I hope the math nerd holiday, Pi Day, finds you all doing well. We have eleven hockey games to get us through the day, beginning in...
Boston, as the Bruins host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Tuukka Rask are in goal. Boston opened in the first period with a Zdeno Chara goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by David Krejci and Nathan Horton. The Bruins added on with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin. Florida got on the board in the second period as Shawn Matthias scored his eighth of the season, a shorthanded goal going in unassisted. Boston replied in the third period as Shawn Thornton scored his third of the year, via Daniel Paille and Gregory Campbell. The Bruins iced it at 4-1 with a Bergeron empty net goal, his second of the game and eighth of the campaign, passed from Marchand. Rask (29 for 30 in saves), Bergeron, and Matthias got the three stars, while Marchand gets an honorable mention.
Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury faces a lesser foe in Ben Scrivens. Toronto was first to score in the second period as Tyler Bozak scored his seventh of the season, fueled by Cody Franson and Phil Kessel. Pittsburgh tied it in the third period on a Pascal Dupuis goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins took the lead as Dupuis scored his second of the night and thirteenth of the season, with a lone Kunitz helper. Pittsburgh finished the scoring at 3-1 with a Craig Adams empty net goal, his third of the year, going down unassisted. Crosby, Dupuis, and Fleury (28 for 29 in saves) received the three stars, while Kunitz gets an honorable mention.
Back stateside, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Sergei Bobrovsky guard the cages. Chicago got going in the second period with a Johnny Oduya goal, set up by Patrick Kane and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Columbus tied it with a power play goal by Jack Johnson, his fourth of the season, powered by Derick Brassard and Brandon Dubinsky. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in the shootout as Jonathan Toews and Kane scored to topple a lone tally by Artem Anisimov. The three stars were awarded to Bobrovsky (39 for 40 in saves), Crawford (29 for 30 in saves), and Kane.
East to Carolina, as the Hurricanes welcome the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Dan Ellis receive the starting nods. Carolina started with a first period Alexander Semin goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Eric Staal and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes added on as Patrick Dwyer scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Tim Gleason and Joe Corvo. Washington got on the board as Joey Crabb scored his second of the season in the second period, via Aaron Volpatti and Karl Alzner. The Capitals tied it in the third period with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Troy Brouwer and Nicklas Backstrom. Washington took the lead as Mike Ribeiro scored his tenth of the campaign, courtesy of Ovechkin and John Carlson. This stood for a 3-2 win, with Ribeiro, Neuvirth (36 for 38 in saves), and Ovechkin getting the three stars.
Down south, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Anders Lindback are called on to start. New York began in the second period with a John Tavares power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Matt Moulson and Brad Boyes. The Islanders finished it at 2-0 with a Boyes empty net goal, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist from Andrew MacDonald. Nabokov (18 save shutout), Tavares, and Lindback (27 for 28 in saves) receive the three stars, while Boyes is the honorable mention.
Northwest to Winnipeg, with the Jets hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec tend the twines. Winnipeg struck first in the first period on a power play goal by Nik Antropov, his third of the season, assisted by Dustin Byfuglien and Kyle Wellwood. New York tied it in the second period when Ryan Callahan scored his ninth of the year, thanks to Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. The Jets took the lead back as Antti Miettinen scored, with the help of Byfuglien and Grant Clitsome. Winnipeg iced it at 3-1 with an Andrew Ladd empty net goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, set up by Blake Wheeler and Olli Jokinen. Pavelec (28 for 29 in saves), Byfuglien, and Lundqvist (30 for 32 in saves) got the three stars.
Down to Minnesota, with the Wild bringing in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Niklas Backstrom are the masked men. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Torrey Mitchell goal, his second of the season, assisted by Matt Cullen. Colorado tied it on a power play goal by P.A. Parenteau, his eleventh of the year, powered by Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny. The Wild took the lead in the second period with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his seventh of the season, with assists provided by Cullen and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Minnesota added on as Jonas Brodin scored, with the help of Ryan Suter. The Avalanche got one back with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his third of the year, passed from Ryan O'Reilly and Erik Johnson. The Wild answered on a Mikko Koivu goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Zach Parise and Suter. Colorado chipped back on a Parenteau goal in the third period, his second of the game and twelfth of the year, guided in by Johnson and Greg Zanon. Minnesota wrapped it up as Koivu scored his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, an empty net goal helped along by Parise and Suter, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars were given to Brodin, Cullen, and Suter, while Koivu, Parise, Parenteau, and Johnson get the honorable mentions.
Further to the south, the St. Louis Blues host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jake Allen are between the pipes. St. Louis got going in the second period as Chris Stewart scored his twelfth of the season, made possible by David Backes and Alex Steen. The Blues added on in the third period as Steen scored his fifth of the year, passed from Stewart and Backes. St. Louis extended the lead as Stewart scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist from Steen. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 3-0 final, with the three stars belonging to Allen (28 save shutout), Stewart, and Steen, while Backes gets an honorable mention.
Continuing on to Dallas, where the Stars host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Kari Lehtonen are the veteran goalies. Dallas opened with a first period goal by Ray Whitney, his third of the season, assisted by Loui Eriksson and Alex Goligoski. Anaheim tied it on an Andrew Cogliano goal in the second period, his tenth of the year, guided in by Peter Holland and Daniel Winnik. The Ducks won 2-1 in the shootout with goals from Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf. The three stars went to Hiller (33 for 34 in saves), Lehtonen (29 for 30 in saves), and Getzlaf.
Up in Canada again, the Vancouver Canucks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo are in the creases. Vancouver began in the first period as Andrew Ebbett scored, thanks to Jannik Hansen. Nashville tied it as Matt Halischuk scored, an unassisted goal. The Canucks took the lead back with an Alexander Edler goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Chris Tanev and Henrik Sedin. Vancouver extended the lead with a Mason Raymond goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Ebbett and Hansen. The Canucks padded the lead with a second period goal by Maxim Lapierre, his second of the season, guided in by Dale Weise and Raymond. Chris Mason relieved Rinne at that time. The Predators got one back with a Nick Spaling goal, his fifth of the year, via Zach Boychuk. Vancouver shot back on a Hansen goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Ebbett and Edler. Nashville took one back in the third period as Mike Fisher netted his fifth of the year, courtesy of Halischuk. The Predators got closer with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his eighth of the season, via David Legwand. The Canucks shot back as Henrik Sedin scored his seventh of the year on a penalty shot. Vancouver iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by David Booth, with assists coming from Lapierre and Weise. The three stars went to Ebbett, Hansen, and Henrik Sedin, while Halischuk, Raymond, Edler, Lapierre, and Weise get the honorable mentions.
Finally, we end in San Jose, where the Sharks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi are in the blue paint. San Jose started in the first period with a Brent Burns goal, his second of the season, made possible by Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on in the second period with a Matt Irwin power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Ryane Clowe and Scott Gomez. San Jose extended the lead with a power play goal by Couture, his eleventh of the season, set up by Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. Jonathan Bernier replaced Quick at this time. Los Angeles got on the board as Dustin Brown scored a power play goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. The Sharks shot back in the third period as Couture scored his second of the game and twelfth of the season, assisted by Burns. The Kings answered with Brown's second of the game and eleventh of the year, guided in by Williams and Scuderi. Los Angeles got closer with a Dwight King goal, his second of the campaign, fueled by Scuderi and Keaton Ellerby. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3 and the three stars going to Burns, Couture, and Brown, while Williams and Scuderi get honorable mentions.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
NHL March 13th 2013
Three games tonight on a sparse Wednesday. The first comes from...
Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Carey Price are in the creases. Montreal struck first in the first period as Lars Eller scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Gabriel Dumont. Ottawa tied it with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his sixth of the year coming on the power play from Jakob Silfverberg and Chris Neil. The Canadiens took the lead back in the second period as Brendan Gallagher scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by Max Pacioretty and P.K. Subban. Montreal added on as Subban netted his seventh of the year, a power play goal set up by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. The Senators got one back as Daniel Alfredsson put away his sixth of the season, a power play goal passed from Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. Ottawa tied it in the third period as Patrick Wiercioch scored his third of the year, thanks to Andre Benoit and Zack Smith. The Canadiens won 4-3 in the shootout with tallies by Alex Galchenyuk and Eller, topping a lone Silfverberg goal for the Senators. Eller, Subban and Gallagher got the three stars.
Down in New Jersey, the Devils host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Johan Hedberg play between the pipes. New Jersey was first to score in the first period as Patrik Elias scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Adam Henrique and Steve Bernier. Philadelphia tied it as Jakub Voracek scored his thirteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Wayne Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. The Devils took the lead back with a Henrique goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Elias and the goalie Hedberg. New Jersey added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk shorthanded goal, his tenth of the year, via Stephen Gionta. The Devils extended the lead in the second period as Andrei Loktionov scored his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey padded the lead in the third period on another Henrique goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year coming on the power play with the help of Loktionov and Marek Zidlicky. The Flyers got one back as Hartnell notched his second of the season, with an assist provided by Voracek. This only made it 5-2, a final, with the three stars going to Henrique, Hedberg (23 for 25 in saves), and Loktionov, while Elias, Hartnell, and Voracek get the honorable mentions.
Finally, we end in Calgary, as the Flames host the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Miikka Kiprusoff receive the starting nods. Detroit opened in the first period with a Niklas Kronwall goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Pavel Datsyuk. Calgary tied it with an Alex Tanguay goal, his eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Michael Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman. The Flames took the lead with a Jay Bouwmeester goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Lee Stempniak and Matt Stajan. The Red Wings tied it in the second period with a Valtteri Filppula power play goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Kyle Quincey and Gustav Nyquist. Calgary took the lead back in the third period as Stempniak scored his seventh of the season, fueled by Curtis Glencross and Stajan. The Flames extended the lead as Glencross scored his ninth of the year, an unassisted goal. Calgary padded the lead on a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the season, helped along by Mikael Backlund. This made it 5-2, a final, with the three stars being Kiprusoff (36 for 38 in saves), Bouwmeester, and Glencross, while Stajan and Stempniak get honorable mentions.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Carey Price are in the creases. Montreal struck first in the first period as Lars Eller scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Gabriel Dumont. Ottawa tied it with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his sixth of the year coming on the power play from Jakob Silfverberg and Chris Neil. The Canadiens took the lead back in the second period as Brendan Gallagher scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by Max Pacioretty and P.K. Subban. Montreal added on as Subban netted his seventh of the year, a power play goal set up by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. The Senators got one back as Daniel Alfredsson put away his sixth of the season, a power play goal passed from Kyle Turris and Sergei Gonchar. Ottawa tied it in the third period as Patrick Wiercioch scored his third of the year, thanks to Andre Benoit and Zack Smith. The Canadiens won 4-3 in the shootout with tallies by Alex Galchenyuk and Eller, topping a lone Silfverberg goal for the Senators. Eller, Subban and Gallagher got the three stars.
Down in New Jersey, the Devils host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Johan Hedberg play between the pipes. New Jersey was first to score in the first period as Patrik Elias scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Adam Henrique and Steve Bernier. Philadelphia tied it as Jakub Voracek scored his thirteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Wayne Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. The Devils took the lead back with a Henrique goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Elias and the goalie Hedberg. New Jersey added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk shorthanded goal, his tenth of the year, via Stephen Gionta. The Devils extended the lead in the second period as Andrei Loktionov scored his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Alexei Ponikarovsky. New Jersey padded the lead in the third period on another Henrique goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year coming on the power play with the help of Loktionov and Marek Zidlicky. The Flyers got one back as Hartnell notched his second of the season, with an assist provided by Voracek. This only made it 5-2, a final, with the three stars going to Henrique, Hedberg (23 for 25 in saves), and Loktionov, while Elias, Hartnell, and Voracek get the honorable mentions.
Finally, we end in Calgary, as the Flames host the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Miikka Kiprusoff receive the starting nods. Detroit opened in the first period with a Niklas Kronwall goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Pavel Datsyuk. Calgary tied it with an Alex Tanguay goal, his eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Michael Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman. The Flames took the lead with a Jay Bouwmeester goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Lee Stempniak and Matt Stajan. The Red Wings tied it in the second period with a Valtteri Filppula power play goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Kyle Quincey and Gustav Nyquist. Calgary took the lead back in the third period as Stempniak scored his seventh of the season, fueled by Curtis Glencross and Stajan. The Flames extended the lead as Glencross scored his ninth of the year, an unassisted goal. Calgary padded the lead on a Blake Comeau goal, his second of the season, helped along by Mikael Backlund. This made it 5-2, a final, with the three stars being Kiprusoff (36 for 38 in saves), Bouwmeester, and Glencross, while Stajan and Stempniak get honorable mentions.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
NHL March 12th 2013
Delayed post due to my attendance at the historic Seattle Sounders CONCACAF Champions League comeback in the second leg of a quarterfinal with Tigres UANL of Monterrey, Mexico. For the eleven hockey games, we begin in...
Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Sergei Bobrovsky are all padded up. Columbus got going in the second period with a Mark Letestu goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Derick Brassard and Vinny Prospal. Vancouver tied it on a Jason Garrison goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Jannik Hansen and Cam Barker. The game went into a shootout, where the Canucks won 2-1 with a lone tally by Mason Raymond. The three stars went to Bobrovsky (37 for 38 in saves), Luongo (26 for 27 in saves), and Garrison.
Over in Buffalo, the Sabres host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Jhonas Enroth in goal. New York began in the second period as Derek Stepan scored his seventh of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Ryan Callahan. Buffalo tied it on a Marcus Foligno goal, his second of the year, via Christian Ehrhoff and Andrej Sekera. The Sabres took the lead on a Thomas Vanek goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Jason Pominville and Cody Hodgson. Buffalo iced it at 3-1 in the third period when Foligno scored his second of the game and third of the year, with the help of Sekera and Brian Flynn. The three stars were handed to Foligno, Enroth (32 for 33 in saves), and Sekera.
Down in Washington, the Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Braden Holtby receive the starting nods. Carolina opened in the first period as Joe Corvo scored his fourth of the season, coming off of Alexander Semin and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes added on in the second period with a Riley Nash goal, his second of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Drayson Bowman. Carolina extended the lead on another Nash goal, his second of the game and third of the season, passed from Patrick Dwyer and Tim Gleason. The Hurricanes finished the scoring at 4-0 in the third period on a Dwyer empty net goal, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Peters (26 save shutout), Nash, and Eric Staal, while Dwyer gets an honorable mention.
Further to the south, the Florida Panthers host their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Jacob Markstrom are the young goalies. Tampa Bay led off in the first period with the seventh of the season by Vincent Lecavalier, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Alex Killorn. The Lightning added on as St. Louis potted his seventh of the year, fueled by Killorn and Lecavalier. Florida got on the board in the second period with a Kris Versteeg goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Marcel Goc. The Panthers tied it with a Tomas Kopecky goal, his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jack Skille. Tampa Bay gained the lead back in the third period as Steven Stamkos scored his twentieth of the year, a power play goal powered by Teddy Purcell and St. Louis. They held on to win 3-2 with, with the three stars belonging to St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lindback (37 for 39 in saves), while Lecavlier and Killorn receive the honorable mentions.
Back north a bit, the Pittsburgh Penguins bring in the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin is mismatched with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Boston was first to score in the first period as Zdeno Chara scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dennis Seidenberg and Rich Peverley. The Bruins extended the lead as Tyler Seguin notched his ninth of the year, with helpers provided by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third period as Chris Kunitz recorded his eighteenth of the season, fueled by Kris Letang and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins tied it with a Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to James Neal and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh took the lead as Sutter potted his second of the night and eighth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. This was the decisive marker, resulting in a 3-2 final, with the three stars being named as Sutter, Kunitz, and Chara.
Westward to St. Louis, where the Blues welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jake Allen man the creases. St. Louis struck first in the first period as Chris Stewart scored his tenth of the season, assisted by David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo. The Blues added on in the second period as David Perron scored his ninth of the year, via Patrik Berglund. San Jose got on the board with a Brent Burns goal, fueled by Scott Gomez and Matt Irwin. St. Louis answered with a Chris Porter goal, with a lone assist by Barret Jackman. The Sharks took one back in the third period as Dan Boyle scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. The Blues iced it at 4-2 with Stewart's second of the game and eleventh of the year, an empty net goal made possible by Jackman. The three stars were awarded to Allen (39 for 41 in saves), Stewart, and Porter, while Jackman gets an honorable mention.
Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Niklas Backstrom are between the pipes. Minnesota started in the first period with a Devin Setoguchi power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Matt Cullen and Tom Gilbert. Anaheim tied it in the third period on a Pat Maroon goal, his second of the year, with assists from Toni Lydman and Brandon McMillan. The Ducks gained the lead as Luca Sbisa scored, thanks to Teemu Selanne and Daniel Winnik. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Hiller (30 for 31 in saves), Cullen, and Zenon Konopka (fight), while any point-earner can take the third slot.
Crossing into Canada, we have the Winnipeg Jets welcoming the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec protect the nets. Winnipeg led off in the first period with a Nik Antropov goal, his second of the season coming on the power play from Dustin Byfuglien and Kyle Wellwood. Toronto tied it in the second period with an unassisted Phil Kessel goal, his eighth of the year. The Jets answered as Blake Wheeler recorded his ninth of the season, thanks to Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd. Winnipeg added on with a Wellwood goal, his second of the year, passed from Byfuglien and Antropov. The Jets padded the lead as Evander Kane notched his eleventh of the campaign, with a lone assist from Antropov. Ben Scrivens replaced Reimer at this time. Winnipeg extended the lead on another Wheeler goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season, with assists provided by Eric Tangradi and Byfuglien, the latter getting a sock trick. The Maple Leafs got one back as Kessel scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, courtesy of Korbinian Holzer and James van Riemsdyk. This only made it a 5-2 final, with the three stars going to Antropov, Wheeler, and Kane, while Byfuglien, Wellwood, and Kessel receive honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Dallas Stars bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Nashville began in the first period as Nick Spaling scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Matt Halischuk. The Predators added on in the second period when Shea Weber scored a power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Craig Smith and David Legwand. Nashville extended the lead on a Richard Clue penalty shot conversion, his third goal of the season, with the attempt awarded from a Jordie Benn hook on a breakaway. The Predators iced it at 4-0 in the third period when Gabriel Bourque scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal passed from Smith and Legwand. Rinne (32 save shutout), Clune, and Weber got the three stars while Smtih and Legwand picked up the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Shawn Horcoff goal, his third of the season, assisted by Ales Hemsky and Taylor Hall. The Oilers added on with a Sam Gagner goal, his tenth of the year, fueled by Magnus Paajarvi and Ryan Whitney. Edmonton extended the lead in the second period on a Paajarvi goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Nick Schultz and Gagner. The Oilers padded the lead in the third period as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Hall and Hemsky. This made it 4-0, a final, with the three stars belonging to Dubnyk (36 save shutout), Gagner, and Paajarvi, while Hall and Hemsky receive honorable mentions.
Finally, we end in Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith are in the blue paint. Phoenix started in the first period with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Raffi Torres and Martin Hanzal. The Coyotes added on with a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Derek Morris and Steve Sullivan. Phoenix kept going in the second period on a Boedker power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, with a lone assist from Keith Yandle. The Coyotes extended the lead as Torres scored his fifth of the year, via Doan. Los Angeles got on the board as Mike Richards netted his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Slava Voynov and Jarret Stoll. The Kings pulled closer in the third period as Dustin Brown scored a power play goal, his ninth of the campaign, coming off of Jake Muzzin and Anze Kopitar. Phoenix wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Rob Klinkhammer goal, his second of the year, made possible by David Moss. The three stars were awarded to Boedker, Doan, and Torres.
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Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Sergei Bobrovsky are all padded up. Columbus got going in the second period with a Mark Letestu goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Derick Brassard and Vinny Prospal. Vancouver tied it on a Jason Garrison goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Jannik Hansen and Cam Barker. The game went into a shootout, where the Canucks won 2-1 with a lone tally by Mason Raymond. The three stars went to Bobrovsky (37 for 38 in saves), Luongo (26 for 27 in saves), and Garrison.
Over in Buffalo, the Sabres host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Jhonas Enroth in goal. New York began in the second period as Derek Stepan scored his seventh of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Ryan Callahan. Buffalo tied it on a Marcus Foligno goal, his second of the year, via Christian Ehrhoff and Andrej Sekera. The Sabres took the lead on a Thomas Vanek goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Jason Pominville and Cody Hodgson. Buffalo iced it at 3-1 in the third period when Foligno scored his second of the game and third of the year, with the help of Sekera and Brian Flynn. The three stars were handed to Foligno, Enroth (32 for 33 in saves), and Sekera.
Down in Washington, the Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Braden Holtby receive the starting nods. Carolina opened in the first period as Joe Corvo scored his fourth of the season, coming off of Alexander Semin and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes added on in the second period with a Riley Nash goal, his second of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Drayson Bowman. Carolina extended the lead on another Nash goal, his second of the game and third of the season, passed from Patrick Dwyer and Tim Gleason. The Hurricanes finished the scoring at 4-0 in the third period on a Dwyer empty net goal, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Peters (26 save shutout), Nash, and Eric Staal, while Dwyer gets an honorable mention.
Further to the south, the Florida Panthers host their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anders Lindback and Jacob Markstrom are the young goalies. Tampa Bay led off in the first period with the seventh of the season by Vincent Lecavalier, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Alex Killorn. The Lightning added on as St. Louis potted his seventh of the year, fueled by Killorn and Lecavalier. Florida got on the board in the second period with a Kris Versteeg goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Marcel Goc. The Panthers tied it with a Tomas Kopecky goal, his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jack Skille. Tampa Bay gained the lead back in the third period as Steven Stamkos scored his twentieth of the year, a power play goal powered by Teddy Purcell and St. Louis. They held on to win 3-2 with, with the three stars belonging to St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lindback (37 for 39 in saves), while Lecavlier and Killorn receive the honorable mentions.
Back north a bit, the Pittsburgh Penguins bring in the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin is mismatched with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Boston was first to score in the first period as Zdeno Chara scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dennis Seidenberg and Rich Peverley. The Bruins extended the lead as Tyler Seguin notched his ninth of the year, with helpers provided by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third period as Chris Kunitz recorded his eighteenth of the season, fueled by Kris Letang and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins tied it with a Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to James Neal and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh took the lead as Sutter potted his second of the night and eighth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. This was the decisive marker, resulting in a 3-2 final, with the three stars being named as Sutter, Kunitz, and Chara.
Westward to St. Louis, where the Blues welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jake Allen man the creases. St. Louis struck first in the first period as Chris Stewart scored his tenth of the season, assisted by David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo. The Blues added on in the second period as David Perron scored his ninth of the year, via Patrik Berglund. San Jose got on the board with a Brent Burns goal, fueled by Scott Gomez and Matt Irwin. St. Louis answered with a Chris Porter goal, with a lone assist by Barret Jackman. The Sharks took one back in the third period as Dan Boyle scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. The Blues iced it at 4-2 with Stewart's second of the game and eleventh of the year, an empty net goal made possible by Jackman. The three stars were awarded to Allen (39 for 41 in saves), Stewart, and Porter, while Jackman gets an honorable mention.
Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Niklas Backstrom are between the pipes. Minnesota started in the first period with a Devin Setoguchi power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Matt Cullen and Tom Gilbert. Anaheim tied it in the third period on a Pat Maroon goal, his second of the year, with assists from Toni Lydman and Brandon McMillan. The Ducks gained the lead as Luca Sbisa scored, thanks to Teemu Selanne and Daniel Winnik. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Hiller (30 for 31 in saves), Cullen, and Zenon Konopka (fight), while any point-earner can take the third slot.
Crossing into Canada, we have the Winnipeg Jets welcoming the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ondrej Pavelec protect the nets. Winnipeg led off in the first period with a Nik Antropov goal, his second of the season coming on the power play from Dustin Byfuglien and Kyle Wellwood. Toronto tied it in the second period with an unassisted Phil Kessel goal, his eighth of the year. The Jets answered as Blake Wheeler recorded his ninth of the season, thanks to Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd. Winnipeg added on with a Wellwood goal, his second of the year, passed from Byfuglien and Antropov. The Jets padded the lead as Evander Kane notched his eleventh of the campaign, with a lone assist from Antropov. Ben Scrivens replaced Reimer at this time. Winnipeg extended the lead on another Wheeler goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season, with assists provided by Eric Tangradi and Byfuglien, the latter getting a sock trick. The Maple Leafs got one back as Kessel scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, courtesy of Korbinian Holzer and James van Riemsdyk. This only made it a 5-2 final, with the three stars going to Antropov, Wheeler, and Kane, while Byfuglien, Wellwood, and Kessel receive honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Dallas Stars bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Nashville began in the first period as Nick Spaling scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Matt Halischuk. The Predators added on in the second period when Shea Weber scored a power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Craig Smith and David Legwand. Nashville extended the lead on a Richard Clue penalty shot conversion, his third goal of the season, with the attempt awarded from a Jordie Benn hook on a breakaway. The Predators iced it at 4-0 in the third period when Gabriel Bourque scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal passed from Smith and Legwand. Rinne (32 save shutout), Clune, and Weber got the three stars while Smtih and Legwand picked up the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Shawn Horcoff goal, his third of the season, assisted by Ales Hemsky and Taylor Hall. The Oilers added on with a Sam Gagner goal, his tenth of the year, fueled by Magnus Paajarvi and Ryan Whitney. Edmonton extended the lead in the second period on a Paajarvi goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Nick Schultz and Gagner. The Oilers padded the lead in the third period as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Hall and Hemsky. This made it 4-0, a final, with the three stars belonging to Dubnyk (36 save shutout), Gagner, and Paajarvi, while Hall and Hemsky receive honorable mentions.
Finally, we end in Phoenix, as the Coyotes host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith are in the blue paint. Phoenix started in the first period with a Mikkel Boedker goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Raffi Torres and Martin Hanzal. The Coyotes added on with a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Derek Morris and Steve Sullivan. Phoenix kept going in the second period on a Boedker power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, with a lone assist from Keith Yandle. The Coyotes extended the lead as Torres scored his fifth of the year, via Doan. Los Angeles got on the board as Mike Richards netted his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Slava Voynov and Jarret Stoll. The Kings pulled closer in the third period as Dustin Brown scored a power play goal, his ninth of the campaign, coming off of Jake Muzzin and Anze Kopitar. Phoenix wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Rob Klinkhammer goal, his second of the year, made possible by David Moss. The three stars were awarded to Boedker, Doan, and Torres.
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Western Conference Semifinal: SKA St. Petersburg VS. Severstal Cherepovets
Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between SKA St. Petersburg and Severstal Cherepovets in the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.
Game 1: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Ivan Kasutin for SKA. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period with a power play goal by Mikhail Varnakov, assisted by Kevin Dallman. Cherepovets tied it with a Nikita Alexeyev goal, with a lone assist from Linus Videll. SKA took the lead back as Viktor Tikhonov scored, courtesy of Tony Martensson and Patrick Thoresen. St. Petersburg added on in the second period as Thoresen scored a power play goal, powered by Dallman and Dmitry Kalinin. Severstal shot back with a Mikhail Anisin goal, fueled by Niclas Bergfors and Vadim Berdnikov. Cherepovets retied it on an Evgeny Ketov goal, made possible by Gennady Stolyarov and Vadim Shipachyov. Severstal gained the lead on a Ketov power play goal, set up by Shipachyov and Bogdan Kiselevich. SKA retied it as Martensson scored, with assists provided by Thoresen and Dallman, the latter getting a sock trick. St. Petersburg gained the lead again in the third period on a Tikhonov goal, coming off of Martensson and Alexei Semenov. SKA padded the lead with an empty net goal by Maxim Afinogenov, via Evgeny Artyukhin. St. Petersburg iced it at 7-4 with another empty net goal by Tikhonov, completing his hat trick with the help of Martensson, who got a sock trick. The three stars went to Tikhonov, Martensson, and Thoresen, while Dallman, Shipachyov, and Ketov receive the honorable mentions. SKA takes an early 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Ilya Ezhov for SKA. St. Petersburg was first to score in the first period with a power play goal by Viktor Tikhonov, powered by Kevin Dallman and Patrick Thoresen. SKA added on in the second period when Teemu Ramstedt scored, courtesy of Yury Alexandrov. St. Petersburg extended the lead with another Tikhonov goal, with a lone assist from Anton Burdasov. Cherepovets got on the board in the third period when Alexander Ryazantsev scored, with the help of Evgeny Ketov and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA replied with an Alexander Kucheryavenko goal, passed from Evgeny Artyukhin. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Tikhonov, Ezhov (43 for 44 in saves), and Ramstedt. SKA will head east with a 2-0 series lead in hand.
Game 3: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Ilya Ezhov for SKA and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. St. Petersburg began in the first period with a Teemu Ramstedt goal, assisted by Artemy Panarin. SKA added on as Mikhail Varnakov scored, courtesy of Yury Alexandrov. St. Petersburg extended the lead with an Anton Burdasov goal, passed from Dmitry Kalinin and Maxim Afinogenov. SKA padded the lead in the second period as Ivan Nepryayev scored, with the help of Alexander Kucheryavenko and Kalinin. This was all for the scoring, resulting a 4-0 final, with Ezhov (32 save shutout), Ramstedt, and Kalinin receiving the three stars. SKA has pushed Severstal to the brink of elimination, with a 3-0 series lead in hand.
Game 4: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Ivan Kasutin for SKA and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. St. Petersburg opened in the first period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kalinin, powered by Kevin Dallman and Viktor Tikhonov. Cherepovets tied it on a Denis Kazionov goal, fueled by Vadim Shipachyov on the power play. Severstal took the lead in the second period as Mikhail Anisin scored, thanks to Gennady Stolyarov. SKA tied it again on a Yury Alexandrov goal, assisted by Alexander Kucheryavenko and Artemy Panarin. St. Petersburg took the lead with a Kucheryavenko goal, set up by Kalinin and Maxim Afinogenov. SKA extended the lead as Evgeny Artyukhin scored, with a lone assist from Kucheryavenko. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 4-2 final, with the three stars being Kucheryavenko, Kalinin, and Kasutin (34 for 36 in saves). SKA will advance to the conference finals, sweeping Severstal away 4-0.
Game 1: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Ivan Kasutin for SKA. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period with a power play goal by Mikhail Varnakov, assisted by Kevin Dallman. Cherepovets tied it with a Nikita Alexeyev goal, with a lone assist from Linus Videll. SKA took the lead back as Viktor Tikhonov scored, courtesy of Tony Martensson and Patrick Thoresen. St. Petersburg added on in the second period as Thoresen scored a power play goal, powered by Dallman and Dmitry Kalinin. Severstal shot back with a Mikhail Anisin goal, fueled by Niclas Bergfors and Vadim Berdnikov. Cherepovets retied it on an Evgeny Ketov goal, made possible by Gennady Stolyarov and Vadim Shipachyov. Severstal gained the lead on a Ketov power play goal, set up by Shipachyov and Bogdan Kiselevich. SKA retied it as Martensson scored, with assists provided by Thoresen and Dallman, the latter getting a sock trick. St. Petersburg gained the lead again in the third period on a Tikhonov goal, coming off of Martensson and Alexei Semenov. SKA padded the lead with an empty net goal by Maxim Afinogenov, via Evgeny Artyukhin. St. Petersburg iced it at 7-4 with another empty net goal by Tikhonov, completing his hat trick with the help of Martensson, who got a sock trick. The three stars went to Tikhonov, Martensson, and Thoresen, while Dallman, Shipachyov, and Ketov receive the honorable mentions. SKA takes an early 1-0 series lead.
Game 2: Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal and Ilya Ezhov for SKA. St. Petersburg was first to score in the first period with a power play goal by Viktor Tikhonov, powered by Kevin Dallman and Patrick Thoresen. SKA added on in the second period when Teemu Ramstedt scored, courtesy of Yury Alexandrov. St. Petersburg extended the lead with another Tikhonov goal, with a lone assist from Anton Burdasov. Cherepovets got on the board in the third period when Alexander Ryazantsev scored, with the help of Evgeny Ketov and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA replied with an Alexander Kucheryavenko goal, passed from Evgeny Artyukhin. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Tikhonov, Ezhov (43 for 44 in saves), and Ramstedt. SKA will head east with a 2-0 series lead in hand.
Game 3: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Ilya Ezhov for SKA and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. St. Petersburg began in the first period with a Teemu Ramstedt goal, assisted by Artemy Panarin. SKA added on as Mikhail Varnakov scored, courtesy of Yury Alexandrov. St. Petersburg extended the lead with an Anton Burdasov goal, passed from Dmitry Kalinin and Maxim Afinogenov. SKA padded the lead in the second period as Ivan Nepryayev scored, with the help of Alexander Kucheryavenko and Kalinin. This was all for the scoring, resulting a 4-0 final, with Ezhov (32 save shutout), Ramstedt, and Kalinin receiving the three stars. SKA has pushed Severstal to the brink of elimination, with a 3-0 series lead in hand.
Game 4: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. In goal: Ivan Kasutin for SKA and Vasily Koshechkin for Severstal. St. Petersburg opened in the first period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kalinin, powered by Kevin Dallman and Viktor Tikhonov. Cherepovets tied it on a Denis Kazionov goal, fueled by Vadim Shipachyov on the power play. Severstal took the lead in the second period as Mikhail Anisin scored, thanks to Gennady Stolyarov. SKA tied it again on a Yury Alexandrov goal, assisted by Alexander Kucheryavenko and Artemy Panarin. St. Petersburg took the lead with a Kucheryavenko goal, set up by Kalinin and Maxim Afinogenov. SKA extended the lead as Evgeny Artyukhin scored, with a lone assist from Kucheryavenko. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 4-2 final, with the three stars being Kucheryavenko, Kalinin, and Kasutin (34 for 36 in saves). SKA will advance to the conference finals, sweeping Severstal away 4-0.
Monday, March 11, 2013
NHL March 11th 2013
Two games only today, beginning with...
The Ottawa Senators hosting the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Robin Lehner protect the nets. Ottawa opened in the first period with a Guillaume Latendresse goal, assisted by Sergei Gonchar and Chris Phillips. The Senators added on as Kyle Turris scored his fifth of the season, fueled by Phillips. Boston got on the board with a Shawn Thornton goal, his second of the year, guided in by Zdeno Chara. The Bruins tied it in the second period when Daniel Paille scored his fifth of the season, thanks to David Krejci and Adam McQuaid. Boston won 3-2 in the shootout as Patrice Bergeron and Krejci goals overpowered a lone Turris tally. The three stars went to Krejci, Phillips, and Paille.
Out west, we finish in Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Joey MacDonald and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. Los Angeles started in the first period on a Dustin Brown power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Slava Voynov and Jake Muzzin. The Kings added on with a Jarret Stoll goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Muzzin. Calgary got on the board in the third period as Mikael Backlund scored his fourth of the season, via Alex Tanguay. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 with an unassisted Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year. The three stars went to Muzzin, Stoll, and Jay Bouwmeester, while Brown could take the third slot.
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The Ottawa Senators hosting the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Robin Lehner protect the nets. Ottawa opened in the first period with a Guillaume Latendresse goal, assisted by Sergei Gonchar and Chris Phillips. The Senators added on as Kyle Turris scored his fifth of the season, fueled by Phillips. Boston got on the board with a Shawn Thornton goal, his second of the year, guided in by Zdeno Chara. The Bruins tied it in the second period when Daniel Paille scored his fifth of the season, thanks to David Krejci and Adam McQuaid. Boston won 3-2 in the shootout as Patrice Bergeron and Krejci goals overpowered a lone Turris tally. The three stars went to Krejci, Phillips, and Paille.
Out west, we finish in Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Joey MacDonald and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. Los Angeles started in the first period on a Dustin Brown power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Slava Voynov and Jake Muzzin. The Kings added on with a Jarret Stoll goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Muzzin. Calgary got on the board in the third period as Mikael Backlund scored his fourth of the season, via Alex Tanguay. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 with an unassisted Brown empty net goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year. The three stars went to Muzzin, Stoll, and Jay Bouwmeester, while Brown could take the third slot.
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Sunday, March 10, 2013
NHL March 10th 2013
Ten more games to end the weekend, beginning in...
Washington, D.C., as the Capitals host the New York Rangers. Martin Biron and Braden Holtby receive the starting nods. Washington opened with a Steve Oleksy goal, fueled by Jason Chimera and Marcus Johansson. New York tied it as Derek Stepan scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Marian Gaborik and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers took the lead as Brian Boyle scored, via McDonagh and Carl Hagelin. New York padded the lead on a Ryan Callahan goal, his eighth of the year, coming on the power play from Rick Nash and Michael Del Zotto. Michal Neuvirth relieved Holtby at this time. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 with a Brad Richards goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Hagelin and Nash. The three stars went to Biron (28 for 29 in saves), McDonagh, and Oleksy, while Nash and Hagelin get the honorable mentions.
Over in Detroit, the Red Wings host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jimmy Howard are in the blue paint. Columbus got going in the second period as Derick Brassard scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Fedor Tyutin and Cam Atkinson. Detroit tied it with a Jakub Kindl goal, his third of the year, passed from Pavel Datsyuk. The Blue Jackets got the lead back on an R.J. Umberger goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno. The Red Wings tied it again in the third period as Johan Franzen scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg. Columbus won 3-2 in the shootout, with tallies by Johansen and Matt Calvert toppling Datsyuk's lone goal. Umberger, Datsyuk, and Jack Johnson got the three stars, while Johansen gets the honorable mention.
Down in Florida, the Panthers bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Jacob Markstrom are set to start. Montreal began with a David Desharnais goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Brendan Gallagher and Alexei Emelin. The Canadiens added on as Michael Ryder scored a power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by P.K. Subban and Tomas Plekanec. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as Brian Gionta scored his ninth of the season, guided in by Subban and Plekanec. The Canadiens padded the lead with a Francis Bouillon goal, coming off of Ryder and Gionta. Florida got on the board in the third period when Tomas Kopecky scored his tenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Panthers pulled closer as Shawn Matthias netted his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jack Skille. Montreal shot back as Ryder scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, another power play goal, set up by Subban, who got a sock trick, and Andrei Markov. This produced a 5-2 final score, with the three stars belonging to
Northwest to Chicago, where the Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Ray Emery are called on to start. Edmonton led off with a first period Mike Brown goal, with a lone assist from Nick Schultz. The Oilers added on as Sam Gagner scored his eighth of the season, guided in by Magnus Paajarvi and Nail Yakupov. Edmonton padded the lead as Ryan Whitney scored his third of the year, courtesy of Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky. Corey Crawford relieved Emery at this time. The Oilers struck again with another Gagner goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, coming on the power play from Whitney and Jordan Eberle. Chicago got on the board in the second period when Patrick Kane scored his thirteenth of the year, via Dave Bolland. The Blackhawks chipped away as Marian Hossa potted his eleventh of the season, thanks to Jonathan Toews and Nick Leddy. Yann Danis had to relieve Dubnyk due to injury shortly after this goal. Edmonton shot back on a Shawn Horcoff power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. Chicago chipped back on a Sheldon Brookbank shorthanded goal, with an assist from Hossa. The Oilers answered on a Hall power play goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. The Blackhawks swiftly replied again with a Brent Seabrook goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Kane and Duncan Keith. Chicago pulled closer in the third period on Kane's second of the night and fourteenth of the season, helped along by Bolland and Brandon Saad on the power play. They failed to complete the comeback, losing 6-5, with the three stars going to Gagner, Kane, and Hall, while Justin Schultz, Nugent-Hopkins, Whitney, Hossa, and Bolland receive the honorable mentions.
Back east, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Tomas Vokoun are the veteran goalies. Pittsburgh started with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on as Kunitz scored his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal, passed from James Neal and Crosby. Pittsburgh struck again with another Kunitz power play gol, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, powered by Neal and Crosby, the latter getting a sock trick. New York got on the board in the second period with a Brad Boyes goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Casey Cizikas and Matt Moulson. The Penguins replied as Kunitz finished his hat trick with his seventeenth of the season, pushed through by Kris Letang and Crosby. Pittsburgh padded the lead on a Neal goal, his seventeenth of the year, with a lone helper from Letang. Kevin Poulin took over in net for Nabokov in the third period. The Penguins extended the lead as Dupuis scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, passed from Crosby and Kunitz. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 6-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Kunitz, Crosby, and Dupuis, while Neal and Letang get the honorable mentions.
Further east, the New Jersey Devils host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Johan Hedberg are between the pipes. New Jersey was first to score in the first period as Ryan Carter scored his third of the season, made possible by Travis Zajac and Anton Volchenkov. The Devils added on with the third of the year by Stephen Gionta, passed from Ilya Kovalchuk and Adam Larsson. Winnipeg got on the board as Mark Stuart potted his second of the season, courtesy of Nik Antropov and Antti Miettinen. The Jets tied it in the second period with Evander Kane scoring his tenth of the year, with a lone assist from Stuart. New Jersey won 3-2 in the shootout as Patrik Elias scored the only goal. Kane, Carter, and Stuart get the three stars.
Crossing into Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia Flyers host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ilya Bryzgalov guard the cages. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Simon Gagne power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Kimmo Timonen and the goalie Bryzgalov. The Flyers added on with the second of the year by Max Talbot, a shorthanded goal coming off of Ruslan Fedotenko. Buffalo got on the board as Matt Flynn scored his second of the season, assisted by Kevin Porter and Andrej Sekera. Philadelphia extended the lead on a Claude Giroux goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Timonen. The Sabres got one back in the third period on a Jochen Hecht shorthanded goal, his second of the season, set up by Steve Ott. They failed to get the equalizer, falling 3-2, with the three stars being handed to Giroux, Talbot, and Porter, while Timonen gets an honorable mention.
Way west to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Semyon Varlamov protect the nets. Colorado opened with a first period Matt Duchene power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by P.A. Parenteau and Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche added on in the second period as Ryan O'Reilly scored his second of the year, with the help of Aaron Palushaj and John Mitchell. San Jose got on the board with a Patrick Marleau goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Justin Braun and Ryane Clowe. The Sharks tied it in the third period as Logan Couture netted his tenth of the year, courtesy of Joe Thornton. Colorado won 3-2 in overtime as Duchene scored his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, with helpers provided by Parenteau and Jan Hejda. Duchene, Varlamov (36 for 38 in saves), and Niemi (39 for 42 in saves) were named the three stars, and Parenteau gets an honorable mention.
Into California, where the Anaheim Ducks welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Jonas Hiller are the masked men. St. Louis began with a Ryan Reaves goal, fueled by Wade Redden and Adam Cracknell. Anaheim tied it in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Andrew Cogliano, his ninth of the season, passed from Emerson Etem and Ben Lovejoy. The Blues took the lead back in the third period on a Patrik Berglund power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Kris Russell and T.J. Oshie. The Ducks tied it on a Bobby Ryan goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Francois Beauchemin. Anaheim gained the lead as Corey Perry scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal set up by Getzlaf and Beauchemin. The Ducks iced it at 4-2 with Perry scoring his second of the game and ninth of the campaign in the empty net, with assists provided by Beauchemin, who got a sock trick, and Sheldon Souray. Getzlaf, Perry, and Beauchemin received the three stars.
Finally, we end in Minnesota, as the Wild bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom occupy the creases. Minnesota quickly started in the first period with Zach Parise's tenth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on as Jason Zucker scored his fourth of the year, fueled by Matt Cullen and Clayton Stoner. Minnesota padded the lead in the second period on a Spurgeon power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Parise. Vancouver got on the board as Chris Higgins notched his seventh of the year, via Andrew Alberts. The Canucks pulled closer in the third period on a Henrik Sedin goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Jason Garrison and David Booth. The Wild extended the lead on another Parise goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, courtesy of Suter and Charlie Coyle. This was good for a 4-2 final, with the three stars being Parise, Suter, and Coyle, while Spurgeon got the honorable mention.
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Washington, D.C., as the Capitals host the New York Rangers. Martin Biron and Braden Holtby receive the starting nods. Washington opened with a Steve Oleksy goal, fueled by Jason Chimera and Marcus Johansson. New York tied it as Derek Stepan scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Marian Gaborik and Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers took the lead as Brian Boyle scored, via McDonagh and Carl Hagelin. New York padded the lead on a Ryan Callahan goal, his eighth of the year, coming on the power play from Rick Nash and Michael Del Zotto. Michal Neuvirth relieved Holtby at this time. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 with a Brad Richards goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Hagelin and Nash. The three stars went to Biron (28 for 29 in saves), McDonagh, and Oleksy, while Nash and Hagelin get the honorable mentions.
Over in Detroit, the Red Wings host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jimmy Howard are in the blue paint. Columbus got going in the second period as Derick Brassard scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Fedor Tyutin and Cam Atkinson. Detroit tied it with a Jakub Kindl goal, his third of the year, passed from Pavel Datsyuk. The Blue Jackets got the lead back on an R.J. Umberger goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno. The Red Wings tied it again in the third period as Johan Franzen scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg. Columbus won 3-2 in the shootout, with tallies by Johansen and Matt Calvert toppling Datsyuk's lone goal. Umberger, Datsyuk, and Jack Johnson got the three stars, while Johansen gets the honorable mention.
Down in Florida, the Panthers bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Jacob Markstrom are set to start. Montreal began with a David Desharnais goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Brendan Gallagher and Alexei Emelin. The Canadiens added on as Michael Ryder scored a power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by P.K. Subban and Tomas Plekanec. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as Brian Gionta scored his ninth of the season, guided in by Subban and Plekanec. The Canadiens padded the lead with a Francis Bouillon goal, coming off of Ryder and Gionta. Florida got on the board in the third period when Tomas Kopecky scored his tenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Panthers pulled closer as Shawn Matthias netted his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Jack Skille. Montreal shot back as Ryder scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, another power play goal, set up by Subban, who got a sock trick, and Andrei Markov. This produced a 5-2 final score, with the three stars belonging to
Northwest to Chicago, where the Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Ray Emery are called on to start. Edmonton led off with a first period Mike Brown goal, with a lone assist from Nick Schultz. The Oilers added on as Sam Gagner scored his eighth of the season, guided in by Magnus Paajarvi and Nail Yakupov. Edmonton padded the lead as Ryan Whitney scored his third of the year, courtesy of Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky. Corey Crawford relieved Emery at this time. The Oilers struck again with another Gagner goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, coming on the power play from Whitney and Jordan Eberle. Chicago got on the board in the second period when Patrick Kane scored his thirteenth of the year, via Dave Bolland. The Blackhawks chipped away as Marian Hossa potted his eleventh of the season, thanks to Jonathan Toews and Nick Leddy. Yann Danis had to relieve Dubnyk due to injury shortly after this goal. Edmonton shot back on a Shawn Horcoff power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. Chicago chipped back on a Sheldon Brookbank shorthanded goal, with an assist from Hossa. The Oilers answered on a Hall power play goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. The Blackhawks swiftly replied again with a Brent Seabrook goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Kane and Duncan Keith. Chicago pulled closer in the third period on Kane's second of the night and fourteenth of the season, helped along by Bolland and Brandon Saad on the power play. They failed to complete the comeback, losing 6-5, with the three stars going to Gagner, Kane, and Hall, while Justin Schultz, Nugent-Hopkins, Whitney, Hossa, and Bolland receive the honorable mentions.
Back east, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Tomas Vokoun are the veteran goalies. Pittsburgh started with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on as Kunitz scored his fifteenth of the year, a power play goal, passed from James Neal and Crosby. Pittsburgh struck again with another Kunitz power play gol, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, powered by Neal and Crosby, the latter getting a sock trick. New York got on the board in the second period with a Brad Boyes goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Casey Cizikas and Matt Moulson. The Penguins replied as Kunitz finished his hat trick with his seventeenth of the season, pushed through by Kris Letang and Crosby. Pittsburgh padded the lead on a Neal goal, his seventeenth of the year, with a lone helper from Letang. Kevin Poulin took over in net for Nabokov in the third period. The Penguins extended the lead as Dupuis scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, passed from Crosby and Kunitz. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 6-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Kunitz, Crosby, and Dupuis, while Neal and Letang get the honorable mentions.
Further east, the New Jersey Devils host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Johan Hedberg are between the pipes. New Jersey was first to score in the first period as Ryan Carter scored his third of the season, made possible by Travis Zajac and Anton Volchenkov. The Devils added on with the third of the year by Stephen Gionta, passed from Ilya Kovalchuk and Adam Larsson. Winnipeg got on the board as Mark Stuart potted his second of the season, courtesy of Nik Antropov and Antti Miettinen. The Jets tied it in the second period with Evander Kane scoring his tenth of the year, with a lone assist from Stuart. New Jersey won 3-2 in the shootout as Patrik Elias scored the only goal. Kane, Carter, and Stuart get the three stars.
Crossing into Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia Flyers host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ilya Bryzgalov guard the cages. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Simon Gagne power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Kimmo Timonen and the goalie Bryzgalov. The Flyers added on with the second of the year by Max Talbot, a shorthanded goal coming off of Ruslan Fedotenko. Buffalo got on the board as Matt Flynn scored his second of the season, assisted by Kevin Porter and Andrej Sekera. Philadelphia extended the lead on a Claude Giroux goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Timonen. The Sabres got one back in the third period on a Jochen Hecht shorthanded goal, his second of the season, set up by Steve Ott. They failed to get the equalizer, falling 3-2, with the three stars being handed to Giroux, Talbot, and Porter, while Timonen gets an honorable mention.
Way west to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Semyon Varlamov protect the nets. Colorado opened with a first period Matt Duchene power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by P.A. Parenteau and Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche added on in the second period as Ryan O'Reilly scored his second of the year, with the help of Aaron Palushaj and John Mitchell. San Jose got on the board with a Patrick Marleau goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Justin Braun and Ryane Clowe. The Sharks tied it in the third period as Logan Couture netted his tenth of the year, courtesy of Joe Thornton. Colorado won 3-2 in overtime as Duchene scored his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, with helpers provided by Parenteau and Jan Hejda. Duchene, Varlamov (36 for 38 in saves), and Niemi (39 for 42 in saves) were named the three stars, and Parenteau gets an honorable mention.
Into California, where the Anaheim Ducks welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Jonas Hiller are the masked men. St. Louis began with a Ryan Reaves goal, fueled by Wade Redden and Adam Cracknell. Anaheim tied it in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Andrew Cogliano, his ninth of the season, passed from Emerson Etem and Ben Lovejoy. The Blues took the lead back in the third period on a Patrik Berglund power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Kris Russell and T.J. Oshie. The Ducks tied it on a Bobby Ryan goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Francois Beauchemin. Anaheim gained the lead as Corey Perry scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal set up by Getzlaf and Beauchemin. The Ducks iced it at 4-2 with Perry scoring his second of the game and ninth of the campaign in the empty net, with assists provided by Beauchemin, who got a sock trick, and Sheldon Souray. Getzlaf, Perry, and Beauchemin received the three stars.
Finally, we end in Minnesota, as the Wild bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Niklas Backstrom occupy the creases. Minnesota quickly started in the first period with Zach Parise's tenth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on as Jason Zucker scored his fourth of the year, fueled by Matt Cullen and Clayton Stoner. Minnesota padded the lead in the second period on a Spurgeon power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Parise. Vancouver got on the board as Chris Higgins notched his seventh of the year, via Andrew Alberts. The Canucks pulled closer in the third period on a Henrik Sedin goal, his sixth of the season, made possible by Jason Garrison and David Booth. The Wild extended the lead on another Parise goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, courtesy of Suter and Charlie Coyle. This was good for a 4-2 final, with the three stars being Parise, Suter, and Coyle, while Spurgeon got the honorable mention.
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Saturday, March 9, 2013
NHL March 9th 2013
Ten games to go with today, beginning in...
New York, as the Islanders host the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer and Evgeni Nabokov play goal. New York was first to score as Josh Bailey scored his second of the season in the first period, with assists from Frans Nielsen and Mark Streit. Washington tied it on a second period power play goal by Mathieu Perreaul, his fourth of the year, powered by tJoel Ward and John Carlson. The Islanders retook the lead as Casey Cizikas scored his third of the season, thanks to Matt Martin and Colin McDonald. The Capitals tied it in the third period as Nicklas Backstrom put away his third of the year, coming off of Eric Fehr and Karl Alzner. New York retook the lead as John Tavares scored a power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Brad Boyes and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Islanders extended the lead as Tavares scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, another power play goal, guided in by Matt Moulson and Boyes. New York iced it at 5-2 with a shorthanded goal by Nielsen, his third of the campaign, made possible by Travis Hamonic and Bailey. The three stars went to Tavares, Nielsen, and Cizikas, while Boyes gets an honorable mention.
Over in Boston, the Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Tuukka Rask protect the nets. Boston led off in the first period with a Tyler Seguin power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The Bruins added on as Chris Kelly scored his second of the year, via Jordan Caron and Rich Peverley. Boston extended the lead as Daniel Paille scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 3-0 final score, with the three stars being Rask (23 save shutout), Kelly, and Dennis Seidenberg, while any point-earner can take the third slot.
West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Sergei Bobrovsky are called on to start. Columbus began in the first period as Cam Atkinson scored his third of the season, fueled by Matt Calvert. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period when Jack Johnson scored his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Derick Brassard and R.J. Umberger. Columbus padded the lead on a Nick Foligno goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Ryan Johansen. This held for a 3-0 win, with Bobrovsky (30 save shutout), Foligno, and Brassard getting the three stars.
Out in California, the San Jose Sharks host the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Antti Niemi are given the starting nods. St. Louis opened in the first period with a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Kevin Shattenkirk and Wade Redden. San Jose tied it on a Logan Couture goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Tommy Wingels and Matt Irwin. The Sharks added on in the second period as Scott Gomez scored his second of the season, via Ryane Clowe and James Sheppard. San Jose padded the lead as Irwin scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Justin Braun and Gomez. The Blues got one back in the third period as Sobotka scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Kris Russell and Roman Polak. St. Louis tied it as Sobotka finished his hat trick with a power play goal, his seventh of the year, set up by Chris Stewart and Shattenkirk. Niemi was replaced by Alex Stalock at this time. St. Louis won 4-3 on an overtime goal by Patrik Berglund, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Barret Jackman and Alex Pietrangelo. The three stars were handed to Sobotka, Jackman, and Gomez, while Shattenkirk and Irwin get the honorable mentions.
Back in the east, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Dan Ellis stand in the blue paint. Carolina struck first in the first period as Alexander Semin scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal, coming off of Joe Corvo and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes added on as Jay Harrison scored his third of the year, assisted by Jeff Skinner and Jordan Staal. New Jersey got on the board when Ilya Kovalchuk scored his eighth of the season, going in shorthanded and unassisted. Carolina replied in the second period as Tlusty potted his twelfth of the year, via Semin and the goalie Ellis. The Hurricanes extended the lead as Chris Terry scored, with the help of Eric Staal and Bobby Sanguinetti. Carolina padded the lead when Skinner scored his ninth of the season, guided in by Jordan Staal and Tim Gleason. Jeff Frazee relieved Hedberg in the third period. The Devils got one back as Kovalchuk scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, with helpers from Mark Fayne and Andy Greene. New Jersey got closer as Patrik Elias scored his eighth of the season, pushed through by Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov. The Hurricanes iced it at 6-3 as Tlusty scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the year into an empty net, passed from Semin and Eric Staal. The three stars were given to Semin, Ellis (31 for 34 in saves), and Tlusty, while Skinner, Eric Staal, and Jordan Staal get the honorable mentions.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price faces a lesser foe in Cedrick Desjardins in goal. Tampa Bay got going in the second period as Steven Stamkos scored his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Victor Hedman. Montreal tied it on a Tomas Plekanec goal, his eleventh of the year, with a lone assist from Andrei Markov. The Lightning took the lead back as Sami Salo scored his second of the season, made possible by B.J. Crombeen and Nate Thompson. Tampa Bay added on with a Ryan Malone power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Stamkos and St. Louis. The Canadiens got one back in the third period on a Brian Gionta power play goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Michael Ryder and Francis Bouillon. Montreal tied it on an Alexei Emelin goal, his second of the year, guided in by Gionta and Ryder. The Canadiens took the lead with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Max Pacioretty. This produced a 4-3 final score, with the three stars belonging to Ryder, Plekanec, and Salo, while Stamkos, St. Louis, and Gionta get the honorable mentions.
North again to Canada, as the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and James Reimer guard the cages. Pittsburgh started in the first period as James Neal recorded his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang. Toronto tied it on a James van Riemsdyk power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf. The Penguins took the lead back when Sidney Crosby notched his twelfth of the season, coming off of Letang and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh padded the lead with a Paul Martin goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Neal and Evgeni Malkin. The Maple Leafs got one back in the second period as Cody Franson scored his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Kessel and Phaneuf. The Penguins replied with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Martin and Brooks Orpik. Toronto shot back on a Clarke MacArthur goal, his seventh of the season, with helpers provided by Phaneuf, who got a sock trick, and Matt Frattin. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period as Kessel scored his seventh of the year, via Mark Fraser and MacArthur. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in the shootout with tallies by Neal and Crosby. The three stars were awarded to Crosby, Kessel, and Phaneuf, while Neal, Letang, Martin, and MacArthur get the honorable mentions.
Way southwest to Phoenix, with the Coyotes hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Mike Smith tend the twines. Phoenix began with a first period goal by Shane Doan, his eighth of the season, guided in by Antoine Vermette and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on in the second period as Rob Klinkhammer scored, via Boyd Gordon and David Moss. Dallas got on the board as Jaromir Jagr scored his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Loui Eriksson. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being handed to Klinkhammer, Smith (20 for 21 in saves), and Zbynek Michalek (eight blocked shots), while any point-earner could take a chance at the third slot.
Back northeast a touch to Nashville, where the Predators host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Minnesota led off in the second period with a Zach Parise power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu. Nashville tied it in the third period on a David Legwand power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Sergei Kostitsyn and Shea Weber. The Wild won in the shootout by a 2-1 margin, as Koivu and Matt Cullen's tallies overpowered the one goal by Craig Smith. The three stars were given to Backstrom (24 for 25 in saves), Legwand, and Parise, while Koivu gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Los Angeles opened with a first period Jeff Carter power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Dustin Brown and Slava Voynov. Calgary tied it as Michael Cammalleri potted his ninth of the year, a power play goal, set up by Dennis Wideman and Jarome Iginla. The Kings took the lead back as Jake Muzzin scored his fifth of the season, guided in by Colin Fraser and Justin Williams. Los Angeles padded the lead as Trevor Lewis scored his fourth of the year, passed from Voynov. The Flames got one back on an Alex Tanguay goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Mark Giordano and Matt Stajan. The Kings answered in the second period as Williams notched his third of the year, with helpers from Voynov, who got a sock trick, and Anze Kopitar. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third period as Kopitar put away his eighth of the season, via Williams. The Kings kept going with a Colin Fraser goal, his second of the year, assisted by Jordan Nolan and Dustin Penner. Joey MacDonald relieved Kiprusoff at this time. This produced a 6-2 final, with Voynov, Kopitar, and Williams getting the three stars, while Fraser gets an honorable mention.
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New York, as the Islanders host the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer and Evgeni Nabokov play goal. New York was first to score as Josh Bailey scored his second of the season in the first period, with assists from Frans Nielsen and Mark Streit. Washington tied it on a second period power play goal by Mathieu Perreaul, his fourth of the year, powered by tJoel Ward and John Carlson. The Islanders retook the lead as Casey Cizikas scored his third of the season, thanks to Matt Martin and Colin McDonald. The Capitals tied it in the third period as Nicklas Backstrom put away his third of the year, coming off of Eric Fehr and Karl Alzner. New York retook the lead as John Tavares scored a power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Brad Boyes and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Islanders extended the lead as Tavares scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, another power play goal, guided in by Matt Moulson and Boyes. New York iced it at 5-2 with a shorthanded goal by Nielsen, his third of the campaign, made possible by Travis Hamonic and Bailey. The three stars went to Tavares, Nielsen, and Cizikas, while Boyes gets an honorable mention.
Over in Boston, the Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Tuukka Rask protect the nets. Boston led off in the first period with a Tyler Seguin power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The Bruins added on as Chris Kelly scored his second of the year, via Jordan Caron and Rich Peverley. Boston extended the lead as Daniel Paille scored his fourth of the season, with the help of Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 3-0 final score, with the three stars being Rask (23 save shutout), Kelly, and Dennis Seidenberg, while any point-earner can take the third slot.
West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Sergei Bobrovsky are called on to start. Columbus began in the first period as Cam Atkinson scored his third of the season, fueled by Matt Calvert. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period when Jack Johnson scored his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Derick Brassard and R.J. Umberger. Columbus padded the lead on a Nick Foligno goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Ryan Johansen. This held for a 3-0 win, with Bobrovsky (30 save shutout), Foligno, and Brassard getting the three stars.
Out in California, the San Jose Sharks host the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Antti Niemi are given the starting nods. St. Louis opened in the first period with a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Kevin Shattenkirk and Wade Redden. San Jose tied it on a Logan Couture goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Tommy Wingels and Matt Irwin. The Sharks added on in the second period as Scott Gomez scored his second of the season, via Ryane Clowe and James Sheppard. San Jose padded the lead as Irwin scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Justin Braun and Gomez. The Blues got one back in the third period as Sobotka scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Kris Russell and Roman Polak. St. Louis tied it as Sobotka finished his hat trick with a power play goal, his seventh of the year, set up by Chris Stewart and Shattenkirk. Niemi was replaced by Alex Stalock at this time. St. Louis won 4-3 on an overtime goal by Patrik Berglund, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Barret Jackman and Alex Pietrangelo. The three stars were handed to Sobotka, Jackman, and Gomez, while Shattenkirk and Irwin get the honorable mentions.
Back in the east, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Dan Ellis stand in the blue paint. Carolina struck first in the first period as Alexander Semin scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal, coming off of Joe Corvo and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes added on as Jay Harrison scored his third of the year, assisted by Jeff Skinner and Jordan Staal. New Jersey got on the board when Ilya Kovalchuk scored his eighth of the season, going in shorthanded and unassisted. Carolina replied in the second period as Tlusty potted his twelfth of the year, via Semin and the goalie Ellis. The Hurricanes extended the lead as Chris Terry scored, with the help of Eric Staal and Bobby Sanguinetti. Carolina padded the lead when Skinner scored his ninth of the season, guided in by Jordan Staal and Tim Gleason. Jeff Frazee relieved Hedberg in the third period. The Devils got one back as Kovalchuk scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, with helpers from Mark Fayne and Andy Greene. New Jersey got closer as Patrik Elias scored his eighth of the season, pushed through by Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov. The Hurricanes iced it at 6-3 as Tlusty scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the year into an empty net, passed from Semin and Eric Staal. The three stars were given to Semin, Ellis (31 for 34 in saves), and Tlusty, while Skinner, Eric Staal, and Jordan Staal get the honorable mentions.
Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price faces a lesser foe in Cedrick Desjardins in goal. Tampa Bay got going in the second period as Steven Stamkos scored his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Victor Hedman. Montreal tied it on a Tomas Plekanec goal, his eleventh of the year, with a lone assist from Andrei Markov. The Lightning took the lead back as Sami Salo scored his second of the season, made possible by B.J. Crombeen and Nate Thompson. Tampa Bay added on with a Ryan Malone power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Stamkos and St. Louis. The Canadiens got one back in the third period on a Brian Gionta power play goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Michael Ryder and Francis Bouillon. Montreal tied it on an Alexei Emelin goal, his second of the year, guided in by Gionta and Ryder. The Canadiens took the lead with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Max Pacioretty. This produced a 4-3 final score, with the three stars belonging to Ryder, Plekanec, and Salo, while Stamkos, St. Louis, and Gionta get the honorable mentions.
North again to Canada, as the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and James Reimer guard the cages. Pittsburgh started in the first period as James Neal recorded his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang. Toronto tied it on a James van Riemsdyk power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf. The Penguins took the lead back when Sidney Crosby notched his twelfth of the season, coming off of Letang and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh padded the lead with a Paul Martin goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Neal and Evgeni Malkin. The Maple Leafs got one back in the second period as Cody Franson scored his second of the season, a power play goal set up by Kessel and Phaneuf. The Penguins replied with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Martin and Brooks Orpik. Toronto shot back on a Clarke MacArthur goal, his seventh of the season, with helpers provided by Phaneuf, who got a sock trick, and Matt Frattin. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period as Kessel scored his seventh of the year, via Mark Fraser and MacArthur. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in the shootout with tallies by Neal and Crosby. The three stars were awarded to Crosby, Kessel, and Phaneuf, while Neal, Letang, Martin, and MacArthur get the honorable mentions.
Way southwest to Phoenix, with the Coyotes hosting the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Mike Smith tend the twines. Phoenix began with a first period goal by Shane Doan, his eighth of the season, guided in by Antoine Vermette and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on in the second period as Rob Klinkhammer scored, via Boyd Gordon and David Moss. Dallas got on the board as Jaromir Jagr scored his tenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Loui Eriksson. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being handed to Klinkhammer, Smith (20 for 21 in saves), and Zbynek Michalek (eight blocked shots), while any point-earner could take a chance at the third slot.
Back northeast a touch to Nashville, where the Predators host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Minnesota led off in the second period with a Zach Parise power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu. Nashville tied it in the third period on a David Legwand power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Sergei Kostitsyn and Shea Weber. The Wild won in the shootout by a 2-1 margin, as Koivu and Matt Cullen's tallies overpowered the one goal by Craig Smith. The three stars were given to Backstrom (24 for 25 in saves), Legwand, and Parise, while Koivu gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Los Angeles opened with a first period Jeff Carter power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Dustin Brown and Slava Voynov. Calgary tied it as Michael Cammalleri potted his ninth of the year, a power play goal, set up by Dennis Wideman and Jarome Iginla. The Kings took the lead back as Jake Muzzin scored his fifth of the season, guided in by Colin Fraser and Justin Williams. Los Angeles padded the lead as Trevor Lewis scored his fourth of the year, passed from Voynov. The Flames got one back on an Alex Tanguay goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Mark Giordano and Matt Stajan. The Kings answered in the second period as Williams notched his third of the year, with helpers from Voynov, who got a sock trick, and Anze Kopitar. Los Angeles extended the lead in the third period as Kopitar put away his eighth of the season, via Williams. The Kings kept going with a Colin Fraser goal, his second of the year, assisted by Jordan Nolan and Dustin Penner. Joey MacDonald relieved Kiprusoff at this time. This produced a 6-2 final, with Voynov, Kopitar, and Williams getting the three stars, while Fraser gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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