Nine games going tonight, with playoff implications becoming clearer every day. We begin in...
Boston, as the Bruins host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Tuukka Rask are set to start. New York opened in the first period with a Josh Bailey goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo. Boston tied it in the second period as Tyler Seguin scored his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Gregory Campbell and Jaromir Jagr. The Islanders took the lead back as Bailey scored his second of the game and ninth of the season, with assists provided by Frans Nielsen and Streit. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Bailey, Rask (34 for 36 in saves), and Nabokov (30 for 31 in saves), while Streit gets an honorable mention.
Down in Washington, the Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Braden Holtby are in the creases. Carolina started in the first period as Jeff Skinner scored his eleventh of the season, a power play goal made possible by Eric Staal and Joe Corvo. Washington tied it in the second period when Troy Brouwer scored his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Mike Ribeiro and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals took the lead on a Mike Green goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Jay Beagle and Wojtek Wolski. Washington finished it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Brouwer, his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were awarded to Holtby (43 for 44 in saves), Brouwer, and Peters (28 for 30 in saves).
Back north a bit, the Philadelphia Flyers bring in the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Ilya Bryzgalov are given the starting nods. Ottawa was first to score in the first period on a Zack Smith goal, his fourth of the season, via Marc Methot. Philadelphia tied it on a Claude Giroux goal, his twelfth of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Simon Gagne. The Senators took the lead in the third period on a Colin Greening power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Patrick Wiercioch. Ottawa iced it at 3-1 with a Daniel Alfredsson empty net goal, his tenth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Greening, Smith, and Bryzgalov (31 for 33 in saves).
West to Detroit, where the Red Wings host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. San Jose began in the first period with a Patrick Marleau goal, his seventeenth of the season coming shorthanded from Joe Pavelski. Detroit tied it in the second period as Justin Abdelkader netted his eighth of the year, with the help of Johan Franzen and Brendan Smith. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period on a Jakub Kindl power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. The Sharks tied it with a Logan Couture goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle on the power play. The game went into a shootout, where Datsyuk and Couture traded goals before Marleau sealed a 3-2 San Jose win. The three stars were Marleau, Howard (28 for 30 in saves), and Couture.
Back to the east, with the Buffalo Sabres hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Ryan Miller stand in the blue paint. Montreal struck first in the first period with a Rene Bourque goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Brian Gionta Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens added on as Alex Galchenyuk scored his sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Michael Ryder. Montreal struck again in the second period with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his twelfth of the season, fueled by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens padded the lead with a power play goal by Andrei Markov, his eighth of the year, powered by P.K. Subban and Ryder. Jhonas Enroth relieved Miller for the third period. Buffalo got on the board in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Brian Flynn, his fifth of the season, set up by Kevin Porter and Andrej Sekera. Montreal wrapped it up at 5-1 as Subban scored his eleventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Markov and Pacioretty. The three stars belonged to Subban, Ryder, and Gallagher, while Markov and Pacioretty get honorable mentions.
Well to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tomas Vokoun and Ben Bishop are between the pipes. Pittsburgh led off with a first period goal by Jussi Jokinen, his eighth of the season, fueled by Brenden Morrow and Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins extended the lead as Dupuis scored his twentieth of the year, a power play goal powered by Tyler Kennedy and Matt Niskanen. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Teddy Purcell power play goal, his ninth of the season, set up by Steven Stamkos and Sami Salo. Pittsburgh answered in the second period as Chris Kunitz scored his twenty-first of the year, courtesy of Jarome Iginla and Kris Letang. The Lightning shot back with a power play goal by Brett Connolly, made possible by Richard Panik and Alex Killorn. The Penguins replied in the third period on an Evgeni Malkin goal, his eighth of the season, an unassisted goal. Pittsburgh added on as Jokinen scored his second of the game and ninth of the year, via Douglas Murray and Dupuis. The Penguins struck again with a Tanner Glass power play goal, thanks to Jokinen and Iginla. Tampa Bay got one back on another Purcell goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, assisted by Martin St. Louis and Matt Carle on the power play. The final stood at 6-3, with the three stars going to Dupuis, Jokinen, and Malkin, while Purcell and Iginla got the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Winnipeg, as the Jets welcome the Florida Panthers. Jacob Markstrom and Ondrej Pavelec are all padded up. Winnipeg got going in the first period as Aaron Gagnon scored his second of the season, thanks to Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Florida tied it with a T.J. Brennan goal, his third of the year, via Tomas Fleischmann and Marcel Goc. The Jets took the lead back on an Evander Kane goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Olli Jokinen. The Panthers tied it again as Fleischmann recorded his ninth of the year, with the help of Brennan. Winnipeg regained the lead as Ladd scored his sixteenth of the season, courtesy of Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets extended the lead in the second period with a Grant Clitsome power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Little. Winnipeg padded the lead when Byfuglien scored his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Jets struck again on another Kane goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, made possible by Kyle Wellwood and Zach Bogosian. Scott Clemmensen relieved Markstrom at this time. Winnipeg added on with a third period goal by Chris Thorburn, his second of the season, fueled by Ron Hainsey and Bogosian. This made it 7-2, the final, with Kane, Byfuglien, and Little getting the three stars, while Ladd, Brennan, Fleischmann, and Bogosian get the honorable mentions.
Stateside again, with the Minnesota Wild hosting the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Niklas Backstrom protect the nets. St. Louis opened with a first period Roman Polak goal, helped along by Chris Stewart and Chris Porter. The Blues added on in the third period as Andy McDonald scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Vladimir Tarasenko and David Backes. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Elliott (23 save shutout), Polak, and Jonas Brodin, while any point-earner can take the third slot.
Finally, in Los Angeles, the King host the Colorado Avalanche. Sami Aittokallio is mismatched with Jonathan Quick in goal. Los Angeles started in the first period with a Jeff Carter power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, powered by Mike Richards. The Kings added on as Richards scored his tenth of the year, courtesy of Jake Muzzin and Dustin Penner. Colorado got on the board in the second period with a Paul Stastny goal, his ninth of the season, via David Jones. The Avalanche tied it in the third period with a Patrick Bordeleau goal, with a lone assist by Stefan Elliott. The game went to a shootout, where Los Angeles won on goals by Carter, Dustin Brown, and Anze Kopitar to top a lone tally by Colorado's P.A. Parenteau. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Richards, Elliott, and Quick (26 for 28 in saves), while Carter gets an honorable mention.
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Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
NHL April 10th 2013
Only five games tonight, starting in...
New York City, as the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Toronto got going in the second period on a Phil Kessel goal, his thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. New York tied it as Carl Hagelin scored his ninth of the year, via Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. The Rangers took the lead with a McDonagh goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Derick Brassard and Hagelin. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period as Kessel scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by James van Riemsdyk. The game was decided in the shootout as Mats Zuccarello scored the only goal, resulting in a 3-2 win for New York. The three stars went to Lundqvist (23 for 25 in saves), Kessel, and Brian Boyle, while McDonagh and Hagelin could take the third slot.
Over in New Jersey, the Devils host the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin and Martin Brodeur are called on for the starts. Boston led off in the first period as Gregory Campbell scored his third of the season, thanks to Jaromir Jagr and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on with a shorthanded goal by Daniel Paille, his eighth of the year, set up by Rich Peverley. Boston extended the lead with a shorthanded Campbell goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, passed from Andrew Ference and Peverley. The Bruins padded the lead in the second period with a power play goal by Zdeno Chara, his seventh of the year, powered by David Krejci and Jagr. New Jersey got on the board when Patrik Elias scored his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist from Steve Sullivan. The Devils pulled back with a shorthanded goal by Travis Zajac, his sixth of the year, going in unassisted. New Jersey pulled closer in the third period as Andy Greene scored his fourth of the season, via Adam Henrique and Steve Bernier. Boston replied on a Tyler Seguin goal, his thirteenth of the year, guided in by Paille and Dennis Seidenberg. The Devils chipped back as Matt D'Agostini scored his second of the campaign, with helpers provided by Dainius Zubrus and Marek Zidlicky. This made it 5-4, the final, with the three stars being Campbell, Jagr, and Zajac, while Paille and Peverley get the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Calgary, where the Flames welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Miikka Kiprusoff are the veteran goalies. Calgary opened in the first period with the fifteenth of the season by Curtis Glencross, assisted by Maxwell Reinhart and Lee Stempniak. Vancouver tied it as Alexandre Burrows netted his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Jason Garrison and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks took the lead in the third period when Maxim Lapierre scored his third of the season, with the help of Andrew Ebbett. Vancouver extended the lead with the tenth of the year by Mason Raymond, passed from Dan Hamhis and Ryan Kesler. The Canucks wrapped it up at 4-1 with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his eleventh of the campaign, powered by Henrik Sedin and Hamhuis. The three stars were awarded to Luongo (40 for 41 in saves), T.J. Brodie, and Burrows, while Henrik Sedin or Hamhuis could take the second slot.
Up in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Devan Dubnyk guard the cages. Phoenix began in the second period with a Boyd Gordon goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by David Moss and Rob Klinkhammer. The Coyotes added on as Antoine Vermette scored his ninth of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton got on the board in the third period on a Nail Yakupov goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Ryan Smyth and Shawn Horcoff. Phoenix iced it at 3-1 with a power play goal by Moss, his fifth of the year, powered by Gordon. The three stars were given to Smith (29 for 30 in saves), Yakupov, and Gordon, while Moss gets an honorable mention.
Finally, we end in Anaheim, where the Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere opposes Jonas Hiller in goal. Colorado started in the first period with a John Mitchell goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Matt Duchene and P.A. Parenteau. The Avalanche added on in the second period with a Gabriel Landeskog shorthanded goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Greg Zanon. Colorado extended the lead with a power play goal by Duchene, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Tyson Barrie and Parenteau. Anaheim got on the board as Teemu Selanne notched his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Kyle Palmieri and Francois Beauchemin. The Avalanche answered with a Jamie McGinn goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by David van der Gulik. Viktor Fasth relieved Hiller for the third period. This stood for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Duchene, Selanne, and Giguere (21 for 22 in saves), while Parenteau gets an honorable mention.
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New York City, as the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Toronto got going in the second period on a Phil Kessel goal, his thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. New York tied it as Carl Hagelin scored his ninth of the year, via Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. The Rangers took the lead with a McDonagh goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Derick Brassard and Hagelin. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period as Kessel scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, fueled by James van Riemsdyk. The game was decided in the shootout as Mats Zuccarello scored the only goal, resulting in a 3-2 win for New York. The three stars went to Lundqvist (23 for 25 in saves), Kessel, and Brian Boyle, while McDonagh and Hagelin could take the third slot.
Over in New Jersey, the Devils host the Boston Bruins. Anton Khudobin and Martin Brodeur are called on for the starts. Boston led off in the first period as Gregory Campbell scored his third of the season, thanks to Jaromir Jagr and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on with a shorthanded goal by Daniel Paille, his eighth of the year, set up by Rich Peverley. Boston extended the lead with a shorthanded Campbell goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, passed from Andrew Ference and Peverley. The Bruins padded the lead in the second period with a power play goal by Zdeno Chara, his seventh of the year, powered by David Krejci and Jagr. New Jersey got on the board when Patrik Elias scored his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist from Steve Sullivan. The Devils pulled back with a shorthanded goal by Travis Zajac, his sixth of the year, going in unassisted. New Jersey pulled closer in the third period as Andy Greene scored his fourth of the season, via Adam Henrique and Steve Bernier. Boston replied on a Tyler Seguin goal, his thirteenth of the year, guided in by Paille and Dennis Seidenberg. The Devils chipped back as Matt D'Agostini scored his second of the campaign, with helpers provided by Dainius Zubrus and Marek Zidlicky. This made it 5-4, the final, with the three stars being Campbell, Jagr, and Zajac, while Paille and Peverley get the honorable mentions.
Northwest to Calgary, where the Flames welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Miikka Kiprusoff are the veteran goalies. Calgary opened in the first period with the fifteenth of the season by Curtis Glencross, assisted by Maxwell Reinhart and Lee Stempniak. Vancouver tied it as Alexandre Burrows netted his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Jason Garrison and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks took the lead in the third period when Maxim Lapierre scored his third of the season, with the help of Andrew Ebbett. Vancouver extended the lead with the tenth of the year by Mason Raymond, passed from Dan Hamhis and Ryan Kesler. The Canucks wrapped it up at 4-1 with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his eleventh of the campaign, powered by Henrik Sedin and Hamhuis. The three stars were awarded to Luongo (40 for 41 in saves), T.J. Brodie, and Burrows, while Henrik Sedin or Hamhuis could take the second slot.
Up in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Devan Dubnyk guard the cages. Phoenix began in the second period with a Boyd Gordon goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by David Moss and Rob Klinkhammer. The Coyotes added on as Antoine Vermette scored his ninth of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton got on the board in the third period on a Nail Yakupov goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Ryan Smyth and Shawn Horcoff. Phoenix iced it at 3-1 with a power play goal by Moss, his fifth of the year, powered by Gordon. The three stars were given to Smith (29 for 30 in saves), Yakupov, and Gordon, while Moss gets an honorable mention.
Finally, we end in Anaheim, where the Ducks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere opposes Jonas Hiller in goal. Colorado started in the first period with a John Mitchell goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Matt Duchene and P.A. Parenteau. The Avalanche added on in the second period with a Gabriel Landeskog shorthanded goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Greg Zanon. Colorado extended the lead with a power play goal by Duchene, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Tyson Barrie and Parenteau. Anaheim got on the board as Teemu Selanne notched his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Kyle Palmieri and Francois Beauchemin. The Avalanche answered with a Jamie McGinn goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by David van der Gulik. Viktor Fasth relieved Hiller for the third period. This stood for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Duchene, Selanne, and Giguere (21 for 22 in saves), while Parenteau gets an honorable mention.
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Tuesday, April 9, 2013
NHL April 9th 2013
Nine games on tonight, beginning in...
Columbus, with the Blue Jackets hosting the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Sergei Bobrovsky are the surprisingly good goalies. Columbus led off in the first period with a Matt Calvert goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Cam Atkinson and Mark Letestu. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period as James Wisniewski scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Adrian Aucoin and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus extended the lead with the third of the season from Ryan Johansen, fueled by Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets padded the lead in the third period as Gaborik scored his eleventh of the year, with the help of Artem Anisimov and Jack Johnson. Thomas Greiss relieved Niemi at this time. The final stood at 4-0, with the three stars being Bobrovsky (30 save shutout), Gaborik, and Wisniewski.
Back east, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Justin Peters receive the starting nods. Carolina struck first in the first period on a Joe Corvo power play goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Jordan Staal. Pittsburgh tied it as Robert Bortuzzo scored his second of the year, via Pascal Dupuis and Craig Adams. The Penguins took the lead on a Brendan Morrow goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Jussi Jokinen and Dupuis. The Hurricanes retied it as Bobby Sanguinetti scored his second of the year, with the help of Eric Staal. Carolina took the lead in the third period as Riley Nash scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Tuomo Ruutu and Chad LaRose. Pittsburgh tied it on a Beau Bennett goal, his third of the year, passed from Adams and Tanner Glass. The Penguins took the lead again with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Jarome Iginla. Pittsburgh wrapped it up at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Dupuis, his nineteenth of the year, going in unassisted. Dupuis, Malkin, and Nash received the three stars while Adams gets an honorable mention.
Up on Long Island, the New York Islanders bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Evgeni Nabokov are in the creases. Philadelphia was first to score as Jakub Voracek put away his seventeenth of the season, with helpers provided by Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. New York tied it with a Matt Moulson goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Brad Boyes and John Tavares. The Islanders took the lead on a Michael Grabner goal in the second period, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Colin McDonald and Keith Aucoin. New York padded the lead in the third period as Tavares scored his twenty-fourth of the year, via Moulson and Boyes. The Islanders iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Casey Cizikas, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Matt Martin and McDonald. The three stars were given to Moulson, Grabner, and Nabokov (26 for 27 in saves), while Tavares, McDonald, and Boyes get the honorable mentions.
North to Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth is mismatched with Carey Price in goal. Montreal began in the first period with a Lars Eller goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Brandon Prust and Alex Galchenyuk. Washington tied it in the second period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his twenty-sixth of the year, courtesy of John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals took the lead with an Eric Fehr goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Jack Hillen and Steve Oleksy. Washington extended the lead when Hillen scored, thanks to Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Canadiens got one back in the third period on another Eller goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Nathan Beaulieu and Galchenyuk. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Eller, and Neuvirth (27 for 29 in saves), while Hillen, Backstrom, and Galchenyuk get the honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson faces former teammate Ben Bishop between the pipes. Ottawa opened in the first period with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Kyle Turris and Chris Phillips. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period as Pierre-Cedric Labrie scored, thanks to Nate Thompson and B.J. Crombeen. The Lightning took the lead on Vincent Lecavalier's ninth of the year, courtesy of Teddy Purcell and Martin St. Louis on the power play. The Senators tied it in the third period on a Guillaume Latendresse power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Turris and Patrick Wiercioch. Tampa Bay took the lead back as Steven Stamkos scored his twenty-sixth of the year, a power play goal, set up by Lecavalier and St. Louis. They held on to win 3-2, with the three stars going to Lecavalier, Sami Salo, and Labrie, while Turris or St. Louis would be a better choice for the second slot.
Northwest to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. St. Louis got going in the second period with an Alexander Steen goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Vladimir Sobotka and David Perron. This was the only goal in the game, resulting in a 1-0 final. The three stars were handed to Steen, Rinne (25 for 26 in saves), and Elliott (15 save shutout).
Moving along to Minnesota, where the Wild host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Niklas Backstrom guard the cages. Chicago started in the second period as Marian Hossa scored his fourteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. This stood as the only goal in the 1-0 game, with the three stars being Hossa, Backstrom (30 for 31 in saves), and Emery (20 save shutout).
Crossing into Canada again, as the Winnipeg Jets host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ondrej Pavelec play in the blue paint. Winnipeg began in the second period on a Kyle Wellwood goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Evander Kane. The Jets added on as Aaron Gagnon scored, thanks to Dustin Byfuglien. Winnipeg extended the lead as Andrew Ladd potted his fifteenth of the year, via Bryan Little. Buffalo got on the board in the third period as Kevin Porter scored his third of the season, an unassisted goal. The Jets finished it off at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Blake Wheeler, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Ladd and Little. Ladd, Pavelec (29 for 30 in saves), and Gagnon were the three stars, while Little gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Dallas, the Stars host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Los Angeles led off in the first period with a Drew Doughty power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards. Richard Bachman relieved Lehtonen midway through the period after the latter left with an injury. Dallas tied it with an Alex Goligoski goal, his second of the year, fueled by Aaron Rome and Vernon Fiddler. The Stars took the lead in the third period on a Ray Whitney goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Alex Chiasson and Trevor Daley. Dallas added on with a Fiddler goal, his second of the year, coming off of Stephane Robidas. The Stars extended the lead when Whitney scored his second of the game and ninth of the season, via Loui Eriksson and Cody Eakin. Dallas padded the lead with Fiddler's second of the game and third of the year, made possible by Eric Nystrom and Daley. This produced a 5-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Whitney, Fiddler, and Robidas, while Daley gets an honorable mention.
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Columbus, with the Blue Jackets hosting the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Sergei Bobrovsky are the surprisingly good goalies. Columbus led off in the first period with a Matt Calvert goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Cam Atkinson and Mark Letestu. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period as James Wisniewski scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Adrian Aucoin and Derek MacKenzie. Columbus extended the lead with the third of the season from Ryan Johansen, fueled by Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets padded the lead in the third period as Gaborik scored his eleventh of the year, with the help of Artem Anisimov and Jack Johnson. Thomas Greiss relieved Niemi at this time. The final stood at 4-0, with the three stars being Bobrovsky (30 save shutout), Gaborik, and Wisniewski.
Back east, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Justin Peters receive the starting nods. Carolina struck first in the first period on a Joe Corvo power play goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Jordan Staal. Pittsburgh tied it as Robert Bortuzzo scored his second of the year, via Pascal Dupuis and Craig Adams. The Penguins took the lead on a Brendan Morrow goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Jussi Jokinen and Dupuis. The Hurricanes retied it as Bobby Sanguinetti scored his second of the year, with the help of Eric Staal. Carolina took the lead in the third period as Riley Nash scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Tuomo Ruutu and Chad LaRose. Pittsburgh tied it on a Beau Bennett goal, his third of the year, passed from Adams and Tanner Glass. The Penguins took the lead again with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Jarome Iginla. Pittsburgh wrapped it up at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Dupuis, his nineteenth of the year, going in unassisted. Dupuis, Malkin, and Nash received the three stars while Adams gets an honorable mention.
Up on Long Island, the New York Islanders bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Evgeni Nabokov are in the creases. Philadelphia was first to score as Jakub Voracek put away his seventeenth of the season, with helpers provided by Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. New York tied it with a Matt Moulson goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Brad Boyes and John Tavares. The Islanders took the lead on a Michael Grabner goal in the second period, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Colin McDonald and Keith Aucoin. New York padded the lead in the third period as Tavares scored his twenty-fourth of the year, via Moulson and Boyes. The Islanders iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Casey Cizikas, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Matt Martin and McDonald. The three stars were given to Moulson, Grabner, and Nabokov (26 for 27 in saves), while Tavares, McDonald, and Boyes get the honorable mentions.
North to Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth is mismatched with Carey Price in goal. Montreal began in the first period with a Lars Eller goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Brandon Prust and Alex Galchenyuk. Washington tied it in the second period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his twenty-sixth of the year, courtesy of John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals took the lead with an Eric Fehr goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Jack Hillen and Steve Oleksy. Washington extended the lead when Hillen scored, thanks to Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Canadiens got one back in the third period on another Eller goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Nathan Beaulieu and Galchenyuk. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Eller, and Neuvirth (27 for 29 in saves), while Hillen, Backstrom, and Galchenyuk get the honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson faces former teammate Ben Bishop between the pipes. Ottawa opened in the first period with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Kyle Turris and Chris Phillips. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period as Pierre-Cedric Labrie scored, thanks to Nate Thompson and B.J. Crombeen. The Lightning took the lead on Vincent Lecavalier's ninth of the year, courtesy of Teddy Purcell and Martin St. Louis on the power play. The Senators tied it in the third period on a Guillaume Latendresse power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Turris and Patrick Wiercioch. Tampa Bay took the lead back as Steven Stamkos scored his twenty-sixth of the year, a power play goal, set up by Lecavalier and St. Louis. They held on to win 3-2, with the three stars going to Lecavalier, Sami Salo, and Labrie, while Turris or St. Louis would be a better choice for the second slot.
Northwest to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. St. Louis got going in the second period with an Alexander Steen goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Vladimir Sobotka and David Perron. This was the only goal in the game, resulting in a 1-0 final. The three stars were handed to Steen, Rinne (25 for 26 in saves), and Elliott (15 save shutout).
Moving along to Minnesota, where the Wild host the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Niklas Backstrom guard the cages. Chicago started in the second period as Marian Hossa scored his fourteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. This stood as the only goal in the 1-0 game, with the three stars being Hossa, Backstrom (30 for 31 in saves), and Emery (20 save shutout).
Crossing into Canada again, as the Winnipeg Jets host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ondrej Pavelec play in the blue paint. Winnipeg began in the second period on a Kyle Wellwood goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Evander Kane. The Jets added on as Aaron Gagnon scored, thanks to Dustin Byfuglien. Winnipeg extended the lead as Andrew Ladd potted his fifteenth of the year, via Bryan Little. Buffalo got on the board in the third period as Kevin Porter scored his third of the season, an unassisted goal. The Jets finished it off at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Blake Wheeler, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Ladd and Little. Ladd, Pavelec (29 for 30 in saves), and Gagnon were the three stars, while Little gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Dallas, the Stars host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. Los Angeles led off in the first period with a Drew Doughty power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards. Richard Bachman relieved Lehtonen midway through the period after the latter left with an injury. Dallas tied it with an Alex Goligoski goal, his second of the year, fueled by Aaron Rome and Vernon Fiddler. The Stars took the lead in the third period on a Ray Whitney goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Alex Chiasson and Trevor Daley. Dallas added on with a Fiddler goal, his second of the year, coming off of Stephane Robidas. The Stars extended the lead when Whitney scored his second of the game and ninth of the season, via Loui Eriksson and Cody Eakin. Dallas padded the lead with Fiddler's second of the game and third of the year, made possible by Eric Nystrom and Daley. This produced a 5-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Whitney, Fiddler, and Robidas, while Daley gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Monday, April 8, 2013
NHL April 8th 2013
There are five games on today, which is a surprisingly busy day for me outside of sports, so quality may be on the low-end of acceptable. We begin in...
Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and James Reimer are set to start. Toronto struck first in the first period with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his sixteenth of the season, via John-Michael Liles and Phil Kessel. The Maple Leafs added on in the second period as Ryan O'Byrne scored his second of the year, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Clarke MacArthur. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal, his sixteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Derek Stepan. Toronto shot back as Kessel scored a power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. The Rangers got one back in the third period as Nash scored his second of the game and seventeenth of the season, with the help of John Moore and Steve Eminger. New York tied it as Stepan scored his fourteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs got the lead back quickly with Kessel's second of the night, guided in by Tyler Bozak and van Riemsdyk. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars belonging to van Riemsdyk, Nash, and Kessel, while Stepan gets an honorable mention.
Down in Boston, the Bruins welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters is mismatched with Tuukka Rask in goal. Boston led off in the first period as Rich Peverley scored his fifth of the season, with helpers provided by Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference. The Bruins chased Peters on a Brad Marchand goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Gregory Campbell and Jaromir Jagr. Dan Ellis game on in relief. Boston added on with another Marchand goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, assisted by Jagr and Seidenberg. The Bruins extended the lead in the second period on a Ference goal, his third of the year, passed from Seidenberg, who got a sock trick, and Campbell. Boston struck again on a Jordan Caron goal, made possible by Peverley and Shawn Thornton. Carolina got on the board in the third period as Patrick Dwyer scored his seventh of the campaign, with the help of Brett Bellemore and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes got another as Drayson Bowman scored his third of the season, thanks to Riley Nash and Jordan Staal. The Bruins iced it at 6-2 with a Nathan Horton goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic. The three stars were Rask (40 for 42 in saves), Marchand, and Seidenberg, while Jagr, Peverley, Campbell, and Ference get the honorable mentions.
West to Denver, as the Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames. Backups Joey MacDonald and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are in goal. Colorado got going in the second period with a Brad Malone goal, set up by Tyson Barrie and Ryan O'Reilly. Calgary tied it on a Roman Cervenka goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Mark Giordano and Roman Horak. The Flames took the lead with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Horak and Steve Begin. Calgary added on in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Alex Tanguay, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Lee Stempniak. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being MacDonald (39 for 40 in saves), Cammalleri, and Malone, while Horak gets an honorable mention.
Up in Vancouver, the Canucks host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Cory Schneider guard the cages. Vancouver began in the first period with a Ryan Kesler goal, his second of the season, made possible by Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Dan Hamhuis in the third period, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were Smith (40 for 41 in saves), Chris Higgins, and Kesler, while Schneider (19 save shutout) gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Ducks bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Jonas Hiller are the masked men. Anaheim was first to score in the first period as Radek Dvorak potted his second of the season, thanks to Ben Lovejoy and Saku Koivu. Edmonton tied it in the third period on a Nick Schultz goal, assisted by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. The Ducks took the lead back as Dvorak scored his second of the game and third of the year, via Daniel Winnik and Koivu. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Dvorak, Winnik, and Dubnyk (36 for 38 in saves), while Koivu gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and James Reimer are set to start. Toronto struck first in the first period with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his sixteenth of the season, via John-Michael Liles and Phil Kessel. The Maple Leafs added on in the second period as Ryan O'Byrne scored his second of the year, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Clarke MacArthur. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal, his sixteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Derek Stepan. Toronto shot back as Kessel scored a power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. The Rangers got one back in the third period as Nash scored his second of the game and seventeenth of the season, with the help of John Moore and Steve Eminger. New York tied it as Stepan scored his fourteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs got the lead back quickly with Kessel's second of the night, guided in by Tyler Bozak and van Riemsdyk. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars belonging to van Riemsdyk, Nash, and Kessel, while Stepan gets an honorable mention.
Down in Boston, the Bruins welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters is mismatched with Tuukka Rask in goal. Boston led off in the first period as Rich Peverley scored his fifth of the season, with helpers provided by Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference. The Bruins chased Peters on a Brad Marchand goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Gregory Campbell and Jaromir Jagr. Dan Ellis game on in relief. Boston added on with another Marchand goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, assisted by Jagr and Seidenberg. The Bruins extended the lead in the second period on a Ference goal, his third of the year, passed from Seidenberg, who got a sock trick, and Campbell. Boston struck again on a Jordan Caron goal, made possible by Peverley and Shawn Thornton. Carolina got on the board in the third period as Patrick Dwyer scored his seventh of the campaign, with the help of Brett Bellemore and Jiri Tlusty. The Hurricanes got another as Drayson Bowman scored his third of the season, thanks to Riley Nash and Jordan Staal. The Bruins iced it at 6-2 with a Nathan Horton goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic. The three stars were Rask (40 for 42 in saves), Marchand, and Seidenberg, while Jagr, Peverley, Campbell, and Ference get the honorable mentions.
West to Denver, as the Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames. Backups Joey MacDonald and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are in goal. Colorado got going in the second period with a Brad Malone goal, set up by Tyson Barrie and Ryan O'Reilly. Calgary tied it on a Roman Cervenka goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Mark Giordano and Roman Horak. The Flames took the lead with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Horak and Steve Begin. Calgary added on in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Alex Tanguay, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Lee Stempniak. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being MacDonald (39 for 40 in saves), Cammalleri, and Malone, while Horak gets an honorable mention.
Up in Vancouver, the Canucks host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Cory Schneider guard the cages. Vancouver began in the first period with a Ryan Kesler goal, his second of the season, made possible by Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Dan Hamhuis in the third period, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were Smith (40 for 41 in saves), Chris Higgins, and Kesler, while Schneider (19 save shutout) gets an honorable mention.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Ducks bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Jonas Hiller are the masked men. Anaheim was first to score in the first period as Radek Dvorak potted his second of the season, thanks to Ben Lovejoy and Saku Koivu. Edmonton tied it in the third period on a Nick Schultz goal, assisted by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. The Ducks took the lead back as Dvorak scored his second of the game and third of the year, via Daniel Winnik and Koivu. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Dvorak, Winnik, and Dubnyk (36 for 38 in saves), while Koivu gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
NHL April 7th 2013
Eight games on today, beginning in...
Detroit, where the Red Wings host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard occupy the creases. St. Louis got going in the second period on a Chris Porter goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Patrik Berglund and Barret Jackman. This was the game's only goal, resulting in a 1-0 final, with the three stars being Elliott (28 save shutout), Howard (24 for 25 in saves), and Porter.
Out west, the San Jose Sharks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi are the Finnish goalies. San Jose led off in the first period with a Tommy Wingels goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Logan Couture. The Sharks added on in the second period as Brent Burns scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Justin Braun and the goalie Niemi. Dallas got on the board with the sixth of the season by Eric Nystrom, fueled by Vernon Fiddler. The Stars tied it quickly with an Alex Chiasson goal, his second of the year, with helpers from Jamie Benn and Ray Whitney. San Jose took the lead back as T.J. Galiardi recorded his third of the season, via Raffi Torres. The Sharks extended the lead with a Marc-Edouard Vlasic goal, his third of the year, coming off of Torres and Braun. Dallas got one back in the third period as Chiasson scored his second of the game and third of the season, with the help of Whitney and Benn. The Stars tied it with a Loui Eriksson goal, his tenth of the year, passed from Matt Fraser and Alex Goligoski. Dallas won 5-4 in the shootout with a lone tally by Benn. The three stars were given to Chiasson, Torres, and Benn, while Whitney and Braun get the honorable mentions.
Eastward to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets bringing in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Minnesota was first to score in the second period as Ryan Suter notched his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jason Pominville and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on with a Charlie Coyle power play goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Devin Setoguchi. Minnesota iced it at 3-0 with a Pominville goal in the third period, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Zach Parise. The three stars were awarded to Suter, Backstrom (24 save shutout), and Coyle, while Pominville gets an honorable mention.
Southeast to Florida, with the Panthers hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Scott Clemmensen are set to start. Ottawa started in the first period with a Cory Conacher goal, his tenth of the season, via Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad. Florida tied it in the second period as Marcel Goc scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Tomas Fleischmann and Tomas Kopecky. The Panthers took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kulikov, his second of the season, powered by Jonathan Huberdeau and Brian Campbell. This made it 2-1, a final, with the three stars going to Clemmensen (40 for 41 in saves), Kulikov, and Goc.
Northwest again to Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Ray Emery guard the cages. Chicago struck first in the first period on an Andrew Shaw goal, his eighth of the season, via Michael Frolik and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Nashville tied it with a Nick Spaling goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Sergei Kostitsyn. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the second period as Bryan Bickell scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Viktor Stalberg and Michal Rozsival. The Predators retied the game with a Shea Weber goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist from Spaling. Nashville took the lead in the third period on a David Legwand goal, his eleventh of the season, passed from Matt Halischuk and Weber. Chicago pulled even on a Brandon Saad goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks took the lead on a Toews goal, his nineteenth of the season, guided in by Patrick Kane and Shaw. Chicago iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Kane, his twentieth of the year, set up by Saad. Toews, Saad, and Shaw received the three stars, while Kane, Spaling, and Weber got the honorable mentions.
East to DC, as the Washington Capitals welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Michal Neuvirth are given the starting nods. Tampa Bay quickly began with a Vincent Lecavalier power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Martin St. Louis and Sami Salo. Washington tied it in the second period as Alex Ovechkin scored his twenty-fourth of the year, assisted by Jack Hillen and Nicklas Backstrom. The Lightning took the lead on an Alex Killorn goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Lecavalier and Matt Carle. The Capitals pulled even with the sixth of the year by John Carlson, fueled by Joel Ward and Hillen. Washington took the lead with a Ward goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Mathieu Perreault and Jason Chimera. The Capitals finished it at 4-2 with an Ovechkin empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, with a lone assist from Mike Ribeiro. Ward, Neuvirth (28 for 30 in saves), and Lecavalier were named the three stars, while Ovechkin and Hillen get the honorable mentions.
Moving along to Buffalo, where the Sabres host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Buffalo opened in the first period with a Patrick Kaleta goal, assisted by Jochen Hecht. New Jersey tied it on a power play goal by Steve Sullivan, his sixth of the season, set up by Steve Bernier. The Sabres took the lead back in the second period with a Steve Ott goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Cody Hodgson and Nathan Gerbe. The Devils tied it again in the third period on a Mark Fayne shorthanded goal, made possible by Dainius Zubrus. Buffalo won 3-2 in the shootout on a lone tally by Gerbe. The three stars were handed to Miller (37 for 39 in saves), Kaleta, and Ott, while Gerbe gets an honorable mention.
Finally, way out in Anaheim, the Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Bernier and Viktor Fasth are the pseudo-backups in goal. Anaheim quickly led off in the first period with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his ninth of the season, via Matt Beleskey and Dave Steckel. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Drew Doughty recorded his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Dustin Brown. The Ducks took the lead back on a Corey Perry goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Andrew Cogliano and Sheldon Souray. The Kings retied it late with the twenty-third of the year by Jeff Carter, passed from Mike Richards and Brad Richardson. Anaheim regained the lead in the third period as Beleskey scored a power play goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Souray and Saku Koivu. Los Angeles tied it again with a Brown goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming off of Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. The Ducks won 4-3 in the shootout as goals by Bobby Ryan, Koivu, and Perry outpaced the Kings' lone tally from Carter. The three stars were given to Perry, Beleskey, and Brown, while Souray gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Detroit, where the Red Wings host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jimmy Howard occupy the creases. St. Louis got going in the second period on a Chris Porter goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Patrik Berglund and Barret Jackman. This was the game's only goal, resulting in a 1-0 final, with the three stars being Elliott (28 save shutout), Howard (24 for 25 in saves), and Porter.
Out west, the San Jose Sharks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi are the Finnish goalies. San Jose led off in the first period with a Tommy Wingels goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Logan Couture. The Sharks added on in the second period as Brent Burns scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Justin Braun and the goalie Niemi. Dallas got on the board with the sixth of the season by Eric Nystrom, fueled by Vernon Fiddler. The Stars tied it quickly with an Alex Chiasson goal, his second of the year, with helpers from Jamie Benn and Ray Whitney. San Jose took the lead back as T.J. Galiardi recorded his third of the season, via Raffi Torres. The Sharks extended the lead with a Marc-Edouard Vlasic goal, his third of the year, coming off of Torres and Braun. Dallas got one back in the third period as Chiasson scored his second of the game and third of the season, with the help of Whitney and Benn. The Stars tied it with a Loui Eriksson goal, his tenth of the year, passed from Matt Fraser and Alex Goligoski. Dallas won 5-4 in the shootout with a lone tally by Benn. The three stars were given to Chiasson, Torres, and Benn, while Whitney and Braun get the honorable mentions.
Eastward to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets bringing in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Minnesota was first to score in the second period as Ryan Suter notched his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jason Pominville and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild added on with a Charlie Coyle power play goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Devin Setoguchi. Minnesota iced it at 3-0 with a Pominville goal in the third period, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Zach Parise. The three stars were awarded to Suter, Backstrom (24 save shutout), and Coyle, while Pominville gets an honorable mention.
Southeast to Florida, with the Panthers hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Scott Clemmensen are set to start. Ottawa started in the first period with a Cory Conacher goal, his tenth of the season, via Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad. Florida tied it in the second period as Marcel Goc scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Tomas Fleischmann and Tomas Kopecky. The Panthers took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kulikov, his second of the season, powered by Jonathan Huberdeau and Brian Campbell. This made it 2-1, a final, with the three stars going to Clemmensen (40 for 41 in saves), Kulikov, and Goc.
Northwest again to Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Ray Emery guard the cages. Chicago struck first in the first period on an Andrew Shaw goal, his eighth of the season, via Michael Frolik and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Nashville tied it with a Nick Spaling goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Sergei Kostitsyn. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the second period as Bryan Bickell scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Viktor Stalberg and Michal Rozsival. The Predators retied the game with a Shea Weber goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist from Spaling. Nashville took the lead in the third period on a David Legwand goal, his eleventh of the season, passed from Matt Halischuk and Weber. Chicago pulled even on a Brandon Saad goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks took the lead on a Toews goal, his nineteenth of the season, guided in by Patrick Kane and Shaw. Chicago iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Kane, his twentieth of the year, set up by Saad. Toews, Saad, and Shaw received the three stars, while Kane, Spaling, and Weber got the honorable mentions.
East to DC, as the Washington Capitals welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Michal Neuvirth are given the starting nods. Tampa Bay quickly began with a Vincent Lecavalier power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Martin St. Louis and Sami Salo. Washington tied it in the second period as Alex Ovechkin scored his twenty-fourth of the year, assisted by Jack Hillen and Nicklas Backstrom. The Lightning took the lead on an Alex Killorn goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Lecavalier and Matt Carle. The Capitals pulled even with the sixth of the year by John Carlson, fueled by Joel Ward and Hillen. Washington took the lead with a Ward goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Mathieu Perreault and Jason Chimera. The Capitals finished it at 4-2 with an Ovechkin empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-fifth of the year, with a lone assist from Mike Ribeiro. Ward, Neuvirth (28 for 30 in saves), and Lecavalier were named the three stars, while Ovechkin and Hillen get the honorable mentions.
Moving along to Buffalo, where the Sabres host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Buffalo opened in the first period with a Patrick Kaleta goal, assisted by Jochen Hecht. New Jersey tied it on a power play goal by Steve Sullivan, his sixth of the season, set up by Steve Bernier. The Sabres took the lead back in the second period with a Steve Ott goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Cody Hodgson and Nathan Gerbe. The Devils tied it again in the third period on a Mark Fayne shorthanded goal, made possible by Dainius Zubrus. Buffalo won 3-2 in the shootout on a lone tally by Gerbe. The three stars were handed to Miller (37 for 39 in saves), Kaleta, and Ott, while Gerbe gets an honorable mention.
Finally, way out in Anaheim, the Ducks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Bernier and Viktor Fasth are the pseudo-backups in goal. Anaheim quickly led off in the first period with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his ninth of the season, via Matt Beleskey and Dave Steckel. Los Angeles tied it in the second period as Drew Doughty recorded his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Dustin Brown. The Ducks took the lead back on a Corey Perry goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Andrew Cogliano and Sheldon Souray. The Kings retied it late with the twenty-third of the year by Jeff Carter, passed from Mike Richards and Brad Richardson. Anaheim regained the lead in the third period as Beleskey scored a power play goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Souray and Saku Koivu. Los Angeles tied it again with a Brown goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming off of Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. The Ducks won 4-3 in the shootout as goals by Bobby Ryan, Koivu, and Perry outpaced the Kings' lone tally from Carter. The three stars were given to Perry, Beleskey, and Brown, while Souray gets an honorable mention.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
NHL April 6th 2013
Ten games on today, beginning in...
Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Ondrej Pavelec make the starts. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Ruslan Fedotenko goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Kent Huskins and Simon Gagne. Winnipeg tied it as Grant Clitsome scored his third of the year in the second period, a power play goal set up by Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler. The Jets took the lead with a power play goal by Kyle Wellwood, his third of the season, powered by Evander Kane and Olli Jokinen. Winnipeg extended the lead as Kane scored his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Mike Santorelli and Alex Burmistrov. The Jets padded the lead with a Little goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Steve Mason relieved Bryzgalov for the third period. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 4-1 final, with the three stars being Kane, Little, and Pavelec (30 for 31 in saves), while Wheeler got an honorable mention.
Down in Nashville, the Predators bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Pekka Rinne are in the blue paint. Chicago opened in the first period on a Bryan Bickell goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Michal Handzus and Marcus Kruger. This was the game's only goal, with the final being 1-0, and the three stars were Bickell, Rinne (29 for 30 in saves), and Emery (20 save shutout).
Out in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Los Angeles began quickly in the first period as Mike Richards notched his ninth of the season, with a lone assist from Jeff Carter. The Kings added on as Carter scored his twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a Magnus Paajarvi power play goal, his eighth of the season, pushed through by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. Los Angeles shot back on a Slava Voynov goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal set up by Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll. The Kings iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Drew Doughty, his second of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Carter, Quick (23 for 24 in saves), and Richards.
Back east, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Martin Brodeur are called on to start. Toronto was first to score in the first period with the second of the season by Leo Komarav, assisted by Mark Fraser and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs added on in the third period when Tyler Bozak scored his eleventh of the year, thanks to Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk. New Jersey got on the board with a David Clarkson goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Marek Zidlicky. They failed to get an equalizer, falling 2-1, with the three stars being given to Reimer (27 for 28 in saves), Bozak, and Clarkson.
Up in Montreal, the Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price tend the twines. Montreal led off in the first period with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Brandon Prust and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens added on in the second period as Michael Ryder scored his sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Subban and Tomas Plekanec. Boston got on the board with a Daniel Paille goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Johnny Boychuk. They couldn't find the tying goal, losing 2-1, with the three stars awarded to Galchenyuk, Price (26 for 27 in saves), and Ryder, while Subban gets an honorable mention.
Back in the south, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Dan Ellis in goal. New York got going in the second period on a Derek Stepan power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, powered by Brad Richards and Ryane Clowe. The Rangers added on with a Ryan Callahan goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Rick Nash and Stepan. New York extended the lead as Nash potted his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Michael Del Zotto. Justin Peters relieved Ellis for the third period. Carolina got on the board in the third period when Zac Dalpe scored, via Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal. The Rangers finished it with a Brian Boyle empty net goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. This made it a 4-1 final score, with the three stars belonging to Lundqvist (48 for 49 in saves), Nash, and Skinner, while Stepan gets an honorable mention.
Speaking of New York, we head there next as the Islanders host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Evgeni Nabokov man the creases. New York started in the first period as Michael Grabner scored his twelfth of the season, via John Tavares. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period on a Richard Panik goal, his second of the year, coming off of Vincent Lecavalier and Matt Carle. The Islanders took the lead back with a Josh Bailey goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. The Lightning tied it in the third period as Carle scored his fourth of the year, with the help of Steven Stamkos and Benoit Pouliot. New York reclaimed the lead with a Matt Martin goal, his third of the season, made possible by Anders Lee and Mark Streit. The Islanders iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Andrew MacDonald, his third of the year, with a lone helper from Bailey. The three stars were handed to Martin, Bailey, and Carle.
Moving along to Florida, as the Panthers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Jacob Markstrom are the excellent young goalies. Washington opened in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on in the second period with a Ribeiro power play goal, his twelfth of the year, with assists provided by Mike Green and Ovechkin. Washington padded the lead as Ovechkin scored his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, with the help of Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals extended the lead as Ovechkin completed his hat trick with his twenty-third of the year, another power play goal, powered by Johansson and Backstrom, the latter getting a sock trick. Florida got on the board in the third period as Tomas Kopecky scored his fourteenth of the season, courtesy of Tomas Fleischmann and T.J. Brennan. The Panthers pulled closer as Peter Mueller scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal with helpers from Shawn Matthias and Jonathan Huberdeau. Florida chipped away with another Kopecky goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the campaign, helped along by Matthias. It wasn't enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, with the three stars being Ovechkin, Ribeiro, and Kopecky, while Backstrom, Johansson, and Matthias get the honorable mentions.
Way to the west, the Phoenix Coyotes welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Mike Smith protect the nets. Phoenix quickly began with a first period Mikkel Boedker goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Martin Hanzal and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on in the second period with a Hanzal power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata. Phoenix padded the lead with a Boyd Gordon goal, his third of the season, courtesy of David Moss. The Coyotes extended the lead when Doan notched his thirteenth of the year, via Vrbata and Ekman-Larsson. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 4-0 final, with Smith (24 save shutout), Ekman-Larsson, and Hanzal getting the three stars, while Doan and Vrbata receive the honorable mentions.
Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Cory Schneider are the redheaded goalies. Vancouver led off with a Dan Hamhuis goal, his third of the season, via Alexandre Burrows and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks extended the lead as Jason Garrison scored his sixth of the year, with the help of Maxim Lapierre and Dale Weise. Calgary got on the board with a Dennis Wideman goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Matt Stajan and Mark Giordano. Vancouver answered in the second period on a Burrows goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks padded the lead with an Alexander Edler power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Daniel Sedin, who got a sock trick, and Henrik Sedin. The Flames got one back in the third period on an Alex Tanguay goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Matt Stajan and Lee Stempniak.
Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Ondrej Pavelec make the starts. Philadelphia struck first in the first period with a Ruslan Fedotenko goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Kent Huskins and Simon Gagne. Winnipeg tied it as Grant Clitsome scored his third of the year in the second period, a power play goal set up by Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler. The Jets took the lead with a power play goal by Kyle Wellwood, his third of the season, powered by Evander Kane and Olli Jokinen. Winnipeg extended the lead as Kane scored his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Mike Santorelli and Alex Burmistrov. The Jets padded the lead with a Little goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Steve Mason relieved Bryzgalov for the third period. This was all for the scoring, resulting in a 4-1 final, with the three stars being Kane, Little, and Pavelec (30 for 31 in saves), while Wheeler got an honorable mention.
Down in Nashville, the Predators bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Ray Emery and Pekka Rinne are in the blue paint. Chicago opened in the first period on a Bryan Bickell goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Michal Handzus and Marcus Kruger. This was the game's only goal, with the final being 1-0, and the three stars were Bickell, Rinne (29 for 30 in saves), and Emery (20 save shutout).
Out in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Los Angeles began quickly in the first period as Mike Richards notched his ninth of the season, with a lone assist from Jeff Carter. The Kings added on as Carter scored his twenty-second of the year, a power play goal powered by Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a Magnus Paajarvi power play goal, his eighth of the season, pushed through by Nail Yakupov and Sam Gagner. Los Angeles shot back on a Slava Voynov goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal set up by Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll. The Kings iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Drew Doughty, his second of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Carter, Quick (23 for 24 in saves), and Richards.
Back east, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Martin Brodeur are called on to start. Toronto was first to score in the first period with the second of the season by Leo Komarav, assisted by Mark Fraser and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs added on in the third period when Tyler Bozak scored his eleventh of the year, thanks to Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk. New Jersey got on the board with a David Clarkson goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Marek Zidlicky. They failed to get an equalizer, falling 2-1, with the three stars being given to Reimer (27 for 28 in saves), Bozak, and Clarkson.
Up in Montreal, the Canadiens host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price tend the twines. Montreal led off in the first period with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Brandon Prust and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens added on in the second period as Michael Ryder scored his sixteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Subban and Tomas Plekanec. Boston got on the board with a Daniel Paille goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist from Johnny Boychuk. They couldn't find the tying goal, losing 2-1, with the three stars awarded to Galchenyuk, Price (26 for 27 in saves), and Ryder, while Subban gets an honorable mention.
Back in the south, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Dan Ellis in goal. New York got going in the second period on a Derek Stepan power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, powered by Brad Richards and Ryane Clowe. The Rangers added on with a Ryan Callahan goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of Rick Nash and Stepan. New York extended the lead as Nash potted his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Michael Del Zotto. Justin Peters relieved Ellis for the third period. Carolina got on the board in the third period when Zac Dalpe scored, via Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal. The Rangers finished it with a Brian Boyle empty net goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. This made it a 4-1 final score, with the three stars belonging to Lundqvist (48 for 49 in saves), Nash, and Skinner, while Stepan gets an honorable mention.
Speaking of New York, we head there next as the Islanders host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Evgeni Nabokov man the creases. New York started in the first period as Michael Grabner scored his twelfth of the season, via John Tavares. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period on a Richard Panik goal, his second of the year, coming off of Vincent Lecavalier and Matt Carle. The Islanders took the lead back with a Josh Bailey goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. The Lightning tied it in the third period as Carle scored his fourth of the year, with the help of Steven Stamkos and Benoit Pouliot. New York reclaimed the lead with a Matt Martin goal, his third of the season, made possible by Anders Lee and Mark Streit. The Islanders iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Andrew MacDonald, his third of the year, with a lone helper from Bailey. The three stars were handed to Martin, Bailey, and Carle.
Moving along to Florida, as the Panthers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Jacob Markstrom are the excellent young goalies. Washington opened in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on in the second period with a Ribeiro power play goal, his twelfth of the year, with assists provided by Mike Green and Ovechkin. Washington padded the lead as Ovechkin scored his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, with the help of Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals extended the lead as Ovechkin completed his hat trick with his twenty-third of the year, another power play goal, powered by Johansson and Backstrom, the latter getting a sock trick. Florida got on the board in the third period as Tomas Kopecky scored his fourteenth of the season, courtesy of Tomas Fleischmann and T.J. Brennan. The Panthers pulled closer as Peter Mueller scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal with helpers from Shawn Matthias and Jonathan Huberdeau. Florida chipped away with another Kopecky goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the campaign, helped along by Matthias. It wasn't enough to avoid a 4-3 loss, with the three stars being Ovechkin, Ribeiro, and Kopecky, while Backstrom, Johansson, and Matthias get the honorable mentions.
Way to the west, the Phoenix Coyotes welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Mike Smith protect the nets. Phoenix quickly began with a first period Mikkel Boedker goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Martin Hanzal and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on in the second period with a Hanzal power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata. Phoenix padded the lead with a Boyd Gordon goal, his third of the season, courtesy of David Moss. The Coyotes extended the lead when Doan notched his thirteenth of the year, via Vrbata and Ekman-Larsson. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 4-0 final, with Smith (24 save shutout), Ekman-Larsson, and Hanzal getting the three stars, while Doan and Vrbata receive the honorable mentions.
Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks host the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Cory Schneider are the redheaded goalies. Vancouver led off with a Dan Hamhuis goal, his third of the season, via Alexandre Burrows and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks extended the lead as Jason Garrison scored his sixth of the year, with the help of Maxim Lapierre and Dale Weise. Calgary got on the board with a Dennis Wideman goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Matt Stajan and Mark Giordano. Vancouver answered in the second period on a Burrows goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks padded the lead with an Alexander Edler power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Daniel Sedin, who got a sock trick, and Henrik Sedin. The Flames got one back in the third period on an Alex Tanguay goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Matt Stajan and Lee Stempniak.
Friday, April 5, 2013
NHL April 5th 2013
Six games on a slightly busy Friday, beginning in...
Pittsburgh, with the Penguins hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. Pittsburgh got going in the third period with a Jussi Jokinen goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis. New York tied it with a Rick Nash goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming from Derek Stepan. The game went to a shootout, where a lone tally by Jokinen lifted the Penguins to a 2-1 win. Fleury (34 for 35 in saves), Jokinen, and Lundqvist (26 for 27 in saves) received the three stars.
Over in Buffalo, the Sabres host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Ryan Miller are the masked men. Buffalo began in the first period with a Luke Adam goal, fueled by Adam Pardy and Mike Weber. Ottawa tied it as Marc Methot scored his second of the season, thanks to Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators took the lead in the third period on an Eric Gryba goal, his second of the year, coming off of Zibanejad and Chris Neil. The Sabres tied it as Steve Ott scored his seventh of the season, courtesy of Mark Pysyk and Pardy. Buffalo took the lead on a Brian Flynn goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Jochen Hecht and Weber. The Sabres added on with a Hecht goal, his third of the season, with assists provided by Tyler Myers and Kevin Porter. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Weber, Miller (35 for 37 in saves), and Ott, while Hecht, Zibanejad, and Pardy receive the honorable mentions.
West to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jake Allen are the young goalies. St. Louis started in the second period on a Chris Stewart power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester. Columbus tied it as Artem Anisimov scored his tenth of the year, via Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal. The Blues took the lead back with a David Backes goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Alexander Steen. St. Louis finished it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Patrik Berglund, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Bouwmeester. The three stars went to Backes, Allen (26 for 27 in saves), and Bobrovsky (16 for 18 in saves), while Bouwmeester could take the third slot.
Further to the west, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are in the creases. Detroit opened in the first period with a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg. Colorado tied it with a Mark Olver goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by David van der Gulik and Aaron Palushaj. The Red Wings took the lead back with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The Avalanche tied it in the third period as P.A. Parenteau scored his fifteenth of the year, via Jamie McGinn and Matt Duchene. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime as Datsyuk scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Zetterberg. The three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Parenteau, and Olver, while Zetterberg gets an honorable mention.
Southwest to Anaheim, as the Ducks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Viktor Fasth protect the nets.
Dallas led off in the first period with a Lane MacDermid goal, his second of the season, coming off of Antoine Roussel and Ryan Garbutt. Anaheim tied it on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his twelfth of the year, via Dave Steckel and Bryan Allen. The Stars took the lead back on a shorthanded goal by Eric Nystrom, his fifth of the season, set up by Vernon Fiddler and Trevor Daley. Dallas added on with an Alex Chiasson goal, assisted by Fiddler and Brenden Dillon. This was all they needed to win 3-1, with the three stars belonging to Lehtonen (27 for 28 in saves), Corey Perry, and Stephane Robidas, while Fiddler and Chiasson could take the second and third slots.
Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Antti Niemi are the Finnish goalies. Calgary was first to score in the first period as Mikael Backlund potted his sixth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michael Cammalleri. San Jose tied it on a third period Dan Boyle goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Logan Couture and Matt Tennyson. The Sharks gained the lead with the twelfth of the campaign by Joe Pavelski, assisted by Brent Burns and T.J. Galiardi. This made it 2-1, the final, with Pavelski, Kiprusoff (39 for 41 in saves), and Niemi (23 for 24 in saves) getting the three stars.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
Pittsburgh, with the Penguins hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. Pittsburgh got going in the third period with a Jussi Jokinen goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis. New York tied it with a Rick Nash goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming from Derek Stepan. The game went to a shootout, where a lone tally by Jokinen lifted the Penguins to a 2-1 win. Fleury (34 for 35 in saves), Jokinen, and Lundqvist (26 for 27 in saves) received the three stars.
Over in Buffalo, the Sabres host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Ryan Miller are the masked men. Buffalo began in the first period with a Luke Adam goal, fueled by Adam Pardy and Mike Weber. Ottawa tied it as Marc Methot scored his second of the season, thanks to Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators took the lead in the third period on an Eric Gryba goal, his second of the year, coming off of Zibanejad and Chris Neil. The Sabres tied it as Steve Ott scored his seventh of the season, courtesy of Mark Pysyk and Pardy. Buffalo took the lead on a Brian Flynn goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Jochen Hecht and Weber. The Sabres added on with a Hecht goal, his third of the season, with assists provided by Tyler Myers and Kevin Porter. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Weber, Miller (35 for 37 in saves), and Ott, while Hecht, Zibanejad, and Pardy receive the honorable mentions.
West to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jake Allen are the young goalies. St. Louis started in the second period on a Chris Stewart power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester. Columbus tied it as Artem Anisimov scored his tenth of the year, via Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal. The Blues took the lead back with a David Backes goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Alexander Steen. St. Louis finished it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Patrik Berglund, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Bouwmeester. The three stars went to Backes, Allen (26 for 27 in saves), and Bobrovsky (16 for 18 in saves), while Bouwmeester could take the third slot.
Further to the west, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are in the creases. Detroit opened in the first period with a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg. Colorado tied it with a Mark Olver goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by David van der Gulik and Aaron Palushaj. The Red Wings took the lead back with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The Avalanche tied it in the third period as P.A. Parenteau scored his fifteenth of the year, via Jamie McGinn and Matt Duchene. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime as Datsyuk scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Zetterberg. The three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Parenteau, and Olver, while Zetterberg gets an honorable mention.
Southwest to Anaheim, as the Ducks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Viktor Fasth protect the nets.
Dallas led off in the first period with a Lane MacDermid goal, his second of the season, coming off of Antoine Roussel and Ryan Garbutt. Anaheim tied it on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his twelfth of the year, via Dave Steckel and Bryan Allen. The Stars took the lead back on a shorthanded goal by Eric Nystrom, his fifth of the season, set up by Vernon Fiddler and Trevor Daley. Dallas added on with an Alex Chiasson goal, assisted by Fiddler and Brenden Dillon. This was all they needed to win 3-1, with the three stars belonging to Lehtonen (27 for 28 in saves), Corey Perry, and Stephane Robidas, while Fiddler and Chiasson could take the second and third slots.
Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Calgary Flames. Miikka Kiprusoff and Antti Niemi are the Finnish goalies. Calgary was first to score in the first period as Mikael Backlund potted his sixth of the season, a power play goal powered by Michael Cammalleri. San Jose tied it on a third period Dan Boyle goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Logan Couture and Matt Tennyson. The Sharks gained the lead with the twelfth of the campaign by Joe Pavelski, assisted by Brent Burns and T.J. Galiardi. This made it 2-1, the final, with Pavelski, Kiprusoff (39 for 41 in saves), and Niemi (23 for 24 in saves) getting the three stars.
Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.
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