From Cradle to Cup: The Story of the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks, Part 2

From Cradle to Cup will be a series running throughout July 2013 looking back at players on the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks roster for their Stanley Cup-winning campaign. Part 2 looks at veteran forward Jamal Mayers' long quest for Lord Stanley's Cup. 

Jamal Mayers was born on October 24th, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario. His playing career began at age 16 with the Ontario Junior B league team in Markham, the Thunderbirds, where in 1990-1991 he put up twelve goals and twenty-four assists in forty-four games, as well as seventy-eight penalty minutes. The next season saw him at the Ontario Junior A league with the Thornhill Thunderbirds, where in fifty-six games he registered thirty-eight goals and sixty-seven assists as a star offensive forward. He left the Junior hockey system in 1992, electing to play college hockey at Western Michigan University from 1992 to 1996. During this time, he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 1993 entry draft. At the end of his college career, Mayers joined the American Hockey League affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, the Worcester IceCats for the 1996-1997 season, and he recorded twelve goals and fourteen assists as well as 104 penalty minutes in sixty-two games. This season helped to establish his role as a gritty, third-line style player with occasional point production as well. He earned a call-up to the NHL at the end of the season, playing in six games while earning an assist. Mayers spent all of the 1997-1998 season at Worcester, and improved to nineteen goals and twenty-four assists in sixty-one games, while also sitting for 117 penalty minutes. The next year, Mayers produced sixteen points in twenty games with the IceCats, and then joined the Blues, recording four goals and five assists in thirty-four games, as well as forty penalty minutes. From 1999-2008, Mayers stayed with the Blues full-time, with the exception of the cancelled 2004-2005 season due to the lockout. During that time, he was generally good for around 8-10 goals, 10-12 assists, and 90-100 penalty minutes, except in 2002-2003, where he only played in fifteen games. Over these nine years, Mayers also represented Canada at the World Championships three times, with seven goals and four assists over twenty-five games in those tournaments. During the lockout in 2004, Mayers went to Sweden, playing in the second-tier league with Hammarby IF Stockholm and recording twenty-two points in nineteen games. He then returned to North America to finish the season with the Missouri River Otters in the UHL, posting seven points and sixty-eight penalty minutes in thirteen games. Also over the span of his time with the Blues, he appeared in Stanley Cup playoffs, playing in forty-eight games while accumulating thirteen points, but never reaching the Finals. Prior to the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Mayers was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third round selection, which was used on James Livingston. For the 2008-2009 season, Mayers played with the Maple Leafs in seventy-one games, with seven goals and nine assists to go with eighty-two penalty minutes. Mayers began 2009-2010 with the Maple Leafs as well, earning eight points in forty-four games, while racking up seventy-eight penalty minutes, before being included in the blockbuster trade that saw the Maple Leafs send Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White, and Mayers to the Calgary Flames for star defenseman Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom, and Keith Aulie on January 31st, 2010. This trade has been considered one of the most lopsided trades in the last decade. Finishing out the season with the Flames, Mayers had one goal and five assists to go with fifty-three penalty minutes in twenty-seven games. On August 4th, 2010, Mayers signed with the San Jose Sharks for the upcoming season, and played in seventy-eight games during the season, scoring three goals and assisting on eleven others while posting 124 penalty minutes, his most since 2005-2006 with the Blues. In the postseason, Mayers appeared in twelve games and had only twelve penalty minutes to show for it. Mayers was not resigned by the Sharks in the offseason, and he later signed a one year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. In 2011-2012, Mayers potted six goals and nine assists in a career-high eighty-one games, while trimming his penalty minutes to ninety-one, as well as three more playoff games with no points or penalty minutes. The Blackhawks resigned Mayers for the lockout-shortened 2013 season, but he only appeared in nineteen games, managing just two assists and sixteen penalty minutes. Mayers made no postseason appearances in his fifteenth NHL season, watching from the press box as his teammates with the Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup. Since he did not meet the requirements for automatic inclusion on the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks will have to petition the league for approval to put his name on it. Regardless, Mayers was finally a part of a championship team for the first time in his long career. Mayers is also notable as one of the few black hockey players in the 1990s and 2000s, helping to promote hockey for all races.

From Cradle to Cup: The Story of the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks, Part 1

From Cradle to Cup will be a series running throughout July 2013 looking back at players on the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks roster for their Stanley Cup-winning campaign. Part 1 takes a look at third string goalie Henrik Karlsson.

Henrik Karlsson was born on November 27th, 1983 in Tumba, Sweden. He began playing in the Swedish U18 league in 2000 with Hammarby IF Stockholm, appearing in two games and surrendering seven goals. He advanced to the Swedish Junior league in the same organization, appearing in thirty-six games for Hammarby IF Stockholm from 2000-2002, allowing 153 goals while playing to a goals-against average in the mid-4 range, which is typically not considered strong. Between 2003 and 2004, Karlsson went to the third-tier league in the Swedish system, playing for his hometown team Botkyrka HC Tumba in 21 games, although statistics are unknown. He also had a shutout in one game for Olofstroms IK in the 2004-05 season. He was promoted to the second-tier Swedish league after that appearance, playing for IK Oskarshamn and making twelve appearances while surrendering twenty-eight goals. In 2006-2007, Karlsson returned to the Hammarby IF Stockholm system, playing for their tier-2 team in thirty-five games, posting a 3.52 GAA. In 2007-2008, Karlsson began the season with Hammarby, but was traded to the Malmo Redhawks late in the year. Between the two clubs, Karlsson maintained a 3.75 GAA over thirty-two appearances in goal. He improved in his first full season with the Redhawks in 2008-09, dropping his GAA to 2.45 with four shutouts in thirty-two games, before being promoted to Swedish Elitserien, the top level of Swedish hockey, with Sodertalje SK. In 15 games with Sodertalje, Karlsson allowed only thirty-three goals. He was on the move again for the 2009-2010 season, playing for Farjestads BK Karlstad in the Elitserien, making thirty-four appearance while allowing a 2.45 GAA. Karlsson then signed a one year contract with the Calgary Flames of the NHL after being traded from the San Jose Sharks. With a big-league role in mind, Karlsson was able to avoid the KHL of eastern Europe. During the 2010-2011 season, Karlsson made seventeen appearances, of which eleven were starts, and posted a 2.58 GAA with a 4-5-0 record and a .908 save percentage. His moderate success was not replicated in 2011-2012, and Karlsson struggled in his nine appearances for the Flames, to the tune of a 1-4-0 record and a 3.17 GAA during the season. He also appeared in four games for the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, with a 2.26 GAA and a 2-2-0 record. However, because of a midseason injury to his MCL and a lack of success, the Flames determined Karlsson was expendable, and at the end of the 2012-2013 lockout, Karlsson was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for a seventh round draft pick. Karlsson did not play in any games for Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup run, sitting at third on the depth chart behind Corey Crawford and Ray Emery, but he did play for their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

STANLEY CUP FINAL: 1) Chicago Blackhawks VS. 4) Boston Bruins

Welcome to the final post for the 2013 NHL season, covering the Stanley Cup final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Boston led off in the first period with a Milan Lucic goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Nathan Horton and David Krejci. The Bruins added on as Lucic scored his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs in the second period, via Krejci. Chicago got on the board with a Brandon Saad goal, courtesy of Marian Hossa. Boston answered in the third period with a power play goal by Patrice Bergeron, his sixth of the postseason, powered by Tyler Seguin and Lucic. The Blackhawks got one back as Dave Bolland scored, passed from Andrew Shaw. Chicago tied it on a Johnny Oduya goal, his third of the playoffs, with assists provided by Marcus Kruger and Michael Frolik. The Blackhawks won it 5-4 in the third overtime as Shaw potted his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Bolland and Michal Rozsival. Shaw, Lucic, and Hossa received the three stars, while Bolland and Krejci got the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks take the early 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago was first to score in the first period, with the ninth of the postseason by Patrick Sharp, assisted by Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. Boston tied it in the second period on a Chris Kelly goal, with a lone assist by Daniel Paille. The game went into overtime, and only part of one additional period was required for Paille to score the decisive 2-1 goal for the Bruins, his third of the playoffs, made possible by Tyler Seguin and Adam McQuaid. The three stars were handed to Paille, Rask (33 for 34 in saves), and Sharp. The series heads to Boston tied at 1.

Game 3: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston got going in the second period as Daniel Paille scored his fourth of the postseason, courtesy of Chris Kelly and Tyler Seguin. The Bruins added on as Patrice Bergeron scored his seventh of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Jaromir Jagr and Zdeno Chara. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Bergeron, Rask (28 save shutout), and Paille. The Bruins take a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Chicago opened in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Michal Handzus, his third of the postseason, set up by Brandon Saad. Boston tied it with a power play goal by Rich Peverley, his second of the playoffs, powered by Andrew Ference. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the second period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his second of the postseason, thanks to Michal Rozsival. Chicago extended the lead on a Patrick Kane goal, his seventh of the playoffs, fueled by Bryan Bickell and Rozsival. The Bruins pulled back with a Milan Lucic goal, his sixth of the postseason, helped along by Zdeno Chara. The Blackhawks answered on a Marcus Kruger goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Michael Frolik and Dave Bolland. Boston replied as Patrice Bergeron sank his eighth of the postseason, a power play goal with assists provided by Chara and Jaromir Jagr. The Bruins tied it in the third period as Bergeron scored his second of the game and ninth of the playoffs, with the help of Jagr. Chicago regained the lead as Patrick Sharp deposited his tenth of the postseason on the power play, courtesy of Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith. Boston retied it on a Johnny Boychuk goal, his sixth of the playoffs, with helpers from Nathan Horton and David Krejci. The Blackhawks won it 6-5 in overtime as Brent Seabrook scored his third of the postseason, with a lone assist by Bickell. Seabrook, Bergeron, and Kane got the three stars, while Bickell, Rozsival, Chara, and Jagr get the honorable mentions. The series shifts back to Chicago tied at 2.

Game 5: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago started in the first period with a Patrick Kane goal, his eighth of the postseason, coming off of Johnny Oduya and Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks added on in the second period as Kane struck again with his second of the game and ninth of the playoffs, thanks to Bryan Bickell and Toews. Boston got on the board in the third period with a Zdeno Chara goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Chicago iced it at 3-1 with a Dave Bolland empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist from Michael Frolik. The three stars went to Kane, Crawford (23 for 24 in saves), and Bickell, while Toews gets an honorable mention. The Blackhawks have pushed the Bruins to the edge, holding a 3-2 lead in the series.

Game 6: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston began in the first period on a Chris Kelly goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Tyler Seguin and Daniel Paille. Chicago tied it in the second period as Jonathan Toews scored his third of the playoffs, an unassisted goal. The Bruins took the lead back on a Milan Lucic goal in the third period, his seventh of the postseason, helped along by David Krejci. The Blackhawks tied it late with a Bryan Bickell goal, his ninth of the playoffs, courtesy of Toews and Duncan Keith. Chicago took the lead with a Dave Bolland goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger. This stood up for the final at 3-2, with the three stars going to Lucic, Keith, and Seguin. The Blackhawks are the 2013 Stanley Cup Champions, with the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP belonging to Patrick Kane.

As usual, I would like to give a "state-of-the-blog" address now that the NHL season is over. Starting July 1, 2013 will be a new series, entitled "From Cradle to Cup." This will focus on telling the stories of the Chicago Blackhawks that make up this team, much in the way that "How They Got Here" did with the San Francisco Giants last November. I will not pick up baseball this season, since it would be very time-consuming and I am trying to relax before heading out to college. At the conclusion of "From Cradle to Cup," I will take approximately a month and a half off to prepare for moving and getting settled at Washington State University. I have decided that I will continue blogging the KHL next season, which now stands at 28 teams after expansion. I will also continue with the NFL in September and NHL in October when both sports return. Most likely, I will not cover the 2014 Sochi Olympic Hockey tournament at all, as I will use the time to rest up. Additionally, in the next couple of weeks, I will start in earnest my new poetry blog, which can be found here. I would love feedback on all of the posts over there. Thank you all very much for making this lockout-shortened hockey season another spectacular run on my blog. Enjoy the new series tomorrow! Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Western Conference Final: 1) Chicago Blackhawks VS. 5) Los Angeles Kings

Welcome to the post for the Western Conference Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Los Angeles opened in the first period with an unassisted goal by Justin Williams, his fifth of the postseason. Chicago tied it in the second period as Patrick Sharp scored his eighth of the playoffs, assisted by Johnny Oduya and Michal Handzus. The Blackhawks took the lead on a Marian Hossa goal, his sixth of the postseason, passed from Duncan Keith and Bryan Bickell. This was good for a 2-1 final score, with the three stars going to Sharp, Quick (34 for 36 in saves), and Hossa. The Blackhawks begin with a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago started in the first period on an Andrew Shaw goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Viktor Stalberg and Brandon Saad. The Blackhawks added on as Brent Seabrook scored his second of the playoffs, via Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews. Chicago extended the lead with a second period power play goal by Bryan Bickell, his sixth of the postseason, powered by Patrick Sharp and Saad. The Blackhawks chased Quick on a Michal Handzus goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Sharp and Patrick Kane. Jonathan Bernier came on in relief of Quick. Los Angeles got on the board as Jeff Carter scored his sixth of the postseason, thanks to Tyler Toffoli and Slava Voynov. The Kings pulled closer in the third period with a Toffoli power play goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Dustin Penner and Voynov. This only made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars being Sharp, Saad, and Crawford (29 for 31k in saves), while Toffoli and Voynov get the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks will head west with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles was first to score in the first period as Justin Williams netted his sixth of the postseason, thanks to Slava Voynov and Rob Scuderi. The Kings added on in the second period as Voynov scored his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. Chicago got on the board on a Bryan Bickell goal, his seventh of the postseason, an unassisted goal. Los Angeles iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Dwight King empty net goal, set up by Carter and Matt Greene. The three stars belonged to Voynov, Williams, and Carter. The Blackhawks still lead the series 2-1.

Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles struck first in the first period with a Slava Voynov goal, his sixth of the postseason, assisted by Kyle Clifford and Colin Fraser. Chicago tied it on a Bryan Bickell goal, his eighth of the playoffs, guided in by Michael Frolik and Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Kings took the lead back in the second period on a Dustin Penner goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli. The Blackhawks tied it as Patrick Kane deposited his third of the playoffs, with helpers provided by Bickell and Hjalmarsson. Chicago took the lead with a third period goal by Marian Hossa, his seventh of the postseason, set up by Michal Handzus and Johnny Oduya. This made it 3-2, which was the final, with the three stars handed to Hossa, Kane, and Penner, while Bickell and Hjalmarsson get the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks will return home with a 3-1 series lead. 

Game 5: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago began in the first period with a Duncan Keith goal, his second of the postseason, via Michal Rozsival. The Blackhawks added on with a Patrick Kane goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Jonathan Toews and Bryan Bickell. Los Angeles got one back in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Dwight King, his second of the postseason, set up by Justin Williams and the goalie Quick. The Kings tied it in the third period on an Anze Kopitar goal, his third of the playoffs coming on the power play with assists provided by Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Chicago took the lead back as Kane scored his second of the night and fifth of the postseason, thanks to Bickell. Los Angeles tied it with ten seconds left in regulation on a Richards goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Kopitar and Slava Voynov. The Blackhawks knocked the Kings out with Kane's third goal of the night and sixth of the postseason in the second overtime, guided in by Toews. The three stars of the 4-3 game were Kane, Keith, and Kopitar, while Richards, Toews, and Bickell get the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks advance to the Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins after winning 4-1 in this series.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Eastern Conference Final: 1) Pittsburgh Penguins VS. 4) Boston Bruins

Welcome to the post for the Eastern Conference Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Boston led off with a first period David Krejci goal, his sixth of the postseason, assisted by Nathan Horton and Andrew Ference. The Bruins added on as Krejci scored his seventh of the playoffs and second of the game in the third period, with a lone assist provided by Horton. Boston extended the lead as Horton scored his sixth of the postseason, fueled by Milan Lucic and Gregory Campbell. THis produced the 3-0 final score, with the three stars going to Krejci, Rask (29 save shutout), and Horton. The Bruins own a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Brad Marchand goal, his third of the postseason, an unassisted goal. The Bruins added on as Nathan Horton scored his seventh of the playoffs, pushed through by Torey Krug. Boston extended the lead on a David Krejci goal, his eighth of the postseason, assisted by Horton and Milan Lucic. Marc-Andre Fleury relieved Vokoun at this time. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Brandon Sutter goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Matt Cooke and Paul Martin. The Bruins replied as Marchand scored his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, with the help of Patrice Bergeron and Jaromir Jagr. Boston padded the lead in the third period when Bergeron scored his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Jagr and Johnny Boychuk. The Bruins iced it at 6-1 with a Boychuk goal, his fifth of the postseason, coming off of Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell. The three stars were awarded to Marchand, Horton, and Bergeron, while Boychuk and Jagr get the honorable mentions. The Bruins head home with a dominant 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston began in the first period as David Krejci potted his ninth of the postseason, with a lone helper from Milan Lucic. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period with a Chris Kunitz goal, his fifth of the playoffs, passed from Paul Martin and Pascal Dupuis. The Bruins won in the fifth period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his fifth of the postseason, assisted by Brad Marchand and Jaromir Jagr. They won 2-1, with the three stars being Bergeron, Rask (53 for 54 in saves), and Evgeni Malkin, while any point-earner can take the third slot. The Bruins push the Penguins to the brink and hold a 3-0 series lead. 

Game 4: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston got going in the third period on an Adam McQuaid goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. This held up for a 1-0 win, with the three stars belonging to McQuaid, Rask (26 save shutout), and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins swept the Penguins 4-0 and will compete for the Stanley Cup.

Western Conference Semifinal: 1) Chicago Blackhawks VS. 7) Detroit Red Wings

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago was first to score in the first period with a Marian Hossa power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. Detroit tied it on a Damien Brunner goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Gustav Nyquist and Jonathan Ericsson. The Blackhawks gained the lead in the third period with a Johnny Oduya goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Sharp and Patrick Kane. Chicago added on as Marcus Kruger scored his second of the playoffs, with the help of Dan Carcillo and Nick Leddy. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-1 with a Sharp empty net goal, his sixth of the postseason, via Niklas Hjalmarsson. The three stars were given to Sharp, Hossa, and Oduya. The Blackhawks begin the series leading 1-0.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago began in the first period on a Patrick Kane goal, assisted by Michal Handzus and Patrick Sharp. Detroit tied it in the second period with a Damien Brunner goal, his fourth of the postseason, thanks to Jakub Kindl and Joakim Andersson. The Red Wings took the lead with the second of the playoffs by Brendan Smith, courtesy of Henrik Zetterberg and Daniel Cleary. Detroit added on in the third period when Johan Franzen netted his fourth of the postseason, with the help of Jonathan Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings won it 4-1 on a Valtteri Filppula goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Zetterberg. The three stars went to Brunner, Zetterberg, and Kronwall. The series heads to Michigan tied at 1.

Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit got going in the second period on a Gustav Nyquist goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Damien Brunner and Joakim Andersson. The Red Wings added on as Drew Miller scored, with helpers from Patrick Eaves and Cory Emmerton. Chicago got on the board in the third period with a Patrick Kane goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Duncan Keith. Detroit answered with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Johan Franzen and Brendan Smith. This made it 3-1, the final, with Howard (39 for 40 in saves), Miller, and Niklas Hjalmarsson getting the three stars, while any point earner could take the third slot. The Red Wings now have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit struck first in the second period with a Jakub Kindl power play goal, powered by Carlo Colaiacovo and Johan Franzen. The Red Wings wrapped it up at 2-1 with a Daniel Cleary empty net goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Valtteri Filppula. The three stars were awarded to Howard (28 save shutout), Kindl, and Crawford (25 for 26 in saves). The Red Wings have pushed the Blackhawks to the brink with a 3-1 series lead to take with them on the road.

Game 5: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago led off in the first period as Bryan Bickell scored his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. Detroit tied it in the second period with a Daniel Cleary goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Henrik Zetterberg. The Blackhawks took the lead back on a power play goal by Andrew Shaw, his second of the postseason, powered by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Chicago extended the lead with a Jonathan Toews power play goal, set up by Marian Hossa and Keith. The Blackhawks added on in the third period as Shaw scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs, fueled by Viktor Stalberg and Michal Rozsival. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars being given to Shaw, Toews, and Keith. The Red Wings still lead the series 3-2.

Game 6: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Chicago opened with a first period goal by Marian Hossa, his fifth of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. Detroit tied it on a Patrick Eaves goal, assisted by Drew Miller and Brendan Smith. The Red Wings took the lead in the second period with a Joakim Andersson goal, fueled by Jakub Kindl. The Blackhawks retied it in the third period as Michal Handzus potted the puck, with a lone assist from Niklas Hjalmarsson. Chicago took the lead with a Bryan Bickell goal, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Toews and Hossa. The Blackhawks extended the lead as Michael Frolik converted a penalty shot for his third of the postseason, which he was credited with after a Carlo Colaiacovo infraction. Detroit got one back late on a Damien Brunner goal, his fifth of the playoffs, set up by Pavel Datsyuk and Daniel Cleary. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Bickell, Hossa, and Andersson, while Toews gets an honorable mention. This series will be concluded with Game 7 in Chicago, and is currently tied at 3.

Game 7: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago started in the second period on a Patrick Sharp goal, his seventh of the postseason, passed from Marian Hossa and Michal Handzus. Detroit tied it in the third period on a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Gustav Nyquist and Daniel Cleary. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime as Brent Seabrook scored, with a lone assist by Dave Bolland. Seabrook, Howard (33 for 35 in saves), and Crawford (26 for 27 in saves) were named the three stars. The Blackhawks win the series 4-3 and will play the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Final.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Western Conference Semifinal: 5) Los Angeles Kings VS. 6) San Jose Sharks

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles began in the first period with a Slava Voynov goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. The Kings added on as Richards scored, with helpers provided by Voynov and Rob Scuderi. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 2-0 final, with the three stars going to Quick (35 save shutout), Voynov, and Richards. The Kings have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles struck first in the first period on a Jeff Carter goal, his fourth of the postseason, an unassisted goal. The Kings added on in the second period with a Drew Doughty power play goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Brad Richardson and Dustin Penner. San Jose got on the board as Patrick Marleau scored his fifth of the postseason, coming off of Logan Couture and Dan Boyle. The Sharks tied it with a Brad Stuart goal, set up by Scott Gomez and Scott Hannan. San Jose took the lead with a third period goal by Marc-Edouard Vlasic, fueled by Stuart and Gomez. Los Angeles tied it with a Dustin Brown power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Carter and Mike Richards. The Kings took the lead as Trevor Lewis scored a power play goal, coming off of Tyler Toffoli and Jake Muzzin. This made it 4-3, which was a lead they held on to, and the three stars were given to Doughty, Lewis, and Gomez, while Stuart and Carter get the honorable mentions. The Kings head north with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose led off in the first period on a Dan Boyle goal, his second of the postseason, coming on the power play from Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski. Los Angeles tied it with a Tyler Toffoli goal, going in unassisted. The Sharks won 2-1 in overtime with a Logan Couture power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, powered by Marleau and Joe Thornton. The three stars belonged to Couture, Niemi (26 for 27 in saves), and Quick (38 for 40 in saves), while Marleau gets an honorable mention. The Kings still have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose was first to score in the first period with a Brent Burns goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Joe Thornton and T.J. Galiardi. The Sharks added on in the second period with a power play goal by Logan Couture, his fifth of the playoffs, powered by Dan Boyle and Joe Pavelski. Los Angeles got one back in the third period with a Mike Richards power play goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar. This wasn't enough to avoid a 2-1 loss, and the three stars were Thornton, Niemi (22 for 23 in saves), and Quick (21 for 23 in saves). The series will return to Los Angeles tied at 2.

Game 5: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles got going in the second period on an Anze Kopitar goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Justin Williams and Kyle Clifford. The Kings added on in the third period when Slava Voynov scored his fourth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Trevor Lewis. Los Angeles iced it at 3-0 when Jeff Carter put away his fifth of the postseason into the empty net, set up by Mike Richards. The three stars went to Quick (24 save shutout), Kopitar, and Drew Doughty, while any point-earner can take the third slot. The Kings retake the series lead at 3-2 before heading out on the road again.

Game 6: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Antti Niemi for San Jose. San Jose started in the first period on a Joe Thornton power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Joe Pavelski and Dan Boyle. The Sharks added on in the second period as T.J. Galiardi scored, courtesy of Scott Hannan and the goalie Niemi. Los Angeles got one the board as Dustin Brown netted his third of the playoffs, assisted by Matt Greene and Dwight King. The game was scoreless from here, leaving the final at 2-1 for the Sharks, with the three stars being Thornton, Boyle, and Galiardi. The series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 7, tied at 3. 

Game 7: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi for San Jose and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles opened with a second period power play goal by Justin Williams, his third of the postseason, powered by Slava Voynov and Drew Doughty. The Kings added on with another Williams goal, his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs, set up by Anze Kopitar and Voynov. San Jose got one back in the third period with a Dan Boyle goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Joe Pavelski. They failed to get an equalizer, losing 2-1. The three stars belonged to Williams, Quick (25 for 26 in saves), and Niemi (16 for 18 in saves), while Voynov gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-3 and will compete in the Western Conference Final.

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