Tuesday, November 12, 2013

NHL Day 43 2013-2014

Eleven games to go with today. The first comes from...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller guard the cages. Los Angeles was first to score in the first period on a Justin Williams goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist by Slava Voynov. Buffalo answered with a second period goal by Cody Hodgson, his sixth of the year, via Steve Ott and Matt Moulson. The Sabres took the lead in the third period as Hodgson scored his second of the game and seventh of the season, courtesy of Tyler Ennis and Moulson on the power play. The Kings tied it again as Dwight King scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Tyler Toffoli and Mike Richards. The tie lasted to a shootout, where goals by Moulson and Ennis gave Buffalo a 3-2 win. Moulson, Hodgson, and Ennis were given the three stars.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Justin Peters are set to start. Carolina led off in the first period on a Jordan Staal goal, his third of the season, made possible by Nathan Gerbe and Patrick Dwyer. The Hurricanes added on as Dwyer scored in the second period, thanks to Gerbe and Jordan Saal. Colorado got on the board as Paul Stastny scored his seventh of the year, a power play goal powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. They failed to tie it, losing 2-1, with the three stars being handed to Jordan Staal, Dwyer, and Peters (33 for 34 in saves), while Gerbe gets the honorable mention.

Back north, the New York Islanders bring in the Nashville Predators. Marek Mazanec and Kevin Poulin are the backups making spot starts. New York began in the first period as John Tavares scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal, coming off of Frans Nielsen. The Islanders added on as Pierre-Marc Bouchard scored his fourth of the year, with the help of Nielsen. New York extended the lead in the second period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Tavares and Brock Nelson. Nashville got on the board in the third period as Patric Hornqvist scored his fifth of the year, assisted by David Legwand and Shea Weber. This only made it 3-1, the final, with Tavares, Poulin (32 for 33 in saves), and Nielsen getting the honorable mentions.

Into New York City, as the Rangers host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New Jersey got going in the second period with a Ryan Carter goal, made possible by Andy Greene. New York tied it on a Marc Staal goal, his second of the season, fueled by Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider. The Devils took the lead back as Carter scored his second of the game, with the help of Adam Larsson and Peter Harrold. The Rangers retied it in the third period on a Dan Girardi goal, passed from Kreider and Ryan McDonagh. New Jersey took the lead as Dainius Zubrus scored his third of the year, thanks to Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr. This was good for a 3-2 win, with Carter, Kreider, and Brodeur (33 for 35 in saves) getting the three stars.

Down into Washington, as the Capitals welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Braden Holtby are given the starting nods. Columbus dented the scoreboard in the second period as Brandon Dubinsky scored a shorthanded goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone helper by Mark Letestu. Washington got on the board as John Carlson netted his fourth of the year, fueled by Martin Erat and Mikhail Grabovski. The Capitals took the lead in the third period as Joel Ward notched his ninth of the season, a shorthanded goal, set up by Alexander Urbom and Brooks Laich. The Blue Jackets retied it as Jared Boll scored, with the help of James Wisniewski and Sean Collins. Columbus took the lead as Cam Atkinson scored his fifth of the year, passed from Dubinsky. Washington tied it again with a Grabovski goal, his sixth of the season, with assists provided by Jason Chimera and Mike Green. The Capitals won it 4-3 in overtime with the fourteenth of the year by Alex Ovechkin, guided in by Marcus Johansson and Carlson. The three stars were Carlson, Grabovski, and Dubinsky.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Red Wings bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Jimmy Howard are between the pipes. Winnipeg struck first in the first period on a Bryan Little goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. Detroit tied it with a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall. The Jets took the lead back in the third period with a Zach Bogosian goal, fueled by Olli Jokinen and Evander Kane. The Red Wings pulled even as Datsyuk scored his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, another power play goal, made possible by Johan Franzen and Daniel Alfredsson. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Winnipeg won the game 3-2 as Devin Setoguchi and Ladd scored to top a lone tally by Alfredsson. The three stars were Datsyuk, Ladd, and Alfredsson.

Into Canada, as the Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Carey Price are in the creases. Tampa Bay started in the first period as Ryan Malone scored his third of the season, assisted by Eric Brewer and B.J. Crombeen. Montreal tied it in the third period on a Daniel Briere goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist from Max Pacioretty. The tie lasted to a shootout, where the only goal was scored by Valtteri Filppula, giving the Lightning a 2-1 win. The three stars were Price (44 for 45 in saves), Bishop (28 for 29 in saves), and Filppula.

Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Craig Anderson are the overrated goalies. Philadelphia opened in the first period with a Matt Read goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Steve Downie and Sean Couturier. The Flyers added on as Jakub Voracek scored his second of the year in the second period, thanks to Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux. Philadelphia extended the lead as Voracek scored his second of the game and third of the season, helped along by Wayne Simmonds and Giroux on the power play. The Flyers padded the lead in the third period as Vincent Lecavalier scored his seventh of the year, via Brayden Schenn. Philadelphia iced it at 5-0 with a Schenn power play goal, his fourth of the campaign, powered by Lecavalier and Erik Gustafsson. The three stars were Voracek, Mason (24 save shutout), and Lecavalier, while Schenn and Giroux were given the honorable mentions.

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Tim Thomas have the green light to play goal. Anaheim led off in the first period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Daniel Winnik and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Ducks added on as Hampus Lindholm scored his second of the year, via Nick Bonino and Emerson Etem. Florida got on the board in the second period with a Shawn Matthias goal, his second of the season, passed from Brian Campbell and Krys Barch. The Panthers tied it as Scottie Upshall scored his third of the year, thanks to Erik Gudbranson and Jonathan Huberdeau. Florida gained the lead in the third period as Brad Boyes potted his sixth of the campaign, assisted by Upshall. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Upshall, Boyes, and Thomas (32 for 34 in saves).

Backtracking to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jaroslav Halak protect the nets. St. Louis was first to score in the first period on a Maxim Lapierre goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix tied it with a David Moss goal, helped along by Mike Ribeiro and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes took the lead as Mikkel Boedker scored his fourth of the year, with helpers provided by Rob Klinkhammer and Rostislav Klesla. The Blues tied it in the third period as Roman Polak put away his second of the season, via Alexander Steen and David Backes. Phoenix won the game 3-2 in overtime as Ekman-Larsson scored his fourth of the year, assisted by Ribeiro and Shane Doan. The three stars were Ekman-Larsson, Ribeiro, and Smith (37 for 39 in saves).

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames welcome the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock and Reto Berra are the little-known goalies. San Jose struck first in the first period as Logan Couture scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Patrick Marleau and Tyler Kennedy. The Sharks added on as Marleau scored his ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. Calgary got on the board in the third period with a Kris Russell goal, his third of the season, coming on the power play with a lone assist from Sean Monahan. The Flames tied it with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Chris Butler. San Jose won 3-2 in overtime as Brad Stuart scored, with the help of Thornton and Dan Boyle. The three stars were Marleau, Stuart, and Thornton.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Monday Night Football Week 10 2013

The last game of the week is in...

Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers host their neighbors to the south, the Miami Dolphins. Tampa Bay was first to score in the first quarter on a Mike Glennon touchdown pass of 1 yard to Donald Penn, and Rian Lindell made the extra point. The Buccaneers added on as Lindell made a 24 yard field goal. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the second quarter as Daniel Thomas was tackled for a 1 yard loss in his own end zone, resulting in a safety. The Buccaneers got some more as Lindell made a 35 yard field goal. Miami got on the board as Ryan Tannehill threw a 6 yard touchdown to Rishard Matthews, and Caleb Sturgis booted the extra point. The Dolphins pulled closer with a Sturgis 40 yard field goal in the third quarter. Miami took the lead as Tannehill and Matthews combined for a 19 yard touchdown, but Tannehill couldn't connect with Mike Wallace on the two-point attempt. The Dolphins padded the lead as Sturgis kicked a 30 yard field goal. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fourth quarter as Bobby Rainey ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Lindell handled the extra point. This was good for a 22-19 win, with the Buccaneers going up to 1-8 and the Dolphins falling to 4-5.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 42 2013-2014

Our single game on Veteran's Day is between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Boston. The goalies are Anders Lindback and Tuukka Rask. Boston got going in the second period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Loui Eriksson and Torey Krug. The Bruins added on twenty seconds later as Daniel Paille scored his second of the year, with the help of Gregory Campbell and Matt Bartkowski. Boston iced it at 3-0 with a third period empty net goal by Jarome Iginla, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The three stars were Rask (28 save shutout), Bergeron, and Paille.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

NFL Week 10 2013

This week, Sunday has twelve games on. We begin in...

East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the New York Giants host the Oakland Raiders. Oakland opened in the first quarter as Terrelle Pryor ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. New York pulled even as Cooper Taylor recovered a blocked punt and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown, allowing Josh Brown to make the extra point. The Raiders retook the lead as Janikowski made a 33 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead in the second quarter on an Eli Manning touchdown pass of 5 yards to Rueben Randle, and Brown supplied another extra point. Oakland regained the lead as Tracy Porter picked off Manning and returned his interception for 43 yards and a touchdown, allowing Janikowski to make the PAT. The Raiders added on as Janikowski made a 24 yard field goal in the third quarter. New York responded with a 1 yard touchdown run by Andre Brown, and Josh Brown handled the extra point. The Giants got some more in the fourth quarter as Brown made a 23 yard field goal. This was good for a 24-20 win, where both teams are now 3-6.

Down in Atlanta, the Falcons welcome the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle led off in the first quarter as Steven Hauschka made a 39 yard field goal. The Seahawks added on in the second quarter with a 43 yard field goal by Hauschka. Atlanta got on the board with Matt Bryant making a 53 yard field goal. Seattle extended their lead on a 43 yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Jermaine Kearse, and Hauschka knocked in the extra point. The Seahawks padded the lead with a Hauschka 44 yard field goal. Seattle got some more when Wilson tossed a 6 yard touchdown to Golden Tate, and Hauschka drilled the PAT. The Seahawks kept going in the third quarter as Hauschka made a 53 yard field goal. The Falcons answered as Matt Ryan threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to Darius Johnson, and Bryant was true with the extra point. Seattle replied in the fourth quarter when Marshawn Lynch ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Hauschka booted the extra point. This made it a 33-10 final, with the Seahawks going to 9-1 and the Falcons dropping to 2-7.

Back north, the Pittsburgh Steelers bring in the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo was first to score in the first quarter on a 20 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. Pittsburgh tied it in the second quarter as Shaun Suisham made a 36 yard field goal. The Steelers took the lead on a 5 yard Ben Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Jericho Cotchery, and Suisham handled the extra point. Pittsburgh added on in the third quarter as Le'Veon Bell ran in a 4 yard touchdown, and Suisham made the PAT. The Steelers extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Suisham kicked a 37 yard field goal. Pittsburgh padded the lead on a Suisham 23 yard field goal. The Bills got some back as EJ Manuel found Chris Gragg for 2 yards and a touchdown, and Carpenter booted the extra point. This only made it 23-10, with the Steelers improving to 3-6 while the Bills fall to 3-7.

A little to the east, the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore struck first in the first quarter as Joe Flacco found Dallas Clark for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Justin Tucker made the extra point. The Ravens added on as Tucker made a 36 yard field goal. Baltimore extended the lead on a 7 yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Torrey Smith, and Tucker handled the extra point. Cincinnati got on the board in the third quarter as Mike Nugent made a 32 yard field goal. The Bengals pulled closer in the fourth quarter as Andy Dalton tossed an 18 yard touchdown pass to Giovani Bernard, and Nugent was there with the PAT. Cincinnati tied it at the end of regulation on a Dalton 51 yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green, and Nugent's extra point was the equalizer. The Ravens won it 20-17 in overtime as Tucker made a 46 yard field goal. The Ravens improve to 4-5 while the Bengals are 6-4.

Out west, the Chicago Bears welcome the Detroit Lions. Chicago started in the first quarter as Jay Cutler passed a 32 yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall, and Robbie Gould made an extra point. Detroit tied it with a 5 yard Matthew Stafford touchdown pass to Kris Durham, and David Akers nailed the extra point. The Lions took the lead in the third quarter as Stafford tossed Calvin Johnson a 4 yard touchdown, and Akers was there with the extra point. The Bears got some back as Gould made a 25 yard field goal. Chicago pulled closer with a 32 yard Gould field goal in the fourth quarter. Detroit replied as Stafford and Johnson connected for a 14 yard touchdown, and Akers made another extra point. The Bears pulled back on a Josh McCown touchdown of 11 yards to Marshall, but Matt Forte's two point rushing attempt failed. They wold go on to lose 21-19, and the Lions are now 6-3 while the Bears are 5-4.

Up in Green Bay, the Packers bring in the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia began in the first quarter as Nick Foles tossed a 55 yard touchdown to DeSean Jackson, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles added on in the second quarter as Henery made a 25 yard field goal. Green Bay got on the board as Mason Crosby made a 26 yard field goal. Philadelphia extended their lead in the third quarter as Foles found Riley Cooper for 45 yards and a touchdown, and Henery nailed the PAT. The Eagles padded their lead as Henery made a 41 yard field goal. The Packers got some back as Scott Tolzien found Brandon Bostick for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Crosby was true with the extra point. Philadelphia responded on a 32 yard Foles touchdown pass to Cooper, and Henery knocked in another extra point. Green Bay answered in the fourth quarter as Crosby made a 35 yard field goal. This only made it 27-13, with the Eagles now at 5-5 while the Packers drop to 5-4.

Backtracking to Indianapolis, as the Colts host the St. Louis Rams. St. Louis was first to score in the first quarter as Chris Long returned a fumble by Andrew Luck for 45 yards and a touchdown, and Greg Zuerlein made the extra point. The Rams added on in the second quarter with a Zac Stacy 1 yard touchdown rush, and Zuerlein handled the extra point. St. Louis extended the lead as Tavon Austin returned a punt 98 yards for a touchdown, and Zuerlein drilled the PAT. The Rams padded the lead on a Kellen Clemens 57 yard touchdown pass to Austin, and Zuerlein made another extra point. St. Louis kept going in the third quarter as Clemens and Austin connected for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Zuerlein was there with another extra point. The Rams got some more with a Zuerlein field goal of 32 yards. Indianapolis got on the board with a 13 yard Luck touchdown pass to Donald Brown, and then Luck found Coby Fleener for the two-point conversion. The fourth quarter went scoreless, so the final was 38-8, and the Rams are now 4-6 while the Colts are 6-3.

Wrapping up the morning games are the Tennessee Titans welcoming the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville opened in the first quarter with a Maurice Jones-Drew touchdown run of 6 yards, and Josh Scobee made the extra point. The Jaguars added on with a Scobee field goal of 32 yards. Jacksonville extended the lead in the second quarter with a Scobee field goal from 44 yards out. Tennessee got on the board when Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a 9 yard touchdown pass to Taylor Thompson, and Rob Bironas handled the extra point. The Jaguars replied in the third quarter on a Jordan Todman touchdown run of 5 yards, and Scobee made the PAT. The Titans pulled back on a 39 yard field goal by Bironas. Tennessee got closer as Bironas made a 37 yard field goal. Jacksonville got some more as Tennessee committed a penalty in their own end zone for a safety. The Titans chipped back as Fitzpatrick ran in a 4 yard touchdown, and Bironas knocked in the extra point. The Jaguars replied with a Will Blackmon fumble recovery from Fitzpatrick that was returned for 21 yards and a touchdown, and Scobee blasted the extra point. Tennessee pulled back as Fitzpatrick tossed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Delanie Walker, and Bironas booted the extra point. This wasn't enough to avoid the 29-27 loss, and the Jaguars are now 1-8 while the Titans are 4-5.

Way out west, the San Francisco 49ers bring in the Carolina Panthers. San Francisco led off in the first quarter as Phil Dawson made a 52 yard field goal. The 49ers added on with a 43 yard Dawson field goal in the second quarter. San Francisco extended the lead as Dawson was true with a 25 yard field goal. Carolina got on the board as DeAngelo Williams ran 27 yards for a touchdown, and Graham Gano made the extra point. The Panthers took the lead in the fourth quarter as Gano made a 53 yard field goal. This was all they needed for a 10-9 win, with both teams moving to 6-3.

Down in San Diego, the Chargers host the Denver Broncos. Denver struck first in the first quarter on a Peyton Manning touchdown pass of 74 yards to Julius Thomas, and Matt Prater made the extra point. San Diego got on the board in the second quarter as Nick Novak made a 26 yard field goal. The Chargers pulled closer with a Novak 40 yard field goal. The Broncos added on with a Manning touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas for 11 yards, and Prater made another extra point. Denver extended the lead as Manning and Demaryius Thomas connected for 7 yards and a touchdown, and Prater was true with the extra point again. In the third quarter, the Broncos padded the lead as Manning and Demaryius met for a third touchdown, this time for 34 yards, and Prater booted the PAT. San Diego replied as Philip Rivers threw a 7 yard touchdown to Danny Woodhead, and Novak drilled the extra point. The Chargers chipped away in the fourth quarter on a rushing touchdown of 1 yard by Ryan Mathews, and Novak supplied the extra point. They failed to tie it, losing 28-20, with the Broncos now at 8-1 and the Chargers falling to 4-5.

Over in Arizona, the Cardinals welcome the Houston Texans. Arizona began in the first quarter with a Matt Shaughnessy fumble recovery returned for 6 yards and a touchdown, and Jay Feely made the extra point. Houston tied it with a Case Keenum touchdown pass of 7 yards to Andre Johnson, and Randy Bullock made the extra point. The Cardinals took the lead back in the second quarter as Carson Palmer found Rob Housler for 12 yards and a touchdown, and Feely drilled the extra point. The Texans retied it with a 2 yard Keenum touchdown pass to Ryan Griffin, and Bullock made another extra point. Houston took the lead when Bullock made a 48 yard field goal. Arizona tied it in the third quarter on a 35 yard field goal by Feely. The Cardinals gained the lead with a Feely 21 yard field goal. Arizona extended the lead as Palmer tossed a 19 yard touchdown to Andre Roberts, and Feely booted the PAT. The Texans got closer with another Keenum touchdown pass to Johnson, this time for 5 yards, and Bullock made his extra point. They couldn't manage any equalizers, losing 27-24, with the Cardinals now at 5-4 while the Texans are 2-7.

Finally, in New Orleans, the Saints bring in the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas started in the first quarter with a Dan Bailey field goal of 37 yards. New Orleans took the lead as Drew Brees found Marques Colston for 22 yards and a touchdown, and Garrett Hartley made the extra point. The Cowboys took the lead in the second quarter on a DeMarco Murray touchdown run of 7 yards, and Bailey nailed the extra point. The Saints reclaimed the lead as Brees found Pierre Thomas for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Hartley nailed an extra point. New Orleans added on as Darren Sproles ran in a 3 yard touchdown, and Hartley was true with the PAT. The Saints extended the lead as Brees found Sproles for 28 yards and a touchdown, and Hartley kicked the extra point. New Orleans padded the lead with a 4 yard touchdown run by Mark Ingram in the third quarter, and Hartley handled the extra point. Dallas got some back with a 21 yard Tony Romo touchdown pass to Terrance Williams, and Bailey blasted the extra point. The Saints responded in the fourth quarter as Brees passed a 52 yard touchdown to Kenny Stills, and Hartley made another extra point. New Orleans got some more with a 1 yard Thomas touchdown run, and another Hartley extra point. This was good for a 49-17 win, with the Saints now at 7-2 and the Cowboys dropping to 5-5.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 41 2013-2014

Seven games on today for a busier Sunday than usual. We begin in...

Montreal, as the Canadiens host the New York Islanders. Kevin Poulin and Carey Price make the starts. Montreal got going in the second period as Brendan Gallagher scored his eighth of the season, made possible by Alex Galchenyuk and Lars Eller. New York tied it with a Pierre-Marc Bouchard power play goal, his third of the year, powered by John Tavares. The Canadiens took the lead back as Eller scored his sixth of the season, a power play goal, via Galchenyuk and P.K. Subban. Montreal added on as Michael Bournival notched his fifth of the year, passed from Raphael Diaz and Tomas Plekanec on the power play. The Islanders pulled back in the third period with a Brock Nelson power play goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Tavares and Frans Nielsen. The Canadiens shot back as Galchenyuk scored his third of the year, with assists provided by Eller and Gallagher. This was all they need for a 4-2 win, with Galchenyuk, Eller, and Gallagher getting the three stars, while Tavares got an honorable mention.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Martin Brodeur are in the blue paint. New Jersey led off in the first period with a Jaromir Jagr goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Peter Harrold and Andy Greene. The Devils added on as Cam Janssen scored his second of the year in the second period, with the help of Ryan Carter and Marek Zidlicky. New Jersey extended the lead as Zidlicky scored his second of the season, a power play goal powered by Eric Gelinas and Adam Henrique. The Devils padded the lead on a Travis Zajac goal, his second of the year, made possible by Jagr and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey iced it at 5-0 with a Mattias Tedenby goal, fueled by Andrei Loktionov and Steve Bernier. Jagr, Brodeur (15 save shutout), and Zidlicky get the three stars.

Staying in the region, the New York Rangers bring in the Florida Panthers. Tim Thomas and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. New York was first to score in the first period on a J.T. Miller goal, passed from Chris Kreider and Ryan McDonagh. Florida tied it as Aleksander Barkov scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Kris Versteeg and Tom Gilbert on the power play. The Panthers took the lead as Brian Campbell scored in the second period, thanks to Gilbert and Versteeg. The Rangers retied it on a Derek Dorsett goal, his second of the year, coming off of Brian Boyle and Michael Del Zotto. New York took the lead in the third period with a Brad Richards goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Carl Hagelin. The Rangers added on with a power play goal by Mats Zuccarello, his second of the year, powered by Richards and Derek Stepan. Florida shot back as Campbell scored his second of the game, with helpers from Tomas Fleischmann and Nick Bjugstad. They failed to tie the game, losing 4-3, with the three stars being Campbell, Richards, and Versteeg, while Gilbert gets an honorable mention.

Out west, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Corey Crawford wear the masks. Chicago started in the first period as Brandon Saad scored his fourth of the season, assisted by Brandon Pirri and Brent Seabrook. Edmonton tied it in the second period with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of David Perron and Philip Larsen. The Oilers took the lead with a Nail Yakupov power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Larsen and Jordan Eberle. The Blackhawks retied it on an Andrew Shaw goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Saad. Chicago retook the lead in the third period on a Bryan Bickell goal, his fifth of the season, via Michal Rozsival and Patrick Kane. Edmonton tied it once again as Perron scored his fourth of the year, a power play goal, guided in by Taylor Hall and Larsen, the latter getting a sock trick. The Blackhawks took the lead back with a Marcus Kruger goal, his second of the season, passed from Ben Smith and Johnny Oduya. Chicago extended the lead as Duncan Keith scored a power play goal with assists provided by Seabrook and Patrick Sharp. The Oilers got one back as Eberle scored a shorthanded goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Nick Schultz and Hall. They didn't tie the game, losing 5-4, with the three stars being given to Saad, Perron, and Eberle, while Larsen, Hall, and Seabrook get the honorable mentions.

Further west, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Semyon Varlamov are between the pipes. Colorado opened with a first period goal by Patrick Bordeleau, his second of the season, thanks to Cody McLeod and Marc-Andre Cliche. Washington tied it in the second period on a Joel Ward goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Mikhail Grabovski. The Avalanche retook the lead as Nick Holden scored, with the help of Gabriel Landeskog and Paul Stastny. Colorado added on in the third period as P.A. Parenteau scored his sixth of the season, coming off of Matt Duchene and Erik Johnson. The Avalanche extended the lead when Landeskog scored his sixth of the year, fueled by Johnson. This was good for a 4-1 win, with Landeskog, Varlamov (33 for 34 in saves), and Johnson getting the three stars.

Down in Anaheim, the Ducks welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Frederik Andersen are the backups making spot starts. Anaheim dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Corey Perry goal, his eleventh of the season, helped along by Francois Beauchemin. Vancouver got on the board as Tom Sestito scored, thanks to Brad Richardson and Zack Kassian. The Ducks replied with a Nick Bonino goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Emerson Etem and Perry. Anaheim iced it at 3-1 with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fifth of the campaign, an empty net goal set up by Devante Smith-Pelly. The three stars were handed to Perry, Andersen (35 for 36 in saves), and Bonino.

Finally, in Winnipeg, the Jets host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Ondrej Pavelec tend the twines. San Jose began in the first period with a Dan Boyle goal, his third of the season coming on the power play from Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on as Tomas Hertl scored his tenth of the year, with the help of Jason Demers and Scott Hannan. Winnipeg got on the board in the second period as Michael Frolik scored his fourth of the season, via Matt Halischuk. San Jose replied with a Tommy Wingels goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Hertl and Justin Braun. The Jets pulled back as Dustin Byfuglien scored, courtesy of Grant Clitsome and Chris Thorburn. Winnipeg tied it with a Clitsome goal, his second of the season, guided in by Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. The Sharks retook the lead in the third period as Boyle scored his second of the game and fourth of the year, another power play goal, powered by Logan Couture and Joe Thornton. The Jets evened the score again as Ladd potted his fifth of the season, assisted by Little and Clitsome. Winnipeg won 5-4 with a lone Ladd shootout goal. Ladd, Clitsome, and Boyle got the three stars while Hertl and Little get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

NHL Day 40 2013-2014

Ten games on throughout the day, including two matinees, beginning in...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Steve Mason are the weak goalies. Philadelphia began in the first period with a Jay Rosehill goal, via Mark Streit and Nicklas Grossmann. The Flyers added on as Scott Hartnell scored his second of the season, coming off of Streit and Braydon Coburn. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a David Perron goal, his third of the year coming on the power play with the help of Ales Hemsky. Philadelphia answered in the third period as Claude Giroux scored, thanks to Jakub Voracek. The Oilers pulled back on a Taylor Hall goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Sam Gagner and Philip Larsen. The Flyers wrapped it up at 4-2 on a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Brayden Schenn and Matt Read. The three stars were Giroux, Streit, and Hall.

North to Ottawa, where the Senators welcome the Florida Panthers. Tim Thomas and Robin Lehner play in the blue paint. Ottawa was first to score in the first period on a Kyle Turris goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Bobby Ryan. The Senators added on with an unassisted goal by Mika Zibanejad, his fourth of the year. Florida got on the board as Nick Bjugstad scored his second of the season, with a lone assist by Tomas Kopecky. The Senators replied in the second period with a power play goal by Clarke MacArthur, his third of the year, powered by Erik Karlsson and Turris. The Panthers got one back in the third period on a Marcel Goc goal, his fifth of the campaign, guided in by Matt Gilroy. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Turris, MacArthur, and Zibanejad.

Back stateside and at a regular time, the Boston Bruins host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Tuukka Rask are the masked men. Boston dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Zdeno Chara power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Jarome Iginla and Torey Krug. Toronto tied it on a second period Joffrey Lupul goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone helper by Paul Ranger. The Bruins took the lead as Patrice Bergeron scored a power play goal, his fourth of the season, helped along by Carl Soderberg and Reilly Smith. Boston iced it at 3-1 with a Bergeron empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, set up by Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand. Bergeron, Rask (33 for 34 in saves), and Reimer (31 for 33 in saves).

West to Detroit, as the Red Wings bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop is mismatched with Jimmy Howard in goal. Detroit led off in the first period on a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his ninth of the season, going in unassisted. Tampa Bay tied it with a Ryan Malone goal, his second of the year, passed from Matthew Carle and Nate Thompson. The Lightning took the lead in the second period on a Steven Stamkos goal, his fourteenth of the season, helped along by Victor Hedman. The Red Wings retied it in the third period as Zetterberg scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, with a lone helper from by Danny DeKeyser. Tampa Bay won 3-2 in overtime with a Teddy Purcell goal, his fifth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Richard Panik. The three stars went to Purcell, Zetterberg, and Stamkos.

Southeast to Raleigh, as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Minnesota Wild. Josh Harding and Justin Peters will be between the pipes. Minnesota opened in the first period with a Jason Pominville goal, his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist by Ryan Suter. Carolina tied it on a Ryan Murphy goal, his second of the year, coming off of Drayson Bowman and the goalie Peters. The Hurricanes took the lead when Jiri Tlusty scored his third of the season in the second period, thanks to Alexander Semin and Brett Bellemore. The Wild retied it with a Justin Fontaine goal, his sixth of the year, helped along by Marco Scandella and Jared Spurgeon. Minnesota won 3-2 in the shootout when Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Pominville all scored to top a lone tally by Carolina's Chris Terry. Pominville, Peters (28 for 30 in saves), and Harding (27 for 29 in saves) get the three stars.

Backtracking to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Sergei Bobrovsky are the Russian goalies. Columbus started in the first period with a Brandon Dubinsky goal, his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Mark Letestu and Fedor Tyutin. New York tied it as Frans Nielsen potted his ninth of the year, assisted by Eric Boulton and Andrew MacDonald. The Blue Jackets took the lead back on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Dubinsky. The Islanders evened the score on a Thomas Hickey goal, fueled by John Tavares and Matt Donovan. Columbus gained the lead in the third period as R.J. Umberger scored his third of the year, a power play goal, guided in by James Wisniewski and Johansen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Cam Atkinson goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Johansen and Dubinsky. Columbus iced it at 5-2 with a Wisniewski empty net goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by the goalie Bobrovsky. Dubinsky, Johansen, and Wisniewski were named the three stars.

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas struck first in the first period on a Cody Eakin goal, his fifth of the season, via Shawn Horcoff and Trevor Daley. Chicago tied it on a Marian Hossa goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. The Stars retook the lead with a Tyler Seguin goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist by Jamie Benn. The Blackhawks retied it on a Toews goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Patrick Kane and Sharp. Chicago gained the lead on a Kane power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Andrew Shaw and Sharp, the latter getting a sock trick. The Blackhawks added on in the third period as Hossa scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, guided in by Sharp and Johnny Oduya. Chicago won 5-2 after Niklas Hjalmarsson scored his second of the campaign, a shorthanded empty net goal set up by Oduya. The three stars were Hossa, Sharp, and Toews, while Kane and Oduya get the honorable mentions.

Northward to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Jaroslav Halak protect the nets. St. Louis got going in the second period with a Ryan Reaves goal, his second of the season, assisted by Maxim Lapierre and Alexander Steen. Pittsburgh tied it as Jussi Jokinen scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. The Blues took the lead in the third period as Kevin Shattenkirk scored, thanks to Barret Jackman and Jaden Schwartz. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Shattenkirk, Halak (19 for 20 in saves), and Reaves.

Southwest to Phoenix, where the Coyotes bring in the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Mike Smith have the green light to start. Pheonix opened in the first period with a Shane Doan goal, his seventh of the season, coming on the power play with assists from Martin Hanzal and Keith Yandle. Washington tied it in the second period on a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his fifth of the year, via Mike Green and goalie Neuvirth. The Capitals took the lead as John Carlson scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Marcus Johansson and Alex Ovechkin. Washington added on as Joel Ward scored his seventh of the year, coming off of Michael Latta and Jason Chimera. The Coyotes got one back in the third period when Lauri Korpikoski scored his second of the season, guided in by Antoine Vermette and David Schlemko. Phoenix tied it with Doan's second of the game and eighth of the year, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Yandle on the power play. The tie lasted to a shootout, where goals by Mikkel Boedker and Vermette gave the Coyotes a 4-3 win. The three stars were Doan, Vermette, and Yandle.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Quick tend the twines. Los Angeles led off in the first period with Jordan Nolan's third of the season, courtesy of Linden Vey and Alec Martinez. The Kings added on with a Tyler Toffoli goal, coming off of Drew Doughty and Mike Richards. Vancouver got on the board in the second period on a Dan Hamhuis goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler. Los Angeles replied as Richards scored fifth of the season, thanks to Dwight King and Toffoli. The Kings extended the lead as Justin Williams notched his sixth of the year, with the help of Anze Kopitar and Slava Voynov. Eddie Lack replaced Luongo at this time. Los Angeles padded the lead as Toffoli scored his second of the game, via Richards and King. This made it 5-1, the eventual final, with Toffoli, Richards, and King getting the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Friday, November 8, 2013

NHL Day 39 2013-2014

Four games to go with tonight, beginning in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Jonathan Bernier are the goalies who had to be traded to become starters. Toronto got going in the third period as Phil Kessel scored his tenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Cody Franson. New Jersey tied it with a Michael Ryder power play goal, his fifth of the year, via Eric Gelinas and Andy Greene. The tie lasted to a shootout, where James van Riemsdyk had the only goal to give the Maple Leafs a 2-1 win. The three stars were Bernier (34 for 35 in saves), Schneider (27 for 28 in saves), and Kessel.

West to Winnipeg, as the Jets welcome the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Ondrej Pavelec get the starting nods. Winnipeg led off in the first period with a Bryan Little goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler. The Jets added on as Olli Jokinen scored his third of the year, thanks to Evander Kane and Keaton Ellerby. Winnipeg extended the lead with an Eric Tangradi  goal, via Dustin Byfuglien and Grant Clitsome. Marek Mazanec relieved Hutton at this time. The Jets padded the lead as Devin Setoguchi scored his fourth of the season, with a lone helper by Jokinen. Winnipeg iced it in the third period on Little's second of the game and tenth of the year, passed from Ladd and Wheeler. The final was 5-0, with Little, Pavelec (41 save shutout), and Jokinen getting the three stars while Ladd and Wheeler get the honorable mentions.

Down in Colorado, the Avalanche bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are in the blue paint. Colorado began in the first period with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of P.A. Parenteau and Jan Hejda. The Avalanche added on in the second period as Paul Stastny scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Erik Johnson and Andre Benoit on the power play. Calgary got on the board as Michael Cammalleri sank his sixth of the season, assisted by Mikael Backlund and Jiri Hudler. Colorado replied as John Mitchell scored his second of the year, with the help of Nathan MacKinnon and Cory Sarich. The Flames chipped back on another Cammalleri goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, guided in by Hudler and Backlund. The Avalanche iced it at 4-2 in the third period with an empty net goal by Matt Duchene, his eleventh of the year, set up by O'Reilly. The three stars were handed to O'Reilly, Cammalleri, and Giguere (30 for 32 in saves), while Hudler and Backlund receive the honorable mentions.

Finally, out in Anaheim, the Ducks host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Frederik Andersen draw the starts. Anaheim was first to score in the first period as Ryan Getzlaf potted his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by Cam Fowler and Dustin Penner. The Ducks added on as Fowler scored a power play goal, his second of the year, via Penner and Getzlaf. Buffalo got on the board as Mikhail Grigorenko scored, with the help of Cody McCormick and Drew Stafford. Anaheim answered on a Getzlaf goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, going in unassisted. The Ducks extended the lead as Getzlaf finished his hat trick with his tenth of the year, made possible by Corey Perry and Penner, the latter getting a sock trick. Anaheim padded the lead in the second period on a Penner goal, his third of the season, with a lone assist by Perry. The Sabres got one back as Grigorenko scored his second of the game, with helpers provided by Corey Tropp and McCormick. The Ducks responded on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Rickard Rakell and Daniel Winnik. This held up for a 6-2 win, with the three stars going to Getzlaf, Penner, and Grigorenko, while Perry, Fowler, and McCormick got the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.