KHL Day 9 2013-2014

There are ten games to be played today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Teemu Lassila are in goal. Mytishchi began with a first period goal by Konstantin Koltsov, assisted by Bobby Sanguinetti. Atlant took the lead as Juha-Pekka Haataja scored, with a lone helper from Ilya Kablukov. Omsk got on the board as Tomas Zaborsky scored, thanks to Alexander Perezhogin and Denis Kulyash. Avangard tied the game as Zaborsky scored again, via Kulyash and Perezhogin. Mytishchi took the lead back in the second period with a goal from Alexander Kadeikin, set up by Igor Radulov. Omsk answered as Kulyash scored, with assists provided by Alexander Popov and Kirill Lyamin. Avangard gained the lead in the third period when Valentin Pyanov scored a goal, helped along by Alexei Badyukov. This was good for a 4-3 Avangard victory, with Kulyash, Zaborsky, and Perezhogin getting the three stars.

Next up, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg hosts Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford and Evgeny Lobanov stand in the creases. Yaroslavl led off with a first period goal by Sergei Plotnikov, assisted by Anton But. Lokomotiv added on as Yegor Averin scored, via Plotnikov. Yaroslavl extended the lead in the second period with an Emil Galimov goal, going in unassisted. Lokomotiv wrapped it up at 4-0 in the third period when David Ullstrom scored, with the help of Alexander Chernikov. The three stars were Sanford (28 save shutout), Plotnikov, and Averin.

Moving along to Khanty-Mansiysk, where Yugra welcomes Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Mikhail Biryukov receive the starting nods. Cherepovets was first to score in the first period as Vladimir Antipov scored an unassisted goal. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it with a Mikhail Yakubov goal, courtesy of Marek Troncinsky and Ivan Khlyntsev. Yugra took the lead with an Igor Skorokhodov goal, made possible by Igor Magogin and Vitaly Sitnikov. Khanty-Mansiysk padded the lead on a power play goal by Mikhail Tyulyapkin, powered by Khlyntsev and Yakubov. The scoring was non-existent in the second and third periods, so Yugra walked out with a 3-1 victory, with the three stars being Biryukov (29 for 30 in saves), Yakubov, and Khlyntsev.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Alexander Salak and Ari Ahonen guard the cages. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Vadim Shipachyov. Astana tied it as Dustin Boyd scored, thanks to Nigel Dawes and Brandon Bochenski. SKA took the lead back with a power play goal by Viktor Tikhonov, powered by Kovalchuk and Roman Cervenka. St. Petersburg added on in the second period when Alexei Ponikarovsky scored, with the help of Yury Alexandrov and Andrei Sigaryov. SKA extended the lead as Cervenka scored a power play goal, fueled by Dmitry Kalinin and Patrick Thoresen. St. Petersburg padded the lead as Kalinin scored a power play goal, passed from Kovalchuk and Cervenka. Barys got one back in the third period on a Roman Savchenko goal, guided in by Talgat Zhailauov and Vladislav Kolesnikov on the power play. They got no closer, losing 5-2, with the three stars going to Kovalchuk, Cervenka, and Kalinin.

Back in Russia, Vityaz Podolsk hosts Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Andrei Vasilevsky and Ivan Lisutin are in the blue paint. Ufa opened with a first period goal by Nikita Filatov, assisted by Dmitry Makarov and Teemu Hartikainen. Salavat Yulaev added on in the second period when Brent Sopel scored, thanks to Makarov and Kirill Koltsov on the power play. Podolsk got on the board as Anton Korolyov scored, with helpers provided by Alexander Rybakov and Vyacheslav Solodukhin. Ufa responded in the third period when Stefan Ruzicka scored a power play goal, powered by Koltsov and Andrei Zubarev. Vityaz got one back with another Korolyov goal, fueled by Logan Pyett. They failed to get an equalizer, leaving Salavat Yulaev with a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Korolyov, Makarov, and Koltsov.

To the east, Ak Bars Kazan welcomes Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Alexander Pechursky is mismatched with Konstantin Barulin in goal. Kazan started in the first period as Janne Pesonen scored, with the help of Shaun Heshka and Vladimir Tkachyov. Ak Bars added on in the second period as Mikhail Varnakov scored a goal, passed from Heshka and Tim Stapleton. Kazan extended the lead in the third period when Dmitry Obukhov scored, thanks to Konstantin Korneyev and Denis Golubev. Magnitogorsk got on the board as Chris Lee scored a power play goal, powered by Rinat Ibragimov and Danis Zaripov. Metallurg pulled closer with a Yaroslav Khabarov power play goal, set up by Justin Hodgman. They couldn't complete the comeback, dropping a 3-2 decision to Ak Bars, and the three stars were Obukhov, Heshka, and Pesonen.

Backtracking to Nizhny Novgorod, as Torpedo hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Georgy Gelashvili protect the nets. Nizhnekamsk got going in the first period with a Nikita Shchitov goal, courtesy of Oskar Osala and Igor Polygalov. Neftekhimik added on in the second period as Osala scored a power play goal, powered by Nikolai Belov and Vitaly Shulakov. They held on from here for a 2-0 victory, with the three stars being Sudnitsin (31 save shutout), Osala, and Shchitov.

Onward to Moscow, where Spartak Moscow brings in their cross-town rivals, CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Jeff Glass tend the twines. CSKA led off with a first period goal by Alexander Radulov, fueled by Igor Grigorenko. Spartak tied it in the second period as Vyacheslav Kozlov scored, thanks to Alexei Krutov. Spartak took the lead with an Igor Volkov goal, made possible by Deron Quint. Spartak added on as Quint scored a power play goal in the third period, powered by Krutov and Kozlov. CSKA got one back as Oleg Saprykin scored a goal, courtesy of Brandon Reid, but they failed to escape a 3-2 defeat. The three stars were Quint, Kozlov, and Krutov.

Moving west to Belarus, where Dinamo Minsk hosts Lev Praha. Petri Vehanen and Lars Haugen are the masked men. Praha began with a Jakub Klepis goal, assisted by Niko Kapanen and Nicklas Danielsson. Minsk got on the board as Alexander Pavlovich scored in the second period, with the help of Alexander Kitarov. Lev retook the lead with a Toms Kubalik goal, fueled by Nathan Oystrick. Praha added on as Jiri Sekac scored, with a lone assist from Patrik Zackrisson. There was no scoring in the third period, so Lev won 3-1, and the three stars were Kubalik, Vehanen (29 for 30 in saves), and Sekac.

Finally, in Ukraine, Donbass Donetsk hosts Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Jan Laco will attempt to stop the puck. Donetsk started in the first period with a Peter Podhradsky power play goal, passed from Evgeny Dadonov and Maxim Yakutsenya. Riga tied it on a Marcel Hossa goal, with a lone assist by Vitalijs Pavlovs. Dinamo took the lead as Kyle Wilson scored, thanks to Gunars Skvorcovs. Riga added on in the second period as Wilson scored again, and Pavlovs had the only helper. Donbass pulled back on a third period power play goal by Dadonov, powered by Vaclav Nedorost and Yakutsenya. Dinamo shot back and iced the game at 4-2 as Wilson finished his hat trick with an unassisted empty net goal. The three stars were Wilson, Dadonov, and Pavlovs, while Yakutsenya got an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 8 2013-2014

Only two games on today, beginning in...

Novosibirsk, as Sibir hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Mika Jarvinen and Sergei Gaiduchenko are the masked men. Novosibirsk started in the first period with a Dmitry Kugryshev goal, courtesy of Konstantin Alexeyev. Sibir added on in the second period as Nikolai Lemtyugov scored, with the help of Jori Lehtera. Khabarovsk got on the board as Dylan Reese scored, with assists provided by Artyom Kryukov and Brian Salcido. Amur tied it in the third period on a Mikhail Fisenko goal, made possible by Vladimir Loginov and Ilshat Bilalov. The tie lasted into the shootout, where Novosibirsk's Dmitry Kugryshev matched Khabarovsk's Alexander Yunkov, followed by Lemtyugov and Jakub Petruzalek trading goals, and then Yunkov and Kugryshev washed each other out again before Sibir finally went ahead for good 3-2 with Kugryshev's third shootout tally. The three stars were Kugryshev, Lemtyugov, and Yunkov.

The other game comes from Novokuznetsk, as Metallurg hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Joakim Lundstrom and Niko Hovinen are between the pipes. Novokuznetsk opened in the second period with an unassisted goal by Marko Anttila. Vladivostok tied it in the third period as Enver Lisin scored an unassisted power play goal. Admiral won 2-1 in overtime as Felix Schutz scored, with a lone assist by Yegor Antropov. The three stars went to Schutz, Lundstrom (34 for 35 in saves), and Hovinen (37 for 39 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 7 2013-2014

The KHL is back at it today, with another twelve games on. I'm going to assume that the pattern has been recognized for how I list goalies, so I will not denote teams anymore. We begin in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Teemu Lassila are called on for the starts. Omsk opened with a first period goal by Alexander Perezhogin, coming on the power play from Sergei Kostitsyn. Avangard added on with a Denis Kulyash goal, assisted by Perezhogin and Kostitsyn. Omsk padded the lead in the second period as Alexander Popov scored an unassisted goal. Cherepovets got on the board with an Ignat Zemchenko goal, fueled by Alexander Bumagin. Severstal pulled closer in the third period when Nikolai Bushuyev scored a goal, going in unassisted. Cherepovets tied it with a Gleb Klimenko goal, passed from Stanislav Kalashnikov and Bumagin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Avangard topped Severstal 4-3 on a lone tally from Alexei Badyukov. The three stars were Perezhogin, Kostitsyn, and Bumagin.

Into Kazakhstan, where Barys Astana welcomes Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford and Ari Ahonen tend the twines. Yaroslavl began in the first period as Mikelis Redlihs scored an unassisted goal. Astana tied it with a Mikhail Rakhmanov goal, guided in by Mike Lundin and Artemy Lakiza. Barys took the lead on a Dustin Boyd goal, coming off of Nigel Dawes and Brandon Bochenski. Lokomotiv retied it with an Alexei Vasilyev goal, passed from Emil Galimov on the power play. Yaroslavl took the lead in the second period as Alexander Chernikov scored an unassisted goal. Astana tied the game again in the third period with a Konstantin Rudenko goal, made possible by Dmitry Upper. Barys gained the lead on a Dawes goal, thanks to Bochenski and Boyd. Astana iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Maxim Spiridonov, via Upper and Lundin. The three stars were Dawes, Boyd, and Upper, while Bochenski and Lundin get honorable mentions.

Back in Russia, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg brings in Atlant Mytishchi. Sergei Borisov and Jakub Kovar are in the creases. Mytishchi was first to score with a Bobby Sanguinetti goal in the first period, made possible by Igor Levitsky. Yekaterinburg tied it in the second period as Sami Lepisto scored, via Vasily Streltsov. Avtomobilist took the lead on a Filipp Toluzakov goal, set up by Evgeny Fyodorov and Alexei Simakov. Altant tied the game with a third period Konstantin Koltsov goal, coming off of Janne Niskala. The tie lasted into a shootout, where Toluzakov answered a goal from Mytishchi's Yury Trubechyov, before Yekaterinburg took the lead for good on a tally by Anton Lazarev. Toluzakov, Lazarev, and Kovar (27 for 29 in saves) were the three stars.

Over to Khanty-Mansiysk, where Yugra hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Alexander Salak and Mikhail Biryukov are set to start. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period as Roman Cervenka scored, with the help of Patrick Thoresen and Tony Martensson. SKA added on as Thoresen scored, thanks to Martensson. St. Petersburg extended the lead in the second period as Ilya Kovalchuk scored, with a lone assist from Vadim Shipachyov. SKA padded the lead as Viktor Tikhonov potted the puck, courtesy of Alexei Semenov and Alexander Kucheryavenko. Alexei Kuznetso relieved Biryukov at this time. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with an Andrei Shefer goal, passed from Evgeny Khvostov and Vitaly Sitnikov. St. Petersburg answered in the third period with an Igor Makarov goal, set up by Andrei Sigaryov. This produced a 5-1 SKA win, with the three stars being Thoresen, Salak (33 for 34 in saves), and Martensson.

Heading to the Moscow Oblast, Vityaz Podolsk welcomes Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Ivan Lisutin are the masked men. Podolsk started early in the first period with a goal by Vyacheslav Solodukhin, an unassisted goal. For the next fifty-eight minutes, the game saw no goals, meaning Vityaz won 1-0. The three stars were Solodukhin, Lisutin (38 save shutout), and Sudnitsin (23 for 24 in saves).

Back east a bit, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod brings in Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Georgy Gelashvili stand in the blue paint. Nizhny Novgorod got going in the second period on a Pavel Lukin goal, courtesy of Tim Brent. Torpedo added on with a power play goal by Pavel Valentenko, set up by Wojtek Wolski and Brent. Nizhny Novgorod extended the lead as Juuso Hietanen scored, with helpers provided by Wolski and Brent, the latter getting a sock trick (which for those of you who don't know is three assists). Torpedo padded the lead with a power play goal in the third period by Vadim Khomitsky, powered by Denis Parshin and Sakari Salminen. Nizhny Novgorod wrapped it up at 5-0 with another Hietanen goal, fueled by Valentenko and Salminen. The three stars were Hietanen, Brent, and Gelashvili (20 save shutout), while Valentenko, Wolski, and Salminen get the honorable mentions.

Moving along to Kazan, where Ak Bars hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Emil Garipov are between the pipes. Chelyabinsk led off in the second period on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, via Petri Kontiola. Kazan tied it as Kirill Petrov scored, thanks to Vladimir Tkachyov and Janne Pesonen. Ak Bars took the lead with a power play goal by Alexander Burmistrov, powered by Shaun Heshka and Petrov. Traktor tied it in the third period when Andrei Popov scored, with the help of Alexander Guskov and Jan Bulis. The tie lasted into overtime, where Kazan won 3-2 on a goal by Heshka, assisted by Alexander Svitov and Dmitry Obukhov. The three stars were Heshka, Petrov, and Garipov (20 for 22 in saves).

Into Moscow again, as Spartak welcomes Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist and Jeff Glass are the reliable goalies. Moscow got going in the second period with a power play goal by Tom Wandell, set up by Andrei Sergeyev. Riga tied it with a Paul Szczechura goal, guided in by Miks Indrasis and Mat Robinson. Dinamo took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Indrasis, powered by Sandis Ozolins and Robinson. Riga iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Kyle Wilson, via Vitalijs Pavlovs and Ozolins. The three stars were Indrasis, Tellqvist (23 for 24 in saves), and Ozolins.

Across the city, Dynamo Moscow brings in Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Iiro Tarkki and Alexander Yeryomenko guard the cages. Ufa opened with an unassisted Teemu Hartikainen goal in the first period. Moscow tied it as Denis Mosalyov scored, thanks to Marek Kvapil. Dynamo took the lead with an Alexei Sopin goal, with a lone assist by Maxim Karpov. Moscow extended the lead in the second period on an Andrei Mironov goal, passed from Mosalyov and Kvapil. Dynamo added on in the third period when Martins Karsums scored, via Filip Novak. This was good for a 4-1 Dynamo win, with the three stars belonging to Mosalyov, Yeryomenko (33 for 34 in saves), and Kvapil.

Into Belarus, where Dinamo Minsk hosts Slovan Bratislava. Miroslav Kopriva and Lars Haugen protect the nets. Minsk was first to score in the third period with an Alexei Yefimenko goal, courtesy of Dmitry Meleshko and Andrei Stas. Dinamo iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Jacob Micflikier, set up by Geoff Platt and Alexei Kalyuzhny. The three stars were Haugen (26 save shutout), Yefimenko, and Platt.

Continuing to Ukraine, where Donbass Donetsk welcomes CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana and Michael Leighton are all padded up Donetsk started with a first period goal by Lukas Kaspar, going in unassisted. Moscow tied it with an Igor Grigorenko goal, fueled by Alexander Radulov. CSKA took the lead with a second period Grigorenko goal, assisted by Radulov and Ilari Filppula. Moscow added on as Brandon Reid scored, courtesy of Roman Lyubimov. CSKA iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Yakov Rylov, an unassisted goal. The three stars were Grigorenko, Stana (22 for 23 in saves), and Radulov.

Finally, in Croatia, Medvescak Zagreb brings in Lev Praha. Petri Vehanen and Barry Brust are the goalies. Praha struck first in the second period with an Erik Christensen goal, guided in by Martin Sevc. Zagreb tied it on a power play goal in the third period, as Brian Willsee scored, thanks to Kurtis Foster and Ryan Vesce. Lev took the lead back on a Niko Kapanen goal, made possible by Ryan O'Byrne and Nathan Oystrick. Praha added on with a Tomas Kubalik goal, assisted by Calle Ridderwall. This held up for a 3-1 Lev win, with the three stars being Kapanen, Kubalik, and Vehanen (24 for 25 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Monday Night Football Week 1 2013

Two games are on tonight to begin the Monday Night Football tradition.

First up, the Washington Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles. Washington opened in the first quarter as DeAngelo Hall returned a Michael Vick fumble for 75 yards and a touchdown, and Kai Forbath made the extra point. Philadelphia answered with an Alex Henery field goal of 48 yards. The Eagles took the lead as Vick passed a 25 yard touchdown to DeSean Jackson, and Henery was there with the extra point. Philadelphia padded the lead as Robert Griffin III fumbled the ball and Alfred Morris recovered it in his end zone, but was tackled for a safety. The Eagles extended the lead with a Vick touchdown pass of 28 yards to Brent Celek, and Henery was true with the extra point. Philadelphia kept going as Vick ran 3 yards for a touchdown, and Henery nailed the PAT. The Eagles added on as LeSean McCoy ran a 34 yard touchdown in, and Henery made the extra point. The Redskins replied on a 5 yard touchdown run by Alfred Morris, and Forbath knocked in the extra point. Washington pulled closer in the fourth quarter on a Griffin 10 yard touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson, but Griffin couldn't connect with Aldrick Robinson on the two point conversion. The Redskins edged closer as Griffin found Hankerson again for 24 yards and a touchdown, and Forbath handled the extra point again. They failed to tie the game, losing 33-27, and the Eagles start the season at 1-0 and the Redskins begin at 0-1.

The other game came from San Diego, as the Chargers host the Houston Texans. San Diego started with a first quarter Philip Rivers touchdown pass to Ryan Mathews from 14 yards, and Nick Novak handled the extra point. Houston tied it as Matt Schaub tossed a 1 yard touchdown to Owen Daniels, with Randy Bullock making the extra point to tie it. The Chargers took the lead in the second quarter as Rivers connected on a 6 yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal, and Novak booted the extra point. San Diego extended the lead when Rivers passed a 10 yard touchdown to Vincent Brown, and Novak knocked in the extra point. The Chargers added on in the third quarter on a 1 yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Royal, and Novak kicked in the extra point. The Texans got some back with a Schaub touchdown pass to Garrett Graham, good for 7 yards, and Bullock was there with the PAT. Houston pulled closer on a Schaub touchdown to Daniels, a 9 yard connection, and Bullock kicked in an extra point. The Texans pulled even again as Brian Cushing intercepted Rivers for 18 yards and a touchdown, and Bullock's extra point was the equalizer. Houston finished the comeback as Bullock kicked a 41 yard field goal as time expired to send the Texans to a 31-28 victory, and a 1-0 record to start the season, while the Chargers are at 0-1.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 6 2013-2014

After a busy day yesterday, there are only two games today. The first comes from...

Novosibirsk, as Sibir hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Joakim Lundstrom of Admiral and Sergei Gaiduchenko of Sibir are given the starting nods. Novosibirsk got going in the second period with a power play goal by Dmitry Kugryshev, powered by Jarno Koskiranta and Alexei Kopeikin. Vladivostok tied it with an unassisted goal by Alexei Ugarov. Sibir took the lead back on an Igot Ignatushkin goal, coming shorthanded via Stepan Sannikov. Novosibirsk added on as Kopeikin scored, courtesy of Koskiranta. Admiral got one back as Felix Schutz scored a power play goal, set up by Niclas Bergfors and Richard Gygne. This only made it 3-2, which was the margin of victory for Sibir. The three stars were Kopeikin, Koskiranta, and Gaiduchenko (21 for 23 in saves).

The other game comes from Novokuznetsk, where Metallurg hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin of Amur and Niko Hovinen of Metallurg play in the blue paint. Novokuznetsk opened with a second period goal by Marko Anttila, coming on the power play from Yegor Martynov. Khabarovsk tied it with an Alexander Yunkov goal, made possible by Vladimir Loginov and Evgeny Korotkov. Metallurg took the lead back with a Yury Nazarov goal, fueled by Sergei Yemelin and Nikita Vyglazov. Novokuznetsk extended the lead in the third period when Semyon Valuisky scored, with the help of Martynov. This produced a 3-1 final, with the three stars being Hovinen (42 for 43 in saves), Martynov, and Nazarov.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 1 2013

There are thirteen games on today, ten in the morning wave, two afternoon, and one night game. We begin in...

Buffalo, as the Bills host the New England Patriots. New England was first to score in the first quarter with a Tom Brady 9 yard touchdown pass to Julian Edelman, and Stephen Gostkowski handled the extra point. The Patriots added on as Gostkowski made a 48 yard field goal. Buffalo got on the board in the second quarter when Da'Norris Searcy recovered a fumble by Stevan Ridley and took it 74 yards for a touchdown, followed by a Dan Carpenter extra point. New England answered as Brady found Edelman again, this time for 8 yards and a touchdown, and Gostkowski was true with the extra point. The Bills got some back as EJ Manuel passed 18 yards to Robert Woods for a touchdown, and Carpenter handled the PAT. Buffalo took the lead in the third quarter with a Manuel touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson for 18 yards, and Carpenter booted another extra point. The Patriots chipped back as Gostkowski knocked in a 33 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. New England took the lead late with a Gostkowski 35 yard field goal, and this held up for a 23-21 victory. The Patriots start the season 1-0 and the Bills begin at 0-1.

Down in New Orleans, the Saints welcome the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta led off in the first quarter with a Matt Ryan touchdown pass of 7 yards to Tony Gonzalez, and Matt Bryant made the extra point. The Falcons added on with a Bryant field goal of 23 yards. New Orleans got on the board in the second quarter with a 48 yard field goal by Garrett Hartley. The Saints tied it when Drew Brees tossed a 25 yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston, and Hartley handled the extra point. New Orleans pulled ahead with a Hartley field goal from 31 yards away. Atlanta retook the lead in the third quarter with a Ryan touchdown pass of 4 yards to Julio Jones, and Bryant knocked in the PAT. The Saints answered with Brees locating Jimmy Graham for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Hartley supplied the extra point. New Orleans extended the lead in the fourth quarter on a Hartley field goal from just 22 yards out. This produced the 23-17 final score. The Saints begin the year at 1-0 and the Falcons will start from an 0-1 hole.

Moving east to Jacksonville, where the Jaguars bring in the Kansas City Chiefs. Jacksonville got going in the first quarter as the special teams unit blocked a Dustin Colquitt punt attempt and were able to pin the Chiefs in the end zone for a safety. Kansas City took the lead as Alex Smith found Donnie Avery for 5 yards and a touchdown, and Ryan Succop kicked in the extra point. The Chiefs padded the lead with a Smith touchdown pass of 3 yards to Junior Hemingway, and Succop was there with another extra point. Kansas City added on in the second quarter as Jamaal Charles ran 2 yards for a touchdown, and Succop knocked in the PAT. The scoring was silent until the fourth quarter, when Tamba Hali intercepted Blaine Gabbert and returned the ball 10 yards for a touchdown, allowing Succop to make another extra point. This was all there was for the game, resulting a 28-2 victory for the Chiefs, who begin the season 1-0 while the Jaguars start at 0-1.

Up the Atlantic coast, the Carolina Panthers host the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle opened in the second quarter with a Steven Hauschka field goal from 27 yards. Carolina took the lead as Cam Newton passed 3 yards to Steve Smith for a touchdown, and Graham Gano knocked in the extra point. The Seahawks pulled back in the third quarter with a Hauschka field goal good from 40 yards away. Seattle took the lead in the fourth quarter on a Russell Wilson touchdown pass of 43 yards to Jermaine Kearse, but Wilson's two-point attempt for Doug Baldwin failed. Nonetheless, the Seahawks held on for a 12-7 victory and are 1-0 to start the season while the Panthers find themselves at 0-1.

Over in Indianapolis, the Colts host the Oakland Raiders. Indianapolis struck first in the first quarter on an Andrew Luck touchdown pass of 12 yards to Reggie Wayne, and Adam Vinatieri made the extra point. The Colts extended the lead in the second quarter when Luck found Dwayne Allen for 20 yards and a touchdown, and Vinatieri was true with the extra point. Oakland got on the board with a 1 yard touchdown run from Darren McFadden, and Sebastian Janikowski kicked in the PAT. The Raiders pulled closer in the third quarter as Janikowski kicked a 38 yard field goal. Oakland took the lead in the fourth quarter with a Terrelle Pryor 5 yard touchdown pass to Denarius Moore, iced off by a Janikowski extra point. Indianapolis retook the lead as Luck ran 19 yards for a touchdown, and Vinatieri supplied the extra point. The scoring ended here, meaning the Colts win 21-7 to start the season at 1-0 while the Raiders will begin at 0-1.

Backing up into Pennsylvania, where the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Tennessee Titans. Pittsburgh scored early, as when they kicked off to start the first quarter, Darius Reynaud was unable to escape the end zone and was tackled for a safety. Tennessee took the lead in the second quarter with a Jackie Battle 3 yard touchdown run, and Rob Bironas was there with the extra point. The Titans added on as Bironas booted a 26 yard field goal in the third quarter. Tennessee extended the lead with a Bironas field goal of 44 yards in the fourth quarter. The Titans got some more when Bironas knocked in a 27 yard field goal. The Steelers got some back as Ben Roethlisberger passed 4 yards to Jericho Cotchery for a touchdown, and Shaun Suisham kicked in the PAT. They failed to get any closer, losing 16-9, with the Titans starting the year at 1-0 and the Steelers beginning at 0-1.


Next up, the New York Jets bring in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New York began in the first quarter when Josh Freeman recovered his own fumble in his own end zone, and was tackled for a safety. Tampa Bay got on the board with a 17 yard pass from Freeman to Mike Williams, and Rian Lindell knocked in the extra point. The Jets got some back with a Nick Folk field goal of 43 yards in the second quarter. The Buccaneers replied with a Doug Martin touchdown run of 5 yards, and Lindell was there with the extra point. New York shot back as Geno Smith passed a 7 yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow, and Folk was true with the PAT. The scoring was silent until the fourth quarter, when Folk kicked a 30 yard field goal to put the Jets ahead. Tampa Bay retook the lead on a 37 yard field goal by Lindell. New York retook the lead late on a 48 yard field goal by Folk, sealing an 18-17 victory. The Jets begin the season at 1-0 and the Buccaneers fall to a heartbreaking 0-1.

West to Cleveland, where the Browns host the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off in the first quarter with a Caleb Sturgis field goal of 45 yards. The Dolphins added on in the second quarter on a Sturgis field goal from 49 yards out. Cleveland took the lead with a Brandon Weeden 7 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Cameron, and Billy Cundiff supplied the go-ahead extra point. Miami shot back in the third quarter as Ryan Tannehill tossed a 34 yard touchdown pass to Brian Hartline, and Sturgis knocked in the extra point. The Browns got some back as Cundiff handled a 39 yard field goal. The Dolphins responded the in the fourth quarter with a Daniel Thomas 1 yard touchdown run, and Sturgis was true with the PAT. Miami got some more as Sturgis booted a 36 yard field goal. This was good for a 23-10 win, and the Dolphins begin at 1-0 while the Browns start at 0-1.

Up in Detroit, the Lions welcome the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota started in the first quarter as Adrian Peterson ran 78 yards for a touchdown, and Blair Walsh supplied the extra point. Detroit got on the board with a David Akers 33 yard field goal. The Lions got closer with an Akers field goal from 42 yards out in the second quarter. The Vikings shot back as Peterson ran 4 yards for a touchdown, and Walsh kicked the extra point. Detroit pulled back with a Joique Bell touchdown run of 2 yards, and Akers was true with the extra point. The Lions took the lead in the third quarter as Bell ran in another touchdown, this time from 1 yard out, and Akers again kicked the PAT. Minnesota got some back with a Walsh field goal of 52 yards. Detroit extended their lead as Matthew Stafford threw a 77 yard touchdown pass to Reggie Bush, and Akers knocked home the extra point. The Vikings shot back as Christian Ponder found Peterson for a 4 yard touchdown pass, and Walsh was there with the extra point. The Lions responded on a fourth quarter Stafford touchdown pass of 1 yard to Joseph Fauria, and Akers was true on the extra point. They held on for a 34-24 win, and the Lions begin the year at 1-0 while the Vikings are 0-1 to start.

Down in Chicago, the Bears bring in the Cincinnati Bengals. Chicago was first to score in the first quarter as Jay Cutler passed 8 yards for a touchdown to Martellus Bennett, and Robbie Gould made the extra point. Cincinnati pulled even after Andy Dalton connected with A.J. Green on a 2 yard touchdown pass, and Mike Nugent kicked the extra point. The Bengals took the lead in the second quarter as Dalton found Green again, this time for 45 yards and the touchdown, and Nugent was there with the PAT. The Bears got some back as Gould knocked in a 58 yard field goal. Cincinnati replied in the third quarter with a 5 yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Nugent again made the extra point. Chicago replied with a 1 yard Matt Forte touchdown run, with Gould finishing it off by making the extra point. The Bears took the lead in the fourth quarter as Cutler tossed a 19 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, and Gould handled the extra point. This play was the decisive one, as the Bears went on to win 24-21, beginning the season at 1-0 and dropping the Bengals to an 0-1 start.

Into the afternoon games, beginning in St. Louis, as the Rams host the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona struck first in the second quarter on a 4 yard Carson Palmer touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely handled the extra point. St. Louis got on the board with a Greg Zuerlein 36 yard field goal. The Cardinals replied with a Feely field goal of 30 yards. The Rams tied it with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford to Jared Cook, and Zuerlein made the tying extra point. St. Louis took the lead in the third quarter on a Zuerlein field goal of 25 yards. Arizona took the lead back as Dan Williams intercepted Bradford and took the ball 2 yards for a touchdown, and Feely booted the PAT. The Cardinals added on as Palmer found Fitzgerald for 24 yards and a touchdown, and Feely was there with the extra point. The Rams pulled back in the fourth quarter with a Bradford touchdown pass of 1 yard to Cook, and then Bradford ran in a successful two point conversion. St. Louis tied it as Zuerlein made a 38 yard field goal. The Rams took a late lead on a 48 yard field goal by Zuerlein. They held on to win 27-24, starting the season at 1-0 while the Cardinals begin at 0-1.

Way out west, the San Francisco 49ers host the Green Bay Packers. San Francisco began in the first quarter with a 20 yard Colin Kaepernick touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, and Phil Dawson made the extra point. Green Bay tied it as Aaron Rodgers threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb, and Mason Crosby had the equalizing extra point. The 49ers took the lead in the second quarter with a 10 yard touchdown pass from Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin, and Dawson again made the extra point. The Packers pulled even again as Rodgers found Jermichael Finley for 12 yards and a touchdown, and Crosby again had the extra point. San Francisco retook the lead in the third quarter as Kaepernick connected with Davis again, this time for 2 yards and a touchdown, and Dawson handled the PAT. Green Bay tied it as Rodgers passed 8 yards for Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, and Crosby booted another extra point. The 49ers took the lead back in the fourth quarter on a Dawson 27 yard field goal. The Packers retook the lead as Eddie Lacy ran in a 2 yard touchdown, and Crosby drilled the extra point. San Francisco took the lead back with a Frank Gore touchdown run of 1 yard, and Dawson was true with the extra point. The 49ers got some more when Dawson made a 33 yard field goal to make the score 34-28. Despite their best efforts late, the Packers failed to catch up, sending the 49ers to 1-0 and the Packers to 0-1.

Finally, on Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys bring in the New York Giants. Dallas got going with a first quarter Dan Bailey field goal of 30 yards. New York tied it as Josh Brown made it a 20 yard field goal. The Cowboys retook the lead in the second quarter on a Bailey field goal of 38 yards. Dallas extended the lead with a Tony Romo touchdown pass of 15 yards to Jason Witten, and Bailey was there with the extra point. The Giants answered as Eli Manning passed 70 yards for a touchdown to Victor Cruz, and Brown nailed the extra point. The Cowboys added on when Barry Church returned a fumble by David Wilson for 27 yards and a touchdown, and Bailey was true with the PAT. Dallas padded the lead as Romo connected with Witten for 4 yards and a touchdown, and Bailey again made the extra point. New York got some back as Manning found Cruz again for 18 yards and a touchdown, and Brown was good with the extra point. The Cowboys shot back as Bailey made a 45 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Giants pulled back with Manning's third touchdown pass to Cruz, this time for 10 yards, and Brown again handled the extra point. Dallas struck again when Brandon Carr intercepted Manning and returned the ball for a 49 yard touchdown, capped off by a Bailey extra point. New York reclaimed some points with Manning passing a 4 yard touchdown to Brandon Myers, and Brown was there with the extra point, but they still lost 36-31. The Cowboys are now 1-0 and the Giants begin the year 0-1.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 5 2013-2014

There was no hockey on yesterday in memory of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash from two weeks ago. Today, there are twelve games on, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Curtis Sanford of Lokomotiv and Teemu Lassila of Avangard are in front of the nets. Omsk was first to score in the first period with an Alexander Popov power play goal, going in unassisted. Yaroslavl tied it in the second period as Anton But scored a power play goal, with a lone helper from Jonas Holos. Avangard replied on a Tomas Zaborsky goal, thanks to Denis Kulyash. Omsk added on with an unassisted goal by Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard extended the lead with a Sergei Kostitsyn power play goal, via Perezhogin. Omsk kept going with a Miroslav Blatak goal, assisted by Denis Kazionov and Oleg Kvasha. Lokomotiv took one back when Alexander Chernikov scored, courtesy of Alexei Kruchinin. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 5-2 for Avangard, and the three stars were Perezhogin, Kostitsyn, and Lassila (32 for 34 in saves).

For the first time this season, we venture into Kazakhstan, where Barys Astana welcomes Severstal Cherepovets. Ivan Kasutin of Severstal and Ari Ahonen of Barys are set to start. Astana led off in the first period with a Dustin Boyd goal, coming off of Nigel Dawes and Mike Lundin. Barys added on in the second period as Brandon Bochenski scored, with a lone assist from Dawes. Cherepovets got on the board when Teemu Laasko scored, thanks to Bogdan Kiselevich and Alexei Medvedev on the power play. Astana replied with a Fyodor Polishchuk goal, set up by Talgat Zhailaouv and Maxim Spiridonov. Barys struck again with a Mikhail Rakhmanov goal, made possible by Josh Gratton and Andrei Gavrilin. Astana extended the lead with an unassisted goal by Dawes. Barys kept going with a Dmitry Upper goal, assisted by Konstantin Rudenko and Roman Starchenko. Astana padded the lead again with a Bochenski power play goal, going in unassisted. Severstal pulled Kasutin from the crease before the third period, replacing him with Artyom Artemyev. Barys got another in the third period as Starchenko scored a goal, helped along by Rudenko and Upper. Astana was relentless, as Rudenko scored, with assists credited to Maxim Semyonov and Upper. Barys wrapped it up at 10-1 with a Dawes power play goal, powered by Lundin and Evgeny Blokhin. The three stars went to Dawes, Upper, and Rudenko, while Starchenko, Bochenski, and Lundin get the honorable mentions.

Back in Russia, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Ilyz Ezhov for SKA and Evgeny Lobanov for Avtomobilist are given the starting nods. St. Petersburg opened with a first period goal by Vadim Shipachyov, with a lone helper by Evgeny Ketov. SKA added on with a second period Patrick Thoresen goal, going in unassisted. St. Petersburg extended the lead with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, passed from Alexander Kucheryavenko and Artemy Panarin. Yekaterinburg got on the board when Artyom Chernov scored, with the help of Anton Lazarev. SKA shot back with a Kucheryavenko goal, assisted by Alexei Semenov and Panarin. Jakub Kovar relieved Lobanov in goal at this time. It didn't help, as St. Petersburg got another from Evgeny Skachkov, set up by Maxim Chudinov. Avtomobilist answered in the third period with a power play goal by Fyodor Malykhin, powered by Lazarev and Chernov. Yekaterinburg pulled closer with a Lazarev goal, fueled by Malykhin. SKA got one back as Panarin put away an unassisted goal. Avtomobilist chipped back with another Malykhin goal, helped along by Chernov. This was as close as it got, with the final putting SKA on top 6-4. The three stars were awarded to Panarin, Kucheryavenko, and Malykhin, while Lazarev and Chernov get the honorable mentions.

In the west, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov of Atlant and Mikhail Biryukov of Yugra will be in the blue paint. Khanty-Mansiysk began in the first period on an Ivan Khlyntsev goal, with a lone assist by Mikhail Yakubov. Yugra added on with a Kirill Knyazev goal, courtesy of Vitaly Sitnikov. Khanty-Mansiysk extended the lead in the second period as Sitnikov scored, thanks to Andrei Shefer. Mytishchi got on the board in the third period when Nikita Soshnikov potted the puck, with assists provided by Alexander Kadeikin and Igor Levitsky. Yugra iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Vladimir Gorbunov, passed from Knyazev. The three stars were Sitnikov, Knyazev, and Biryukov (29 for 30 in saves).

Moving along to Moscow, where Spartak welcomes Slovan Bratislava. Jaroslav Janus of Slovan and Jeff Glass of Spartak guard the cages. Moscow got going in the second period on an Alexei Krutov goal, courtesy of Alexander Ryazantsev and Mikhail Yunkov. Spartak added on as Deron Quint scored, via Viktor Bobrov. Moscow got their next goal on a penalty shot taken by Matt Anderson, which he was awarded after Zdenek Kutlak inappropriately handled the puck. Spartak struck again with another Anderson goal in the third period, assisted by Quint and Rastislav Spirko. Moscow wrapped it up with a Spirko power play goal, powered by Tom Wandell. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars going to Anderson, Glass (23 save shutout), and Spirko, while Quint gets an honorable mention.

Staying in Moscow, Dynamo brings in Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Matt Dalton of Neftekhimik and Alexander Yeryomenko of Dynamo are the masked men. Moscow struck first in the second period with a Leo Komarov power play goal, powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Filip Novak. Dynamo added on with a Denis Mosalyov goal, made possible by Dominik Granak. Moscow extended the lead in the third period with another Mosalyov goal, via Marek Kvapil. Dynamo iced it at 4-0 with a Kvapil goal, passed from Maxim Pestushko and Alexei Tsvetkov. The three stars were Mosalyov, Kvapil, and Yeryomenko (31 save shutout).

Backtracking to Kazan, where Ak Bars hosts Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Andrei Vasilevsky for Salavat Yulaev and Konstantin Barulin for Ak Bars are in between the pipes. Kazan started in the first period with a Tim Stapleton goal, fueled by Alexander Burmistrov. Ak Bars added on with a power play goal by Shaun Heshka, with a lone assist from Burmistrov. Ufa got on the board in the second period with a power play goal by Denis Khlystov, powered by Vitaly Proshkin and Stefan Ruzicka. Salavat Yulaev tied it on a Proshkin goal, courtesy of Sergei Zinovyev. Kazan retook the lead in the third period as Kirill Petrov scored a power play goal, guided in by Ilya Nikulin. Ufa tied it again on a Kirill Koltsov goal, thanks to Teemu Hartikainen and Dmitry Makarov on the power play. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Ak Bars came out on top with a lone tally by Burmistrov for a 4-3 win. Burmistrov, Proshkin, and Petrov were the three stars.

Heading west again to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin of Metallurg and Johan Backlund of Vityaz will wear the masks. Magnitogorsk opened in the first period with a Viktor Antipin power play goal, powered by Jan Kovar and Sergei Mozyakin. Podolsk tied it with a Maxim Rybin goal, fueled by Josh Hennessy and Maxim Afinogenov. Vityaz took the lead as Hennessy scored a goal, set up by Vladimir Malevich and Afinogenov. Podolsk added on with an Alexander Korolyuk goal, guided in by Mike Iggulden and Dmitry Shitikov. Metallurg got one back as Danis Zaripov scored a power play goal, coming off of Kovar and Mozyakin. Vityaz shot back in the second period on a Korolyuk goal, via Iggulden and Nikita Korovkin. Magnitogorsk answered as Justin Hodgman scored a power play goal, with a lone helper by Chris Lee. Metallurg tied it in the third period with a Mozyakin goal, thanks to Evgeny Biryukov and Zaripov. Magnitogorsk took the lead on a Yaroslav Kosov goal, made possible by Yaroslav Khabarov and Alexander Pechursky. They held on for a 5-4 win, with the three stars being Mozyakin, Zaripov, and Kovar, while Korolyuk, Hennessy, Afinogenov, and Iggulden all get honorable mentions.

Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo brings in Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett of Traktor and Vitaly Koval of Torpedo protect the nets. Nizhny Novgorod was first to score in the first period with a Denis Parshin goal, assisted by Pavel Lukin. Chelyabinsk tied it on a power play goal by Stanislav Chistov, powered by Alexander Guskov and Dmitry Ryabykin. Traktor took the lead with an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, coming on the power play via Petri Kontiola. Chelyabinsk added on as Lauris Darzins scored a goal, with a lone assist from Kostitsyn. The scoring was silent until the third period, when Traktor got a goal from Andrei Popov, passed from Dmitry Tsybin and Anton Glinkin. Torpedo answered with a Vladimir Galuzin goal, courtesy of Alexei Potapov and Vyacheslav Kulyomin. Nizhny Novgorod pulled closer with an Alexander Makarov goal, helped along by Parshin and Sakari Salminen. They failed to get an equalizer, dropping the game 4-3, with the three stars going to Kostitsyn, Popov, and Parshin.

Into Ukraine, where Donbass Donetsk hosts Lev Praha. Petri Vehanen of Lev and Jan Laco of Donbass are all padded up. Praha started with a first period goal by Calle Ridderwall, passed from Ondrej Nemec. Lev added on in the second period as Michal Repik scored, with a lone assist by Petr Vrana. Donetsk got on the board with a Clay Wilson power play goal, powered by Peter Podhradsky and Maxim Yakutsenya. Donbass tied it with a third period goal by Randy Robitaille, thanks to Lukas Kaspar. The game went to overtime, where Yakutsenya lifted Donetsk to a 3-2 win, with his goal assisted by Teemu Laine. Yakutsenya, Robitaille, and Laco (27 for 29 in saves) got the three stars.

Next up is Belarus, where Dinamo Minsk welcomes CSKA Moscow. Rastislav Stana of CSKA and Kevin Lalande of Dinamo tend the twines. Minsk got going in the second period on an Artur Gavrus goal, a power play goal with a lone assist by Zbynek Irgl. Moscow tied it with a third period Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, fueled by Ilya Zubov. The game went into overtime, where CSKA won 2-1 on a Georgy Misharin goal, assisted by Sergei Shirokov and Alexander Radulov. The three stars were Misharin, Stana (20 for 21 in saves), and Lalande (27 for 29 in saves).

Finally, we end in Croatia, where Medvescak Zagreb brings in Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist for Dinamo and Mark Dekanich for Medvescak occupy the creases. Riga struck first in the first period as Martins Cipulis scored, thanks to Arturs Kuzmenkovs. Zagreb answered with a second period goal by Gal Koren, passed from Boyd Kane and Kurtis Foster. Dinamo took the lead back with an Andris Dzerins goal, fueled by Vitalijs Pavlovs and Cipulis. Riga added on with an unassisted goal in the third period by Gints Meija. Dinamo extended the lead with a Mat Robinson goal, courtesy of Miks Indrasis and Paul Szczechura. Riga iced it at 5-1 with a Dzerins empty net goal, coming off of Roberts Bukarts and Robinson. The three stars were Cipulis, Robinson, and Dzerins.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.