Eastern Conference Semifinal: 1) New York Rangers VS. 7) Washington Capitals

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Braden Holtby for Washington. New York got things going in the second period as Artem Anisimov scored, thanks to Ruslan Fedotenko and Ryan McDonagh. Washington tied it with four seconds left in the period, as Jason Chimera potted his second of the postseason, with the help of Brooks Laich. The Rangers regained the lead in the third period with a Chris Kreider goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Derek Stepan. New York iced it at 3-1 on a Brad Richards goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Kreider and Marian Gaborik. The three stars were Kreider, Richards, and Fedotenko. New York leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Braden Holtby for Washington. Washington was first on the board with a Mike Knuble goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Keith Aucoin and Joel Ward. The Capitals extended the lead as Jason Chimera used half the Rangers on ice roster scored his third of the playoffs, via Matt Hendricks and Jay Beagle. New York got on the board late with a Brad Richards goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Marian Gaborik and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers tied it in the third period as Ryan Callahan scored his third of the playoffs on the power play with the help of Del Zotto and Richards. Washington took the lead again as Alex Ovechkin sniped his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Nicklas Backstrom. They held on to win 3-2, with Holtby (26 for 28 in saves), Del Zotto, and Ovechkin got the three stars, while Richards gets an honorable mention. The series is tied at 1 apiece.

Game 3: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York started things in the second period as Ryan Callahan netted his fourth of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik. Washington tied it on a John Carlson goal, made possible by Alexander Semin and Karl Alzner. The Rangers won it 2-1 in the third overtime as Gaborik put away his second of the playoffs, with the help of Brad Richards and Dan Girardi. Gaborik, Lundqvist (45 for 46 in saves), and Holtby (47 for 49 in saves) got the three stars. New York regains a series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Washington began with an unassisted Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the postseason. New York tied it in the second period with Artem Anisimov scoring his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Dan Girardi and Brian Boyle. The Capitals got the lead back as Nicklas Backstrom sniped his second of the postseason, via Jason Chimera and Joel Ward. The Rangers tied it again on a Marian Gaborik tally, his third of the playoffs, coming off of Anisimov and Marc Staal. Washington regained the lead in the third period on a Mike Green power play goal, powered by Dennis Wideman as his second of the postseason. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Green, Backstrom, and Anisimov. The series is now tied at 2.

Game 5: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Braden Holtby for Washington. New York started off with an Anton Stralman goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Marc Staal and Derek Stepan. Washington tied it in the second period as Brooks Laich netted his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Alex Ovechkin and Troy Brouwer. The Capitals gained the lead in the third period with a John Carlson power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Dennis Wideman and Brouwer. The Rangers got an equalizer with eight seconds left in regulation, a Brad Richards power play goal guided in by Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto as his fifth of the playoffs. New York won it 3-2 in overtime when Staal scored his second of the postseason, a power play goal with a lone John Mitchell assist. Staal, Richards, and Holtby (35 for 38 in saves) got the three stars, while Brouwer gets an honorable mention. New York now has a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington; Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Washington struck first as Alex Ovechkin netted his fifth of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period on the fourth of the playoffs for Jason Chimera, via Backstrom and John Carlson. New York got one back late in the third period, a Marian Gaborik goal set up by Dan Girardi and Derek Stepan as his fourth of the postseason. The final stood at 2-1, with the three stars being Holtby (30 for 31 in saves), Ovechkin, and Chimera, while Backstrom gets an honorable mention. The series is pushed to game 7 as we are all tied at 3 games each.

Game 7: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York; Braden Holtby for Washington. New York opened with a Brad Richards goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Carl Hagelin and Michael Del Zotto. Del Zotto extended the Rangers lead in the third period on his second of the playoffs, fueled by Marian Gaborik and Hagelin. Washington got on the board as Roman Hamrlik scored, with the help of Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera. The Capitals couldn't get an equalizer, falling 2-1. The three stars belonged to Lundqvist (22 for 23 in saves), Richards, and Del Zotto, while Hagelin gets an honorable mention. The Rangers go on to face the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup.

MLB Day 40 2012

Full slate once again, beginning in...

Pittsburgh, with the Pirates hosting the Houston Astros. Bud Norris and James McDonald are the underrated starters. Houston began in the second inning as Justin Maxwell grounded into a double play that allowed Brian Bogusevic to get home. This would hold up the rest of the game for a 1-0 Astros win. Norris earned the win with a dominant effort, Brett Myers tossed a clean ninth for the save, and McDonald pitched almost equally as well despite getting no help to avoid the loss.

East to the Bronx, with he New York Yankees hosting the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez opposes Hiroki Kuroda. Seattle got an early lead as Dustin Ackley hit a lead off solo home run. New York tied it in the bottom of the first as Robinson Cano singled to drive in Curtis Granderson. The Mariners got the lead back in the sixth inning with a Jesus Montero solo shot. The Yankees gained the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a three-run home run by Raul Ibanez, sweeping in Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. New York extended their lead in the eighth inning as Andruw Jones went yard for a two-run homer, also scoring Nick Swisher. This ended the scoring at 6-2, with Kuroda earning the win and Hernandez taking a tough loss.

Into Pennsylvania again, as the Philadelphia Phillies bring in the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Vance Worley are the young starters. Philadelphia got going in the second inning as John Mayberry hit a two-run home run, also scoring Carlos Ruiz. San Diego tied it with a pair of singles in the fourth inning, as Yonder Alonso scored Will Venable before Jesus Guzman did the same for Chase Headley. The Phillies got the lead back in their half of the inning on a two-run shot by Ruiz, sweeping in Ty Wigginton. The Padres chipped away in the sixth inning as Alonso lifted a solo home run. Philadelphia answered in the bottom of the sixth inning when Freddy Galvis doubled home Mayberry. The Phillies extended the lead with a Ruiz single to get Hunter Pence across the plate in the seventh inning, followed by a Mayberry single to bring around Wigginton. This made it 7-3, with Worley getting the win and Richard taking the loss.

Down in Baltimore, the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeremy Hellickson and Dana Eveland get the starting nods. Tampa Bay led off with a second inning Sean Rodriguez double play that allowed Luke Scott to dash home. Baltimore tied it in the bottom of the second with an Adam Jones solo home run. The Rays padded the lead in the fourth with Elliot Johnson singling in Matt Joyce before Carlos Pena was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Jose Molina. The Orioles pulled back in the sixth inning on a Nick Markakis solo shot. Baltimore took the lead in the seventh inning when Nick Johnson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Chris Davis. They didn't look back as they would win 4-3, with Darren O'Day picking up the win, Jim Johnson converting a clean ninth for a save, and Joel Peralta taking the unlucky loss.

Up north to Boston, where the Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Struggling pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and Clay Buchholz will get a chance to redeem themselves tonight. Cleveland struck early in the first inning when Carlos Santana singled home Asdrubal Cabrera. Boston took the lead in their half of the inning on a Will Middlebrooks double, knocking in Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a 2-RBI double from Pedroia, driving in Nick Punto and Ryan Sweeney. Boston extended the lead in the fifth inning when Cody Ross doubled, allowing Daniel Nava to come home, followed by a Sweeney single that finish Ross' trip around and a Pedroia sacrifice fly to bring in Punto. The Indians pulled back in the seventh inning on a bases-loaded walk by Travis Hafner to force in Johnny Damon, followed by Santana reaching on an error that gave Jason Kipnis time to cross home, and Michael Brantley singling in Cabrera. Cleveland attempted a ninth inning rally as Brantley singled and Santana was able to dash home safely, but they would fall 7-5. The win went to Buchholz, while Alfredo Aceves got out of a mess to make the save and Jimenez was stuck with the loss.

Westward to Cincinnati, as the Reds host the Washington Nationals. Gio Gonzalez and Mike Leake are the middle-rotation pitchers. Washington was first to score in the first inning when Roger Bernadina hit a two run home run to bring home Ian Desmond, followed by Adam LaRoche's double to score Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals struck again in the second inning when Bernadina singled home Wilson Ramos. Washington padded the lead in the third inning on a Danny Espinosa two-run homer, also scoring LaRoche. The Nationals extended the lead in the fourth inning when LaRoche singled, driving in Desmond. Cincinnati got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, when Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly that supplied Joey Votto the time needed to get home. The Reds got another in the fifth inning as Zack Cozart singled to plate Miguel Cairo. Cincinnati got closer in the seventh inning when Ryan Ludwick singled to bring Bruce home. They got no further, losing 7-3, with Gonzalez getting the win and Leake taking the loss.

Down in South Florida, the Miami Marlins host the New York Mets. Johan Santana and Mark Buehrle are the well known pitchers. Miami quickly took a lead in the first inning as Omar Infante singled home Jose Reyes before coming home on a two-run home run by Austin Kearns. New York got one back in the fifth inning as Ike Davis hit a solo home run. The Mets pulled closer in the seventh inning as Mike Nickeas doubled in Ronny Cedeno. New York tied it with a Kirk Nieuwenhuis double, bringing around David Wright in the eighth inning, and they took the lead as Mike Baxter doubled in both Nieuwenhuis and Davis. The Marlins shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Infante doubled and Reyes dashed home. Miami tied it with a ninth inning Emilio Bonifacio single, scoring Giancarlo Stanton, before Greg Dobbs finished the Bonifacio trip around, making it a 6-5 come from behind win for the Marlins. Heath Bell was in line for the win while Frank Francisco was pinned with the loss.

Westward to Arlington, where the Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. C.J. Wilson opposes his former team, who let him go for his opponent, Yu Darvish. Texas got going early with a first inning Adrian Beltre single to give Elvis Andrus safe passage home, before the rain started falling, and after the delay, Nelson Cruz singled in Josh Hamilton and Beltre, followed by Mitch Moreland grounding into a fielder's choice to get Michael Young home, and Craig Gentry tripling to force in both Cruz and Moreland. The Rangers attacked again in the second inning as Hamilton hit a solo home run. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning with a Mike Trout two-run home run, also scoring Bobby Wilson. Texas answered back in their half of the inning as Moreland hit a sacrifice fly that got Mike Napoli home. The Rangers got another as Hamilton hit a solo shot in the fourth inning. The Angels got one back in the sixth inning as Torii Hunter went yard for a solo home run. Texas kept the power display up in the seventh inning on a Moreland solo home run. This made it 10-3, a final, with the win going to Darvish and the loss to Wilson.

North to Chicago, where the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals. Felipe Paulino and Gavin Floyd will have the green light to start. Adam Dunn opened for Chicago with a first inning solo home run. The White Sox padded the lead in the third inning on a single by Gordon Beckham, knocking in Alejandro De Aza. Chicago extended the lead in the sixth inning as Alex Rios tripled, forcing in both Beckham and A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox added on again in the seventh inning when De Aza singled to drive in Eduardo Escobar. This made it 5-0, with Floyd getting the win in a convincing fashion while Paulino suffered a loss with no run support.

Further north, the Minnesota Twins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek and Nick Blackburn are set to start the game if the rain ever stops. When it did end, Toronto was quick to take advantage of it, with vintage Jose Bautista hitting a solo home run in the first inning. Minnesota gained the lead in the bottom of the first with Ryan Doumit singling in both Denard Span and Joe Mauer. The Blue Jays tied it in the fourth inning as Colby Rasmus singled to score Eric Thames. The Twins rallied to a lead in the fifth inning beginning with a Josh Willingham double to drive in Span, followed by Chris Parmelee drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Mauer, and a Darin Mastroianni single that knocked in both Willingham and Doumit. Toronto got another one in the sixth inning when Bautista hit another solo shot, followed by Thames hitting a two-run blast that swept in Edwin Encarnacion. Minnesota got some separation on a Mastroianni single to bring in Erik Komatsu in the seventh inning. Encarnacion tried to get the Blue Jays closer with an eighth inning solo shot, but they still fell 7-6. Blackburn was credited with the win, Matt Capps got the save, and Drabek took the loss.

Into Wisconsin, as the Milwaukee Brewers welcome the Chicago Cubs. Matt Garza and Randy Wolf will take the mound. Milwaukee struck early in the first inning with Aramis Ramirez grounding in a double play that allowed safe passage home for Nyjer Morgan. Chicago took the lead in the seventh inning as David DeJesus hit a grand slam, also scoring Darwin Barney, Ian Stewart, and Reed Johnson. The Brewers got one back in their half of the seventh inning as Ramirez doubled in Ryan Braun, followed by Jonathan Lucroy doubling to clear the bases of Ramirez, Corey Hart, and George Kotteras as the Brewers took a lead. The Cubs tied it back up in the ninth inning on a DeJesus triple to score Stewart, and they took the lead when DeJesus scored on a wild pitch, followed by Alfonso Soriano singling to score Starlin Castro. Milwaukee got the tying runs in the ninth inning with a two-run homer by Hart balanced the score when Ramirez also came home. The Brewers won it in the thirteenth inning as Hart singled home Rickie Weeks for an 8-7 victory. The win went to Vinnie Chulk, while the loss was stuck on Lendy Castillo.

Down in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Atlanta Braves. Mike Minor and Jaime Garcia were handed the ball. Atlanta got their first two runs on a bit of luck in the first inning, as Michael Bourn scored on a wild pitch and Martin Prado did the same on a passed ball. St. Louis got one back in the second inning with a Matt Carpenter solo shot. The Braves extended their lead in the third inning as Brian McCann hit a ground rule double to force in Dan Uggla before coming home on a Chipper Jones single, and then Tyler Pastornicky continued the night of lucky bounces for the Braves with a ground rule double of his own to get Jones across the plate. The Cardinals pulled back in the fourth inning with a pair of solo home runs by Carlos Beltran and Allen Craig. St. Louis took the lead in the fifth inning as Matt Holliday doubled in Rafael Furcal, before finishing his trip alongside Jon Jay when Beltran hit a triple. Atlanta got a seventh inning equalizer when Uggla hit a solo shot. The Braves grabbed the lead in the eighth inning when Freddie Freeman singled home Jason Heyward. The Cardinals tied it with Beltran hiting a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. Atlanta gained the lead in the twelfth inning as Heyward's two-run home run also scoring Jones. This was a 9-7 lead and victory for the Braves, with the win going to Livan Hernandez, the save to Craig Kimbrel, and the loss to Kyle McClellan.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner and Patrick Corbin take their turns in the rotation. San Francisco was first on the board as Melky Cabrera hit a first inning solo home run. Arizona tied it in the third inning when Willie Bloomquist singled home Gerardo Parra. The Diamondbacks grabbed the lead in the fifth inning on a Miguel Montero double, driving in Bloomquist, followed by a Paul Goldschmidt two-run home run that finished Montero's trip around. Arizona added on in the sixth inning with an A.J. Pollock solo shot. This was good for a 5-1 win, picked up by Corbin, while Bumgarner was stuck with the loss.

Northwest in Oakland, the Athletics host the Detroit Tigers. Rick Porcello and Tommy Milone play from the mound. Detroit struck first as Miguel Cabrera grounded into a double play to get Austin Jackson home. Oakland answered in the bottom of the first with a Kila Ka'aihue double that knocked in Josh Reddick, before he came home on a Brandon Inge single. The Tigers tied it in the third inning as Cabrera singled home Gerald Laird. The Athletics gained the lead again in the bottom of the third on a solo shot by Reddick, followed by Seth Smith doubling, allowing Ka'aihue to cross home. Oakland added on in the sixth inning as Reddick singled to push Jemile Weeks across the plate, before he came home as Inge went yard for a three run home run, also sweeping in Smith. The Athletics kept up the attack in the seventh inning with a three-run blast by Reddick, also scoring Weeks and Cliff Pennington. Detroit answered in the eighth inning as Cabrera singled home Jackson and Delmon Young did the same for Andy Dirks. This made it 11-4, a final, with the win going to Milone and the loss to Porcello.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies. Jamie Moyer takes the hill against Chris Capuano. Los Angeles got on the board first with a first inning solo home run by Mark Ellis. The Dodgers extended the lead in the fourth inning as Bobby Abreu singled to drive in Andre Ethier. Los Angeles padded the lead in the fifth inning when Ellis doubled in both Matt Treanor and the pitcher Capuano, followed by Ethier singling to finish Ellis' trip around. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning with a Michael Cuddyer solo shot. The Dodgers followed up in the bottom of the seventh with an Ethier solo home run. Los Angeles added on in the eighth inning when Juan Uribe hit a solo home run. The Rockies rallied a bit in the ninth inning with a Cuddyer sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Troy Tulowitzki, and a Dexter Fowler triple forced in Todd Helton, but they only got to 7-3 before losing. Capuano grabbed the win while Moyer was tagged with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 39 2012

Travel day cuts the slate in half, and we begin with a doubleheader...

As the Baltimore Orioles make up yesterday's rainout by hosting the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Wei-Yin Chen get the starting nods in the afternoon game. Baltimore opened early with three solo home runs in the first inning, as each of the first three batter, Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy, and Nick Markakis went yard. Texas got one back in the fourth inning when Yorvit Torrealba singled home Michael Young. The Orioles responded as Adam Jones hit a seventh inning solo shot, followed by a two-run blast by Wilson Betemit that swept in Matt Wieters. The Rangers got one back in the eighth inning on an Adrian Beltre single, scoring Elvis Andrus. Texas pulled closer in the ninth inning when David Murphy hit a three-run home run, knocking in Nelson Cruz and Torrealba, but they didn't tie it and fell 6-5. The win went to Chen, while Jim Johnson picked up the save and Lewis was dealt the loss.

In the nightcap, the pitchers were Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter. Texas wasted little time getting on the board as Josh Hamilton hit a two-run home run, also scoring Elvis Andrus in the first inning. Baltimore took the lead in the second inning with a rally beginning on a Wilson Betemit sacrifice fly, allowing time for Adam Jones to dart home, followed by Steve Tolleson singling, which combined with an error to get Matt Wieters home, and Luis Exposito hit a fly out, that also combined with an error led to Mark Reynolds coming home. The Rangers got some back in the fifth inning when Mike Napoli tripled to force in Nelson Cruz, before Andrus singled to finish his trip. Texas added on in the seventh inning with Andrus singling in Mitch Moreland, Adrian Beltre reaching on an error to give Ian Kinsler time to get home, and Michael Young grounding out to allow safe passage home for Andrus. Baltimore was unable to tie it up, losing 7-3 to take a split in the doubleheader, as the win went to Holland and the loss belonged to Hunter.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Pirates host the Washington Nationals. Stephen Strasburg and Kevin Correia will take the mound. Pittsburgh was first on the board with a fourth inning Andrew McCutchen single bringing around Jose Tabata, before coming the rest of the way home when Neil Walker hit a single. Washington took the lead in the sixth inning with a Roger Bernadina solo home run, followed by a two-run homer by Adam LaRoche, sweeping in Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals added on in the ninth inning as Rick Ankiel hit a solo shot. This made it 4-2, a final, where Strasburg got the win, Henry Rodriguez got the save, and Correia took the loss.

Back east, the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and CC Sabathia are the pair of aces pacing the game. Tampa Bay got going in the first inning when Carlos Pena singled home Sean Rodriguez. The Rays added on in the second inning as Rodriguez singled in Elliot Johnson. New York got some back in the bottom of the second on a Curtis Granderson solo home run and a Chris Stewart single allowing Eduardo Nunez to score. The Yankees gained the lead in the fifth inning as Robinson Cano hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Nick Swisher, and then Andruw Jones doubled to score Alex Rodriguez.Tampa Bay attempted a ninth inning rally as Will Rhymes singled to drive in Johnson, but they couldn't manage any more, losing 5-3. The win went to Sabathia, the save was turned by Rafael Soriano, and the loss was stuck on Price.

Over in Boston, the Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe opposes Mr. Golfenchicken, Josh Beckett. Cleveland started with a second inning Casey Kotchman sacrifice fly to bring around Shin-Soo Choo, followed by a two-run homer from Jack Hannahan, also scoring Michael Brantley. Boston got one back in their half of the inning as Mike Aviles singled in Adrian Gonzalez. The Indians replied in the third inning with Jason Kipnis hitting a solo home run, Choo doubling in Asdrubal Cabrera, and Brantley doubling in bth Travis Hafner and Choo. The Red Sox answered in the fifth inning when Daniel Nava doubled to score Gonzalez. Boston chipped away in the seventh inning when Dustin Pedroia hit a solo shot. Cleveland padded the lead in the ninth inning as Carlos Santana hit a sacrifice fly to give time for Kipnis to dash home, for an 8-3 victory. Lowe earned the win and Beckett was stuck with the loss.

West to Minnesota, where the Twins host the Toronto Blue Jays. Henderson Alvarez and Jason Marquis are the middle-rotation starters. Toronto quickly began the scoring with a first inning Eric Thames sacrifice fly to drive in Kelly Johnson, followed by Brett Lawrie singling to score Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays added on in the third inning with Edwin Encarnacion grounding into a fielder's choice to bring home Escobar, followed by Lawrie singling to finish Encarnacion's trip around, and Colby Rasmus hitting a ground rule double that got Lawrie all the way home. Minnesota got one back in the bottom of the third as Brian Dozier grounded into a fielder's choice that combined with an error to push Alexi Casilla across the plate. Toronto shot back in the fourth inning as Encarnacion singled home Escobar. The Twins replied in the sixth inning as Josh Willingham hit a solo home run. The final stood at 6-2, with Alvarez getting the win and Marquis taking the loss.

Finally, the Oakland Athletics host the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Bartolo Colon are on the hill. Detroit led off with a first inning Andy Dirks solo home run. Oakland gained the lead in the second inning when Kila Ka'aihue hit a two-run home run, also scoring Seth Smith. The Tigers rallied to a large lead in the third inning, beginning as Miguel Cabrera doubled in Austin Jackson, followed by Prince Fielder reaching on an error to score Dirks, Delmon Young singling to finish Cabrera's trip around, Alex Avila doubling in both Fielder and Young, Brennan Boesch doubling to finish Avila's trip around, Boesch coming home on a double from Ramon Santiago, and Cabrera singling to finish Santiago's trip around for a 8-run rally. Detroit extended the lead in the fifth inning when Cabrera singled, allowing Jackson to cross home again. The Athletics got some back in the eighth inning as Brandon Inge hit a grand slam, knocking in Josh Reddick, Jonny Gomes, and Smith. This made it 10-6, a final, where the win went to Scherzer and the loss to Colon.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 38 2012

A full slate of games, minus one as rain in the Baltimore area postpones the Orioles game against the Texas Rangers. Many early games today, starting in...

Milwaukee, as the Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Zack Greinke are the reliable starters. Cincinnati opened the scoring in the ninth inning as Joey Votto doubled to score Drew Stubbs before coming home on a Brandon Phillips single. Milwaukee made it 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth as Ryan Braun lifted a solo home run, but they didn't tie it, falling by the mentioned score. Aroldis Chapman was in line for the win, Logan Ondrusek got the save, and John Axford was touched for the loss.

Into Wrigley Field, as the Chicago Cubs host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm are tabbed to start. Chicago was first to score with a seventh inning Bryan LaHair single, driving in David DeJesus. This was the only run today, allowing Maholm a 1-0 win, while Rafael Dolis picked up the save and Hudson had no support in the loss.

Out in California, the San Diego Padres hosted the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Anthony Bass are the relatively unknown pitchers. San Diego began in the first inning when Jesus Guzman singled home Chris Denorfia. The Padres added on in the third inning as Yonder Alonso doubled home Cameron Maybin. Colorado got on the board in the fourth inning as Jason Giambi doubled, knocking in Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies grabbed the lead with a rally in the sixth inning, beginning with a Michael Cuddyer sacrifice fly that brought in Jonathan Herrera, followed by a 2-RBI Willin Rosario double, scoring Gonzalez and Giambi, and a Chris Nelson single allowing Rosario to get the rest of the way home. Colorado made it 6-2 with an eighth inning Nelson single that pushed in Cuddyer. This was the end of the scoring, with Friedrich getting the win and Bass taking the loss.

Up in Oakland, the Athletics host the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Morrow opposes Tyson Ross in pitching. Toronto busted things open in the fourth inning as Adam Lind hit a two-run home run, also scoring Eric Thames. Oakland answered in the fifth inning when Jonny Gomes singled in Cliff Pennington. The Blue Jays answered back in the sixth inning when Colby Rasmus hit a single, driving in Brett Lawrie. Toronto added on in the seventh inning on a J.P. Arencibia solo home run. The Athletics got one back in the bottom of the seventh when Josh Reddick singled in Anthony Recker. The Blue Jays made it 5-2 in the eighth inning as Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo shot. Morrow was in line for the win, Casey Janssen picked up a spot save, and Ross took the loss.

East to Cleveland, as the Indians host the Chicago White Sox after a rain delay. Jake Peavy is mismatched with Jeanmar Gomez on the hill. Chicago started with a two-run home run in the first inning, off the bat of Adam Dunn, sweeping in Gordon Beckham. The White Sox rallied to a larger lead in the fourth inning when A.J. Pierzynski singled home Dunn, Alexei Ramirez singled in Paul Konerko, Eduardo Escobar followed suit for Pierzynski, Alejandro De Aza hit a 2-RBI single to plate Rios and Ramirez, and Beckham hit a sacrifice fly to finish Escobar's trip around. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh inning as Jason Donald grounded into a fielder's choice, providing time for Carlos Santana to dart home. This made it 8-1, a final, where Peavy coasted to an easy win and Gomez was dealt an ugly loss.

Farther east, the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and David Phelps get the starts. New York led off with a first inning Robinson Cano double, sweeping in Derek Jeter. Tampa Bay tied it in the ninth inning when B.J. Upton hit a sacrifice fly to score Sean Rodriguez, followed by Matt Joyce clearing the bases with a three-run homer, also scoring Brandon Allen and Ben Zobrist. This was good enough for a 4-1 win, earned by Fernando Rodney, while David Robertson blew up in spectacular fashion for a blown save and a loss.

In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Phillies host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and rhyming pitcher Cliff Lee are set to start. Philadelphia was first on the board in the second inning as Lee singled in Brian Schneider. New York answered in the third inning as Daniel Murphy doubled home Gee. The Pillies shot back in the fourth inning when Freddy Galvis grounded out to get Placido Polanco home safely. The Mets responded with a sixth inning David Wright single, driving in Andres Torres. Philadelphia again took the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Galvis doubled in Schneider before coming home himself on a Laynce Nix single. New York took the lead in the seventh inning as Justin Turner doubled to score Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Lucas Duda was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in Turner, and Torres hit a fielder's choice that brought around Ike Davis. The Mets padded the lead in the eighth inning when Scott Hairston doubled, allowing Wright to get home, before a three-run home run by Davis pushed him and Turner across the plate. The Phillies chipped back in their half of the inning when Galvis tripled around Polanco. New York extended the lead again with a Torres solo shot in the ninth inning. Hunter Pence got it back in the bottom of the ninth on a triple to drive in Jimmy Rollins, making it a 10-6 final. Tim Byrdak got the win while Kyle Kendrick was stuck with the loss.

Staying in the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Washington Nationals. Ross Detwiler and Erik Bedard are the middle-rotation pitchers. Pittsburgh struck first with a third inning rally including Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, and Casey McGehee singling in Brad Lincoln, Jose Tabata, and McCutchen, respectively. Washington got on the board in the fourth inning as Xavier Nady singled in Bryce Harper. The Nationals pulled closer in the seventh inning as Chad Tracy hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Danny Espinosa. McCutchen put the Pirates up 4-2 in the eighth inning with a solo home run. Lincoln picked up the win, Joel Hanrahan successfully converted the save, and Detwiler was stuck holding the loss.

Southwest to Houston, as the Astros host the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Lucas Harrell are named tonight's starters. Miami began with Hanley Ramirez reaching on an error in the first inning, allowing Jose Reyes to score. Houston answered in the bottom of the first as Jordan Schafer dashed home on a combination of a wild pitch and error. The Astros added on in the second inning as Chris Johnson hit a solo home run. The Marlins gained the lead in the fourth inning when John Buck singled in Giancarlo Stanton, followed by Reyes doing the same for Emilio Bonifacio. Houston tied it in the ninth inning as Brian Bogusevic singled in Marwin Gonzalez. Miami got the lead again in the twelfth inning, when Omar Infante singled to bring home both Logan Morrison and Greg Dobbs. This held up for a 5-3 win, earned by Ryan Webb, while David Carpenter took the loss.

Up in Kansas City, the Royals host the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Bruce Chen receive the starting nods. Kansas City led off with Johnny Giavotella reaching on a first inning error, allowing safe passage home for Billy Butler, followed by Brayan Pena doubling in both Jeff Francoeur and Giavotella. Boston tied it in the third inning as Adrian Gonzalez hit a 3-RBI double, sweeping in Marlon Byrd, Ryan Sweeney, and Dustin Pedroia. The Royals got the lead again in the fourth inning as Alcides Esocbar doubled to score Irving Falu. This made it 4-3, an eventual final, with Chen getting the win, Jonathan Broxton converting the save, and Lester taking the loss.

Northwest to Minnesota, with the Twins hosting the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Carl Pavano get a chance to right their ships by pitching. Los Angeles opened as Mike Trout doubled in the third inning, knocking in Erick Aybar, followed by Albert Pujols hitting a single to finish Trout's trip around, and Kendrys Morales reaching on an error to bring around Alberto Callaspo. The Angels padded the lead in the fifth inning when Callaspo doubled home Trout and then came home on a Pujols single. Minnesota answered in the bottom of the fifth as Danny Valencia grounded out, providing time for Ryan Doumit to come home. Los Angeles answered back in the sixth inning as Trout singled, scoring Howie Kendrick. The Twins got it back in their half of the inning when Josh Willingham hit a solo home run. This made it 6-2, a final score, with the win going to Santana and the loss to Pavano.

Down in Arizona, the Diamondbacks host the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse and Wade Miley will take the mound tonight. Arizona began as the pitcher Miley singled in Lyle Overbay in the second inning. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning when Carlos Beltran singled in the pitcher Lohse. The Cardinals gained the lead in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI Matt Carpenter double, scoring both David Freese and Tony Cruz. The Diamondbacks got one back in their half of the inning as Aaron Hill doubled home Miguel Montero. St. Louis got some back in the ninth inning, padding their lead as Matt Holliday doubled in Rafael Furcal and Beltran before coming all the way home on an Allen Craig two-run homer. This made it 7-2 for the Cardinals, allowing Lohse to pick up the win, Jason Motte the save, and Miley the loss.

Westward to Los Angeles, as the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Tim Lincecum and Chad Billingsley pace the game tonight. San Francisco led off in the second inning as Lincecum singled in Joaquin Arias. The Giants added on in the third inning with a Buster Posey single to knock in Melky Cabrera. Los Angeles got on the board in the fourth inning when Juan Uribe singled, allowing Andre Ethier to get home, followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. tripling to clear the bases of Bobby Abreu, Uribe, and A.J. Ellis. The Dodgers got another when Scott Van Slyke singled in Ellis. Los Angeles padded the lead in the eighth inning on a James Loney single, pushing in Uribe. This made it 6-2, with Jamey Wright notching the win and Lincecum taking the loss.

Finally, up in Seattle, the Mariners host the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and Jason Vargas are the young starting pitchers. Seattle got things going in the fourth inning as Kyle Seager doubled home Ichiro. Detroit answered in the sixth inning as Austin Jackson hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Gerald Laird. The Mariners made it 2-1 in the eighth inning as John Jaso singled home Michael Saunders. This held up for a win, going to Vargas, while Brandon League converted the save and Luke Putkonen was pinned with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 37 2012

Full slate on a normal Tuesday. We begin in...

Baltimore, as the Orioles host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Jake Arrieta take their turns in the rotation. Texas began with a first inning Josh Hamilton two-run home run, also scoring Elvis Andrus. The Rangers added on in the third inning with another Hamilton homer, again scoring Andrus, followed by an Adrian Beltre solo home run. Baltimore got on the board in the sixth inning when Nick Markakis singled home Endy Chavez. Texas struck again in the seventh as Hamilton went yard once more, another two-run shot that had Andrus as the other run, followed by a Nelson Cruz double to drive in Beltre. The Rangers kept going in the eighth inning as Hamilton went yard once again, becoming the first player in nearly 9 years to hit four homers in a game, and once more, Andrus was on base for the blast. The Orioles got some back in the bottom of the eighth when J.J. Hardy and Markakis hit solo shots. This cut the final to 10-3 Rangers, with Feliz earning the win and Arrieta being crushed in the loss.

Over in Cleveland as the Indians host the Chicago White Sox. John Danks and Justin Masterson get the starting nods. Chicago got going early with a Paul Konerko groundout giving time for Gordon Beckham to score and A.J. Pierzynski singling in Adam Dunn in the first inning. The White Sox added on in the seventh inning when Pierzynski grounded out to bring home Alejandro De Aza. Cleveland got on the board in the eighth inning as Jason Kipnis grounded out, giving time for Casey Kotchman to come home, followed by a 2-RBI Carlos Santana single, scoring both Jack Hannahan and Johnny Damon. Chicago got the lead again in the tenth inning as Alex Rios tripled, forcing in Brent Lillibridge, before coming the final 90 feet on an Alexei Ramirez fielder's choice, for a 5-3 lead and victory. Hector Santiago got the win, Addison Reed converted the save, and Chris Perez was dinged for the loss.

Back east, the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays. James Shields and Ivan Nova are tabbed for the starts. New York drew first blood with a two-run home run from Raul Ibanez, sweeping in Nick Swisher in the fourth inning. The Yankees struck again with Curtis Granderson solo home run in the fifth inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the sixth inning when Jose Molina hit a solo shot. The Rays got another back in the seventh inning as Luke Scott went yard for a solo home run. New York answered with another Ibanez home run in the bottom of the seventh, a solo shot. Tampa Bay pulled closer as Ben Zobrist scored on a wild pitch in the eighth inning. The Yankees shot back in the bottom of the eighth as Mark Teixeira doubled to score Alex Rodriguez. The final here was 5-3 New York, with the win going to Nova, the save to David Robertson, and the loss to Shields.

Into Pennsylvania, with the Phillies hosting the New York Mets. Miguel Batista and Joe Blanton are the veteran starters. Philadelphia was first on the board as Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run, also scoring Juan Pierre in the first inning. The Phillies padded the lead in the second inning when Pete Orr singled home John Mayberry and Shane Victorino doubled to finish Orr's trip around. New York got one back in the fourth inning as Daniel Murphy singled home Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets got another one in the seventh inning when Nieuwenhuis singled to score Jordany Valdespin, followed by David Wright doing the same for Andres Torres, and Nieuwenhuis scoring on an error to tie the game, and then they got the lead as Lucas Duda singled to finish Wright's trip around. New York added on in the ninth as Nieuwenhuis hit a sacrifice fly that brought in Mike Baxter, followed by Duda's single allowing Torres to come home safely. The final stood at 7-4 Mets, with Manny Acosta getting the win, Jon Rauch picking up a spot save, and Chad Qualls getting stuck with the loss.

Across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Washington Nationals. Edwin Jackson and A.J. Burnett are throwing. Washington opened with a third inning Wilson Ramos solo home run. The Nationals extended the lead in the fourth inning when Rick Ankiel singled, driving in Bryce Harper. Pittsburgh tied it with a pair of solo shots by Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones in the bottom of the fourth. The Pirates took the lead in the eighth inning on a Neil Walker sacrifice fly that allowed time for Nate McLouth to dart home. Washington got the lead back in the ninth inning with a two-run Adam LaRoche home run, sweeping in Ryan Zimmerman. Pittsburgh took the game in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run homer by Rod Barajas, also scoring Alex Presley for a 5-4 win. Tony Watson was in line for the win while Henry Rodriguez was stuck with a blown save and loss.

Way to the south, the Houston Astros host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Aneury Rodriguez have the green light to pitch. Miami got things going with a fourth inning Omar Infante solo home run. The Marlins added on in the fifth inning as John Buck hit a solo shot. Houston answered in the sixth inning as Travis Buck reached on an error, giving time for both Marwin Gonzalez and Jose Altuve to get home, tying the game. The Astros took the lead in the eighth inning as Brian Bogusevic doubled home Travis Buck. Houston held on to win 3-2, with the win going to Wilton Lopez, the save to Brett Myers, and the loss to Ryan Webb.

North again, as the Chicago Cubs host the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Ryan Dempster will be on the hill. Atlanta started off as Tyler Pastornicky hit a fifth inning sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Heyward. Chicago tied it in the sixth inning when Alfonso Soriano doubled in Tony Campana. The Braves gained the lead in the eighth inning as Dan Uggla hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both Michael Bourn and Freddie Freeman. This made it 3-1, a final, with Kris Medlan getting the win, Craig Kimbrel picking up his tenth save of the season, and Kerry Wood getting dealt the loss.

Down in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard and the more casual Danny Duffy will play from the mound. Boston was first on the scoreboard with a second inning Kelly Shoppach single bringing around Will Middlebrooks in the second inning, followed by a bases-loaded walk by Dustin Pedroia to force in Marlon Byrd. Kansas City got one back as Eric Hosmer scored on a balk in the bottom of the second, and they tied it when Chris Getz singled in Mike Moustakas, before taking a lead as Humberto Quintero singled to finish Getz's trip around. The Red Sox retied it in the fourth inning when Pedroia singled to drive in Mike Aviles. Boston got the lead in the fifth inning when Ryan Sweeney grounded into a fielder's choice, providing the time it took for Adrian Gonzalez to score after an error. The Royals took the led back on a three-run homer by Billy Butler in the eighth inning, knocking in Jarrod Dyson and Alex Gordon. This led them to a 6-4 win, with the victory picked up by Jose Mijares, the save converted by Jonathan Broxton, and the loss handed to Bard.

Farther north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Yovani Gallardo are the middle-rotation pitchers. Milwaukee led off with a first inning Jonathan Lucroy single that scored both Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez. The Brewers padded the lead with a ground rule double by Braun in the second inning, forcing in Nyjer Morgan. Milwaukee extended the lead in the fourth inning as Ramirez cleared the bases with a 3-RBI triple, sweeping in Cesar Izturis, Morgan, and Braun. The Brewers padded the lead in the fifth inning as the pitcher Gallardo singled, and Lucroy had time to dash home safely. Cincinnati got on the board in the sixth inning as Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run, also scoring Brandon Phillips. Milwaukee got going again with an seventh inning Izturis solo home run. The Reds got one back in the eighth inning as Scott Rolen doubled in Phillips. This made it 8-3, a final, with the win earned by Gallardo and the loss served to Bailey.

A bit west, the Minnesota Twins host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren goes up against a lesser foe in Scott Diamond. Minnesota busted out to an early lead with Josh Willingham doubling in Brian Dozier before coming the rest of the way home on a two-run homer by Ryan Doumit. The Twins added on in the fourth inning when Eric Komatsu hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Trevor Plouffe, and a Dozier single that knocked in Drew Butera. The scoring ended here, at 5-0, with the win going to Diamond and the loss to Haren.

Southwest to Arizona, as the Diamondbacks host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Ian Kennedy have the manager's approval to start. St. Louis got going with a first inning Carlos Beltran two-run home run, also scoring Jon Jay. The Cardinals padded the lead in the second inning as Beltran went yard with a grand slam, sweeping in Skip Schumaker, Westbrook, and Jay. Arizona avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Miguel Montero doubled to score Justin Upton. This made it 6-1, a final, with the win going to Westbrook and the loss to Kennedy.

Out west, the San Diego Padres host the Colorado Rockies. Alex White and Jeff Suppan are the relatively unknown starters. Colorado was first on the board with a Todd Helton single knocking in Carlos Gonzalez in the first inning. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the first as Yonder Alonso singled home Will Venable. The Padres took the lead in the fifth as Venable doubled to drive in Jason Bartlett. San Diego added on in the eighth inning when Orlando Hudson tripled, forcing in Alonso, and creating a 3-1 score. This was a final, where the win went to Suppan, Dale Thayer converted the save, and White was stuck with the loss.

North to Oakland, with the Athletics hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky Romero is up against Jarrod Parker on the hill. Toronto led off with a third inning Kelly Johnson two-run home run, also scoring J.P. Arencibia. Oakland tied it in the fifth inning as Josh Reddick hit a two-run home to score Jemile Weeks.The Blue Jays gained the lead again in the ninth inning when Johnson singled to score Rajai Davis. The Athletics tied it in the bottom of the ninth as Cliff Pennington singled home Michael Taylor before coming home on a Brandon Inge grand slam that made it 7-3, also sweeping in Reddick and Jonny Gomes. The win went to Grant Balfour, while the loss belonged to Francisco Cordero.

Back south, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. Ryan Vogelson and Clayton Kershaw are pacing the game. San Francisco opened with a second inning Brett Pill two-run home run, also scoring Buster Posey. Los Angeles got one back in their half of the inning when James Loney doubled to drive in Andre Ethier. This was all the scoring in the game, as the Giants got a 2-1 win, earned by Vogelsong, while Santiago Casilla converted the save and Kershaw was stuck with the tough loss.

Finally, we end in Seattle, with the Mariners hosting the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander mismatches with Kevin Millwood pitching. Detroit began with a first inning Andy Dirks single, scoring Austin Jackson. The Tigers added on in the second inning as Dirks doubled home Brennan Boesch and Gerald Laird before coming home alongside Prince Fielder on a Delmon Young double. Seattle got on the board in the third inning as Ichiro singled in Dustin Ackley and then came home on a Kyle Seager, as well as Brendan Ryan. Detroit extended the lead in the seventh inning with Fielder hitting a solo home run. The Mariners shot back in the bottom of the inning when Ryan singled in Michael Saunders. The final stood at 6-4, with the win going to Verlander, the save to Jose Valverde, and the loss was dealt to Millwood.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Eastern Conference Semifinal: 5) Philadelphia Flyers VS. 6) New Jersey Devils

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Jersey Devils. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. New Jersey scored first in the with a Zach Parise goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone assist from Patrik Elias. Philadelphia tied it in the second period as Danny Briere netted his sixth of the playoffs, coming off of Jakub Voracek. The Flyers grabbed the lead thirty-seven seconds later on a James van Riemsdyk goal, fueled by Erik Gustafsson. The Devils retied it on a Travis Zajac power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. Philadelphia got the lead back in the third period with a power play goal off the tape of Claude Giroux, his seventh of the playoffs, assisted by Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey got an equalizer when Petr Sykora scored, thanks to David Clarkson. The Flyers won in overtime as Briere put away his second (legal, he had one taken away moments earlier) goal of the game and seventh of the postseason, with the help of Voracek and Matt Carle. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Briere, van Riemsdyk, and Parise, while Voracek gets an honorable mention. Philadelphia owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia led off with a Matt Read goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. New Jersey tied it in the third period as Adam Larsson scored, thanks to Dainius Zubrus and Peter Harrold. The Devils took the lead on a David Clarkson goal, with help from Zach Parise. New Jersey extended the lead with the fifth of the playoffs by Travis Zajac, fueled by Stephen Gionta and Zubrus. Bryce Salvador iced it at 4-1 for the Devils with a shorthanded empty net goal, going in off of Adam Henrique. The three stars went to Bryzgalov (31 for 34 in saves), Clarkson, and Parise, while Zubrus gets an honorable mention. The series is now tied at 1.

Game 3: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia struck first with a Brayden Schenn power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Danny Briere and Jaromir Jagr. New Jersey tied it with a power play goal of their own, off the tape of Patrik Elias, his third of the playoffs, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Ilya Kovalchuk. Twenty seconds later, Kovalchuk sniped in his fourth of the postseason, helped along by Travis Zajac and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Flyers tied it in the second period as Matt Carle sank his second of the playoffs, assisted by Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell. New Jersey retook the lead in the third period as Zach Parise put away his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Elias and Zidlicky. Philadelphia got another equalizer as Briere potted his eighth of the playoffs, passed from James van Riemsdyk and Wayne Simmonds. The Devils won 4-3 with a Ponikarovsky goal in the overtime, with a lone Kovalchuk helper. The three stars were given to Ponikarovsky, Kovalchuk, and Briere, while Elias and Zidlicky get the honorable mentions. New Jersey takes a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. In goal: Martin Brodeur for New Jersey; Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia. Philadelphia opened with a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. The Flyers added on with a Giroux shorthanded goal, his eighth of the playoffs, passed from Max Talbot. New Jersey got one back with a power play goal by Petr Sykora, his second of the postseason, powered by Marek Zidlicky and Travis Zajac. The Devils tied it with a Zidlicky goal, fueled by Bryce Salvador and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey got the lead in the second period as Dainius Zubrus netted his second of the playoffs, guided in by Adam Henrique and Sykora. The Devils iced it at 4-2 with an empty netter by Zubrus, his second of the game and third of the postseason in the third period from Mark Fayne and the goalie Brodeur. Zubrus, Brodeur (20 for 22 in saves), and Zidlicky got the three stars while Sykora and Giroux get the honorable mentions. New Jersey has Philadelphia at the brink, holding a 3-1 lead.

Game 5: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov for Philadelphia; Martin Brodeur for New Jersey. Philadelphia got started with a Max Talbot goal, his fourth of the postseason, made possible by Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. New Jersey tied it on a Bryce Salvador goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils gained the lead on a David Clarkson tally, his second of the postseason, officially going in unassisted even though Bryzgalov had a lot to do with that one. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period as Ilya Kovalchuk netted his fifth of the playoffs, via Henrique and Dainius Zubrus. This made the final 3-1, where Kovalchuk, Henrique, and Brodeur (27 for 28 in saves) got the three stars. The Devils won the series 4-1, and await an opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Western Conference Semifinal: 3) Phoenix Coyotes VS. 4) Nashville Predators

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Nashville Predators. Please use this post as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix was first to score as Radim Vrbata scored on the power play with help from Ray Whitney and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Nashville tied it when Brandon Yip scored, thanks to Francis Bouillon and Craig Smith. The Coyotes gained the lead again in the second period with Rostislav Klesla's second of the postseason, set up by Daymond Langkow and Adrian Aucoin. The Predators tied it again on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Patric Hornqvist and Bouillon. Phoenix retook the lead with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Antoine Vermette and Klesla. Nashville tied it in the third period with a Martin Erat power play goal made possible by Hornqvist and Ryan Suter. The Coyotes won it in overtime on a Whitney goal, his second of the playoffs, via Martin Hanzal. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Whitney, Klesla, and Boedker, while Bouillon and Hornqvist get honorable mentions. Phoenix leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix got started with an Antoine Vermette goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Mikkel Boedker. Nashville tied it on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Kevin Klein and Nick Spaling. The Coyotes got the lead back in the second period as Martin Hanzal netted his second of the postseason, via Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. Phoenix extended the lead on the second of the playoffs for Vrbata, passed from Whitney and Yandle. The Predators got one back as Patric Hornqvist netted a power play goal, powered by Ryan Suter and Mike Fisher. Thirty seconds later, the Coyotes answered on a Taylor Pyatt goal, his third of the postseason set up by Shane Doan. Nashville pulled back with a Suter power play goal in the third period, coming off of Shea Weber and Martin Erat. Phoenix shot back with a Doan goal, his second of the playoffs, pushed through by Derek Morris and Vermette. This was good for a 5-3 win, with Smith (29 for 32 in saves), Vrbata, and Doan getting the three stars, while Suter, Vermette, Whitney, and Yandle all get honorable mentions. The Coyotes take a 2-0 series lead on the road.

Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Nashville led off with a David Legwand goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Gabriel Bourque. The Predators extended the lead as Mike Fisher scored, with the help of Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat. This was the eventual final, with Rinne (32 save shutout), Legwand, and Fisher getting the three stars. Phoenix still has a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Pekka Rinne for Nashville; Mike Smith for Phoenix. Phoenix opened with a Shane Doan goal, his third of the postseason, with a lone helper by Mikkel Boedker. This held up for a 1-0 win, with Smith (25 save shutout), Doan, and Colin Wilson getting the three stars, while Rinne (23 for 24 in saves), or Boedker could take the third star. The Coyotes have pushed the Predators to the brink with a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona. In goal: Mike Smith for Phoenix, Pekka Rinne for Nashville. Phoenix began with a second period Derek Morris goal passed from Antoine Vermette and Shane Doan. The Coyotes added on as Martin Hanzal scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Kyle Chipchura and Daymond Langkow. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Colin Wilson goal, set up by David Legwand and Ryan Suter, but they never tied it and fell 2-1. The three stars were handed to Smith (32 for 33 in saves), Morris, and Mikkel Boedker, while anyone with a point can take the third slot. The Coyotes win the series 4-1, setting a date with the Los Angeles Kings for the right to battle for the Stanley Cup.