NHL March 5th 2013

Eleven games on tonight, resulting in a very busy evening for me as Fantasy Baseball drafting season begins as well. We start in...

Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Steve Mason are set to start. Edmonton opened in the first period on a Jeff Petry goal, his third of the season, set up by Eric Belanger and Ryan Jones. Columbus tied it as Derek MacKenzie scored his third of the year, with helpers Jared Boll and Tim Erixon. The Blue Jackets added on with a Vinny Prospal goal, his ninth of the season coming on the power play via Ryan Johansen and Mark Letestu. The Oilers tied it as Ryan Whitney scored his second of the year, courtesy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. Edmonton took the lead in the second period on a Magnus Paajarvi goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Sam Gagner and Jordan Eberle. Sergei Bobrovsky relieved Mason at this time. Columbus tied it again as Jack Johnson scored his second of the year, assisted by Derick Brassard and Prospal. The Blue Jackets won in the shootout with tallies from Artem Anisimov and Letestu for a 4-3 victory. The three stars were handed to Prospal, Letestu, and Bobrovsky (21 for 21 in saves in relief).

East to New Jersey, as the Devils bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Johan Hedberg make the starts due to circumstances. Tampa Bay started in the first period as Nate Thompson recorded his fourth of the season, with the help of Cory Conacher and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on in the second period as Martin St. Louis scored his sixth of the year, guided in by Alex Killorn and Vincent Lecavalier. Tampa Bay extended the lead with a Killorn goal, his fourth of the season, set up by St. Louis and Lecavalier. Keith Kinkaid relieved Hedberg at this time. The Lightning padded the lead in the third period as Thompson scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Conacher and Sami Salo. New Jersey got on the board as Adam Henrique scored his sixth of the season, a shorthanded goal, passed from Ryan Carter. The Devils pulled closer with a Patrik Elias power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk. Tampa Bay iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by B.J. Crombeen, coming off of Adam Hall and Thompson. The three stars went to Thompson, Lindback (25 for 27 in saves), and St. Louis, while Killorn, Lecavalier, and Conacher get the honorable mentions.

Down in D.C., the Washington Capitals host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Braden Holtby are the young goalies. Boston began in the first period as Brad Marchand potted his twelfth of the season on a penalty shot for having been obstructed on a breakaway by Alex Ovechkin.. The Bruins added on with the fourth of the year by Zdeno Chara, assisted by David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Boston extended the lead as Dougie Hamilton scored a power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Nathan Horton and Krejci. Washington got on the board in the second period with a Mike Ribeiro goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Ovechkin and Steven Oleksy. The Capitals pulled closer as Tomas Kundratek scored, with helpers provided by Eric Fehr and Nicklas Backstrom. Washington tied it in the third period on a Wojtek Wolski goal, his third of the season, passed from Fehr and Backstrom. The Capitals capped off the 4-3 comeback win with an overtime goal by Fehr, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Fehr, Chara, and Kundratek, while Backstrom and Krejci pick up the honorable mentions.

Further south, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller faces a lesser foe in Justin Peters in goal. Carolina led off with a Jiri Tlusty goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Eric Staal and Alexander Semin. The Hurricanes added on in the second period with a Joe Corvo power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Bobby Sanguinetti and Jussi Jokinen. Buffalo got on the board in the third period as Cody Hodgson scored his ninth of the season, coming off of Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Carolina replied as Jokinen scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Eric Staal and Semin. The Sabres pulled back with a T.J. Brennan power play goal, via Pominville and Tyler Ennis. The Hurricanes quickly shot back as Semin scored his sixth of the season, made possible by Eric Staal, who got a sock trick, and Tim Gleason. Buffalo made it interesting late as Hodgson scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, a shorthaned goal going in unassisted. They failed to tie the game, losing 4-3, with the three stars going to Semin, Peters (37 for 40 in saves), and Eric Staal, while Hodgson, Pominville and Jokinen pick up the honorable mentions.

Back north, the New York Islanders welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Evgeni Nabokov guard the cages. Montreal was first to score in the first period as Tomas Plekanec scored his tenth of the season, with the help of Michael Ryder and Alex Galchenyuk. New York tied it on a second period power play goal from Matt Moulson, his eleventh of the year, powered by Mark Streit and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders took the lead on a Matt Martin power play goal, his second of the season, set up by Brad Boyes and John Tavares. New York padded the lead as Michael Grabner scored his ninth of the year, via Thomas Hickey and Colin McDonald. The Canadiens got one back with a P.K. Subban power play goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Andrei Markov and Ryder. Montreal tied it in the third period when Brian Gionta scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Subban and Ryder, the latter getting a sock trick. The Islanders regained the lead on a Radek Martinek goal, guided in by Kyle Okposo and Hickey. New York extended the lead as Tavares scored his fourteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Boyes. The Islanders iced it at 6-3 on an empty net goal from McDonald, his fourth of the year, fueled by Martin and Casey Cizikas. Martinek, Martin, and Ryder received the three stars, while Tavares, Subban, Boyes, Hickey, and McDonald pick up the honorable mentions.

South again to Florida, as the Panthers host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Jacob Markstrom are between the pipes. Florida struck first in the first period on a Tomas Kopecky goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Marcel Goc and Tomas Fleischmann. Winnipeg tied it as Kyle Wellwood scored, with the help of Andrew Ladd. The Panthers took the lead back as Shawn Matthias scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Colby Robak and Fleischmann. Florida extended the lead on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his eleventh of the season, going in unassisted. The Panthers added on in the third period as Mike Santorelli scored, thanks to Brian Campbell and Erik Gudbranson. The final stood at 4-1, with the three stars belonging to Matthias, Markstrom (20 for 21 in saves), and Huberdeau, while Fleischmann earns an honorable mention.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jimmy Howard protect the nets. Detroit got going in the second period as Johan Franzen scored his fourth of the season, helped along by Damien Brunner. The Red Wings added on as Niklas Kronwall potted his third of the year, thanks to Jonathan Ericsson and Pavel Datsyuk. Colorado got on the board late in the third period with a Paul Stastny goal, his sixth of the season, passed from P.A. Parenteau and Matt Hunwick. They failed to tie the game, falling 2-1, with Howard (36 for 37 in saves), Kronwall, and Franzan being awarded the three stars.

Eastward to New York again, where the Rangers bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New York started in the first period as Ryan Callahan scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal set up by Derek Stepan and Marian Gaborik. Philadelphia tied it with a power play goal by Wayne Simmonds, his tenth of the year, powered by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers took the lead as Voracek scored his tenth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Simmonds and Kimmo Timonen. The Rangers pulled even again as Callahan scored his second of the game and seventh of the year, passed from Ryan McDonagh. New York took the lead in the third period on a Rick Nash goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Dan Girardi. The Rangers added on as Nash scored his second of the game and seventh of the year, guided in by Stepan and Callahan. This produced the 4-2 final score, with the three stars being given to Nash, Callahan, and Voracek, while Simmonds and Stepan are the honorable mentions.

Back in the west, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Corey Crawford are the masked men. Minnesota began in the first period with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Matt Cullen and Jason Zucker. Chicago tied the game as Brandon Saad scored his fourth of the year, passed from Jonathan Toews and Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Blackhawks took the lead as Bryan Bickell netted his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Viktor Stalberg and Andrew Shaw. Chicago extended the lead on another Bickell goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Saad and Marcus Kruger. The Blackhawks padded the lead as Marian Hossa scored his tenth of the season, made possible by Saad and Toews. Darcy Kuemper relieved Backstrom for the second period. The Wild got one back in the third period as Ryan Suter scored a power play goal, powered by Dany Heatley and Mikko Koivu. Minnesota pulled closer as Kyle Brodziak scored his third of the year, courtesy of Torrey Mitchell and Mike Rupp. Chicago shot back as Patrick Kane scored his twelfth of the season, via Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland. This held up for a 5-3 win, with the three stars awarded to Bickell, Saad, and Hossa, while Toews gets an honorable mention.

Way northwest to Vancouver, where the Canucks host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Cory Schneider occupy the creases. San Jose led off with a Scott Gomez goal, via Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Brad Stuart. The Sharks added on in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Adam Burish, set up by Stuart. Vancouver got on the board when Henrik Sedin potted his fourth of the season, with the help of Daniel Sedin and Alexandre Burrows. The Canucks tied it as Jannik Hansen scored his sixth of the year, fueled by Mason Raymond and Dan Hamhuis. The game went to a shootout, where Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski's goals lifted San Jose 3-2 over a lone tally by Vancouver's Chris Higgins. The three stars were handed to Hamhuis, Stuart, and Hansen.

Finally, down in Los Angeles, the Kings welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Jonathan Bernier are in the blue paint. St. Louis opened in the first period on an Alex Pietrangelo power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Chris Stewart. Los Angeles tied it with Jake Muzzin scoring his third of the year, with the help of Drew Doughty and Justin Williams. The Blues took the lead back as Vladimir Sobotka scored his third of the season, passed from Barret Jackman and Matt D'Agostini. St. Louis extended the lead in the second period on a David Perron goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Pietrangelo and Jackman. Jonathan Quick relieved Bernier at this time. The Blues added on with Stewart scoring his eighth of the season, with assists provided by Perron and Patrik Berglund. The Kings got one back as Slava Voynov scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Anze Kopitar and Williams. Los Angeles pulled closer on a Mike Richards goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Dustin Penner. The Kings tied it as Muzzin scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, via Doughty and Trevor Lewis. Los Angeles stormed ahead on the fifteenth of the season by Jeff Carter, helped along by Muzzin and Richards. Brian Elliott relieved Halak at this time. The Kings iced it at 6-4 with a Kopitar goal, his seventh of the year, with assists provided by Williams, who got a sock trick, and Dustin Brown. The three stars were awarded to Muzzin, Doughty, and Williams, while Richards, Kopitar, Stewart, Perron, Pietrangelo, and Jackman all get honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Traktor Chelyabinsk VS. Barys Astana

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Traktor Chelyabinsk and Barys Astana in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Vitaly Yeremeyev for Barys and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Astana began in the first period with a Brandon Bochenski goal, set up by Roman Savchenko on the power play. Chelyabinsk tied it as Konstantin Panov scored in the second period, with the help of Stanislav Chistov. Barys replied on another Bochenski goal, assisted by Savchenko and Konstantin Rudenko. Traktor pulled even when Panov scored again, thanks to Alexei Vasilchenko and Petri Kontiola. Astana took the lead back in the third period when Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev scored an unassisted goal. Chelyabinsk retied it on a Maxim Yakutsenya goal, made possible by Valery Nichushkin and Kontiola. Barys took the game 4-3 in overtime as Roman Starchenko scored a goal, with a lone assist by Rudenko. The three stars went to Panov, Bochenski, and Starchenko, while Rudenko and Kontiola receive the honorable mentions. Barys owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Vitaly Yeremeyev for Barys and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Astana opened in the first period with a Nigel Dawes goal, courtesy of Brandon Bochenski. Chelyabinsk tied it on a Valery Nichushkin goal, passed from Vladimir Antipov. Barys took the lead back as Dawes scored his second of the game, with the help of Dustin Boyd. Traktor tied it again in the second period as Petri Kontiola scored a power play goal, powered by Maxim Yakutsenya and Nikita Nesterov. Astana took the lead again when Dawes completed his hat trick, set up by Boyd and Roman Starchenko on the power play. Barys extended the lead on Dawes' fourth of the game, via Bochenski and Boyd, the latter getting a sock trick. Astana padded the lead as Alexei Litvinenko scored an unassisted power play goal. Chelyabinsk got one back in the third period on another Nichushkin goal, fueled by Kontiola. This only made it 5-3, the final, with Dawes, Boyd, and Bochenski picking up the three stars while Nichushkin and Kontiola receive the honorable mentions. Barys heads home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Alatau Sports Palace, Astana, Kazakhstan. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Vitaly Yeremeyev for Barys. Chelyabinsk started in the first period with a power play goal by Konstantin Panov, powered by Deron Quint and Maxim Yakutsenya. Astana tied it on a Konstantin Rudenko power play goal, fueled by Mikhail Grigoryev. Traktor took the lead back on a shorthanded goal in the second period by Alexei Vasilchenko, set up by Yakutsenya. Chelyabinsk padded the lead as Yegor Dugin scored, with a lone assists provided by Maxim Karpov. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars being Garnett (31 for 32 in saves), Yakutsenya, and Vasilchenko. Traktor chipped away at the series, but still trails Barys 2-1.

Game 4: Alatau Sports Palace, Astana, Kazakhstan. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Vitaly Yeremeyev for Barys. Astana led off in the first period as Fyodor Polishchuk scored, with the help of Maxim Spiridonov. Barys added on in the second period with an unassisted power play goal by Nigel Dawes. Chelyabinsk got on the board as Vyacheslav Belov scored a goal, assisted by Petri Kontiola and Konstantin Panov. Traktor tied it as Maxim Karpov converted a penalty shot he was awarded for being hooked on a breakaway by Evgeny Fadeyev. Chelyabinsk took the lead in the third period as Yegor Dugin scored a goal, with a lone assist from Karpov. They held on for a 3-2 win, with the three stars handed to Karpov, Dugin, and Garnett (29 for 31 in saves). The series returns to Chelyabinsk with the teams even at 2 games each.

Game 5: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Pavel Poluektov for Barys and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Astana struck first in the first period as Brandon Bochenski scored a power play goal, assisted by Alexei Troshchinsky and Nigel Dawes. Chelyabinsk tied it on an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, with a lone helper from Stanislav Chistov. Traktor took the lead with a power play goal by Jan Bulis, powered by Dmitry Ryabykin and Chistov. Chelyabinsk added on with an unassisted goal by Vladimir Antipov. Traktor padded the lead in the second period as Bulis scored another power play goal, fueled by Deron Quint and Chistov, the latter getting a sock trick. Chelyabinsk extended the lead as Quint potted a power play goal, coming off of Chistov and Ryabykin. Barys got one back as Roman Savchenko scored, with a lone assist provided by the goalie Poluektov. Traktor replied in the third period as Konstantin Panov scored a shorthanded goal, passed from Petri Kontiola. Astana shot back on a Dustin Boyd goal, made possible by Dawes. This produced the 6-3 final, with the three stars being Bulis, Chistov, and Quint, while Ryabykin and Dawes receive the honorable mentions. Traktor has pulled back and now holds a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Alatau Sports Palace, Astana, Kazakhstan. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Pavel Poluektov for Barys. Chelyabinsk was first to score in the first period as Petri Kontiola scored, with a lone assist from Vyacheslav Belov. Astana tied it with a power play goal by Fyodor Polishchuk, powered by Roman Savchenko and Talgat Zhailauov. Traktor took the lead again in the second period as Alexander Shinin scored, via Vladimir Antipov and Nikita Nestorov. Barys tied it with an unassisted goal by Nigel Dawes. Astana took the lead in the third period as Polishchuk scored again, with helpers from Zhailauov and Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev. Barys iced it at 4-2 with another unassisted goal by Dawes, going into the empty net. The three stars were Polishchuk, Dawes, and Zhailauov. The series will be decided in the next game, currently being tied at 3. 

Game 7: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Pavel Poluektov for Barys and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Chelyabinsk got going in the first period on a Maxim Yakutsenya goal, passed from Konstantin Panov. Traktor added on as Maxim Karpov scored, thanks to Andrei Kostitsyn. Astana got one back as Talgat Zhailauov scored a goal, with a lone assist from Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev. Chelayabinsk replied in the second period with a Petri Kontiola goal, fueled by Yakutsenya. Barys answered on a Brandon Bochenski goal, coming off of Dustin Boyd. Traktor extended the lead as Kontiola scored again, with the help of Gennady Razin. Chelyabinsk padded the lead as Deron Quint scored, courtesy of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stanislav Chistov. Astana got one back in the third period on a Konstantin Pushkaryov goal, made possible by Boyd. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars given to Kontiola, Yakutsenya, and Boyd. Traktor advances to the next round after a hard-fought 4-3 series win. 

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Metallurg Magnitogorsk VS. Salavat Yulaev Ufa

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Magnitogorsk Arena, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev and Ari Ahonen for Metallurg. Magnitogorsk was first to score in the first period with a Mats Zuccarello power play goal, powered by Sergei Mozyakin and Denis Platonov. Metallurg added on with a Dmitry Kazionov goal, guided in by Yaroslav Khabarov and Alexander Korolyuk. Ufa got on the board with a power play goal by Sergei Zinovyev, fueled by Stefan Ruzicka and Nikita Filatov. Salavat Yulaev tied it with another Zinovyev goal, passed from Ruzicka. Ufa took the lead in the second period when Antti Pihlstrom scored a power play goal, made possible by Kirill Koltsov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Magnitogorsk tied it again in the third period when Viktor Antipin scored, thanks to Platonov and Cal O'Reilly. Salavat Yulaev won 4-3 with an overtime goal by Alexander Svitov, going down unassisted. The three stars were Zinovyev, Svitov, and Platonov. Salavat Yulaev takes a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Magnitogorsk Arena, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev and Georgy Gelashvili for Metallurg. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period on an Alexander Korolyuk goal, assisted by Mats Zuccarello. Metallurg added on when Sergei Mozyakin scored an unassisted goal. This held up for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Gelashvili (25 save shutout), Korolyuk, and Mozyakin. The series now stands at 1 game apiece.

Game 3: Ufa Arena, Ufa, Russia. In goal: Georgy Gelashvili for Metallurg and Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev. Magnitogorsk opened in the first period as Sergei Mozyakin scored a goal, with a lone assist from Enver Lisin. Ufa tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Nikita Filatov, powered by Miroslav Blatak. Salavat Yulaev took the lead with a Antti Pihlstrom goal, assisted by Filatov and Kirill Koltsov. Ufa extended the lead when Alexander Pankov scored, via Alexander Svitov and Brent Sopel. Salavat Yulaev iced it at 4-1 in the third period with a shorthanded, unassisted, and empty net goal by Vitaly Proshkin. The three stars were given to Filatov, Tarkki (26 for 27 in saves), and Pihlstrom. Salavat Yulaev regained the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Ufa Arena, Ufa, Russia. In goal: Georgy Gelashvili for Metallurg and Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev. Ufa struck first in the second period as Brent Sopel scored a power play goal, powered by Miroslav Blatak and Stefan Ruzicka. Salavat Yulaev added on with an Andrei Zubarev goal, fueled by Igor Mirnov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Magnitogorsk got on the board in the third period as Cal O'Reilly scored, with a lone assist by Sergei Mozyakin. Metallurg tied it on another goal by O'Reilly, assisted by Mozyakin and Denis Platonov. Magnitogorsk took the lead with four seconds left in regulation as Mats Zuccarello scored, via Viktor Antipin. The stunning goal produced a 3-2 final, with the three stars belonging to O'Reilly, Zuccarello, and Mozyakin. The series shifts south again tied at 2.

Game 5: Magnitogorsk Arena, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev and Ari Ahonen for Metallurg. Magnitogorsk started in the first period on a Milan Gulas goal, with a lone assist coming from Justin Hodgman. Metallurg added on in the second period with another Gulas goal, set up by Hodgman and Enver Lisin. Ufa got on the board in the third period as Stefan Ruzicka scored, courtesy of Denis Khlystov and Sergei Zinovyev. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Gulas, Ahonen (30 for 31 in saves), and Hodgman. Metallurg now controls the series at 3-2.

Game 6: Ufa Arena, Ufa, Russia. In goal: Ari Ahonen for Metallurg and Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev. Ufa began in the first period with an Igor Mirnov power play goal, powered by Kirill Koltsov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Salavat Yulaev added on as Kaigorodov scored a goal, with a lone assist from Antti Pihlstrom. Magnitogorsk got on the board in the second period as Justin Hodgman scored a power play goal, made possible by Milan Gulas. Metallurg tied it as Alexander Korolyuk netted a power play goal, with the help of Sergei Mozyakin and Mats Zuccarello. Ufa took the lead back as Denis Khlystov notched a power play goal, passed from Koltsov and Kaigorodov. Magnitogorsk pulled even again as Gulas scored, thanks to Viktor Antipin and Evgeny Biryukov. Salavat Yulaev pulled ahead as Khlystov scored again, helped along by Miroslav Blatak and Sergei Zinovyev. Ufa extended the lead as Brent Sopel scored, with assists provided by Igor Musatov and Alexei Glukhov. Metallurg got one back in the third period as Gulas scored again, fueled by Korolyuk. They failed to tie the game, losing 5-4, with the three stars being Khlystov, Kaigorodov, and Koltsov, while Gulas and Korolyuk receive the honorable mentions. This pushes the series to game 7, currently being tied at 3. 

Game 7: Magnitogorsk Arena, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Iiro Tarkki for Salavat Yulaev and Ari Ahonen for Metallurg. Ufa led off in the second period as Nikita Filatov scored a goal, assisted by Miroslav Blatak and Sergei Zinovyev. Salavat Yulaev added on in the third period with an unassisted empty net goal by Alexei Kaigorodov. This produced the 2-0 final, with the three stars belonging to Tarkki (17 save shutout), Filatov, and Ahonen (23 for 25 in saves). Salavat Yulaev wins the series 4-3 and moves to the next round.  

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Avangard Omsk VS. Sibir Novosibirsk

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between Avangard Omsk and Sibir Novosibrsk in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Jeff Glass for Sibir and Karri Ramo for Avangard. Omsk got going in the second period on a Tomas Zaborsky goal, fueled by Kirill Lyamin and Igor Volkov. Avangard added on as Volkov scored a power play goal, set up by Alexander Perezhogin and Alexander Popov. Omsk extended the lead on a Pavel Valentenko power play goal, powered by Anton Belov and Popov. Avangard padded the lead in the third period on an unassisted power play goal by Alexander Bumagin. Omsk finished it at 5-0 with a Popov power play goal, with a lone assist by Perezhogin. The three stars were Ramo (25 save shutout), Popov, and Volkov, while Perezhogin gets an honorable mention. Avangard takes an early 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Jeff Glass for Sibir and Karri Ramo for Avangard. Novosibirsk led off in the second period as Nikita Zaitsev scored a power play goal, powered by Alexei Kopeikin and Arturs Kulda. This was the game's only goal, resulting a 1-0 final, with the three stars being Glass (28 save shutout), Zaitsev, and Ramo (27 for 28 in saves). The series heads east tied at 1.

Game 3: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Karri Ramo for Avangard and Jeff Glass for Sibir. Novosibirsk began in the first period as Alexei Kopeikin scored, thanks to Maxim Krivonozhkin. Omsk tied it with an unassisted goal by Vladimir Pervushin. Sibir took the lead back as Kristian Kudroc scored a power play goal, powered by Kopeikin. Novosibirsk added on in the third period as Kudroc scored his second of the game, via Alexander Romanov. Sibir padded the lead as Artyom Voroshilo potted the puck, with the help of Stepan Sannikov. This produced a 4-1 final score, with the three going to Kudroc, Glass (24 for 25 in saves), and Kopeikin. Sibir owns a 2-1 series lead now.

Game 4: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Karri Ramo for Avangard and Jeff Glass for Sibir. Omsk started in the second period as Dmitry Syomin scored a shorthanded goal, courtesy of Alexander Frolov. Novosibirsk tied it as Alexander Nikulin scored, via Alexei Kopeikin. Sibir took the lead as Artyom Voroshilo scored an unassisted goal. Avangard pulled even again as Kirill Lyamin scored, with the help of Tomas Zaborsky and Syomin. Omsk gained the lead as Anton Kuryanov found twine, with a lone assist from Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard extended the lead in the third period on an Andrei Ivanov goal, fueled by Andrei Taratukhin. Omsk padded the lead with a goal by Pavel Valentenko, assisted by Kuryanov and Alexander Popov. This stood for a 5-2 final, with the three stars being Syomin, Kuryanov, and Ramo (20 for 22 in saves). The series heads back to Omsk tied at 2.

Game 5: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Jeff Glass for Sibir and Karri Ramo for Avangard. Omsk got the game's only goal in overtime as Dmitry Syomin scored, with the help of Alexander Frolov and Tomas Zaborsky. The three stars of the 1-0 game were Syomin, Ramo (30 save shutout), and Glass (36 for 37 in saves). Avangard holds a 3-2 series lead as they hit the road again.

Game 6: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Karri Ramo for Avangard and Jeff Glass for Sibir. Novosibirsk opened in the first period with an unassisted goal by Jonas Enlund. Sibir added on in the third period with a Kristian Kudroc power play goal, powered by Jori Lehtera and Enlund. Novosibirsk iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Stepan Sannikov, passed from Evgeny Fyodorov and Viktor Drugov. The three stars went to Enlund, Glass (36 save shutout), and Kudroc. The series heads to a decisive game 7 tied at 3.  

Game 7: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Jeff Glass for Sibir and Karri Ramo for Avangard. Omsk struck first in the first period on an Anton Belov goal, set up by Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard added on in the second period as Perezhogin scored, with a lone assist from Nikita Pivtsakin. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 2-0 final. The three stars were given to Ramo (26 save shutout), Perezhogin, and Belov. Avangard advances to the next round with a 4-3 series win.

NHL March 4th 2013

Four games for the fourth day of the month, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and James Reimer receive the starting nods. Toronto began in the first period with a Nazem Kadri goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Clarke MacArthur and Leo Komarov. New Jersey tied it in the second period on a Marek Zidlicky goal, his second of the year, passed from Ryan Carter. The Devils took the lead as Zidlicky scored his second of the game and third of the season, with the help of Carter. The Maple Leafs tied it with a third period Jay McClement goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. Toronto took the lead as MacArthur scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal powered by Kadri and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs padded the lead as Phil Kessel scored his fifth of the year, with assists provided by James van Riemsdyk and Carl Gunnarsson. This stood for a 4-2 final, with Reimer (28 for 30 in saves), Kadri, and Zidlicky getting the three stars, while MacArthur and Carter got the honorable mentions.

Down in Pittsburgh, the Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Marc-Andre Fleury are between the pipes. Pittsburgh led off as Chris Kunitz scored his twelfth of the season, via Sidney Crosby. Garon left the game with an injury early in the second period, and Anders Lindback came on in relief. Tampa Bay tied it as Steven Stamkos scored his sixteenth of the year, courtesy of Victor Hedman and Martin St. Louis. The Lightning took the lead on a Tom Pyatt goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Nate Thompson and Ondrej Palat. The Penguins retied it in the third period with Evgeni Malkin scoring his fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. Pittsburgh took the lead as Crosby scored his eleventh of the season, with a lone helper from Kris Letang. The Penguins added on with a James Neal empty net goal, his fourteenth of the year, set up by Malkin and Letang. Tampa Bay got one back as Stamkos scored his second of the game and seventeenth of the campaign, with assists from Vincent Lecavalier and St. Louis. The three stars of the 4-3 game went to Crosby, Malkin, and Stamkos, while St. Louis and Letang earned the honorable mentions.

Southwest to Phoenix, as the Coyotes welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Mike Smith protect the nets. Anaheim opened in the first period with a Matt Beleskey goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Ben Lovejoy. Phoenix tied it in the second period on an Antoine Vermette goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of David Moss and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes took the lead as Keith Yandle potted his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Ekman-Larsson and Steve Sullivan. The Ducks tied it on a Getzlaf goal, his eighth of the year, coming shorthanded with a lone assist from Corey Perry. Anaheim took the lead in the third period as Perry potted his sixth of the season, a power play goal set up by Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. Phoenix retied it as Shane Doan scored his sixth of the year, passed from Kyle Chipchura and Matthew Lombardi. The Ducks gained the lead again on a Bobby Ryan goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Nick Bonino and Andrew Cogliano. The Coyotes got another equalizer on a Lombardi goal, his third of the season, helped along by Michael Stone and Chipchura. Phoenix won 5-4 in the shootout as Sullivan matched Getzlaf, allowing Ekman-Larsson to later pot the winner. The three stars were awarded to Ekman-Larsson, Lombardi, and Stone, while Getzlaf, Chipchura, and Perry get the honorable mentions.

Finally, we end with the Los Angeles Kings bringing in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jonathan Bernier are the masked men. Los Angeles got going in the second period with a Jeff Carter power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Jarret Stoll and Slava Voynov. The Kings added on as Carter scored again in the third period, his second of the game and thirteenth of the year, assisted by Colin Fraser and Voynov. Los Angeles padded the lead as Carter finished his natural hat trick with his fourteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings extended the lead with a Mike Richards power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Voynov, who got a sock trick, and Dustin Penner. Los Angeles got another with a Dwight King goal, fueled by Stoll and Rob Scuderi. Chris Mason replaced Rinne at this time. Nashville got on the board as Gabriel Bourque scored his sixth of the campaign, with the help of Shea Weber and Martin Erat. This only made it 5-1, a final, with the three stars being Carter, Bernier (18 for 19 in saves), and Voynov, while Stoll gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL March 3rd 2013

Another nine games today, beginning in...

Detroit, as the Red Wings host their heated rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Detroit got going in the third period as Tomas Tatar scored his fourth of the season, helped along by Joakim Andersson and Patrick Eaves. Chicago tied it as Patrick Kane scored his eleventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks took the game 2-1 in the shootout as Kane recorded the only tally. Crawford (32 for 33 in saves), Howard (32 for 33 in saves), and Kane received the three stars.

Back east, the New York Islanders host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Evgeni Nabokov receive the starting nods. New York was first to score in the first period with a Brad Boyes goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Matt Moulson and Mark Streit. Ottawa tied it in the second period as Mika Zibanejad scored his fourth of the year, courtesy of Chris Neil. The Islanders took the lead back in the third period with a Michael Grabner goal, his eighth of the season, going in unassisted. The Senators tied it again as Patrick Wiercioch scored a power play goal, thanks to Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. New York won 3-2 with shootout tallies from Frans Nielsen and John Tavares. The three stars belonged to Grabner, Zibanejad, and Boyes.

West again to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Sergei Bobrovsky are the Russian goalies. Colorado started in the second period as P.A. Parenteau scored his ninth of the season, fueled by Shane O'Brien and Tyson Barrie. Columbus tied it in the third period on a Vinny Prospal power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Fedor Tyutin and Nick Foligno. The Blue Jackets won it 2-1 in overtime as Artem Anisimov notched his sixth of the campaign on the power play, set up by Tim Erixon and Mark Letestu. Anisimov, Prospal, and Varlamov (32 for 34 in saves) were given the three stars.

South to Dallas, where the Stars host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Kari Lehtonen are between the pipes. St. Louis opened with a David Perron goal, his seventh of the season, passed from David Backes and Kevin Shattenkirk. Dallas tied it as Erik Cole scored his fourth of the year, fueled by Antoine Roussel and Derek Roy. The Stars took the lead on an unassisted Roy goal, his third of the season. Dallas padded the lead in the third period on a Loui Eriksson goal, his seventh of the year, via Jordie Benn and Cody Eakin. The Stars iced it at 4-1 with a Jaromir Jagr power play goal, his seventh of the campaign, powered by Roy and Eriksson. The three stars were given to Roy, Eriksson, and Brenden Dillon.

East to Florida, as the Panthers host the Carolina Huricanes. Cam Ward and Scott Clemmensen occupy the blue paint. Carolina led off in the first period as Justin Faulk scored his third of the season, going in unassisted. The Hurricanes added on as Alexander Semin scored his eighth of the year, thanks to Jiri Tlusty and Eric Staal. Carolina extended the lead in the second period as Jordan Staal scored his fifth of the season, made possible by Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain. Dan Ellis replaced an injured Ward just after this goal. Florida got on the board with a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Peter Mueller. The Panthers pulled closer in the third period as Huberdeau scored again, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, coming off of Mueller and Brian Campbell. This only made it 3-2, a final, with the three stars going to Faulk, Eric Staal, and Huberdeau, while Mueller picks up an honorable mention.

North again to Boston, as the Bruins host the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Tuukka Rask have the green light to start in goal. Montreal began in the first period on a Tomas Plekanec power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Michael Ryder and P.K. Subban. Boston tied it as Tyler Seguin scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The Canadiens gained the lead with an unassisted David Desharnais goal, his sixth of the season. The Bruins tied it again in the second period as Bergeron notched his fifth of the year, passed from Seguin and Marchand. Boston took the lead with a Dougie Hamilton goal, his second of the season, assisted by Marchand, who got a sock trick, and Bergeron. Montreal pulled even as Max Pacioretty sank his eighth of the year, via Alexei Emelin and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens took the lead as Desharnais scored his second of the game and seventh of the season, with helpers from Pacioretty and Gallagher. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being handed to Desharnais, Bergeron, and Seguin, while Marchand, Pacioretty, and Gallagher receive the honorable mentions.

Into New York City, as the Rangers host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Buffalo struck first in the second period on a Drew Stafford goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist from Mikhail Grigorenko. New York tied it with a Derek Stepan power play goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Rick Nash and Marian Gaborik. The Rangers took the lead with a Nash power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Gaborik and Michael Del Zotto. The Sabres tied it on a Nathan Gerbe shorthanded goal, his third of the year, set up by Steve Ott. New York won 3-2 in the shootout on tallies by Nash and Ryan Callahan. The three stars went to Nash, J.T. Miller, and Gerbe, while Gaborik could take the second star.

Northwest to Minnesota, as the Wild host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Niklas Backstrom man the creases. Minnesota started with a first period Jared Spurgeon goal, his second of the season, made possible by Devin Setoguchi and Matt Cullen. Edmonton tied it as Magnus Paajarvi scored his third of the year, thanks to Jordan Eberle and Jeff Petry. The Wild took the lead in the third period on a Mikko Koivu goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Charlie Coyle and Spurgeon. Minnesota added on as Coyle scored his second of the year, with the help of Zach Parise and Koivu. The Oilers got one back as Sam Gagner scored his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Wild shot back with a Dany Heatley power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Koivu and Ryan Suter. This produced the 4-2 final score, with the three stars awarded to Spurgeon, Koivu and Coyle.

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Danny Taylor are the masked men. Vancouver opened in the first period with a Chris Higgins goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Jannik Hansen. Calgary tied it as Michael Cammalleri scored his seventh of the year, with a lone assist from Jiri Hudler. The Canucks took the lead back as Hansen scored his fifth of the season, via Cam Barker. The Flames retied it as Lee Stempniak scored his sixth of the year, coming off of Matt Stajan and Derek Smith. Calgary gained the lead in the third period on a Jarome Iginla goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Mark Giordano and Hudler. The Flames iced it at 4-2 with Cammalleri's second of the game and eighth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Stempniak and Curtis Glencross. Hudler, Taylor (29 for 31 in saves), and Hansen received the three stars, while Cammalleri gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL March 2nd 2013

We have nine games today, the first of which comes from...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Ottawa Senators. Ben Bishop and Ilya Bryzgalov receive the starting nods. Philadelphia got going in the second period as Jakub Voracek scored his ninth of the season, courtesy of Ruslan Fedotenko and Luke Schenn. The Flyers added on as Wayne Simmonds scored his ninth of the year, via Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. Ottawa got on the board with a Marc Methot goal, coming off of Colin Greening. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars being Bryzgalov (33 for 34 in saves), Bishop (39 for 41 in saves), and Voracek.

Over in Boston, the Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Anton Khudobin are in the creases. Tampa Bay led off with a Steven Stamkos power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Teddy Purcell and Marc-Andre Bergeron. The Lightning added on as Alex Killorn scored his third of the year, a power play goal, set up by Purcell and Martin St. Louis. Boston got on the board in the second period as Tyler Seguin notched his fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Dougie Hamilton and David Krejci. The Bruins tied it as Rich Peverley scored his third of the year, thanks to Adam McQuaid and Daniel Paille. Boston took the lead in the third period as Brad Marchand scored his eleventh of the season, via Patrice Bergeron on the power play. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Marchand, Seguin, and Purcell.

Into Buffalo, as the Sabres host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Ryan Miller guard the cages. Buffalo began in the second period with a Jason Pominville shorthanded goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Cody Hodgson and Mike Weber. New Jersey tied it on a Steve Bernier goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Mark Fayne and Stephen Gionta. The Devils took the lead in the third period as Adam Henrique scored his fifth of the season, a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Sabres retied it as Pominville sank his second of the game and ninth of the year, via Cody Hodgson and Steve Ott. Buffalo gained the lead on a Jochen Hecht goal, fueled by Mikhail Grigorenko. New Jersey tied it again with an Andrei Loktionov goal, set up by Stefan Matteau and Ilya Kovalchuk. The game was decided in the shootout with Sabres tallies coming from Pominville and Tyler Ennis, lifting them to a 4-3 victory. The three stars were handed to Pominville, Miller (28 for 31 in saves), and Ennis, while Hodgson gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Ondrej Pavelec are the masked men. Washington struck first in the second period as Matt Hendricks scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Mike Ribeiro and John Erskine. The Capitals added on in the third period as Troy Brouwer scored his ninth of the year, courtesy of Nicklas Backstrom. Washington extended the lead on a Ribeiro goal, his seventh of the campaign, guided in by Alex Ovechkin and Eric Fehr. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Holtby (35 save shutout), Ribeiro, and Zach Bogosian, while any point-earner can take the third slot.

Back east, the Montreal Canadiens host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tomas Vokoun and Carey Price are in the blue paint. Montreal was first to score in the first period as Brandon Prust potted his third of the season, with a lone Tomas Kaberle assist. Pittsburgh tied it on a Brandon Sutter power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Kris Letang and Beau Bennett. The Canadiens retook the lead in the second period as Max Pacioretty scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Brendan Gallagher and Kaberle. The Penguins tied it again as Chris Kunitz recorded his tenth of the year, via Sidney Crosby and Deryk Engelland. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Matt Cooke goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Brooks Orpik and Letang. The Penguins extended the lead as Cooke scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. Montreal shot back with a Brian Gionta goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Francis Bouillon and Lars Eller. The Canadiens tied it in the last second of the period on a P.K. Subban goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Gallagher and Pacioretty. Montreal edged ahead once more as David Desharnais scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Alexei Emelin and Andrei Markov. Pittsburgh pulled even with another Kunitz goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, pushed through by Crosby and Letang, the latter earning a sock trick. The Penguins regained the lead on a Crosby goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Letang and Kunitz. The Canadiens got another equalizer as Gionta scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, with assists provided by Eller and Emelin. The game went into overtime, where Pittsburgh kicked the extra point won 7-6 with another Sutter goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, assisted by Simon Despres and James Neal. The three stars were given to Sutter, Pacioretty, and Crosby, while Letang, Kunitz, Cooke, Gionta, Kaberle, Gallagher, Eller, and Emelin all receive honorable mentions for their multi-point efforts.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Cam Ward have the green light to start, but just over two minutes into the game, Theodore left with an injury and was replaced by Scott Clemmensen. Carolina started with a Jussi Jokinen goal in the first period, his third of the season, assisted by Riley Nash and Justin Faulk. The Hurricanes added on as Jiri Tlusty scored his tenth of the year, with a lone helper from Alexander Semin. Carolina extended the lead as Jokinen scored again, his second of the game and fourth of the season, guided in by Nash. Florida got on the board with a Shawn Matthias goal, his fourth of the year, fueled by Jerred Smithson and George Parros. The Hurricanes replied in the second period as Nash scored, with the help of Patrick Dwyer and Jokinen. Carolina padded the lead as Eric Staal notched his eleventh of the season, set up by Semin. The Panthers chipped back on a Filip Kuba goal, with assists provided by Marcel Goc and Tyson Strachan. The Hurricanes iced it at 6-2 in the third period with Eric Staal's second of the game and twelfth of the year, coming off of Semin and Jamie McBain. The three stars were given to Nash, Jokinen, and Semin, while Eric Staal gets an honorable mention.

Westward to Phoenix, as the Coyotes welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Viktor Fasth and Mike Smith protect the nets. Anaheim opened with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Saku Koivu and Toni Lydman. Phoenix tied it as Matthew Lombardi scored his second of the year, thanks to Raffi Torres and Shane Doan. The Coyotes took the lead in the second period with a Lauri Korpikoski goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by David Moss and Keith Yandle. The Ducks tied it as Cogliano scored his second of the night and seventh of the year, coming off of Ben Lovejoy. Anaheim gained the lead again on another Cogliano goal, completing his hat trick with his eighth of the season, made possible by Daniel Winnik. Phoenix tied it again in the third period as Korpikoski scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Antoine Vermette. The Ducks edged ahead as Koivu scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Bobby Ryan and Luca Sbisa. The Coyotes got the equalizer with a Steve Sullivan goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mikkel Boedker. Phoenix won 5-4 with a lone shootout tally by Sullivan. The three stars went to Korpikoski, Cogliano, and Kyle Chipchura, while Koivu or Sullivan is more deserving of the third star.

Up in Vancouver, the Canucks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Cory Schneider are between the pipes. Vancouver led off in the first period with a Dan Hamhuis goal, his second of the season, guided in by Alexander Burrows and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Justin Williams scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Jake Muzzin and Anze Kopitar. The Canucks took the lead back as Mason Raymond scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Jannik Hansen and David Booth. The Kings retied it as Jordan Nolan potted his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Vancouver took the lead back again with a Daniel Sedin, his eighth of the season, coming off of Henrik Sedin and Burrows. The Canucks added on as Hansen scored his fourth of the year, via Raymond and Hamhuis. Vancouver iced it at 5-2 with a Chris Higgins empty net goal, his fifth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Henrik Sedin, Raymond, and Daniel Sedin, while Hamhuis, Hansen, and Burrows receive the honorable mentions.

Finally, we end in San Jose, as the Sharks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Antti Niemi tend the twines. San Jose began in the first period as Dan Boyle scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture. The Sharks added on in the second period as Joe Pavelski scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Couture and Thornton. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Gabriel Bourque, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Nick Spaling. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Thornton, Couture, and Boyle.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.