering Ovechkin and Washington in the shootout, for a 3-2 win. The three stars were awarded to Ovechkin, Semin, and Pavelec (32 for 34 in saves), while Byfuglien and Wideman get honorable mentions.
Next up, the New Jersey Devils welcomed the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Johan Hedberg began in goal, but Halak was pulled for Brian Elliott in the middle of the second period. New Jersey opened with a Zach Parise power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Ilya Kovalchuk and Kurtis Foster. Chris Stewart tied it for the St. Louis with his eleventh of the year, assisted by Vladimir Sobotka and Chris Porter. The Blues gained the lead in the second period as David Perron netted his seventh of the season, with the help of David Backes and Barret Jackman. The Devils retied it when Adam Henrique made his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Andy Greene and Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey gained the lead again with Patrik Elias registering his nineteenth of the season, made possible by Kovalchuk and Petr Sykora. St. Louis evened the game when Patrik Berglund put away his thirteenth of the year, and Roman Polak and Chris Stewart had the assists. The Blues beat the Devils in the shootout on a lone T.J. Oshie goal for a 4-3 win. Kovalchuk, Stewart, and Parise took the three stars.
Westward a bit to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Curtis Sanford play in the creases. Dallas led off with a Jamie Benn goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Stephane Robidas and Steve Ott. The Stars added on with Alex Goligoski netting his seventh of the year, courtesy of Tomas Vincour and Mike Ribeiro. Dallas kept going in the second period with Robidas potting his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Ribeiro and Goligoski. Vinny Prospal got one back for Columbus with his tenth of the year, a power play goal set up by Fedor Tyutin and Derick Brassard. The Blue Jackets pulled closer as Rick Nash made his eighteenth of the season, also a power play goal, powered by Brassard and Tyutin. The Stars iced it at 4-2 with Benns notching his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, an empty net goal going in unassisted. The three stars went to Robidas, Brassard, and Goligoski, while Benn, Ribeiro, and Tyutin deserve honorable mentions.
Backtracking to New York, where the Islanders host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Evgeni Nabokov took care of the cages. Montreal opened with a Max Pacioretty goal, his twentieth of the season, guided in by Erik Cole. Pacioretty extended the Canadiens lead in the second period with his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, made possible by David Desharnais. Montreal added on again in the third period as Scott Gomez, a power play goal powered by Raphael Diaz and Chris Campoli. New York got one back as Matt Moulson potted his twenty-fourth of the season, a power play goal set up by John Tavares and P.A. Parenteau. The Islanders got closer with a Mark Streit goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Kyle Okposo. The Canadiens iced it at 4-2 when Pacioretty tallied an empty netter, his twenty-second of the campaign, to finish his hat trick, and Tomas Plekanec picked up the assist. The three stars were Pacioretty, Streit, and Gomez.
In the same general region, the New York Rangers brought in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Martin Biron wore the masks tonight. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos goal, his thirty-sixth of the season, assisted by Brett Connolly and J.T. Wyman. New York answered in the second period with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Michael Del Zotto and Derek Stepan. Stepan soon gave the Rangers the lead with his eleventh of the season, made possible by Dan Girardi and Marian Gaborik. Twenty-one seconds after that, the Lightning retied it with the twenty-first of the year by Vincent Lecavalier, passed through Teddy Purcell and Matt Gilroy. Tampa Bay gained the lead with Bruno Gervais notching his fourth of the season on the power play, powered by Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. New York tied it again as Brian Boyle netted his fifth of the year in the third period, with help from Carl Hagelin and Anton Stralman. The Rangers beat the Lightning in overtime as Brad Richards struck with his seventeenth of the campaign, guided in by Artem Anisimov and Del Zotto. Boyle, Richards, and Callahan got the three stars, while the honorable mentions were Stamkos, Stepan, and Del Zotto.
Into Philadelphia, where the Flyers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Sergei Bobrovsky are in front of the nets. Philadelphia opened with an interesting series of events, as Scott Hartnell recorded his twenty-sixth of the season, and Erik Gustafsson had the lone assist, while Hartnell dropped the gloves with Dion Phaneuf. Toronto evened the score in the second period as Tyler Bozak potted his eleventh of the year, thanks to Phil Kessel and Luke Schenn. The Flyers retook the lead on a Max Talbot goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Andrej Meszaros. The Maple Leafs tied it again with a power play goal by Joffrey Lupul, his twenty-second of the year, powered by Phaneuf and Kessel. Philadelphia again went ahead on a Claude Giroux goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Hartnell, who clinched a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, and Jaromir Jagr. The Flyers extended the lead as Brayden Schenn put away his sixth of the year, via Danny Briere and Wayne Simmonds. Toronto got one back when Bozak struck again, his second of the game and twelfth of the season, guided in by Luke Schenn and Lupul. There was no third period scoring, so Philadelphia won 4-3. The three stars were given to Hartnell, Giroux, and Lupul, while Kessel, Bozak, and Luke Schenn all earned honorable mentions.
Up north in Ottawa, the Senators hosted the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Alex Auld were given the green light in goal. Ottawa opened when Jason Spezza struck with his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Milan Michalek and Bobby Butler. Nashville tied it on Gabriel Bourque's second of the year, courtesy of Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Suter. The Senators regained the lead on a Chris Phillips goal, fueled by Butler and Spezza. Patric Hornqvist tied it back up again for the Predators, as his sixteenth of the season came on the power play from Suter and Martin Erat. Spezza took the lead back for Ottawa with his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Michalek. The Senators extended the lead with a Phillips goal, his second of the game, another power play goal, set up by Filip Kuba and Nick Foligno. Nashville got as close as 4-3 before losing with an unassisted Erat goal, his thirteenth of the campaign. The three stars ended up being Phillips, Spezza, and Butler, while Erat, Suter, and Michalek get the honorable mentions.
Well to the south, the Florida Panthers brought in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Scott Clemmensen started between the pipes, but Jonathan Bernier replaced Quick for the third period. Florida started the scoring in the second period as Sean Bergenheim scored his tenth of the season, thanks to Marcel Goc and Mike Weaver. The Panthers added on when Mike Santorelli scored his seventh of the year, made possible by Tomas Fleischmann and Shawn Matthias. Los Angeles got one back late in the third period with the fifth of the season by Drew Doughty, fueled by Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Florida iced it at 3-1 with a Matt Bradley empty net goal, with assists provided by Matthias and Jason Garrison. Santorelli, Doughty, and Bergenheim got the three stars, while Matthias earns the honorable mention.
Northwest now to Minnesota, as the Wild welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom tended the twines. Minnesota opened with a Dany Heatley goal thirteen seconds into the game, his eighteenth of the season, with a lone helper by Devin Setoguchi. Vancouver tied it with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, powered by Alexander Edler and Sami Salo. The Canucks took the lead with an unassisted Maxim Lapierre goal, his sixth of the season. Vancouver added on with Henrik Sedin's second period goal, his twelfth of the year, fueled by Byron Bitz and Daniel. The Canucks extended the lead again in the third period when Manny Malhotra sent his fifth of the season into the mesh, with guidance from Kevin Bieksa and Jannik Hansen. Setoguchi got one back for the Wild in the third period by registering his eleventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Nate Prosser. Vancouver iced it at 5-2 when Ryan Kesler deposited his eighteenth of the campaign, an empty goal passed through Alexandre Burrows and David Booth. The three stars were given to Daniel, Schneider (22 for 24 in saves), and Heatley, while Setoguchi gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Phoenix, the Coyotes do battle with the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Mike Smith guard the goalmouths. Phoenix led off as Taylor Pyatt made his seventh of the season, assisted by Rostislav Klesla and Kyle Chipchura. Calgary tied it in the third period with Olli Jokinen registering his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Mark Giordano and Scott Hannan. The Coyotes won it 2-1 in overtime when Shane Doan notched his sixteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. The three stars were awarded to Doan, Smith (22 for 23 in saves), and Pyatt.
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