NHL Day 84 2013-2014

Fourteen games on today before the Christmas break. We begin with...

The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Ryan Miller protect the nets. Phoenix got going in the second period as Martin Hanzal scored his tenth of the season, via Connor Murphy and Tim Kennedy. Buffalo tied it in the third period on a Tyler Ennis goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Zemgus Girgensons. The Sabres won in overtime as Mark Pysyk put the puck in Smith's pants, which then collectively crossed the line for a 2-1 win, and the assists were credited to Matt Moulson and Christian Ehrhoff. The three stars were Pysyk, Miller (36 for 37 in saves), and Ennis.

Down in Washington, the Capitals welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller faces a lesser foe in Philipp Grubauer in goal. Washington was first to score as Mikhail Grabovski potted his eleventh of the season, thanks to Troy Brouwer and Eric Fehr. The Capitals added on with a power play goal by Nicklas Backstrom, his ninth of the year, powered by John Carlson and Brouwer. Anaheim got on the board with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Saku Koivu and Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks tied it in the second period as Koivu scored his fifth of the year, via Ben Lovejoy and Cogliano. Anaheim took the lead in the third period on a Lindholm goal, his third of the campaign, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Lindholm, Koivu, and Cogliano, while Brouwer gets an honorable mention.

Further south, the Carolina Hurricanes bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mike McKenna and Justin Peters are the relatively unknown goalies. Columbus began in the first period on an Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. Carolina tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Jeff Skinner, a power play goal with a lone assist by Eric Staal. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the second period as Corey Tropp scored, thanks to Mark Letestu and Boone Jenner. The Hurricanes retied it as Skinner scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Alexander Semin and Jordan Staal. Carolina took the lead in the third period on a Semin goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Jordan Staal and Nathan Gerbe. Columbus retied it on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Nick Foligno and Letestu. The Blue Jackets pulled ahead as Jack Skille potted his fourth of the year, passed from Anisimov and James Wisniewski. This made it a 4-3 final, with the three stars going to Skinner, Anisimov, and Semin, while Letestu and Jordan Staal get the honorable mentions.

Back north to New York, as the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Cam Talbot are the masked men. New York dented the scoreboard in the third period on a J.T. Miller goal, his second of the season, assisted by Chris Kreider and Benoit Pouliot. Toronto tied it on a Nazem Kadri goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by David Clarkson and Morgan Rielly. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan's goals overpowered Joffrey Lupul's tally for a 2-1 Rangers victory. The three stars belonged to Bernier (42 for 43 in saves), Talbot (25 for 26 in saves), and Stepan.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Craig Anderson are in the creases. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Zack Smith goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Cody Ceci and Colin Greening. The Senators added on as Bobby Ryan scored his seventeenth of the year in the second period, a power play goal powered by Chris Phillips and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa extended the lead in the third period on a Karlsson goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Clarke MacArthur. The Senators padded the lead on a Kyle Turris goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Karlsson and MacArthur. Ottawa wrapped it up at 5-0 with a Cory Conacher goal, his third of the campaign, dished from Jason Spezza and Marc Methot. The three stars went to Karlsson, Anderson (27 save shutout), and MacArthur.

Way to the south, the Florida Panthers bring in their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Scott Clemmensen are set to start. Florida struck first in the first period as Sean Bergenheim scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Aleksander Barkov. Tampa Bay tied it as Alex Killorn potted his ninth of the year, thanks to Valtteri Filppula and Victor Hedman. The Lightning took the lead on a second period Tyler Johnson goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Hedman and Martin St. Louis. Tampa Bay added on with a Filppula power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Teddy Purcell and St. Louis. The Lightning extended the lead as St. Louis scored his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Ondrej Palat. Tampa Bay padded the lead in the third period as J.T. Brown scored his third of the year, with the help of Nikita Kucherov and Jean-Philippe Cote. The Lightning iced it at 6-1 with another Brown goal, his second of the night and fourth of the campaign, pushed through by Kucherov and Matthew Carle. The three stars were St. Louis, Brown, and Filppula, while Hedman and Kucherov get the honorable mentions.

Northward again to Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Steve Mason are called on to start. Philadelphia opened in the first period on a Luke Schenn goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers added on as Simmonds scored his ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. Minnesota got on the board with a power play goal by Mikael Granlund, his third of the season, coming off of Jason Pominville and Ryan Suter. Philadelphia responded in the second period with Giroux's tenth of the year, via Braydon Coburn and Voracek. The Flyers iced it at 4-1 with a Simmonds empty net goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by Brayden Schenn and Nicklas Grossmann. The three stars were handed to Simmonds, Giroux, and Voracek.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Petr Mrazek have the green light to start. New York started in the first period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by John Tavares and Thomas Vanek. The Islanders added on with a Michael Grabner goal, his fifth of the year, thanks to Josh Bailey and Frans Nielsen. New York extended the lead as Casey Cizikas scored his fourth of the campaign, with the help of Matt Martin and Colin McDonald. This was all they needed for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Nabokov (23 save shutout), Okposo, and Grabner.

Further to the west, the Calgary Flames bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Reto Berra are between the pipes. St. Louis was first to score in the first period on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, his fifth of the season, coming on the power play from Brenden Morrow and Chris Stewart. Calgary tied it in the second period with a Jiri Hudler goal, his eleventh of the year, a power play goal guided in by Mikael Backlund and Mark Giordano. The Blues took the lead back as Jaden Schwartz scored his eleventh of the season, fueled by Jay Bouwmeester and Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis added on as Magnus Paajarvi scored his third of the year, thanks to Maxim Lapierre and Adam Cracknell. The Flames pulled back in the third period on Michael Cammalleri's twelfth of the season, assisted by Paul Byron and Backlund. Calgary tied it as Giordano scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Hudler and Cammalleri. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Joe Colborne had the only goal to give the Flames a 4-3 win. The three stars were awarded to Giordano, Hudler, and Cammalleri, while Backlund gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Chicago, as the Blackhawks host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Antti Raanta are in the blue paint. Chicago led off in the first period as Patrick Sharp scored his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews. New Jersey tied it in the second period as Stephen Gionta scored his second of the year, via Jon Merrill and Jacob Josefson. The Blackhawks retook the lead as Patrick Kane scored his twenty-second of the season, with the help of Nick Leddy and Kris Versteeg. Chicago added on as Bryan Bickell potted his sixth of the year, thanks to Brandon Saad and Duncan Keith. The Devils got one back in the third period when Michael Ryder put away his eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Blackhawks answered on a Sharp goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, passed from Hossa and Brent Seabrook. Chicago extended the lead with a Leddy power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, powered by Seabrook and Saad. This produced the 5-2 final, with the three stars being Sharp, Leddy, and Hossa, while Seabrook and Saad get the honorable mentions.

Down in Nashville, the Predators welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carter Hutton will man the creases. Boston struck first in the first period as Jarome Iginla scored his ninth of the season, courtesy of Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic. The Bruins added on with a Matt Fraser goal, fueled by Carl Soderberg and Ryan Spooner. Hutton was pulled in favor of Marek Mazanec. Boston extended the lead with a Reilly smith power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Soderberg and Spooner. Nashville got on the board in the second period when Craig Smith scored his ninth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Seth Jones and Ryan Ellis. The Predators pulled closer in the third period as Smith scored his second of the game and tenth of the year, with helpers provided by Shea Weber and Nick Spaling. The Bruins replied with Iginla's second of the game and tenth of the season, guided in by David Krejci and Torey Krug on the power play. Boston padded the lead as Soderberg scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal pushed through by Spooner, who got a sock trick, and Smith. The Bruins wrapped it up at 6-2 with a Brad Marchand goal, his eighth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Smith. The three stars were Iginla, Reilly Smith, and Craig Smith, while Soderberg and Spooner get honorable mentions.

Back in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Ilya Bryzgalov are the overrated goalies. Edmonton started in the first period as Jordan Eberle scored his twelfth of the season, a power play goal powered by Ales Hemsky and Andrew Ference. Winnipeg tied it with a Mark Stuart goal, his second of the year, coming off of Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. The Oilers retook the lead as Sam Gagner scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Eberle and Justin Schultz. the Jets retied it in the second period on an Andrew Ladd goal, his ninth of the year, coming on the power play via Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little. Edmonton reclaimed the lead as David Perron netted his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers added on in the third period with a Jeff Petry goal, his third of the year, made possible by Nail Yakupov and Perron. Edmonton extended the lead on a Hall power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, guided in by Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers padded the lead on a Yakupov goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper from Hall. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars being Hall, Perron, and Eberle, while Yakupov and Nugent-Hopkins get the honorable mentions.

Down in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Martin Jones are the masked men. Los Angeles began in the first period with a Justin Williams goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Dallas tied it with a Tyler Seguin goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Jamie Benn and Maxime Fortunus. The Stars took the lead as Benn scored his eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings retied it on a Jarret Stoll goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Williams and Trevor Lewis. Dallas retook the lead in the second period on a Valeri Nichushkin power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Seguin and Benn. The Stars added on in the third period when Cody Eakin scored his eighth of the year, with a lone helper from Ryan Garbutt. Dallas extended the lead on an empty net goal by Shawn Horcoff, his fourth of the campaign, going in unassisted. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Benn, Seguin, and Williams.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Colorado opened in the first period as Nathan MacKinnon scored his eighth of the season, a power play goal powered by Ryan O'Reilly and Erik Johnson. San Jose tied it with a power play goal by Jason Demers, his second of the year, coming off of Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. The Avalanche took the lead back as Gabriel Landeskog scored his tenth of the season, fueled by Paul Stastny and P.A. Parenteau. The Sharks tied it again in the second period as Burns scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Thornton and Matt Irwin. San Jose took the lead on an Irwin power play goal, his second of the season, passed from Dan Boyle and Tommy Wingels. Colorado pulled even in the third period as Johnson potted his sixth of the year, with the help of O'Reilly and Matt Duchene. The Avalanche pulled ahead on a Jamie McGinn goal, his sixth of the season, with assists provided by John Mitchell and Max Talbot. The Sharks got another equalizer as Joe Pavelski netted his fifteenth of the year, helped along by Thornton, who got a sock trick, and Burns. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau's goals secured a 5-4 San Jose victory. The three stars went to Burns, Thornton, and Irwin, while Johnson and O'Reilly get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and Merry Christmas.

NHL Day 83 2013-2014

Two games on today (before a storm of fourteen tomorrow), beginning in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Cam Talbot draw the starts. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Jason Pominville goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Ryan Suter and Mikael Granlund. New York tied it as Benoit Pouliot scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Ryan McDonagh and Derick Brassard. The Rangers took the lead in the second period on a Carl Hagelin goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Derek Dorsett and Brian Boyle. New York added on as Mats Zuccarello scored his eighth of the year, thanks to Brassard. The Rangers wrapped it up at 4-1 in the third period when Chris Kreider scored his ninth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Rick Nash. The three stars were Talbot (24 for 25 in saves), Hagelin, and Brassard.

The other game comes from Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Roberto Luongo are in goal. Vancouver began in the first period as Brad Richardson scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal with a lone assist by Dan Hamhuis. Luongo got injured later in the first period and was replaced by Eddie Lack. Winnipeg tied it with an Evander Kane power play goal in the second period, his tenth of the year, powered by Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. The Canucks took the lead back on a Christopher Tanev goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Zack Kassian and David Booth. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Lack (15 for 16 in saves in relief), Pavelec (23 for 25 in saves), and Tanev.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NFL Week 16 2013

Big weekend of football begins with nine games in the morning, followed by five in the afternoon, and the token night game. We begin in...

Buffalo, as the Bills host the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo led off in the first quarter with a Dan Carpenter field goal of 45 yards. The Bills added on in the second quarter as Fred Jackson ran 9 yards for a touchdown, and Carpenter made the extra point. Buffalo extended the lead in the fourth quarter on a 21 yard field goal by Carpenter. The Bills padded the lead as Carpenter made a 22 yard field goal. Buffalo wrapped it up at 19-0 with a 26 yard field goal by Carpenter. The Bills are now 6-9 while the Dolphins fall to 8-7.

Down to Jacksonville, where the Jaguars welcome the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee started in the first quarter as Rob Bironas made a 45 yard field goal. Jacksonville took the lead as Chad Henne tossed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis, and Josh Scobee was there with the extra point. The Titans pulled closer in the second quarter on a 52 yard field goal by Bironas. The Jaguars added on with a Henne touchdown pass to Mike Brown for 7 yards, but Scobee missed the extra point. Jacksonville extended the lead in the third quarter on a Scobee field goal of 36 yards. Tennessee shot back as Shonn Greene ran in a 1 yard touchdown, and Bironas nailed the extra point. The Titans took the lead in the fourth quarter when Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with Nate Washington for 30 yards and a touchdown, and Bironas knocked in the PAT. This made it 20-16, the final, with the Titans going to 6-9 while the Jaguars fall to 4-11.

Westward to Houston, as the Texans bring in the Denver Broncos. Denver was first to score in the first quarter as Matt Prater made a 32 yard field goal. Houston tied it on a Randy Bullock 45 yard field goal. The Broncos retook the lead in the second quarter as Peyton Manning found Demaryius Thomas for 36 yards and a touchdown, and Prater supplied the extra point. The Texans shot back with a 35 yard field goal by Bullock. Denver responded with a Prater 25 yard field goal. The Broncos added on as Prater made a 44 yard field goal. Houston pulled back in the third quarter as Matt Schaub tossed a 15 yard touchdown pass to Keshawn Martin, and Bullock booted the extra point. Denver answered as Manning connected with Eric Decker for 10 yards and a touchdown, and Prater made the PAT. The Broncos extended the lead on a Manning touchdown pass of 20 yards to Decker, and Prater handled another extra point. Denver padded the lead as Manning found Julius Thomas for 25 yards and a touchdown, and Prater nailed another extra point. This made it a 37-13 final, with the Broncos improving to 12-3 while the Texans fall to 2-13.

Up in Cincinnati, the Bengals host the Minnesota Vikings. Cincinnati began in the first quarter with a 4 yard touchdown run by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Mike Nugent made the extra point. Minnesota tied it as Matt Cassel found Jarius Wright for 36 yards and a touchdown, and Blair Walsh knocked in the extra point. The Bengals took the lead on a 29 yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to A.J. Green, and Nugent was true with the extra point. Cincinnati added on in the second quarter as Vincent Rey intercepted Cassel and returned the ball 25 yards for a touchdown, allowing Nugent to make another extra point. The Bengals extended the lead on a 16 yard Dalton touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent booted the PAT. Cincinnati padded the lead in the third quarter as Dalton tossed a 7 yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu, and Nugent drilled another extra point. The Bengals struck again when Dalton threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Green, and Nugent supplied the extra point. The Vikings got some back on a 35 yard touchdown rush by Cordarrelle Patterson, and Walsh was there with the extra point. This was it for the scoring, and the final was 42-14. The Bengals improved to 10-5 while the Vikings fell to 4-10-1.

Backtracking to Kansas City, as the Chiefs welcome the Indianapolis Colts. Kansas City opened in the first quarter on a 31 yard touchdown run by Jamaal Charles, and Ryan Succop made the extra point. Indianapolis replied in the second quarter on a 46 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal. The Colts took the lead as Andrew Luck found Donald Brown for 33 yards and a touchdown, and Vinatieri was there with the extra point. Indianapolis added on as Vinatieri made a 45 yard field goal. The Colts extended the lead with a 51 yard Brown touchdown run, and Vinatieri booted the PAT. Indianapolis got some more on a Vinatieri 30 yard field goal. This was all they needed to win 23-7. The Colts improved to 10-5 while the Chiefs dropped to 11-4.

East to New Jersey, as the New York Jets bring in the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland struck first in the first quarter on a Billy Cundiff field goal of 26 yards. The Browns added on in the second quarter as Edwin Baker ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Cundiff drilled the extra point. New York got on the board as Geno Smith threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to David Nelson, and Nick Folk kicked the PAT. The Jets tied it on a 21 yard field goal by Folk. New York took the lead as Smith and Nelson connected for 5 yards and another touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Folk drove in the extra point. Cleveland pulled back as Cundiff made a 21 yard field goal. The Jets shot back on a Smith 17 yard touchdown rush, and Folk was true with the extra point. This produced the 24-13 final, with the Jets improving to 7-8 while the Browns fall to 4-11.

Returning to Missouri, the St. Louis Rams host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was first to score in the first quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run by Bobby Rainey, and Rian Lindell made the extra point. St. Louis tied it in the second quarter as Zac Stacy ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Greg Zuerlein handled the extra point. The Rams took the lead as Stedman Bailey ran 27 yards for a touchdown, and Zuerlein booted another extra point. The Buccaneers got some back as Lindell made a 35 yard field goal. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the third quarter as Lindell made a 32 yard field goal. St. Louis shot back on a 54 yard field goal by Zuerlein. The Rams added on as Zuerlein made a 25 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. St. Louis extended the lead on a 48 yard field goal from Zuerlein. This made it 23-13, the final, with the Rams moving to 7-8 and the Buccaneers falling to 4-11.

Northeast to DC, as the Washington Redskins welcome the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas led off in the first quarter with a 3 yard touchdown run by DeMarco Murray, and Dan Bailey supplied the extra point. Washington got on the board when Kai Forbath kicked a 36 yard field goal. The Redskins pulled closer in the second quarter as Forbath knocked in a 22 yard field goal. The Cowboys added on with a Tony Romo touchdown pass of 14 yards to Dez Bryant, and Bailey was there with the extra point. Washington answered in the third quarter as Kirk Cousins found Pierre Garcon for 8 yards and a touchdown, and Forbath made the extra point. The Redskins took the lead as Alfred Morris rushed 4 yards for a touchdown, and Forbath supplied another PAT. Washington extended the lead in the fourth quarter as Forbath made a 47 yard field goal. Dallas replied on a 25 yard Bailey field goal. The Cowboys edged ahead on a 10 yard Romo touchdown pass to Murray, and Bailey's extra point put them in the lead. They held on to win 24-23, with the Cowboys improving to 8-7 and the Redskins falling to 3-12.

South to Carolina, as the Panthers bring in the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans got going in the second quarter with a Shayne Graham field goal of 40 yards. The Saints added on as Shayne Graham made a 24 yard field goal. Carolina took the lead on a 43 yard DeAngelo Williams touchdown run, and Graham Gano nailed the extra point. The Panthers added on in the third quarter as Gano made a 40 yard field goal. New Orleans retook the lead in the fourth quarter on a 5 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham, and Shayne Graham handled the PAT. Carolina pulled ahead again on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Domenik Hixon, and Gano was true with the extra point. They held on for a 17-13 win. The Panthers are now 11-4 while the Saints are 10-5.

North to Detroit, as the Lions host the New York Giants. New York struck first in the first quarter on a Josh Brown 41 yard field goal. Detroit tied it in the second quarter as David Akers made a 37 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead back as Eli Manning tossed a 20 yard touchdown pass to Jerrel Jernigan, and Brown knocked in the extra point. New York added on with a 52 yard Brown field goal. The Lions shot back in the third quarter as Joique Bell ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Akers was there with the extra point. Detroit chipped closer as Nick Fairley sacked Manning for a safety. The Lions gained the lead as Theo Riddick ran in a 2 yard touchdown, and then Matthew Stafford tossed the two-point conversion to Joseph Fauria. The Giants pulled even on a 38 yard interception return off of Stafford by Will Hill, and Brown's extra point was the equalizer. New York won 23-20 in overtime as Brown made a 45 yard field goal. The Giants are now 6-9 while the Lions are 7-8.

Out west, the Seattle Seahawks welcome the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle dented the scoreboard in the second quarter as Steven Hauschka made a 27 yard field goal. Arizona tied it on a 39 yard field goal by Jay Feely. The Cardinals took the lead in the third quarter as Feely made a 46 yard field goal. Arizona added on with a 26 yard field goal by Feely. The Seahawks edged ahead as Russell Wilson threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller, and Hauschka booted the PAT. The Cardinals retook the lead as Carson Palmer found Michael Floyd for 31 yards and a touchdown, and Rashard Mendenhall ran in the two-point conversion. This was good for a 17-10 win, with the Cardinals going to 10-5 and the Seahawks falling to 12-3.

All the way east again, as the Baltimore Ravens bring in the New England Patriots. New England began in the first quarter as LeGarrette Blount rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, and Stephen Gostkowski made the extra point. The Patriots added on as Tom Brady passed 4 yards for a touchdown to Shane Vereen, and Gostkowski nailed the extra point. New England extended the lead with a 45 yard field goal in the second quarter from Gostkowski. The Patriots padded the lead in the third quarter on a 42 yard Gostkowski field goal. Baltimore got on the board with a 1 yard Joe Flacco touchdown run, and Justin Tucker booted the extra point. New England replied on a 7 yard Blount touchdown run, and Gostkowski made the PAT. The Patriots got some more with a Chandler Jones fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown, and Gostkowski drilled the extra point. New England iced it at 41-7 as Tavon Wilson intercepted Tyrod Taylor and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, allowing Gostkowski to make another extra point. The Patriots improved to 11-4 while the Ravens fell to 8-7.

Backtracking to Green Bay, as the Packers host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Green Bay opened in the first quarter on a 5 yard Matt Flynn touchdown pass to Jarret Boykin, and Mason Crosby handled the extra point. Pittsburgh tied it as Ben Roethlisberger found Emmanuel Sanders for 1 yard and a touchdown, and Shaun Suisham made the extra point. The Packers took the lead in the second quarter on an Eddie Lacy 14 yard touchdown run, and Crosby nailed the extra point. The Steelers got some back as Suisham made a 31 yard field goal. Pittsburgh took the lead in the third quarter on a 13 yard touchdown rush by Roethlisberger, and Suisham booted the PAT. Green Bay shot back on a 2 yard touchdown run by Lacy, and Crosby was there with the extra point. The Steelers edged back ahead as Roethlisberger tossed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Matt Spaeth, and Suisham provided the extra point. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a 40 yard Cortez Allen interception return for a touchdown off of Flynn, and Suisham made another extra point. The Packers got some back in the fourth quarter as Crosby made a 22 yard field goal. Green Bay tied it with a 1 yard John Kuhn touchdown run, and Crosby supplied the extra point. The Steelers retook the lead on a 1 yard touchdown run by Le'Veon Bell, and Suisham drilled the extra point. This resulted in a 38-31 final, with the Steelers going to 7-8 while the Packers fall to 7-7-1.

West to California, where the San Diego Chargers welcome the Oakland Raiders. San Diego started in the first quarter on a 27 yard field goal by Nick Novak. Oakland took the lead in the second quarter as Darren McFadden ran 5 yards for a touchdown, and Sebastian Janikowski made the extra point. The Chargers pulled ahead as Ryan Mathews rushed 7 yards for a touchdown, and Novak nailed the extra point. The Raiders retied it on a Janikowski 20 yard field goal. San Diego took the lead again on a 4 yard Philip Rivers touchdown pass to Keenan Allen, followed by a Novak PAT. The Chargers added on as Novak made a 48 yard field goal. San Diego extended the lead with a 28 yard field goal by Novak. Oakland shot back as Janikowski made a 42 yard field goal. The Chargers iced it at 26-13 on a 33 yard Novak field goal. The Chargers are now 8-7 while the Raiders are 4-11.

Finally, the Sunday Night Game features the Philadelphia Eagles bringing in the Chicago Bears. Philadelphia dented the scoreboard in the first quarter as Nick Foles found Riley Cooper for 5 yards and a touchdown, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles added on with a 1 yard touchdown run by LeSean McCoy, followed by another Henery extra point. Philadelphia extended the lead as Foles tossed a 10 yard touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Henery was there with the extra point. The Eagles padded the lead in the second quarter on a 49 yard field goal by Henery. Chicago got on the board with a 50 yard field goal from Robbie Gould. Philadelphia shot back in the third quarter by stuffing Matt Forte in his own end zone for a safety. The Eagles got some more with another 1 yard McCoy touchdown run, and Henery was true with the PAT. The Bears responded as Jay Cutler tossed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, and then he found Earl Bennett for the two-point conversion. Philadelphia answered on a 10 yard Chris Polk touchdown run in the fourth quarter, capped off by a Henery extra point. The Eagles struck again as Brandon Boykin intercepted Cutler and took the ball 54 yards to the house for a touchdown, allowing Henery another extra point. Philadelphia kept going as Bryce Brown unleashed a 65 yard touchdown rush, and Henery booted another extra point. This was all they needed to win 54-11, with the Eagles improving to 9-6 and the Bears dropping to 8-7.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 82 2013-2014

Twelve games to play today, beginning with three matinees. The first is in...

Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Marc-Andre Fleury are between the pipes. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on as Henry Zolnierczyk scored, with the help of Robert Bortuzzo and James Neal. Calgary got on the board in the second period as Paul Byron scored his second of the year, thanks to Joe Colborne and Chris Butler. Pittsburgh answered as Crosby scored his twentieth of the season, courtesy of Kunitz and Simon Despres. The Penguins extended the lead on a Neal goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Matt Niskanen and Crosby. The Flames got one back as Michael Cammalleri scored his eleventh of the season, with a lone assist by Mark Giordano. Calgary pulled closer in the third period on a Jiri Hudler goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Matt Stajan and T.J. Brodie. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars being Crosby, Neal, and Kunitz.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Craig Anderson are the veteran goalies. Ottawa began in the first period on a Marc Methot power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris. The Senators added on in the second period with a Zack Smith goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Eric Gryba. Phoenix got on the board when Antoine Vermette scored his tenth of the season, courtesy of Lauri Korpikoski and Mikkel Boedker. The Coyotes tied it as Radim Vrbata scored his tenth of the year, a power play goal guided in by Martin Hanzal. Ottawa took the lead back as Methot scored his second of the game and fourth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Milan Michalek. Phoenix tied it in the third period as Vermette scored his second of the game and eleventh of the year, a power play goal coming off of David Moss and Boedker. The Coyotes won 4-3 in overtime as Vermette finished his hat trick with his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Derek Morris. The three stars were Vermette, Methot, and Boedker.

Way southwest to Los Angeles, as the Kings bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Martin Jones protect the nets. Los Angeles started in the first period with a Jeff Carter goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. The Kings added on in the second period as Justin Williams scored his twelfth of the year, fueled by Jarret Stoll and Dustin Brown. Colorado got on the board with an Erik Johnson goal, his fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche tied it in the third period on an O'Reilly goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Duchene and Tyson Barrie. Los Angeles won 3-2 in the shootout as Kopitar scored the only goal. The three stars were Kopitar, O'Reilly, and Duchene.

Back east, the Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth is mismatched with Tuukka Rask in goal. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Reilly Smith goal, his tenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Carl Soderberg and Ryan Spooner. Buffalo tied it as Zemgus Girgensons scored his fourth of the year, via Matt Moulson and Henrik Tallinder. The Bruins took the lead back in the second period on a David Krejci goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone helper by Jarome Iginla. Boston added on in the third period with a Milan Lucic goal, his twelfth of the year, assisted by Krejci and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins iced it at 4-1 with a Smith empty net goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, set up by Johnny Boychuk and Patrice Bergeron. The three stars were Smith, Rask (34 for 35 in saves), and Krejci.

Westward to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery and Curtis McElhinney make the spot starts. Columbus led off in the first period with a Ryan Johansen goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Nick Foligno and Marian Gaborik. The Blue Jackets added on with an R.J. Umberger power play goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, powered by James Wisniewski and Ryan Murray. Philadelphia got on the board as Wayne Simmonds scored his seventh of the season, via Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. The Flyers tied it on a Sean Couturier goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by Matt Read and Vincent Lecavalier. Columbus took the lead in the third period on a David Savard goal, his second of the season, made possible by Nikita Nikitin and Corey Tropp. The Blue Jackets extended the lead as Boone Jenner scored his fourth of the year, assisted by Nikitin and Savard. Columbus padded the lead as Johansen scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, courtesy of Tropp and Fedor Tyutin. Philadelphia shot back with a Simmonds goal, his second of the night and eighth of the year, pushed through by Jakub Voracek and Mark Streit. The Blue Jackets iced it at 6-3 with an Unmberger empty net goal, set up by Artem Anisimov and Jack Johnson as his second of the game and tenth of the campaign. Johansen, Simmonds, and Umberger get the three stars, while Savard, Nikitin, and Tropp get the honorable mentions.

South to Nashville, as the Predators bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Marek Mazanec are sent out to start. Montreal struck first in the first period as P.K. Subban scored his fifth of the season, assisted by Lars Eller. The Canadiens added on with a Max Pacioretty goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Brendan Gallagher and Alexei Emelin. Montreal extended the lead on a Tomas Plekanec goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Brian Gionta. Carter Hutton replaced Mazanec at this time. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Gabriel Bourque goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Matt Cullen and Viktor Stalberg. The Predators pulled closer as Nick Spaling netted his sixth of the season on the power play, powered by Shea Weber and Craig Smith. Nashville tied it in the third period on a Weber power play goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Mike Fisher and Patric Hornqvist. The Canadiens won 4-3 in overtime as David Desharnais scored his fourth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. Weber, Desharnais, and Spaling get the three stars.

Backtracking to DC, as the Washington Capitals host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Braden Holtby are given the starting nods. New Jersey began in the first period with a power play goal by Marek Zidlicky, his fourth of the season, powered by Andy Greene and Jaromir Jagr. Washington tied it in the second period on a Jason Chimera goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Martin Erat and Joel Ward. The Capitals took the lead as Mikhail Grabovski scored his tenth of the season, passed from Eric Fehr and Troy Brouwer. Washington added on with a Ward goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Mike Green and Erat. The Devils got one back in the third period as Jagr scored a power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, via Greene and Patrik Elias. The Capitals shot back on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his thirtieth of the year, guided in by Karl Alzner. New Jersey pulled back with a Zidlicky goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, thanks to Travis Zajac and Dainius Zubrus. The Devils tied it on a Zubrus goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Zajac. New Jersey won 5-4 in overtime as Greene put away his sixth of the campaign, with the help of Jagr and Elias. The three stars were Jagr, Greene, and Zidlicky, while Ward, Zubrus, Zajac, Elias, and Erat all get honorable mentions.

North to Toronto, as the Maple Leafs welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson faces his former team, who plays James Reimer in goal. Toronto was first to score as Cody Franson potted his second of the season, an unassisted goal. Detroit tied it in as Pavel Datsyuk scored his fourteenth of the year, via Riley Sheahan and Danny DeKeyser. The Red Wings took the lead on a Joakim Andersson goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Daniel Alfredsson and Brendan Smith. Detroit added on with a Tomas Jurco goal, his second of the year, fueled by Sheahan and Jordin Tootoo. The Maple Leafs pulled back on a second period Dion Phaneuf goal, his third of the season, assisted by Joffrey Lupul. Toronto tied it with a Lupul power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk. The Maple Leafs took the lead in the third period on a David Clarkson goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Jay McClement and Nikolai Kulemin. The Red Wings retied it with a Tomas Tatar goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Jurco and Niklas Kronwall. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Alfredsson and Datsyuk's goals gave the Red Wings a 5-4 win. The three stars were Datsyuk, Alfredsson, and Lupul, while Jurco and Sheahan get the honorable mentions.

Out to Long Island, where the New York Islanders bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Evgeni Nabokov occupy the creases. New York struck first in the first period on a Thomas Vanek goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo and Andrew MacDonald. Anaheim tied it in the second period on a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his seventeenth of the year, passed from Corey Perry and Kyle Palmieri. The Islanders retook the lead as Vanek scored his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, an unassisted goal. New York added on as Frans Nielsen potted his twelfth of the year, via Josh Bailey and Thomas Hickey. The Ducks answered in the third period as Getzlaf scored his second of the game and eighteenth of the season, with the help of Perry and Bryan Allen. Anaheim tied it on a Mathier Perreault goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Daniel Winnik and Matt Beleskey. The Ducks took the lead with a Palmieri goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Getzlaf. Anaheim wrapped it up at 5-3 with a Getzlaf empty net goal, completing his hat trick with his nineteenth of the year, set up by Perry, who got a sock trick, and Ben Lovejoy. The three stars were Getzlaf, Vanek, and Palmieri, while Perry gets an honorable mention.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Ben Bishop guard the cages. Carolina opened in the first period with a Jiri Tlusty goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Patrick Dwyer and Riley Nash. Tampa Bay tied it as Victor Hedman scored his seventh of the year, via Valtteri Filppula and Alex Killorn. The Hurricanes retook the lead in the second period as Tlusty scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Eric Staal and Ron Hainsey. The Lightning tied it again in the third period on a Martin St. Louis power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Hedman and Filppula. Tampa Bay won 3-2 in overtime as Radko Gudas scored his second of the campaign, assisted by Nate Thompson. The three stars were Tlusty, Hedman, and Filppula.

Northwest to Edmonton, as the Oilers welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Ilya Bryzgalov are the masked men. St. Louis started in the first period with a Chris Stewart goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Jaden Schwartz. The Blues added on in the second period as Brenden Morrow scored his sixth of the year, via Stewart and Derek Roy. St. Louis extended the lead as Stewart scored his second of the game and twelfth of the season in the third period, assisted by Patrik Berglund and Barret Jackman. The Blues padded the lead as Schwartz scored his tenth of the year, coming off of T.J. Oshie. St. Louis got another when Stewart finished his hat trick on his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Roy and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues kept going as Berglund scored his third of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Alex Pietrangelo and Magnus Paajarvi. This held up for a 6-0 shutout, with the three stars being Stewart, Elliott (23 save shutout), and Berglund, while Schwartz and Roy get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen faces a lesser foe in Alex Stalock in goal. Dallas led off in the first period with a Ray Whitney goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Shawn Horcoff. The Stars added on in the second period as Antoine Roussel scored his eighth of the year, via Alex Goligoski and Alex Chiasson. San Jose got on the board with a Jason Demers goal, fueled by Tyler Kennedy and Andrew Desjardins. The Sharks tied it in the third period as Joe Pavelski scored his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Joe Thornton and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose won 3-2 win a lone tally by Thornton in the shootout. Thornton, Stalock (44 for 46 in saves), and Pavelski got the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 81 2013-2014

Tonight only has five games, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Cory Schneider are in goal. New Jersey got going in the second period as Michael Ryder scored his tenth of the season, assisted by Adam Henrique. Anaheim tied it with a Cam Fowler goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Ben Lovejoy and Teemu Selanne. The Ducks took the lead in the third period on a Mathieu Perreault goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Kyle Palmieri and Selanne. The Devils tied it when Andy Greene scored his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jaromir Jagr and Travis Zajac. Anaheim won 3-2 in overtime on a Palmieri goal, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Perreault and Fowler. The three stars were Palmieri, Fowler, and Perreault, while Selanne gets an honorable mention.

Into New York City, as the Rangers welcome their cross-town rivals, the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. The Islanders began in the first period with a Cal Clutterbuck penalty shot conversion, his fourth goal of the season, on an attempt he received after being hooked by Ryan McDonagh. The Islanders added on as Michael Grabner scored his third of the year, a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Rangers got on the board with a power play goal by Benoit Pouliot, his fourth of the season, powered by Chris Kreider and Derick Brassard. The Rangers tied it in the second period as Derek Dorsett scored his third of the year, thanks to Dominic Moore and Anton Stralman. The Rangers took the lead on a Derek Stepan power play goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. The Islanders retied it on a Brian Strait goal, fueled by Josh Bailey and Ryan Strome. The Islanders pulled ahead in the third period as Thomas Vanek scored his eleventh of the year, passed from Kyle Okposo and Andrew MacDonald on the power play. The Islanders iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Grabner, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, set up by Frans Nielsen and Travis Hamonic. The three stars belonged to Grabner, Vanek, and Strait.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals. Philipp Grubauer and Cam Ward are in the creases. Carolina started in the first period with a Jordan Staal goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Alexander Semin and Justin Faulk. Washington tied it in the second period on a Marcus Johansson goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals took the lead as John Carlson scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Backstrom and Troy Brouwer. The Hurricanes retied it on a Riley Nash power play goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Andrej Sekera and Nathan Gerbe. Washington took the lead back with a power play goal by Brouwer, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Mike Green and Backstrom, the latter getting a sock trick. The Capitals iced it at 4-2 as Ovechkin potted his twenty-ninth of the year into the empty net, set up by Backstrom and Martin Erat. The three stars were handed to Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Brouwer.

West to Chicago, as the Blackhawks bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Antti Raanta are the young goalies. Chicago led off in the first period on a Kris Versteeg goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. The Blackhawks added on as Kane scored his twenty-first of the year, thanks to Michal Rozsival and Johnny Oduya. Vancouver got on the board as Zack Kassian scored his seventh of the season, via Jason Garrison. The Canucks tied it in the third period on a Daniel Sedin goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Kevin Bieksa and Henrik Sedin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Vancouver won with goals by Mike Santorelli and Ryan Kesler, topping a lone tally by Patrick Sharp for a 3-2 win. The three stars were Kane, Kesler, and Kassian.

Finally, we end in Winnipeg, as the Jets host the Florida Panthers. Jacob Markstrom and Ondrej Pavelec are set to start. Florida opened in the first period as Shawn Matthias scored his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. Winnipeg tied it with a Jacob Trouba goal, his second of the year, via Mark Scheifele and Evander Kane. The Jets took the lead as Tobias Enstrom scored his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Olli Jokinen and Dustin Byfuglien. Winnipeg added on with a Blake Wheeler power play goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by Zach Bogosian and Trouba. The Jets extended the lead in the second period as Kane scored his ninth of the season, coming off of Michael Frolik and Scheifele. The Panthers got one back as Nick Bjugstad scored his seventh of the year, going in unassisted. Winnipeg shot back as Frolik scored his ninth of the season, assisted by Andrew Ladd and Byfuglien. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars going to Frolik, Trouba, and Kane, while Scheifele and Byfuglien get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 80 2013-2014

Eleven games on tonight, beginning in...

Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney faces his former starter, Steve Mason. Columbus opened in the first period with a Cam Atkinson shorthanded goal, his tenth of the season, set up by Ryan Murray. The Blue Jackets added on as Jack Skille scored his third of the year in the second period, thanks to Mark Letestu and Nikita Nikitin. Columbus extended the lead as Nick Foligno scored his tenth of the campaign, via Jack Johnson and Brandon Dubinsky. Philadelphia got on the board in the third period as Jakub Voracek scored his ninth of the season, with the help of Claude Giroux and Mark Streit. The Flyers pulled closer on the third of the year from Braydon Coburn, an unassisted goal. The Blue Jackets answered as Blake Comeau scored his third of the campaign, coming off of Artem Anisimov. Philadelphia shot back with an Erik Gustafsson goal, his second of the season, assisted by Wayne Simmonds and Giroux. The Flyers tied it as Giroux netted his eighth of the year, passed from Michael Raffl and Voracek. Philadelphia took the lead with another Giroux goal, his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, guided in by Streit and Voracek. This held up for a 5-4 win, with Giroux, Voracek, and Streit receiving the three stars.

Over in Buffalo the Sabres welcome the Boston Bruins. Chad Johnson is mismatched with Ryan Miller in goal. Buffalo began as Brian Flynn scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Alexander Sulzer and Christian Ehrhoff. Boston tied it in the second period as Brad Marchand scored his sixth of the year, a shorthanded goal coming off of Johnny Boychuk. The Bruins took the lead as Marchand scored his second of the game and seventh of the campaign, via Patrice Bergeron. The Sabres retied it on a Marcus Foligno goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Jamie McBain and Matt D'Agostini. Buffalo took the lead in the third period as Drew Stafford scored his third of the year, thanks to Ville Leino and Steve Ott. The Sabres added on with a Tyler Myers goal, his third of the campaign, made possible by Flynn and Foligno. This was good for a 4-2 win, with the three stars going to Flynn, Marchand, and Foligno.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and James Reimer are in between the pipes. Toronto was first to score in the first period on a Troy Bodie goal, fueled by Cody Franson and Peter Holland. Phoenix tied it in the third period on a Martin Hanzal goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Rostislav Klesla and Radim Vrbata. The tie lasted to a shootout, where James van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul scored to lift the Maple Leafs 2-1 over a lone tally by Mikkel Boedker. The three stars were Reimer (34 for 35 in saves), Smith (26 for 27 in saves), and Lupul.

Back to Pennsylvania, as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Jeff Zatkoff are in the creases. Pittsburgh led off in the first period as Chris Kunitz netted his nineteenth of the season, passed from Pascal Dupuis and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on in the second period on a Brandon Sutter goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Olli Maatta and Joe Vitale. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Matt Niskanen scored a power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Jussi Jokinen and James Neal. The Penguins padded the lead with another Kunitz goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, assisted by Crosby and Niskanen. Minnesota got on the board with a Jason Pominville goal, his sixteenth of the season, coming off of Nino Neiderreiter and Ryan Suter. The Wild got closer in the third period as Dany Heatley scored his seventh of the year, made possible by Charlie Coyle and Keith Ballard. Pittsburgh responded as Maatta converted a penalty shot he received after being hooked by Jonas Brodin, and this was his third of the campaign. This made the score 5-2, the final, with the three stars belonging to Maatta, Kunitz, and Niskanen, while Crosby gets an honorable mention.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Jonas Gustavsson are the little-known goalies. Detroit struck first in the first period with a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. Calgary tied it as Mikael Backlund scored his fifth of the year, via Michael Cammalleri and T.J. Brodie. The Red Wings took the lead back in the second period on a Joakim Andersson goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Alfredsson and Datsyuk. The Flames tied it again on a power play goal by Mark Giordano, his fourth of the year, powered by Curtis Glencross and Cammalleri. The tie lasted to overtime, where Detroit won 3-2 on an Alfredsson power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, guided in by Datsyuk, who got a sock trick, and Kronwall. The three stars were Alfredsson, Datsyuk, and Kronwall, while Cammalleri gets an honorable mention.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning bring in the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Anders Lindback are in the blue paint. Tampa Bay started in the first period with an Alex Killorn goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Victor Hedman and Jean-Philippe Cote. The Lightning added on when Martin St. Louis scored his fourteenth of the year, assisted by Sami Salo and Killorn on the power play. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Craig Smith goal, his seventh of the campaign, via Matt Cullen and Shea Weber. Tampa Bay answered with a Teddy Purcell goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Valtteri Filppula and Matthew Carle. The Predators pulled back on another Smith goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Cullen and Ryan Ellis. The Lightning shot back on a Richard Panik goal, his second of the campaign, passed from Eric Brewer and Andrej Sustr. Marek Mazanec relieved Hutton at this time. The scoring ended here as well, with the final being 4-2. Smith, Killorn, and Cullen get the three stars.

Back to Canada, as the Ottawa Senators host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Craig Anderson are the unreliable goalies. Florida was first to score in the first period on a Jimmy Hayes goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Shawn Matthias and Krys Barch. Ottawa tied it as Chris Neil scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Clarke MacArthur and Marc Methot. The Senators took the lead with a power play goal by Jason Spezza, his eleventh of the campaign, powered by Erik Karlsson and the goalie Anderson. The Panthers tied it as Aleksander Barkov scored his sixth of the season, with the help of Tom Gilbert and Brian Campbell in the second period. Florida took the lead with a third period power play goal by Gilbert, his second of the year, assisted by Tomas Fleischmann and Marcel Goc. The Panthers iced it at 4-2 with a Tomas Kopecky goal, his third of the campaign, going in shorthanded and unassisted. The three stars went to Gilbert, Clemmensen (32 for 34 in saves), and Barkov.

Down in St. Louis, the Blues welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak tend the twines. St. Louis struck first in the first period with an Alexander Steen goal, his twenty-third of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by T.J. Oshie. The Blues added on as Steen scored his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, assisted by Derek Roy and Patrik Berglund. St. Louis extended the lead with the tenth of the campaign by Chris Stewart, guided in by Brenden Morrow and Barret Jackman. Montreal got on the board in the second period as Brendan Gallagher scored his tenth of the season, via David Desharnais. The Blues replied in the third period on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk. St. Louis padded the lead as Maxim Lapierre scored his third of the campaign, with a lone assist by Adam Cracknell. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars awarded to Steen, Halak (25 for 26 in saves), and Oshie.

Further south, the Dallas Stars bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Kari Lehtonen protect the nets. Dallas began in the first period on a Jamie Benn goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Tyler Seguin and Kevin Connauton. The Stars added on as Colton Sceviour scored his third of the year, thanks to Rich Peverley and Erik Cole. Vancouver got on the board with the eleventh of the season by Chris Higgins, guided in by Mike Santorelli and Kevin Bieksa. Dallas answered in the second period as Cole scored his sixth of the year, with the help of Peverley. The Stars extended the lead in the third period with a Valeri Nichushkin goal, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Cole and Seguin. Luongo was pulled for Eddie Lack at this time. The scoring stopped here at a 4-1 final, with the three stars being handed to Cole, Lehtonen (27 for 28 in saves), and Peverley, while Seguin gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov are given the starting nods. Edmonton led off in the first period as Taylor Hall scored his thirteenth of the season, passed from Jeff Petry and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Colorado tied it in the second period on a Tyson Barrie power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene. The Oilers took the lead back as Nugent-Hopkins potted his ninth of the campaign, with a lone helper by Hall. The Avalanche retied it with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his eleventh of the season, via Nathan MacKinnon and Duchene. Colorado took the lead on a shorthanded Max Talbot goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Marc-Andre Cliche. The Avalanche iced it at 4-2 with a Duchene empty net goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, pushed through by Talbot and Jan Hejda. The three stars were Talbot, Duchene, and Hall, while Nugent-Hopkins gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings welcome the San Jose Sharks for a Battle of California. Antti Niemi and Martin Jones guard the cages. Los Angeles got going in the second period on an Alec Martinez goal, his third of the season, assisted by Tyler Toffoli. The Kings added on as Toffoli scored his ninth of the year, thanks to Slava Voynov and the goalie Jones. Los Angeles extended the lead with a third period Jeff Carter goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Dwight King and Robyn Regehr. The Kings padded the lead as King potted his tenth of the year, with the help of Carter and Regehr. San Jose got on the board with a Patrick Marleau goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Martin Havlat. This only made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Toffoli, Carter, and King, while Jones (31 for 32 in saves) and Regehr get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 79 2013-2014

Two games on tonight, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Martin Brodeur protect the nets. New Jersey opened in the first period with a shorthanded goal by Stephen Gionta, set up by Adam Henrique and Anton Volchenkov. The Devils added on as Reid Boucher scored, thanks to Eric Gelinas and Michael Ryder. New Jersey extended the lead in the second period with a Jaromir Jagr goal, his twelfth of the season, a power play goal powered by Travis Zajac and Andy Greene. Ottawa got on the board as Colin Greening scored his third of the year, a power play goal guided in by Mika Zibanejad and Erik Karlsson. The Devils responded as Damien Brunner potted his eighth of the season, with the help of Patrick Elias. The Senators shot back as Milan Michalek scored his sixth of the year, via Patrick Wiercioch on the power play. New Jersey wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Gelinas goal, his fourth of the campaign, passed from Brunner and Elias. The three stars went to Brunner, Gelinas, and Elias.

The other game is in New York, as the Rangers host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Pittsburgh started in the second period on a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, powered by Jussi Jokinen and Sidney Crosby. New York tied it as Carl Hagelin scored his seventh of the year, thanks to John Moore and Brad Richards. The Penguins retook the lead in the third period as Pascal Dupuis scored his sixth of the season, assisted by Crosby and Kunitz. Pittsburgh added on with a Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by Olli Maatta. The Rangers pulled back as Mats Zuccarello scored his seventh of the season, via John Moore and Justin Falk. New York tied it with a Derick Brassard power play goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Benoit Pouliot and Zuccarello. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Sutter's lone tally gave the Penguins a 4-3 win. The three stars were Sutter, Kunitz, and Zuccarello, while Crosby and John Moore get honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.