KHL Day 99 2013-2014

A big day today, with thirteen games on. The first of these comes from...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen faces a lesser foe in Andrei Mezin in goal. Omsk started in the first period with an Alexander Popov goal, assisted by Alexander Perezhogin. Novosibirsk tied it in the second period as Jarno Koskiranta scored an unassisted goal. Sibir took the lead when Jori Lehtera potted the puck, going in unassisted. Avangard tied it with a Perezhogin goal, with a lone helper by Popov. Omsk took the lead with a Denis Kulyash power play goal, powered by Sergei Kalinin. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Kulyash, Perezhogin, and Popov.

Up in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Alexei Kuznetsov receive the starting nods. Khanty-Mansiysk led off with a power play goal by Marek Troncinsky, powered by Tomas Starosta. Vladivostok tied it with a power play goal by Denis Osipov, guided in by Niclas Bergfors and Enver Lisin. Yugra retook the lead in the second period on an unassisted goal by Igor Magogin. Admiral tied it again as Andrei Nikitenko scored with the help of Artyom Ternavsky on the power play. Vladisvostok took the lead in the third period on a Sergei Barbashev goal, fueled by Michael Commodore. This produced the 3-2 final score, with the three stars being Barbashev, Nikitenko, and Osipov.

Moving along to Yekaterinburg, as Avtomobilist brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Mika Jarvinen and Jakub Kovar are set to start. Khabarovsk was first to score in the first period with an Alexander Loginov power play goal, with a lone assist by Vladimir Loginov. Yekaterinburg tied it on an Alexei Yefimov goal, coming on the power play via Igor Yemeleyev. Avtomobilist took the lead in the second period as Fyodor Malykhin scored an unassisted goal. Yekaterinburg added on as Eduard Lewandowski scored, thanks to Sergei Gusev and Yemeleyev. Avtomobilist extended the lead when Sami Lepisto scored in the third period, assisted by Tobias Viklund and Malykhin. Yekaterinburg wrapped it up at 5-1 with a Sergei Demagin goal, fueled by Alexei Simakov. The three stars were Malykhin, Kovar (29 for 30 in saves), and Yemeleyev.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana hosts Metallurg Novokunetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Ari Ahonen are in the creases. Astana began in the first period on a Dustin Boyd goal, fueled by Nigel Dawes and Brandon Bochenski. Barys added on in the second period as Nikolai Antropov scored, thanks to Konstantin Rudenko and Roman Starchenko. Novokuznetsk got on the board with an Evgeny Lapenkov power play goal, powered by Semyon Valuisky and Pavel Kanarsky. Astana replied as Antropov scored his second of the game, via Alexei Litvinenko and Rudenko. Barys extended the lead on a Bochenski goal in the third period, coming off of Litvinenko and Mikhail Rakhmanov. Metallurg got one back as Kurtis McLean scored, with helpers provided by Kanarsky and Lapenkov. Novokuznetsk pulled closer on a McLean power play goal, with a lone assist from Valuisky. Astana replied as Starchenko scored, courtesy of Litvinenko, who got a sock trick. This made it a 5-3 final, with the three stars going to Antropov, McLean, and Starchenko, while Bochenski, Rudenko, Lapenkov, Kanarsky, Valuisky, and Litvinenko get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Cherepovets, as Severstal welcomes Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Matt Dalton and Ivan Kasutin are in goal. Cherepovets struck first in the first period on a Bogdan Kiselevich goal, assisted by Anatoly Nikontsev and Vadim Berdnikov. This was the game's only goal, so Severstal won 1-0. The three stars belonged to Kasutin (19 save shutout), Kiselevich, and Dalton (28 for 29 in saves).

Across the lake, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexei Volkov and Curtis Sanford protect the nets. Yaroslavl opened in the first period on a Yury Petrov goal, fueled by Staffan Kronwall. Lokomotiv added on as Yegor Averin scored a power play goal, powered by Jonas Holos and Kronwall. Ufa got on the board in the second period with a Denis Khlystov goal, coming off of Alexander Mereskin and Yegor Dubrovsky. Yaroslavl replied on an Igor Musatov goal, with a lone assist by Ilya Gorokhov. Lokomotiv extended the lead in the third period on a Pavel Kraskovsky goal, made possible by Petrov and Gorokhov. Salavat Yulaev pulled back on an Igor Mirnov goal, assisted by Andrei Zubarev and Kirill Koltsov. This made it a 4-2 game, the final, with the three stars being Petrov, Kronwall, and Gorokhov.

Into Moscow, as CSKA hosts Lev Prague. Atte Engren and Ilya Proskuryakov man the creases. Prague got going in the second period on a David Ullstrom goal, fueled by Jakub Nakladal and Jiri Novotny. Lev added on with a Martin Thornberg goal in the third period, coming off of Jiri Sekac and Mikko Maenpaa. Prague iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Sekac, set up by Justin Azevedo and Novotny. The three stars went to Engren (19 save shutout), Sekac, and Novotny.

Staying in the city, Spartak Moscow welcomes Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Georgy Gelashvili and Jeff Glass are the reliable goalies. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Mikhail Yunkov power play goal, powered by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Denis Bodrov. Nizhny Novgorod tied it in the second period on a Sergei Sentyurin goal, assisted by Juuso Hietanen and Maxim Potapov. Torpedo took the lead in the third period as Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev scored, thanks to Vyacheslav Kulyomin. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Krasnoslobodtsev, Gelashvili (18 for 19 in saves), and Sentyurin.

A little north to Mytishchi, as Atlant brings in Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Stanislav Galimov guard the cages. Chelyabinsk was first to score in the first period with a Mikhail Mokin goal, fueled by Denis Abdullin. Mytishchi tied it when Ilya Kablukov scored a power play goal, via Konstantin Koltsov. Traktor took the lead with an Anton Glinkin goal in the second period, assisted by Andrei Popov and Semyon Kokuyov. Chelyabinsk added on as Popov scored, thanks to Artyom Borodkin and Glinkin. Atlant got one back in the third period as Rafael Batyrshin scored, with the help of Mikhail Glukhov and Koltsov. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-2, and the three stars belonged to Glinkin, Popov, and Koltsov.

Out west, SKA St. Petersburg hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Ilya Ezhov are the masked men. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard in the second period as Chris Lee scored, thanks to Denis Platonov and Tim Brent. Metallurg added on as Brent scored in the third period, with the help of Platonov and Lee. This held up for a 2-0 win, and the three stars were Koshechkin (17 save shutout), Lee, and Brent, while Platonov gets an honorable mention.

Further west to Minsk, as Dinamo welcomes Vityaz Podolsk. Ivan Lisutin and Kevin Lalande draw the starts. Podolsk began in the first period with a Mike Iggulden power play goal, powered by Alexander Korolyuk and Igor Golovkov. Vityaz added on in the second period as Gleb Klimenko scored, with a lone assist from Maxim Afinogenov. They went on to win 2-0, and the three stars were awarded to Lisutin (31 save shutout), Iggulden, and Klimenko.

Moving along to Croatia, as Medvescak Zagreb brings in Ak Bars Kazan. Konstantin Barulin and Mark Dekanich are the solid goalies. Zagreb opened in the first period with an Andrew Murray goal, assisted by Patrick Bjorkstrand. Medvescak added on as Alan Letang scored an unassisted goal. Kazan got on the board with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, fueled by Vladimir Tkachyov and Alexander Svitov. Zagreb replied on a Bjorkstrand goal, with a lone assist by Murray. Medvescak extended the lead when Hugh Jessiman scored, thanks to Charles Linglet and Ryan Vesce. Ak Bars answered on another Varnakov goal, passed from Tkachyov. Kazan pulled closer when Alexander Osipov scored, with the help of Denis Golubev. Zagreb responded in the second period with a power play goal by Jonathan Cheechoo, powered by Mathieu Carle and Bill Thomas. Medvescak struck again on a Matt Murley goal, with a lone helper from Thomas. Ak Bars shot back on an Artyom Lukoyanov goal, guided in by Kirill Petrov. Kazan chipped closer in the third period as Petrov scored a power play goal, pushed through by Alexei Tereshchenko. They failed to tie the game, losing 6-5, with the three stars given to Bjorkstrand, Murray, and Petrov, while Varnakov, Tkachyov, and Thomas get the honorable mentions.

Backtracking to Ukraine, as Donbass Donetsk hosts Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Michael Leighton tend the twines. Moscow led off in the first period with a Sergei Soin goal, fueled by Maxim Karpov. Donetsk tied it in the second period as Vaclav Nedorost scored, thanks to Evgeny Dadonov and Peter Podhradsky. Dynamo regained the lead as Konstantin Glazachev scored a power play goal, powered by Soin. Donbass tied it with a Maxim Yakutsenya goal, assisted by Nedorost and Dadonov. Moscow took the lead back as Konstantin Gorovikov scored, via Maxim Pestushko. This was it for the scoring, and the final stood at 3-2, with the three stars being given to Nedorost, Soin, and Dadonov.

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NHL Day 71 2013-2014

Twelve games on a busy Tuesday night, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Ryan Miller are in the creases. Ottawa started in the first period on a Milan Michalek goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Cory Conacher. Buffalo tied it in the second period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his third of the year, assisted by Christian Ehrhoff. The tie lasted to a shootout, where the Sabres got goals from Matt Moulson, Brian Flynn, Steve Ott, and Girgensons to top the Senators goals by Mika Zibanejad, Kyle Turris, and Michalek. The final was 2-1, with the three stars going to Girgensons, Miller (35 for 36 in saves), and Lehner (35 for 36 in saves), while Michalek gets an honorable mention.

Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Curtis McElhinney receive the starting nods. New Jersey began in the first period as Travis Zajac scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Reid Boucher and Jaromir Jagr. Columbus tied it on a Cam Atkinson goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Brandon Dubinsky. The Devils retook the lead on a Michael Ryder goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Adam Henrique and Steve Bernier. New Jersey added on in the second period as Damien Brunner scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Patrik Elias and Dainius Zubrus. The Blue Jackets pulled back with a Dubinsky goal, his sixth of the season, via Atkinson and Jack Johnson. Columbus tied it with Atkinson's second of the game and ninth of the year, again with assists provided by Dubinsky and Ryan Murray. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the third period on a Matt Calvert goal, his third of the season, with helpers from Dubinsky, who got a sock trick, and Atkinson. The Devils got another equalizer as Brunner scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, with the help of Elias and Andy Greene. Columbus retook the lead with a Nick Foligno goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Ryan Johansen and R.J. Umberger. This stood up for a 5-4 win, with the three stars being Dubinsky, Atkinson, and Brunner, while Elias was the honorable mention.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and Carey Price are in front of the nets. Los Angeles struck first in the first period on a Jordan Nolan goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Anze Kopitar and Willie Mitchell. The Kings added on as Kopitar scored his ninth of the year, via Mike Richards. Los Angeles extended the lead when Alec Martinez scored in the second period, thanks to Tyler Toffoli and Kyle Clifford. The Kings padded the lead on a Toffoli goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Clifford and Richards. Peter Budaj relieved Price at this time. Los Angeles struck again with a Jake Muzzin power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Jarret Stoll and Slava Voynov. The Kings got another with a Justin Williams goal, hi eleventh of the season, assisted by Stoll and Martinez. This was all they needed for a 6-0 win, with the three stars being Jones (30 save shutout), Toffoli, and Kopitar, while Martinez, Richards, Stoll, and Clifford get the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Washington Capitals host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Braden Holtby are the young goalies. Tampa Bay opened in the first period on a Martin St. Louis goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming on the power play from Sami Salo and Tyler Johnson. The Lightning added on as Nikita Kucherov scored his second of the year, a power play goal powered by Teddy Purcell and Matthew Carle. Tampa Bay chased Holtby with a Nate Thompson goal, his third of the season, made possible by J.T. Brown and B.J. Crombeen. Philipp Grubauer relieved Holtby. Washington got on the board with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his twenty-third of the year, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals got one back in the second period on a Backstrom power play goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Mikhail Grabovski and Troy Brouwer. The Lightning replied on a Johnson goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Ondrej Palat and St. Louis. Washington pulled back with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the season, fueled by Marcus Johansson and Backstrom on the power play. The Capitals tied it when Ovechkin finished his hat trick with his twenty-fifth of the year, a power play goal set up by Mike Green and Backstrom, the latter getting a sock trick. Tampa Bay took the lead again in the third period on a Palat goal, his fifth of the season, pushed through by Johnson and St. Louis. Washington tied it as Ovechkin scored his fourth of the game and twenty-sixth of the year, with helpers from John Carlson and Backstrom. The Capitals capped the comeback with Eric Fehr cancelling out Kucherov in the shootout, followed by Grabovski doing the same to Purcell before Brouwer scored to seal a 6-5 victory. The three stars were Ovechkin, Backstrom, and St. Louis, while Johnson, Palat, Brouwer, Purcell, Kucherov, and Grabovski all get honorable mentions.

South to Florida, as the Panthers welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Tim Thomas are the veteran goalies. Detroit led off in the first period as Todd Bertuzzi scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen on the power play. The Red Wings added on in the second period with a Datsyuk goal, his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Jonathan Ericsson and Franzen. Florida got on the board in the third period as Sean Bergenheim scored his third of the season, passed from Dmitry Kulikov and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers tied it with a Nick Bjugstad goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Erik Gudbranson and Dylan Olsen. Florida won in overtime as Barkov cancelled out Tomas Tatar so Brad Boyes could pot the winner. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Barkov, Franzen, and Dasyuk.

Back to the north, the New York Rangers bring in the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Henrik Lundqvist are between the pipes. Nashville was first to score in the first period with a Nick Spaling goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Patric Hornqvist and David Legwand. The Predators added on in the second period when Rich Clune scored, with the help of Matt Hendricks and Paul Gaustad. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal in the second period, his sixth of the year, guided in by Brad Richards and Derick Brassard. Nashville shot back in the third period with a Hendricks goal, his second of the season, guided in by Clune and Gaustad. The Predators wrapped it up at 4-1 as Gaustad scored his fourth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Legwand and Roman Josi. The three stars belonged to Gaustad, Clune, and Hendricks, while Legwand and Hutton (28 for 29 in saves) get the honorable mention.

Northwest to Winnipeg, as the Jets host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Ondrej Pavelec are the masked men. St. Louis got going in the second period as Alexander Steen scored his twenty-first of the season, with the help of T.J. Oshie and David Backes. Winnipeg tied it in the third period with a Bryan Little power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Andrew Ladd and Olli Jokinen. The Blues took the lead back with a Kevin Shattenkirk power play goal, his third of the season, made possible by Derek Roy. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Elliott (20 for 21 in saves), Shattenkirk, and Steen.

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Antti Raanta and Kari Lehtonen are the Finnish goalies. Chicago began in the first period with a Michael Kostka goal, his second of the season, passed from Marcus Kruger and Ben Smith. The Blackhawks added on with a Patrick Kane goal, his seventeenth of the year, assisted by Brent Seabrook. Chicago extended the lead in the second period as Brandon Saad scored his tenth of the season, thanks to Andrew Shaw and Kostka. The Blackhawks padded the lead on a Patrick Sharp power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Kane and Duncan Keith. Dan Ellis relieved Lehtonen at this time. Chicago got another as Sharp scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, via Keith and Jonathan Toews. Dallas got on the board with an Antoine Roussel goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Ryan Garbutt and Dustin Jeffrey. The Blackhawks answered with another Saad goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the season, made possible by Seabrook and Kane. The Stars got one back in the third period as Roussel scored his second of the game and seventh of the year, with assists provided  by Sergei Gonchar and Garbutt. This only made it 6-2, the final, with Kane, Sharp, and Roussel getting the three stars, while Saad, Kostka, Seabrook, Keith, and Garbutt all get honorable mentions.

Up a little to Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss opposes Semyon Varlamov in goal. Phoenix dented the scoreboard in the second period as Antoine Vermette scored a power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Keith Yandle and Mike Ribeiro. The Coyotes added on with a Jordan Szwarz goal, his second of the year, coming off of Jeff Halpern and Paul Bissonnette. Colorado got on the board as Patrick Bordeleau scored his fourth of the season, via Cody McLeod and Cory Sarich. Phoenix responded on a Vermette goal, his ninth of the year, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mikkel Boedker. This was good for a 3-1 win, with the three stars being Vermette, Greiss (29 for 30 in saves), and Szwarz.

Further north to Calgary, as the Flames host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask faces a lesser foe in Reto Berra in goal. Calgary was first to score in the second period on a Jiri Hudler goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Sven Baertschi and Mark Giordano. Boston tied it in the third period on a David Krejci power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins took the lead as Reilly Smith scored his seventh of the campaign, with a lone helper by Ryan Spooner. They went on to win 2-1, with the three stars going to Smith, Rask (26 for 27 in saves), and Krejci.

Staying in Alberta, as the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Devan Dubnyk are set to start. Edmonton struck first in the first period with a Taylor Hall goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Sam Gagner and Nail Yakupov. Carolina tied it on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his fourth of the year, thanks to Jeff Skinner and Andrej Sekera on the power play. The Oilers took the lead back on a Yakupov goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Hall and Andrew Ference. Edmonton added on as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his seventh of the year, assisted by Jordan Eberle and Ference. The Oilers extended the lead in the second period with a Jesse Joensuu goal, his second of the season, helped along by Mark Arcobello and Anton Belov. The Hurricanes got one back on a Jordan Staal goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Nathan Gerbe and Sekera. Carolina pulled closer in the third period as Eric Staal scored his eighth of the season, a shorthanded goal going in unassisted. The Hurricanes tied it with a Skinner goal, his tenth of the year, an unassisted goal. Edmonton won 5-4 in overtime as Eberle scored his eleventh of the campaign, a power play powered by Nugent-Hopkins and Gagner. Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, and Hall got the three stars, while Yakupov, Skinner, Sekera, Ference, and Gagner get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the New York Islanders. Kevin Poulin and Antti Niemi are in the creases. San Jose led off in the second period on a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Dan Boyle and Logan Couture. The Sharks added on with a Joe Pavelski goal, his tenth of the year, via Boyle and Marleau. New York got on the board in the third period as Thomas Vanek scored his tenth of the season, thanks to Kyle Okposo and John Tavares. The Islanders tied it late as Okposo scored his ninth of the year, with the help of Tavares. In the shootout, Vanek and Couture traded goals before Okposo's tally gave the Islanders a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Okposo, Vanek, and Tavares, while Couture, Marleau, and Boyle get the honorable mentions.

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Monday Night Football Week 14 2013

Tonight's game is in a frigid Chicago, as the Bears host the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas opened in the first quarter as Tony Romo threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Dez Bryant, and Dan Bailey made the extra point. Chicago pulled even with a 4 yard Josh McCown touchdown pass to Earl Bennett, and Robbie Gould nailed the extra point. The Bears took the lead in the second quarter as McCown ran 7 yards for a touchdown, and Gould kicked the extra point. The Cowboys pulled even as Romo tossed a 10 yard touchdown to Jason Witten, and Bailey was true with the extra point. Chicago gained the lead again with a Gould field goal from 27 yards out. The Bears extended the lead as McCown found Alshon Jeffrey for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Gould supplied the PAT. Chicago added on in the third quarter as Gould drilled a 34 yard field goal. The Bears padded the lead as McCown threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Matt Forte, and then he found Brandon Marshall on the two-point conversion. Chicago struck again with a McCown touchdown pass of 17 yards to Michael Bush in the fourth quarter, and Gould was there with the extra point. Dallas responded with a Romo touchdown pass to Cole Beasley, and Bailey knocked in the extra point. The Bears shot back as Gould made a 23 yard field goal. The Cowboys pulled back on a 1 yard touchdown run by Joseph Randle, and Bailey drove in the extra point. this only made it 45-28, the final, with both teams going to 7-6.

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NHL Day 70 2013-2014

Tonight, we have four games on, beginning in...

Ottawa, as the Senators host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Craig Anderson receive the starting nods. Philadelphia was first to score in the first period with a Michael Raffl goal, assisted by Wayne Simmonds and Luke Schenn. Ottawa tied it with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Jason Spezza and Jared Cowen. The Senators took the lead with a Patrick Wiercioch power play goal in the second period, his second of the year, powered by Bobby Ryan and Spezza. The Flyers retied it on a power play goal by Jakub Voracek, his fourth of the season, thanks to Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell. Philadelphia pulled ahead with a Schenn goal, his second of the year, made possible by Raffl and Simmonds. Ottawa retied it in the third period as MacArthur scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, with the help of Ryan and Erik Karlsson. The Senators took the lead again on a Kyle Turris goal, his seventh of the year, an unassisted goal. The Flyers evened it on a Timonen goal, his second of the season, coming off of Sean Couturier. In the shootout, Ottawa won with a lone tally by Spezza for a 5-4 victory. The three stars were Spezza, MacArthur, and Timonen, while Ryan, Schenn, Raffl, and Simmonds get the honorable mentions.

Down in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney is mismatched with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Pittsburgh got going in the second period with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Jussi Jokinen and Deryk Engelland. The Penguins added on when Sidney Crosby scored his sixteenth of the year in the third period, courtesy of Pascal Dupuis and Olli Maatta. Columbus got on the board as Matt Calvert scored his second of the campaign, with the help of Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1, and the three stars were Fleury (32 for 33 in saves), Crosby, and Malkin.

Way out west, the Anaheim Ducks host the New York Islanders. Anders Nilsson and Jonas Hiller are in the creases. New York struck first in the first period on a John Tavares goal, his twelfth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Thomas Vanek and Frans Nielsen. Anaheim tied it on a Saku Koivu goal, his third of the year, thanks to Cam Fowler. The Islanders retook the lead in the second period as Vanek put away his ninth of the season, passed from Tavares. The Ducks retied it when Andrew Cogliano scored his ninth of the year, with the help of Daniel Winnik and Bryan Allen. Anaheim took the lead on a shorthanded goal by Fowler, his third of the season, set up by Matt Beleskey. The Ducks added on as Corey Perry potted his nineteenth of the year, via Winnik and Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim extended the lead as Perry scored his second of the game and twentieth of the campaign on the power play in the third period, powered by Nick Bonino and Fowler. This held up for a 5-2 win, with the three stars awarded to Perry, Fowler, and Winnik, while Tavares and Vanek get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Backups Justin Peters and Eddie Lack are in goal. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Christopher Tanev goal, his second of the season, assisted by Dan Hamhuis and Chris Higgins. The Canucks added on as Jannik Hansen put his fourth of the year into the empty net in the third period, set up by Higgins. The three stars were Lack (31 save shutout), Peters (24 for 25 in saves), and Tanev in the 2-0 game.

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KHL Day 97 2013-2014

There are just two games on today before the schedule starts going into extreme oscillation to close the week. The first is from...

Kazan, as Ak Bars hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Georgy Gelashvili and Konstantin Barulin are the masked men. Kazan led off in the first period on a Shaun Heshka power play goal, powered by Tim Stapleton and Alexander Burmistrov. Ak Bars added on in the second period as Evgeny Medvedev scored, thanks to Stapleton. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board in the third period as Sakari Salminen scored a power play goal, assisted by Juuso Hietanen and Pavel Valentenko. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1, and the three stars belonged to Barulin (34 for 35 in saves), Stapleton, and Medvedev.

The other game comes from Bratislava, where Slovan plays a rare back-to-back by hosting Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Jaroslav Janus guard the cages. Bratislava began in the first period with a Milan Bartovic power play goal, powered by Libor Hudacek and Vladimir Mihalik. Mytishchi tied it on a Rafael Batyrshin goal, fueled by Mikhail Glukhov and Konstantin Koltsov. Atlant won 2-1 as Igor Radulov scored the only goal in the shootout. The three stars were Galimov (38 for 39 in saves), Batyrshin, and Radulov.

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NHL Day 69 2013-2014

Five games to go with today, beginning in...

Minnesota, as the Wild host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Josh Harding tend the twines. Minnesota got going in the second period as Zach Parise scored his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Jason Pominville and Marco Scandella. The Wild added on with a Mikko Koivu goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Scandella and Dany Heatley. San Jose got on the board in the third period as Patrick Marleau scored his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Matt Irwin and Logan Couture. Minnesota iced it at 3-1 with a Parise empty net goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, set up by Kyle Brodziak. The three stars were Harding (37 for 38 in saves), Parise, and Scandella.

Back east, the New York Rangers welcome the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer is mismatched with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. Washington dented the scoreboard with a second period Jason Chimera goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Martin Erat and Steve Oleksy. The Capitals added on as Oleksy scored, with a lone assist by Jay Beagle. Washington extended the lead when Mikhail Grabovski tucked in his ninth of the year on a penalty shot he received after being hooked by Ryan McDonagh on the breakaway. The Capitals padded the lead in the third period as Nate Schmidt scored his second of the season, an unassisted goal. New York got on the board with a Benoit Pouliot goal, his third of the year, thanks to Michael Del Zotto. This was as close as it got, and the three stars of the 4-1 game were Grubauer (30 for 31 in saves), Oleksy, and Grabovski.

Westward to Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Corey Crawford are in the blue paint. Chicago led off in the first period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his twelfth of the season, coming on the power play from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks added on with a power play goal by Brent Seabrook, his second of the year, powered by Brandon Saad and Marian Hossa. Crawford left the game with injury in the first period, being replaced by Antti Raanta. Chicago extended the lead in the second period as Hossa scored his thirteenth of the season, thanks to Sharp and Toews. Florida got on the board in the second period as Dylan Olsen scored his second of the year, with the help of Tomas Kopecky and Erik Gudbranson. The Panthers pulled closer on a Marcel Goc goal, his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Blackhawks answered with a Michal Handzus goal, his second of the year, guided in by Seabrook and Kane. Chicago padded the lead in the third period on an Andrew Shaw goal, his ninth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Sharp and Kane, the latter getting a sock trick. The Blackhawks wrapped it up at 6-2 with a Saad goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Jeremy Morin and Kris Versteeg. The three stars went to Sharp, Kane, and Seabrook, while Hossa, Toews, and Saad get the honorable mentions.

Northeast to Toronto, as the Maple Leafs bring in the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson and Jonathan Bernier are between the pipes. Toronto began in the first period with a Peter Holland goal, his third of the season, thanks to David Clarkson and Jake Gardiner. Boston tied it in the second period on a Carl Soderberg goal, his fourth of the year, a power play goal guided in by Reilly Smith and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins took the lead as Torey Krug scored a power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Boston added on with a Kevan Miller goal, fueled by Soderberg. The Maple Leafs pulled back on a Jay McClement goal, coming off of Holland and Nikolai Kulemin. The Bruins answered as Jarome Iginla scored his sixth of the year, via Lucic. Boston wrapped it up at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Bergeron, his ninth of the campaign, set up by Gregory Campbell and Krejci. The three stars were Soderberg, Bergeron, and Holland, while Lucic and Krejci get the honorable mentions.

Finally, across Canada, the Vancouver Canucks host the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Roberto Luongo are the veteran goalies. Vancouver was first to score in the first period with a Mike Santorelli goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Chris Higgins. The Canucks added on in the third period on a Ryan Kesler goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Santorelli and Higgins. Vancouver extended the lead as Santorelli scored his second of the game and eighth of the season, thanks to Jason Garrison. Colorado got on the board with a Jamie McGinn goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Cody McLeod and Nick Holden. This was as close as it got, with the final being 3-1, and the three stars were Santorelli, Luongo (28 for 29 in saves), and Higgins get the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 14 2013

Big Sundays again for the rest of the year, with the first of fourteen games today being played in...

New Jersey, as the New York Jets host the Oakland Raiders. New York was first to score in the first quarter on a 41 yard field goal by Nick Folk. The Jets added on as Geno Smith found Jeremy Kerley for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Folk was there with the extra point. Oakland got on the board in the second quarter with a Sebastian Janikowski field goal from 41 yards out. New York responded as Folk made a 23 yard field goal. The Jets extended the lead when Antonio Allen recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown, and Folk supplied the extra point. The Raiders pulled back in the third quarter as Marcel Reece rushed 63 yards for a touchdown, and Janikowski tacked on the extra point. New York shot back on an 8 yard Smith touchdown run, and Folk nailed the extra point. Oakland replied as Matt McGloin found Rod Streater for 48 yards and a touchdown, and Janikowski booted the PAT. The Jets answered on a 51 yard field goal by Folk. The Raiders chipped closer as Janikowski made a 40 yard field goal. New York padded their lead as Chris Ivory ran in a 15 yard touchdown, and Folk was true with the extra point. Oakland got some back as McGloin tossed a 1 yard touchdown to Mychal Rivera, and Janikowski blasted the extra point. It got no closer, with the final score being 37-27 Jets, and New York improved to 6-7 while dropping the raiders to 4-9.

Over in New England, the Patriots welcome the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland led off in the first quarter as Billy Cundiff kicked a 43 yard field goal. The Browns added on in the second quarter as Cundiff made a 37 yard field goal. Cleveland extended the lead in the third quarter when Jason Campbell tossed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Gary Barnidge, but the two-point run attempt by Chris Ogbonnaya failed. New England got on the board as Stephen Gostkowski made a 33 yard field goal. The Browns shot back on an 80 yard touchdown pass from Campbell to Josh Gordon, and Cundiff was true with the extra point. The Patriots answered as Shane Vereen ran in a 6 yard touchdown, and Tom Brady than found Julian Edelman for the two-point conversion. New England pulled closer in the fourth quarter as Gostkowski made a 50 yard field goal. Cleveland replied with a 4 yard Campbell touchdown pass to Jordan Cameron, and Cundiff booted the extra point. The Patriots pulled back with a 2 yard touchdown pass from Brady to Edelman, and Gostkowski was there with the PAT. New England edged ahead as Brady threw a 1 yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola, but Vereen failed on the two-point rushing attempt. They didn't need it anyway, winning 27-26, and the Patriots improved to 10-3 while the Browns fell to 4-9.

Westward to Cincinnati, as the Bengals bring in the Indianapolis Colts. Cincinnati struck first in the first quarter with a 29 yard Andy Dalton touchdown pass to Marvin Jones, and Mike Nugent was there with the extra point. The Bengals added on in the second quarter as BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Nugent supplied the extra point. Cincinnati extended the lead in the third quarter on a Green-Ellis touchdown run of 1 yard, and Nugent nailed the extra point. Indianapolis got on the board as Andrew Luck threw a 69 yard touchdown pass to Da'Rick Rogers, and Adam Vinatieri made the extra point. The Colts got closer on a 19 yard touchdown pass from Luck to LaVon Brazill, and Vinatieri tacked on another extra point. The Bengals responded as Dalton found Jermaine Gresham for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Nugent made the PAT. Cincinnati padded the lead as Dalton threw a 9 yard touchdown to A.J. Green, and Nugent handled the extra point. Indianapolis shot back on a 29 yard touchdown connection between Luck and Brazill, and Vinatieri supplied another extra point. The Bengals answered again with a Dalton touchdown run of 8 yards, and Nugent knocked in the extra point. The Colts chipped back as Luck found Rogers for 2 yards and a touchdown, and Vinatieri drilled the extra point. They still lost 42-28, with the Bengals improving to 9-4 while the Colts fall to 8-5.

Back east, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Detroit Lions. Detroit got going in the second quarter on a 2 yard touchdown run by Joique Bell, and Matthew Stafford passed to Bell for the two-point conversion. The Lions added on in the third quarter with a 58 yard punt return for a touchdown by Jeremy Ross, but Stafford couldn't connect with Joseph Fauria for the two-point conversion. Philadelphia got on the board as Nick Foles threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson, but he couldn't find LeSean McCoy for the two-point attempt. The Eagles pulled back in the fourth quarter on a 40 yard McCoy touchdown run, and Bryce Brown tied the game by running in the two-point conversion. Detroit took the lead back as Ross ran 98 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff, but David Akers missed the extra point. Philadelphia gained the lead as McCoy ran 57 yards for a touchdown, and Foles tossed the two-point conversion to Riley Cooper. The Eagles extended the lead as Foles ran 1 yard for a touchdown, but he failed to find Jackson for the two-point attempt. Philadelphia padded the lead as Chris Polk ran 38 yards for a touchdown, but he failed to convert the two-point attempt. This produced the odd 34-20 final, with the Eagles moving to 8-5 while dropping the Lions to 7-6.

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Miami Dolphins. Pittsburgh began in the first quarter as Ben Roethlisberger threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders, and Shaun Suisham knocked in the extra point. Miami got on the board as Caleb Sturgis made a 30 yard field goal. The Dolphins added on as Ryan Tannehill tossed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Charles Clay, and Sturgis was there with the extra point. Miami extended the lead in the third quarter on a 4 yard Daniel Thomas touchdown run, and Sturgis booted another extra point. The Steelers pulled back on a Roethlisberger 43 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown, and Suisham kicked the PAT. Pittsburgh took the lead when Troy Polamalu picked off Tannehll and returned the interception 19 yards for a touchdown, allowing Suisham to make another extra point. The Dolphins shot back as Tannehill threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Brian Hartline, and Sturgis supplied the extra point. The Steelers pulled ahead again in the fourth quarter as Roethlisberger found Jericho Cotchery for 16 yards and a touchdown, and Suisham drilled another extra point. Miami retook the lead as Tannehill and Clay connected again for 12 yards and a touchdown, and Sturgis nailed the extra point. The Dolphins padded the lead with a 27 yard Sturgis field goal. This made it 34-28, and the Dolphins improved to 7-6 while the Steelers fell to 5-8.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers bring in the Buffalo Bills. Tampa Bay opened in the first quarter with an 80 yard Bobby Rainey touchdown run, and Rian Lindell made the extra point. Buffalo got on the board with a 40 yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. The Buccaneers answered with a 38 yard touchdown pass from Mike Glennon to Vincent Jackson, and Lindell nailed the extra point. Tampa Bay added on in the second quarter as Lindell made a 53 yard field goal. The Buccaneers extended the lead with a Glennon touchdown pass of 5 yards to Tim Wright, and Lindell booted the PAT. The Bills shot back on a Carpenter 46 yard field goal in the third quarter. Tampa Bay replied with a 32 yard Lindell field goal. This was it for the scoring, with the Buccaneers winning 27-6. The two teams are now both 4-9.

Back north to Washington DC, as the Redskins host the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City started in the first quarter on a 33 yard Ryan Succop field goal. The Chiefs added on as Jamaal Charles rushed 2 yards for a touchdown, and Succop nailed the extra point. Kansas City extended the lead with a 21 yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Dwayne Bowe, and Succop was true with the extra point. The Chiefs padded the lead as Smith found Charles for 5 yards and a touchdown, and Succop nailed the PAT. Kansas City got some more as Dexter McCluster returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown, allowing Succop to make another extra point. Washington got on the board with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Robert Griffin III to Logan Paulsen, and Kai Forbath handled the extra point. The Chiefs answered right back as Quintin Demps returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and Succop was there with the extra point. The Redskins got some back as Forbath made a 50 yard field goal. Kansas City wrapped it up in the fourth quarter as Knile Davis ran 17 yards for a touchdown, and Succop supplied another extra point for a 45-10 final. The Chiefs improved to 10-3 while the Redskins fall to 3-10.

Just a few miles away, the Baltimore Ravens welcome the Minnesota Vikings. Baltimore led off in the first quarter with a 1 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Ed Dickson, and Justin Tucker booted the extra point. Minnesota got on the board in the second quarter as Blair Walsh made a 39 yard field goal. The Vikings pulled closer with a 40 yard field goal by Walsh in the third quarter. Minnesota took the lead in the fourth quarter on a Matt Cassel touchdown pass of 8 yards to Jerome Simpson, but Cassel couldn't connect with Greg Jennings for the two-point attempt. The Ravens retook the lead as Flacco threw a 1 yard touchdown to Dennis Pitta, and then on the two-point conversion, he found Torrey Smith. The Vikings edged ahead as Toby Gerhart rushed 41 yards for a touchdown, and Walsh made the PAT. Baltimore regained the lead on a Jacoby Jones 77 yard touchdown return of the ensuing kickoff, and Tucker was there to make the extra point. Minnesota pulled ahead again with a 79 yard touchdown pass from Cassel to Cordarrelle Patterson, and Walsh drilled the extra point. The Ravens got the last laugh though, as Flacco passed a 9 yard touchdown to Marlon Brown, and Tucker was good with the extra point. This made it 29-26, the final, with the Ravens improving to 7-6 while dropping the Vikings to 3-9-1.

Out west again, the Green Bay Packers bring in the Atlanta Falcons. Green Bay dented the scoreboard in the first quarter as Eddie Lacy ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Mason Crosby knocked in the extra point. Atlanta replied in the second quarter as Matt Ryan threw a 36 yard touchdown pass to Drew Davis, and Matt Bryant nailed the extra point. The Falcons took the lead on a 2 yard Ryan touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez, and Bryant was there with the extra point. The Packers answered as Crosby made a 40 yard field goal. Atlanta extended their lead with a Sean Weatherspoon interception of Matt Flynn that he returned 71 yards for the touchdown, and Bryant was true with the PAT. Green Bay chipped back in the third quarter on a 33 yard Crosby field goal. The Packers pulled closer as Crosby made a 25 yard field goal. Green Bay edged ahead in the fourth quarter on a 2 yard Flynn touchdown pass to Andrew Quarless, but he failed to find James Jones for the two-point attempt. It didn't matter in the end, as the Packers still won 22-21, and improved to 6-6-1 while dropping the Falcons to 3-10.

Further west to Denver, as the Broncos host the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee was first to score in the first quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run by Shonn Greene, and Rob Bironas made the extra point. Denver answered with a 1 yard Peyton Manning touchdown pass to Wes Welker, and Matt Prater nailed the extra point. The Titans took the lead back as Chris Johnson ran 3 yards for a touchdown, and Bironas was there with the extra point. The Broncos shot back as Prater made a 25 yard field goal. Tennessee added on in the second quarter as Greene ran 28 yards for a touchdown, and Bironas was true with the extra point. Denver answered with an 8 yard Manning touchdown pass to Julius Thomas, and Prater supplied the PAT. The Broncos got closer as Prater made a record 64 yard field goal at the end of the first half. Denver took the lead as Manning threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, and Prater booted the extra point. The Broncos padded the lead with a 1 yard Knowshon Moreno touchdown run, and Prater made the extra point. The Titans chipped back as Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Justin Hunter, and Bironas kicked in the extra point. Denver responded with a 19 yard field goal by Prater. The Broncos added on as Manning threw a 20 yard touchdown to Eric Decker, and Prater blasted the extra point. Denver got some more as Montee Ball ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Prater drove in the extra point. This made it 51-28, the final, with the Broncos going to 11-2 and the Titans falling to 5-8.

South to Arizona, where the Cardinals welcome the St. Louis Rams. Arizona struck first in the first quarter on a 3 yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall, and Jay Feely kicked in the extra point. St. Louis got on the board with a 44 yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein. The Cardinals added on in the second quarter as Carson Palmer threw a 7 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona extended the lead in the third quarter with a Karlos Dansby 23 yard interception return off of Kellen Clemens, and Feely supplied the PAT. The Cardinals got some more as Clemens was sacked in his own end zone by John Abraham for a safety. The Rams got some back in the fourth quarter on a Zac Stacy touchdown run of 1 yard, and Zuerlein made the extra point. Arizona padded the lead on a 6 yard touchdown run by Andre Ellington, and Feely nailed the extra point. This made it 30-10, the final, with the Cardinals going to 8-5 and the Rams dropping to 5-8.

Out in California, the San Diego Chargers bring in the New York Giants. San Diego opened in the first quarter on a 43 Philip Rivers touchdown pass to Keenan Allen, and Nick Novak made the extra point. The Chargers added on in the second quarter as Novak made a 36 yard field goal. San Diego extended the lead with a 4 yard Rivers touchdown pass to Allen, and Novak supplied another extra point. The Chargers extended the lead when Rivers tossed a 6 yard touchdown to Danny Woodhead, and Novak knocked in the extra point. New York got on the board in the third quarter with a 1 yard touchdown run by Peyton Hillis, and Josh Brown drilled the extra point. San Diego replied as Ryan Mathews rushed for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Novak nailed the PAT. The Giants shot back in the fourth quarter on a 5 yard Eli Manning touchdown pass to Brandon Myers, and Brown blasted the extra point. The Chargers padded the lead with a 27 yard Novak yard field goal. San Diego wrapped it up at 37-14 with a 43 yard field goal by Novak. The Chargers improved to 6-7 while the Giants fell to 5-8.

Up the coast, the San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco began in the first quarter on a 23 yard Phil Dawson field goal. The 49ers added on with a Dawson 48 yard field goal. Seattle took the lead in the second quarter as Marshawn Lynch rushed 11 yards for a touchdown, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. San Francisco responded with a 52 yard Dawson field goal. The Seahawks shot back with a 39 yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Luke Willson, and Hauschka nailed the PAT. The 49ers retook the lead as Colin Kaepernick threw an 8 yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, and Dawson was true with the extra point. Seattle got some back in the fourth quarter on a Hauschka 31 yard field goal. San Francisco gained the lead late with a Dawson field goal from 22 yards out, good for a 19-17 win. The 49ers improved to 9-4 while dropping the Seahawks to 11-2.

Finally, in New Orleans, the Saints welcome the Carolina Panthers. Carolina started in the first quarter as Graham Gano made a 45 yard field goal. The Panthers added on with a Gano field goal of 24 yards. New Orleans took the lead in the second quarter on a 6 yard Drew Brees touchdown pass to Marques Colston, and Garrett Hartley made the extra point. The Saints extended the lead as Brees and Colston connected again for 15 yards and a touchdown, and Hartley was true with the extra point. New Orleans padded the lead on a 5 yard touchdown pass from Brees to Jimmy Graham, and Hartley nailed the PAT. The Saints got some more in the third quarter on a 19 yard field goal by Hartley. New Orleans kept going in the fourth quarter as Brees tossed an 8 yard touchdown to Graham. Carolina chipped back as Cam Newton threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith, and Gano was there with the extra point. This only made it 31-13 for a final, with the Saints improving to 10-3 and the Panthers falling to 9-4.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.