Tuesday, February 12, 2013

NHL February 12th 2013

Programming note: the KHL (obviously everyone's favorite league considering the reduction in view count this past week and a half) comes back tomorrow and will play every other day thru Sunday before the playoffs begin. The NHL rolls today with ten games, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Martin Brodeur man the creases. New Jersey opened in the first period as Ilya Kovalchuk scored his fifth of the season, assisted by Marek Zidlicky and Patrik Elias on the power play. Carolina tied it in the second period with a Jussi Jokinen power play goal, powered by Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen. The Hurricanes took the lead on a Patrick Dwyer goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Justin Faulk. The Devils tied it again as Ryan Carter scored his second of the season, an unassisted goal. Carolina gained the lead back as Jiri Tlusty potted his fourth of the year, courtesy of Eric Staal. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-2 with a Tlusty empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, set up by Eric Staal and Faulk. Tlusty, Ward (26 for 28 in saves), and Kovalchuk picked up the three stars, while Eric Staal and Faulk get the honorable mentions.

Down in Florida, the Panthers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Scott Clemmensen are given the starting nods. Washington was first to score in the first period as Mike Ribeiro recorded his fifth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Tomas Kundratek. Florida tied it on a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his fourth of the year, via Filip Kuba. The Panthers took the lead as Shawn Matthias scored a power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Marcel Goc and Dmitry Kulikov. The Capitals tied it in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Karl Alzner, set up by Eric Fehr and Joel Ward. Florida took the lead back as Jonathan Huberdeau scored his fourth of the year, passed from Peter Mueller and Erik Gudbranson. Washington replied as Matt Hendricks put away his third of the season, a shorthanded goal guided in by Alex Ovechkin and Ribeiro. The Panthers regained the lead as Jonathan Huberdeau scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Mueller and Drew Shore. Florida extended the lead as Shore scored in the third period, with the help of Jack Skille. The Capitals chipped away as Fehr scored, with a lone helper from Mike Green. Washington tied it on an Ovechkin power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Ribeiro and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals completed the comeback in overtime as Troy Brouwer scored his sixth of the year, coming off of Backstrom. This made it a 6-5 final, with Backstrom, Huberdeau, and Ovechkin getting the three stars, while Ribeiro, Fehr, Mueller, and Shore get the honorable mentions.

North a touch to Tampa Bay, as the Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Anders Lindback protect the nets. Montreal led off in the first period with a Brian Gionta power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens extended the lead in the second period as Subban scored his third of the year, with a lone assist from Lars Eller. Montreal padded the lead as Travis Moen scored, via Eller and Colby Armstrong. Tampa Bay got on the board in the third period with a Victor Hedman, his third of the season, made possible by Tom Pyatt and Benoit Pouliot. The Lightning got closer with another Hedman goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, passed from Teddy Purcell and Sami Salo. Tampa Bay tied it with a Salo power play goal, powered by Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. The Canadiens saved face in the shootout with a lone tally by David Desharnais lifting them to a 4-3 win, with the three stars belonging to Hedman, Lindback (31 for 34 in saves), and Subban, while Salo and Eller get the honorable mentions.

Further north, the Boston Bruins host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Tuukka Rask guard the cages. New York began with a first period goal by Carl Hagelin, his fourth of the season, assisted by Rick Nash and Dan Girardi. The Rangers added on as Derek Stepan scored his second of the year, an unassisted goal. New York padded the lead in the third period as Anton Stralman put away an unassisted goal. Boston got on the board as David Krejci scored his fourth of the season, via Milan Lucic and Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins pulled closer on a Nathan Horton goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Lucic and Andrew Ference. Boston tied it on a Brad Marchand, his seventh of the season, set up by Patrice Bergeron and Seidenberg. The game required a shootout, where the Rangers got redemption as Nash and Marchand traded goals before a Ryan Callahan tally lifted the Rangers to a 4-3 win. The three stars were Nash, Krejci, and Girardi, while Marchand, Seidenberg, and Lucic get the honorable mentions.

Into Canada, as the Ottawa Senators welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Craig Anderson will be between the pipes. Ottawa got going in the second period as Erik Karlsson scored his sixth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Milan Michalek. The Senators added on with an Erik Condra goal, his second of the year, fueled by Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Anderson (42 save shutout), Karlsson, and Condra.

South to Nashville, as the Predators host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Pekka Rinne are the Finnish goalies. Nashville started and ended the scoring in overtime on the fourth of the campaign by Colin Wilson, assisted by Ryan Ellis and David Legwand. This produced the 1-0 final, with the three stars awarded to Rinne (25 save shutout), Wilson, and Niemi (24 for 25 in saves).

Back up in Canada, the Winnipeg Jets host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Al Montoya are set to start. Philadelphia struck first with a first period Brayden Schenn goal, his third of the season, assisted by Jakub Voracek and Braydon Coburn. Winnipeg tied it as Andrew Ladd scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Blake Wheeler. The Flyers retook the lead as Kimmo Timonen scored a power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds. Ondrej Pavelec relieved Montoya for the third period. Philadelphia padded the lead as Tye McGinn scored his third of the year in the third period, coming off of Voracek. The Jets took one back on a Ladd goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, fueled by Evander Kane and Wheeler. This only made it 3-2, a final, with the three stars being Voracek, Ladd, and Bryzgalov (24 for 26 in saves), while Wheeler picks up an honorable mention.

Stateside again, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Corey Crawford will be in the blue paint. Anaheim opened in the second period with a Ryan Getzlaf power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Nick Bonino and Ben Lovejoy. Chicago tied it on a Nick Leddy power play goal, his second of the year, guided in by Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks took the lead as Brandon Saad scored his second of the season, thanks to Jonathan Toews. The Ducks tied it on a third period Andrew Cogliano goal, coming off of Francois Beauchemin and Lovejoy. Anaheim took the game in the shootout as Bonino and Corey Perry scored to top a lone Chicago tally from Toews. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Crawford (29 for 31 in saves), Saad, and Marcus Kruger, while Bonino or Lovejoy could more readily fill the third star selection.

Northwest to Edmonton, as the Oilers bring in the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Devan Dubnyk are the masked men. Edmonton led off in the first period as Taylor Hall scored his third of the season, with the help of Jordan Eberle. Dallas tied it in the second period on a Brenden Dillon goal, his second of the year, fueled by Stephane Robidas and Derek Roy. The Stars took the lead in the third period as Eric Nystrom scored, with a lone assist from Vernon Fiddler. Dallas added on as Jaromir Jagr scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Trevor Daley and Jamie Benn. The Stars extended the lead on the second of the year from Ryan Garbutt, via Fiddler. Lehtonen (35 for 36 in saves), Hall, and Dillon got the three stars, while Fiddler gets an honorable mention in the 4-1 game.

Finally, we end in Vancouver, as the Canucks welcome the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper is mismatched with Roberto Luongo in goal. Vancouver struck first in the first period as Kevin Bieksa scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Zack Kassian and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks added on in the second period as Jannik Hansen scored his third of the year, assisted by Keith Ballard and Mason Raymond. Minnesota got on the board in the second period with a Devin Setoguchi power play goal, his second of the season, passed from Matt Cullen and Mikael Granlund.

Monday, February 11, 2013

NHL February 11th 2013

Six games tonight, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and James Reimer are the often-inconsistent goalies. Philadelphia started in the first period as Wayne Simmonds scored his third of the season, assisted by Danny Briere and Luke Schenn. Toronto tied it on a Dion Phaneuf goal, his second of the year, fueled by Leo Komarov and Nikolai Kulemin. The Maple Leafs took the lead in the second period as Colton Orr scored, with the help of Frazer McLaren and Cody Franson. Toronto added on as Matt Frattin recorded his seventh of the season, courtesy of Nazem Kadri and Franson. Reimer left shortly after due to injury, and was replaced by Ben Scrivens. The Maple Leafs struck again with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his second of the year, guided in by Kadri and Frattin. Bryzgalov was pulled in favor of Brian Boucher at this time. Toronto padded the lead in the third period as James van Riemsdyk put away his eighth of the season, coming off of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak. The Flyers got as close as 5-2 with a Tye McGinn goal, his second of the year, via Kurtis Foster and Ruslan Fedotenko. Scrivens (32 for 33 in saves in relief), Orr, and Mark Fraser got the three stars, while Frattin, Franson, or Kadri are much more deserving of the third star.

South to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets hosting the San Jose Sharks. Thomas Greiss and Steve Mason will draw the starts. Columbus quickly struck first in the first period as Brandon Dubinsky scored, with the help of Matt Calvert and Fedor Tyutin. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period as James Wisniewski scored a power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Derick Brassard and R.J. Umberger. Columbus extended the lead as Cody Goloubef scored a goal, made possible by Derek MacKenzie and Nick Foligno. San Jose got on the board thirteen seconds later with the tenth of the year by Patrick Marleau, assisted by Logan Couture and Douglas Murray. The Blue Jackets shot back in the third period as Nikita Nikitin scored, with assists provided by Calvert and Dubinsky. Columbus padded the lead as Vinny Prospal netted his fourth of the season, a power play goal set up by Foligno and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets quickly got another as Mark Letestu scored his fifth of the year just eight seconds later, with a lone assist by Artem Anisimov. The Sharks got one back late on a Joe Pavelski goal, his sixth of the campaign coming on the power play from Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton. This made it 6-2, a final, with the three stars being Dubinsky, Foligno, and Calvert.

Back east, the New York Islanders host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Rick DiPietro will be between the pipes. New York began with a first period power play goal by Frans Nielsen, powered by Josh Bailey and Travis Hamonic. Carolina tied it on a Tim Wallace goal, set up by Jamie McBain and Andreas Nodl. The Islanders reclaimed the lead in the second period as John Tavares scored a power play goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Matt Moulson and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Hurricanes tied it as Jeff Skinner recoded his seventh of the year, via Jordan Staal. New York regained the lead with a Moulson power play goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Brad Boyes and Tavares. Carolina pulled even again in the third period on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his second of the year, made possible by Alexander Semin and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes took the lead as Semin scored his third of the season, with a lone assist by Tlusty. Carolina extended the lead as Eric Staal scored his eighth of the year, courtesy of Tlusty and Jay Harrison. The Islanders replied as Visnovsky scored a power play goal, passed from Boyes and Mark Streit. The Hurricanes iced it at 6-4 as Tlusty put his second of the game and third of the campaign into the empty, with assists provided by Semin and Justin Faulk. The three stars were awarded to Tlusty, Semin, and Tavares, while Eric Staal, Visnovsky, Moulson, and Boyes receive the honorable mentions.

Westward to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Bernier and Brian Elliott are the backups making spot starts. Los Angeles was first to score in the first period as Jeff Carter notched his fifth of the season, assisted by Slava Voynov and Mike Richards. The Kings added on in the second period as Carter scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, coming off of Keaton Ellerby. Los Angeles padded the lead with a Davis Drewiske power play goal, powered by Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis got on the board as Alex Steen scored his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Kevin Shattenkirk and Andy McDonald. The Kings replied in the third period as Jarret Stoll put down his second of the year, via Voynov and Dustin Penner. This made it 4-1, the final, with Carter, Voynov, and Bernier (21 for 22 in saves) picking up the three stars.

Out in Colorado, the Avalanche welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Semyon Varlamov tend the twines. Phoenix opened with a first period goal by Shane Doan, his third of the season, coming off of Kyle Chipchura. Colorado tied it in the second period as Mark Olver scored, thanks to Milan Hejduk and Ryan O'Byrne. The Avalanche took the lead with a Matt Duchene goal, his third of the year, made possible by P.A. Parenteau. The Coyotes tied it again in the third period as Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored his third of the season, with the help of Lauri Korpikoski and Doan. Phoenix won it in overtime on Doan's second of the game and fourth of the year, set up by Chipchura. This made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Doan, Duchene, and Ekman-Larsson, while Chipchura gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Calgary, as the Flames host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Leland Irving have the green light to start. Minnesota got going in the second period on a Kyle Brodziak goal, fueled by Devin Setoguchi and Ryan Suter. Calgary tied it in the third period as Jiri Hudler scored his third of the season, assisted by Roman Cervenka. The game went to a shootout, where the Wild got goals from Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu to earn a 2-1 win, beating a lone tally by Hudler for the Flames. The three stars were Dennis Wideman, Hudler, and Koivu, while Parise, Brodziak, Backstrom (23 for 24 in saves), or Irving (23 for 24 in saves) could take the first slot.

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Sunday, February 10, 2013

NHL February 10th 2013

Six games for today, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Detroit led off in the first period with a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings added on as Damien Brunner scored his sixth of the year, courtesy of Zetterberg and Ian White. Los Angeles got on the board with an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Rob Scuderi and Slava Voynov. The Kings tied it late in the third period as Alec Martinez scored, with a lone assist provided by Kyle Clifford. Detroit took the game with just five seconds remaining on an unassisted Jonathan Ericsson goal, his second of the year. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Howard (45 for 47 in saves), Zetterberg, and Martinez.

Down in Columbus, the Blue Jackets host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Sergei Bobrovsky are given the starting nods. Edmonton started in the first period as Ales Hemsky potted his fifth of the season, assisted by Taylor Hall. Columbus tied it in the third period as R.J. Umberger scored, via Fedor Tyutin and Brandon Dubinsky. The Oilers retook the lead with a Magnus Paajarvi shorthanded goal, set up by Sam Gagner and Ladislav Smid. Edmonton iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Gagner, coming off of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The three stars went to Dubnyk (39 for 40 in saves), Gagner, and Umberger.

East to Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin and Ryan Miller man the creases. Boston got going in the second period as Brad Marchand recorded his sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Andrew Ference. Buffalo tied it with a Tyler Ennis goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Drew Stafford. The Bruins took the lead back in the third period Patrice Bergeron scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Chris Bourque and Rich Peverley. Boston iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Milan Lucic, his third of the year, courtesy of David Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. The three stars were given to Khudobin (25 for 26 in saves), Miller (36 for 38 in saves), and Bergeron.

Down in New York City, the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Henrik Lundqvist are between the pipes. New York struck first in the first period with an early goal by Carl Hagelin, his second of the season, fueled by Rick Nash and Dan Girardi. The Rangers added on as Ryan Callahan scored his third of the year, an unassisted goal. New York padded the lead in the second period with another Hagelin goal, his second of the game and third of the season, with an assist provided by Marc Staal. Garon was relieved by Anders Lindback at this time. Tampa Bay got on the board as Vincent Lecavalier scored his fifth of the year, assisted by Victor Hedman and Alexander Killorn. The Rangers shot back in the third period as Arron Asham scored, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh. New York iced it at 5-1 with Nash's third of the campaign, with assists provided by Hagelin and Girardi. The three stars were awarded to Hagelin, Lundqvist (19 for 20 in saves), and Nash, while Girardi gets an honorable mention.

West to Pittsburgh, with the Penguins hosting the New Jersey Devils. Backups Johan Hedberg and Tomas Vokoun guard the cages. New Jersey began in the first period with the eighth of the season by David Clarkson, assisted by Adam Henrique. The Devils added on with a second period goal by Ilya Kovalchuk, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Stefan Matteau. New Jersey extended the lead when Clarkson scored his second of the game and ninth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Patrik Elias and Marek Zidlicky. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third period as James Neal scored a power play goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. This was as close as it got, with th efinal standing at 3-1, and the three stars were Clarkson, Hedberg (23 for 24 in saves), and Neal.

Finally, we end in the Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Pekka Rinne protect the nets. Chicago opened in the second period on a Marcus Kruger goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The Blackhawks added on with a Jonathan Toews goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa. Chicago extended the lead in the third period when Patrick Kane potted his ninth of the season, guided in by Dave Bolland and Michal Rozsival. This produced the 3-0 final score, with the three stars awarded to Kruger, Kane, and Crawford (17 save shutout).

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

NHL February 9th 2013

Twelve Eleven games on today, as the Bruins and Lightning are postponed due to the blizzard in the Northeastern United States, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur will be in the creases. Pittsburgh quickly opened in the first period as Brandon Sutter scored a power play goal, his third of the season, assisted by Simon Despres and Tyler Kennedy. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Stefan Matteau scored, via Andy Greene and Adam Larsson. The Devils took the lead in the third period on an Adam Henrique power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Bobby Butler and Ilya Kovalchuk. New Jersey padded the lead as Butler scored a power play goal, courtesy of Greene and Kovalchuk. This produced the 3-1 final, with Matteau, Butler, and Henrique picking up the three stars, while Kovalchuk, Greene, and Brodeur (24 for 25 in saves) receive the honorable mentions.

A short trip to Philadelphia, where the Flyers bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Ilya Bryzgalov will protect the nets. Carolina was first to score in the first period as Jiri Tlusty scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Eric Staal. Philadelphia tied it as Brayden Schenn scored his second of the season, passed from Kimmo Timonen and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers took the lead in the second period on a Matt Read goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Mike Knuble. The Hurricanes tied it on a Jeff Skinner goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Jordan Staal and Joni Pitkanen. Philadelphia retook the lead as Voracek scored his third of the year, with the help of Schenn and the goalie Bryzgalov. Carolina pulled even in the third period as Corvo scored, with a lone assist by Tim Gleason. The Flyers won 4-3 in overtime as Danny Briere potted his second of the campaign, fueled by Nicklas Grossmann and Schenn. Briere, Schenn, and Voracek were named the three stars, while Corvo gets the honorable mention.

West to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Jimmy Howard will make the starts. Detroit began in the second period on a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg. Edmonton tied it with a Justin Schultz power play goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Jordan Eberle and Teemu Hartikainen. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period on a Niklas Kronwall power play goal, coming off of Datsyuk and Zetterberg. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Datsyuk, Khabibulin (28 for 30 in saves), and Zetterberg.

Up in Canada, the Ottawa Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Backups Al Montoya and Ben Bishop will cover the spot starts. Winnipeg got going in the third period as Alexei Ponikarovsky scored his second of the season, with a lone assist by Kyle Wellwood. This stood for a 1-0 victory, where Montoya (33 save shutout), Bishop (36 for 37 in saves), and Mark Stuart got the three stars, while Ponikarovsky should have the third star.

West to San Jose, with the Sharks hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Antti Niemi are given the starting nods. The game was scoreless into the shootout, until Mikkel Boedker and Radim Vrbata both found the twine behind Niemi for a 1-0 Phoenix win. The three stars were Smith (33 save shutout), Niemi (21 save "shutout"), and Boedker.

Back east, the Boston Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightn........ Frozen... Please Wait...

Sorry for the delay, that game above has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Next up, the Washington Capitals host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. Washington started in the first period as Troy Brouwer scored his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from John Carlson. The Capitals added on with a Brouwer power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by the goalie Holtby. Washington extended the lead when Joel Ward recorded his fifth of the season, with the help of Eric Fehr and Mathieu Perreault. The Capitals padded the lead in the third period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Jason Chimera and Mike Ribeiro. Washington kept going as Perreault scored, thanks to Jeff Schultz and Ward. Scott Clemmensen relieved Theodore at this time. This was all they needed to win 5-0, with the three stars being Holtby (27 save shutout), Brouwer, and Ward, while Perreault gets an honorable mention.

Back north a bit, the New York Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Evgeni Nabokov have the green light to start. Buffalo led off in the first period with a Thomas Vanek goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Cody Hodgson and Jordan Leopold. New York tied it on a John Tavares goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Brian Strait and Brad Boyes. The Sabres took the lead back in the second period with a Christian Ehrhoff goal, fueled by Hodgson and Vanek. The Islanders tied it again as Colin McDonald scored, with assists provided by Casey Cizikas and Strait. The Sabres regained the lead as Alexander Sulzer recorded his third of the season, via Steve Ott and Mikhail Grigorenko. This stood as a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Miller (41 for 43 in saves), Tavares, and Vanek, while Strait receives an honorable mention.

Into Canada again, with the Montreal Canadiens hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Carey Price stand 200 feet apart. Leo Komarov struck first for Toronto, scoring a goal in the first period, helped along by Nikolai Kulemin. The Maple Leafs added on with a Tyler Bozak goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by James van Riemsdyk and John-Michael Liles. Toronto extended the lead in the second period with a van Riemsdk goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by Phil Kessel. The Maple Leafs padded the lead as Kessel scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. Toronto continued in the third period with a Korbinian Holzer goal, his second of the year, coming off of Colton Orr and Jay McClement. The Maples Leafs were relentless as Phaneuf scored a power play goal, set up by Kessel. This ended the scoring at 6-0, with the three stars going to Reimer (37 save shutout), van Riemsdyk, and Bozak, while Kessel and Phaneuf receive the honorable mentions.

Back in the states, the St. Louis Blues host the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Brian Elliott are the masked men. St. Louis opened in the first period with an Alex Steen power play goal, powered by Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk. Anaheim tied it as Bobby Ryan scored his third of the season, courtesy of Teemu Selanne and Francois Beauchemin. The Blues took the lead back as David Backes notched his second of the year, thanks to Andy McDonald and Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis padded the lead as David Perron score his third of the season, coming off of Shattenkirk and Patrik Berglund. The Ducks pulled back in the second period on a Selanne goal, his fourth of the year, via Saku Koivu and Ryan. Anaheim tied it on an Andrew Cogliano goal, fueled by Nick Bonino and Daniel Winnik. The Ducks took the lead with another Ryan goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, made possible by Selanne and Beauchemin. The Blues retied it in the third period as T.J. Oshie knocked in his fourth of the year, guided in by Backes. Anaheim retook the lead with a Koivu goal, his fourth of the season, pushed through by Ryan and Selanne, the latter getting a sock trick. St. Louis tied it as Chris Stewart potted his fifth of the year, a power play goal passed from Steen and McDonald. The Ducks would win in the shootout 6-5, but not without a fight, as Perron matched Koivu, Stewart cancelled out Corey Perry, and Steen kept pace with Ryan Getzlaf before Bonino potted the decisive goal. The three stars were awarded to Ryan, Selanne, and Backes, while Steen, Stewart, Koivu, Beauchemin, Shattenkirk, and McDonald all receive honorable mentions.

Northward to Minnesota, with the Wild hosting the Nashville Predators. Chris Mason is mismatched with Niklas Backstrom in goal. Nashville began in the first period as Paul Gaustad scored, with a lone assist from Craig Smith. Minnesota tied it in the second period on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his second of the season, made possible by Ryan Suter and Matt Cullen. The Wild won 2-1 in overtime with a Devin Setoguchi power play goal, powered by Mikko Koivu and Suter. The three stars belonged to Backstrom (25 for 26 in saves), Clutterbuck, and Setoguchi, while Suter gets the honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Vancouver, with the Canucks welcoming the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Cory Schneider will protect the nets. Calgary got going in the first period with a Lee Stempniak goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Matt Stajan and Blake Comeau. Vancouver tied it in the second period on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his third of the year, set up by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks took the lead as Jordan Schroeder scored a power play goal, powered by Alexander Edler and Burrows. Vancouver padded the lead as Kevin Bieksa recorded his second of the season, coming off of Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks kept going in the third period on a Chris Higgins goal, his second of the year, guided in by Maxim Lapierre and Bieksa. Vancouver iced it at 5-1 with another Schroeder goal, his second of the game, passed from Mason Raymond and Chris Tanev. The three stars were awarded to Schroeder, Henrik Sedin, and Schneider (33 for 34 in saves), while Bieksa, Daniel Sedin, and Burrows receive the honorable mentions.

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Friday, February 8, 2013

NHL February 8th 2013

One game on tonight, twelve tomorrow though. We begin and end in...

Dallas, as the Stars welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas began with a first period Trevor Daley power play goal, powered by Derek Roy and Loui Eriksson. The Stars added on as Jamie Benn scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Brenden Morrow and Alex Goligoski. Viktor Fasth relieved Hiller for the second period. Anaheim tied it on a Nick Bonino goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, assisted by Luca Sbisa and Corey Perry. Dallas replied in the third period as Eriksson scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Roy and Goligoski. This made it 3-1, with the three stars going to Daley, Lehtonen (20 for 21 in saves), and Benn, while Eriksson, Roy, and Goligoski get the honorable mentions.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

NHL February 7th 2013

Huge slate of games today, with twelve games starting within two hours of each other. We begin in...

Pittsburgh, where the Penguins host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Marc-Andre Fleury are given the starting nods. Washington led off in the first period as Mike Ribeiro scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Tomas Kundratek and Alex Ovechkin. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period on an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Paul Martin. The Penguins took the lead as Pascal Dupuis scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Braden Hotlby relieved Neuvirth at this time. Pittsburgh padded the lead as James Neal scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal, coming off of Kunitz and Malkin. The Penguins extended the lead when Matt Cooke netted his second of the season, with a lone assist by Brandon Sutter. Pittsburgh struck again as Crosby put away his fifth of the year, a power play goal passed from Malkin and Neal. The Capitals shot back in the third period with the third of the season by Ovechkin, a power play goal guided in by Ribeiro and Mike Green. This only made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars awarded to Malkin, Crosby, and Neal, while Ovechkin, Ribeiro, and Kunitz receive the honorable mentions.

Moving east to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Martin Brodeur will be in the creases. New Jersey got going in the second period as Adam Henrique scored his third of the season, thanks to Anton Volchenkov and Patrik Elias. Tampa Bay tied it with a Nate Thompson goal, his second of the year, made possible by Martin St. Louis. The Devils retook the lead as Ilya Kovalchuk scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal going in unassisted. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period on an Andy Greene power play goal, his second of the year, powered by David Clarkson and Elias. The Devils quickly padded the lead as Elias sank his third of the season, a power play goal coming off of Kovalchuk and Greene. The Lightning replied as Matt Carle potted his second of the year, with a lone St. Louis assist. This only made it 4-2, which was the margin of victory for New Jersey, and the three stars went to Kovalchuk, Elias, and Greene, while St. Louis gets the honorable mention.

Into New York City, with the New York Rangers hosting the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. The Rangers struck first in the first period as J.T. Miller scored, with the help of Chris Kreider and Marc Staal. The Rangers added on as Marian Gaborik recorded his sixth of the season, assisted by Staal and Brad Richards. The Islanders got one back in the second period as John Tavares scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Matt Moulson and Joe Finley. The Rangers answered on a Miller power play goal, his second of the game, powered by Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 as McDonagh put the puck in the empty net with no assists. The three stars went to Miller, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and McDonagh, while Staal gets an honorable mention.

West to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets welcoming the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Sergei Bovrovsky are the young goalies. Calgary was first to score in the first period as Roman Cervenka scored, with assists provided by Dennis Wideman and Jiri Hudler. Columbus tied it when Matt Calvert found twine, courtesy of Vinny Prospal and Tim Erixon. The Blue Jackets took the lead as Mark Letestu potted his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Derick Brassard and Jack Johnson. The Flames tied it on a Mikael Backlund goal, his third of the year, made possible by T.J. Brodie and Hudler. Calgary took the lead in the third period with a Lee Stempniak power play goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Jay Bouwmeester and the goalie Irving. Columbus retied it on a Prospal goal, his third of the year, pushed through by Letestu. The Flames won 4-3 in overtime on an Alex Tanguay goal, his fourth of the campaign, fueled by Jarome Iginla and Brodie. Tanguay, Letestu, and Hudler picked up the three stars while Brodie and Prospal receive the honorable mentions.

Back in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Ilya Bryzgalov have the green light to start. Florida started in the first period with a Jack Skille goal, fueled by Dmitry Kulikov and Mike Weaver. Philadelphia tied it as Jakub Voracek notched his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Kimmo Timonen and Claude Giroux. The Flyers took the lead in the second period as Matt Read put away his fourth of the year, courtesy of Mike Knuble and Sean Couturier. The Panthers tied it in the third period with a Stephen Weiss power play goal, powered by Tomas Fleischmann and Kulikov. Florida took the game 3-2 in the shootout with goals by Jonathan Huberdeau and Peter Mueller. The three stars were Theodore (30 for 32 in saves), Knuble, and Weiss, while Kulikov gets the honorable mention.

Moving along to Buffalo, where the Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj is mismatched with Ryan Miller in goal. Montreal began with a first period Tomas Plekanec goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Rene Bourque and Alexei Emelin. Buffalo tied it as Steve Ott scored his second of the year, thanks to Jochen Hecht. The Canadiens regained the lead in the second period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Brandon Prust and Raphael Diaz. The Sabres retied it as Tyler Ennis scored his fourth of the year, made possible by Marcus Foligno. Montreal took the lead back on an P.K. Subban power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens padded the lead in the third period as Plekanec scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, courtesy of Brian Gionta and Bourque. Buffalo chipped away as Thomas Vanek sank his ninth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Ennis and Foligno. The Sabres tied it with two seconds left as Vanek scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, with helpers provided by Ott and Ennis. The game was decided in a shootout, as Vanek and Jason Pominville lifted Buffalo 5-4 over a lone Alex Galchenyuk tally. The three stars were given to Vanek, Ennis, and Foligno, while Ott, Plekanec, and Bourque receive the honorable mentions.

Crossing into Canada, with the Ottawa Senators bringing in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Craig Anderson protect the nets. Ottawa opened in the first period as Erik Karlsson scored his fifth of the season, via Jakob Silfverberg and Zack Smith. Carolina tied it in the second period with a Chad LaRose goal, coming off of Drayson Bowman and Jay Harrison. The Senators took the lead back as Daniel Alfredsson potted his third of the year, assisted by Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. The Hurricanes tied it in the third period as Alexander Semin scored his second of the season, a power play goal, powered by Eric Staal and Tim Brent. Carolina won 3-2 in overtime as Harrison potted his second of the year, courtesy of Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner. Ward (45 for 47 in saves), Alfredsson, and Harrison got the three stars.

Back in the states, the St. Louis Blues host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Brian Elliott will make the starts. Detroit was first to score in the first period as Daniel Cleary scored, thanks to Tomas Tatar and Justin Abdelkader. The Red Wings extended the lead with a Jakub Kindl goal, set up by Cory Emmerton and Drew Miller. St. Louis got on the board in the second period as Alex Pietrangelo scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by David Backes and Kevin Shattenkirk. Detroit shot back as Emmerton scored, courtesy of Jordin Tootoo and Miller. The Red Wings added on with a Damien Brunner goal, his fifth of the year, assisted by Jonathan Ericsson and Henrik Zetterberg. Detroit finished the scoring at with a third period goal by Valtteri Filppula, his third of the season, going in unassisted. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars being Emmerton, Mrazek (26 for 27 in saves), and Miller.

Back north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec are the well-hyped goalies. Winnipeg got going in the second period with a Zach Redmond shorthanded goal, set up by Bryan Little and Tobias Enstrom. Toronto tied it on a shorthanded goal by Tyler Bozak, going in unassisted. The Jets took the lead in the third period on a Grant Clitsome goal, his second of the year, made possible by Little. The Maple Leafs retied it with a Matt Frattin goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Cody Franson and Nazem Kadri. Toronto took the lead on a Phil Kessel goal, passed from Bozak on the power play. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Bozak, Little, and Dion Phaneuf, while Reimer (23 for 25 in saves) or anyone who had a point could best Phaneuf.

Slightly to the south, the Minnesota Wild host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom are in the blue paint. Vancouver led off in the first period as Daniel Sedin scored his third of the season, with assists provided by Alexandre Burrows and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks added on as Chris Higgins scored a power play goal, powered by Maxim Lapierre and Jason Garrison. Vancouver extended the lead in the second period as Mason Raymond scored his fourth of the year, an unassisted power play goal. The Canucks struck again with a Jannik Hansen goal, his second of the season, fueled by Raymond and Alexander Edler. Minnesota got on the board in the third period as Tom Gilbert scored his third of the year,  power play goal, set up by Jonas Brodin and Matt Cullen. The three stars went to Raymond, Edler, and Brodin,

To the southeast, the Nashville Predators host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne tend the twines. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his second of the season, passed from David Legwand and Kevin Klein. The Predators struck again in the second period with a Colin Wilson goal, his second of the year, via Klein and Brandon Yip. Nashville extended the lead with another Wilson goal, his second of the game and third of the season, coming on the power play from Shea Weber and Mike Fisher. This was all they needed to win 3-0, with the three stars being Rinne (32 save shutout), Wilson, and Bourque, while Klein picks up an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Mike Smith guard the cages. Chicago started in the first period with a Viktor Stalberg goal, his third of the season, assisted by Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell. The Blackhawks added on as Patrick Kane notched his seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. Chicago padded the lead as Dave Bolland put away his fourth of the season, thanks to Kane and Sharp. The Blackhawks extended the lead with another Kane goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, coming on the power play via Sharp, who got a natural sock trick, and Duncan Keith. Phoenix got on the board in the second period with a Martin Hanzal power play goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Radim Vrbata and Mikkel Boedker. Chicago responded with a Toews goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks kept going as Bickell notched his second of the season, with a lone assist from Stalberg. Jason LaBarbera relieved Smith at this time. The Coyotes got one back in the third period as Raffi Torres scored, with the help of Kyle Chipchura. This only made it 6-2, the final, with Kane, Sharp, and Emery (22 for 24 in saves) getting the three stars, and Toews, Bickell, and Stalberg got the honorable mentions.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

NHL February 6th 2013

Three games only today, leading to a heavier schedule tomorrow. We begin with a rivalry game in...

Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price protect the nets. Montreal opened in the second period with a P.K. Subban power play goal, powered by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. Boston tied it in the third period on a Tyler Seguin goal in the third period, his second of the season, assisted by David Krejci. The Bruins took the lead as Krejci found twine with his third of the year, coming off of Milan Lucic and Seguin. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Rask (20 for 21 in saves), Seguin, and Subban, while Krejci gets the honorable mention.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Semyon Varlamov receive the starting nods. Anaheim got going with a first period goal by Sheldon Souray, his fourth of the season, made possible by Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on as Saku Koivu notched his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Teemu Selanne and Souray. Anaheim padded the lead in the second period as Francois Beauchemin scored his second of the season, via Daniel Winnik and Koivu. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars awarded to Koivu, Fasth (31 save shutout), and Souray.

The last game of the day comes from Edmonton, with the Oilers hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Devan Dubnyk are between the pipes. Edmonton led off with a second period Ales Hemsky goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. Dallas tied it as Jamie Benn scored his third of the year, courtesy of Jaromir Jagr and Brenden Morrow. The Stars took the lead as Derek Roy scored a power play goal, powered by Loui Eriksson and Michael Ryder. The Oilers tied it in the third period with a Justin Schultz power play goal, his third of the season, set up by Hemsky and Taylor Hall. Dallas won 3-2 in overtime when Jagr potted his third of the year, with the help of Benn and Stephane Robidas. The three stars went to Hemsky, Eriksson, and Jagr, while Benn gets an honorable mention.

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