KHL Day 177 2013-2014

Two games on today, a relief compared to yesterday's busy schedule. We begin in...

Khabarovsk, as Amur hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov and Alexei Murygin are in the blue paint. Novosibirsk was first to score in the first period with a Sergei Shumakov shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. Khabarovsk tied it in the second period on a power play goal by Ilya Krikunov, powered by Mikhail Fisenko and Mikhail Klimchuk. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Sibir got goals from Alexei Kopeikin and Vyacheslav Belov to top a lone tally by Dmitry Tarasov for a 2-1 win. The three stars were Bespalov (27 for 28 in saves), Belov, and Murygin (39 for 40 in saves).

The other game comes from Vladivostok, as Admiral hosts Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Evgeny Ivannikov are set to start. Novokuznetsk struck first in the first period with a Semyon Valuisky goal, passed from Kurtis McLean. Vladivostok tied in the second period with a Felix Schutz power play goal, powered by Richard Gynge. Admiral took the lead with another Schutz goal, his second of the game, set up by Gynge on the power play. Vladivostok added on with a Gynge goal, assisted by Niclas Bergfors and Yegor Antropov. This was good for a 3-1 win, with Schutz, Gynge, and Ivannikov (31 for 32 in saves) getting the three stars.

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NHL Day 149 2013-2014

Four games on as the NHL inches back into our lives. We begin with a game in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Boston Bruins. Backups Chad Johnson and Jhonas Enroth are in the creases. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Brian Flynn and Jamie McBain. Boston tied it with a Chris Kelly goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Carl Soderberg and Matt Bartkowski. The Sabres took the lead in the second period on a Tyler Myers power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Cody Hodgson and Christian Ehrhoff. Buffalo added on with a Flynn goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Ville Leino and McBain. The Bruins got one back with a Zdeno Chara power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Milan Lucic and Torey Krug. Boston tied it on a Brad Marchand goal, his twentieth of the year, helped along by Reilly Smith. The Bruins took the lead in the third period on a Lucic power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Krug and Jarome Iginla. The Sabres tied it on a Matt Moulson goal, his sixteenth of the year, with helpers provided by Girgensons and Leino. Buffalo won 5-4 in overtime on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his fourth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Girgensons, McBain, and Leino, and the honorable mentions went to Flynn, Lucic, and Krug.

Up in Montreal, as the Canadiens welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard faces a lesser foe in Peter Budaj in goal. Detroit struck first in the first period with a Todd Bertuzzi power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Johan Franzen and Daniel Alfredsson. Montreal tied it on a third period goal by Brian Gionta goal, his twelfth of the year, via Daniel Briere and Andrei Markov. The Red Wings won 2-1 in overtime with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, assisted by Franzen and Danny DeKeyser.

Southwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and Jean-Sebastien Giguere make spot starts in place of their Olympian teammates. Los Angeles dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Robyn Regehr goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Tyler Toffoli. Colorado tied it on a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal, his twenty-second of the year, powered by Nick Holden and Jamie McGinn. The Avalanche took the lead with a P.A. Parenteau goal, his eleventh of the season, via Matt Duchene. The Kings retied it on a Jarret Stoll goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Dustin Brown and Dwight King. Colorado pulled ahead with a McGinn power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by O'Reilly and Duchene. The Avalanche added on with an Andre Benoit power play goal, his third of the year, made possible by Nathan MacKinnon and Paul Stastny. Los Angeles got one back on a Kopitar goal, his eighteenth of the season fueled by Justin Williams and Slava Voynov. The Kings tied it as Jeff Carter scored his twenty-first of the year, thanks to Mike Richards and Matt Greene. Los Angeles gained the lead in the third period on Kopitar's second of the game and nineteenth of the season, from Carter and Toffoli. The Kings finished it at 6-4 with an empty net goal by Williams, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Drew Doughty. The three stars were handed to Kopitar, Carter, and Williams, while Toffoli, McGinn, Duchene, and O'Reilly receive the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Vancouver, the Canucks host the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak and Eddie Lack are the rhyming goalies. Vancouver got going in the third period on a Jannik Hansen goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Tom Sestito. The final stood from here at 1-0, with the three stars being Lack (20 save shutout), Hansen, and Halak (34 for 35 in saves).

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MLB Spring Training: Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues Day 1

Today is the first day with actual baseball on since the World Series. The first game for the Grapefruit League is at the home of the...

Atlanta Braves, who host the Detroit Tigers. Atlanta began in the second inning on a Dan Uggla single to score Chris Johnson. The Braves added on in the third inning with an Evan Gattis double to plate Jason Heyward. Detroit got on the board in the fourth inning with a Victor Martinez single to knock in Rajai Davis. The Tigers tied it in the sixth inning as Martinez singled home Ian Kinsler, and they took the lead as Don Kelly's sacrifice fly gave Davis time to score. Atlanta tied it in the bottom of the sixth on a Ramiro Pena double to bring Tommy La Stella around to score. Detroit retook the lead in the seventh inning with a Eugenio Suarez sacrifice fly allowing Daniel Fields to come home. The Braves tied it when Ernesto Mejia scored on a throwing error during a stolen base attempt, and they took the lead with a Todd Cunningham sacrifice fly that brought in Jose Constanza. The Tigers took the lead in the ninth inning with a 2-RBI Hernan Perez single that plated both Francisco Martinez and Ezequiel Carrera. This was good for a 6-5 win.

Moving along to where the Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Yankees. New York was first to score in the first inning on a Brian McCann single to knock in Jacoby Ellsbury and a Ramon Flores single knocking in Yangervis Solarte. The Yankees added on in the second inning with a two-run home run by Solarte, also scoring Ellsbury. Pittsburgh got going in the bottom of the second with a Jordy Mercer single to bring in Gaby Sanchez, followed by Starling Marte reaching on an error that allowed Andrew Lambo to score. New York replied in the seventh inning with a Mason Williams double that drove in Francisco Arcia. The Pirates tied it in the bottom of the seventh as Tony Sanchez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Alen Hanson and Jaff Decker, and they took the lead on a Chris McGuinness single that plated Chris Dickerson. This held up for a 6-5 Pirates win.

Next up, the last game for the Grapefruit League is the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto led off in the first inning with a Jose Bautista solo home run. Philadelphia pulled ahead in the bottom of the first when Ryan Howard singled in Ben Revere and Marlon Byrd did the same for Jimmy Rollins. The Blue Jays tied it in the second inning as Colby Rasmus' double plated Brett Lawrie. Toronto took the lead in the third inning as Adam Lind singled to drive in Melky Cabrera, followed by Lawrie grounding out to allow Bautista to come home. The Phillies got one back in the fifth inning when Ronny Cedeno doubled to knock in Tony Gwynn. This was as close as it got, with the final being 4-3.

In the Cactus League, the first game comes from the home of...

The Cleveland Indians, as they host the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati struck first in the third inning on a Joey Votto single to knock in Brayan Pena, before he scored on a single by Ryan Ludwick. Cleveland tied it in the fifth inning with a Tony Wolters single to drive in Ryan Raburn, followed by David Adams grounding into a double play that allowed Wolters to finish his trip home. The Reds pulled ahead in the sixth inning on a Tucker Barnhart walk with the bases loaded that forced in Skip Schumaker, followed by Donald Lutz grounding out to allow Roger Bernadina to come home. The Indians answered in the bottom of the sixth on a Ryan Rohlinger sacrifice fly to score Erik Gonzalez. Cincinnati shot back in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Chris Heisey, also scoring Schumaker. The Reds added on in the eighth inning with a Lutz triple to force in Ramon Santiago, before dashed the final 90 feet home on a Chris Nelson sacrifice fly. This produced the 8-3 final score in favor of the Reds.

Over to the San Francisco Giants hosting the Oakland Athletics. Oakland opened in the first inning as Josh Reddick singled home Sam Fuld, followed by Yoenis Cespedes grounding into a fielder's choice to allow Nick Punto to score before he later scored on a single by Alberto Callaspo, and Callaspo would come home on a John Jaso single. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning as Cespedes singled home Fuld, before being knocked in with Punto on a 2-RBI single from Brandon Moss. Moss and Callaspo were later forced in by a Sam Vogt triple, and Vogt crossed the dish on a Michael Taylor single. San Francisco got on the board with a Pablo Sandoval sacrifice fly that allowed Gregor Blanco to score in the bottom of the fourth. The Giants pulled back in the ninth inning with a solo home run by Adam Duvall, followed by a three-run tater from Ehire Adrianza, sweeping in Roger Kieschnick and Juan Perez as well. This only made it 10-5, a final score.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arizona started in the first inning with a Martin Prado double to score Aaron Hill. The Diamondbacks added on in the second inning as A.J. Pollock tripled to force in Gerardo Parra before coming the final 90 feet home on a Hill single. Los Angeles got on the board in the third inning as Yasiel Puig singled home Carl Crawford. Arizona shot back in the eighth inning as Shelley Duncan singled Chris Owings across the dish. This produced the 4-1 final score.

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KHL Day 176 2013-2014

After the Olympic Break, the KHL has a sprint to the finish. Today, there are twelve games on. We begin in...

Ufa, as Salavat Yulaev hosts Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Kasutin and Andrei Vasilevsky are in goal. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period with a power play goal by Denis Parshin, powered by Juuso Hietanen and the goalie Kasutin. Ufa tied it in the second period on a Antti Pihlstrom goal, passed from Brent Sopel and Sergei Zinovyev. Salavat Yulaev won 2-1 in overtime on a Dmitry Makarov goal, with a lone assist by Teemu Hartikainen. The three stars were Makarov, Vasilevsky (25 for 26 in saves), and Pihlstrom.

Down in Magnitogorsk, Metallurg welcomes Vityaz Podolsk. Sergei Denisov is mismatched with Vasily Koshechkin in goal. Podolsk got going in the second period on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, coming off of Anton Korolyov. Vityaz added on as Georgy Berdyukov scored a power play goal, thanks to Mathias Porseland and Alexander Korolyuk. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Denisov (34 save shutout), Solodukhin, and Berdyukov.

Over in Chelyabinsk, Traktor brings in Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Michael Garnett guard the cages. Moscow dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Janne Jalasvaara power play goal, with a lone helper from Alexei Tsvetkov. Chelyabinsk tied it on an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, via Ian White and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Traktor took the lead with a goal by Stanislav Chistov, assisted by Alexei Bondarev and Kuznetsov on the power play. Dynamo tied it again on an unassisted goal by Konstantin Glazachev. Moscow gained the lead again in the third period with an Alexander Ryazantsev, made possible by Maxim Karpov. Dynamo added on with a Tsvetkov goal, going in unassisted. Chelyabinsk got one back with a power play goal by Anton Glinkin, powered by Maxim Kondratyev and Kostitsyn. Moscow iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Maxim Pestushko, set up by Leo Komarov and Konstantin Gorovikov. The three stars belonged to Tsvetkov, Kostitsyn, and Kuznetsov.

Along to Kazan, where Ak Bars hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Matt Dalton and Konstantin Barulin are the veteran goalies. Kazan started in the first period with a Dmitry Obukhov goal, assisted by Tomas Vincour and Nikolai Belov. Nizhnekamsk tied it with an unassisted power play goal from Igor Polygalov. Neftekhimik took the lead with another power play goal by Polygalov, powered by Tomas Netik and Dmitry Kosmachyov. Ak Bars tied it on another goal by Obukhov, set up by Vincour. Kazan retook the lead on an Alexei Tereshchenko power play goal, coming off of Ilya Nikulin and Evgeny Medvedev. Ak Bars added on in the second period as Kirill Petrov score a power play goal, thanks to Jakub Petruzalek and Tereshchenko. Kazan extended the lead on a Tim Stapleton goal, guided in by Alexander Svitov. Nizhnekamsk replied in the third period when Petr Koukal scored a power play goal, fueled by Kosmachyov. Ak Bars answered on a Janne Pesonen, with a lone assist by Alexander Burmistrov. Kazan padded the lead with a Mikhail Varnakov goal, courtesy of Svitov. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 7-3 final, with Obukhov, Tereshchenko, and Polygalov getting the three stars, while Kosmachyov and Svitov get the honorable mentions.

Up to Cherepovets, where Severstal welcomes Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Jakub Stepanek receive the starting nods. Cherepovets led off in the first period on a Pavel Chernov power play goal, powered by Linus Videll and Evgeny Mons. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it in the second period on a Radek Smolenak goal, courtesy of Artyom Bulyansky and Kirill Putilov. Severstal took the lead back with an Anatoly Nikontsev goal, via Vadim Berdnikov and Pavel Dedunov. Cherepovets added on in the third period with another Chernov goal, with a lone assist by Mons. Severstal iced it at 4-1 with another Nikontsev goal, coming off of Berdnikov. The three stars were Nikontsev, Chernov, and Stepanek (23 for 24 in saves), while Berdnikov and Mons get the honorable mentions.

Across the lake, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Curtis Sanford are in the blue paint. Yekaterinburg began in the first period with an Alexei Simakov goal, made possible by Andrei Antonov. Avtomobilist added on with a second period goal by Andre Deveaux, helped along by Sergei Gusev and Fyodor Malykhin. Yaroslavl got on the board as Sergei Konkov scored, thanks to Yury Petrov and Alexei Vasilyev. Lokomotiv tied it on an Emil Galimov goal, fueled by Konkov and Vladislav Kartayev. Yaroslavl took the lead when Geoff Platt score, with a lone assist from Janis Sprukts. Yekaterinburg retied it in the third period with a goal by Tobias Viklund, via Igor Yemeleyev. Lokomotiv regained the lead on a Jonas Holos power play goal, powered by Sergei Plotnikov and Staffan Kronwall. Yaroslavl iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Yegor Averin, set up by Plotnikov and Daniil Apalkov. The three stars went to Konkov, Holos, and Plotnikov.

Out west, SKA St. Petersburg hosts Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Alexander Salak. Omsk was first to score in the first period on a Sergei Kostitsyn goal, assisted by Dmitry Semin and Alexander Popov. Avangard added on with a Sergei Kalinin goal, guided in by Kostitsyn and Miroslav Blatak. St. Petersburg got on the board in the second period on a Roman Cervenka power play goal, powered by Tony Martensson and Patrick Thoresen. Omsk replied on a Roman Berdnikov goal, fueled by Kirill Lyamin and Andrei Ivanov. SKA pulled back in the third period with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, passed from Igor Makarov and Alexei Semenov. St. Petersburg tied it as Alexei Ponikarovsky scored, thanks to Ilya Kablukov and Andrei Sigaryov. Avangard retook the lead on an Alexander Perezhogin goal, with a lone helper from Blatak. SKA pulled even again with a Thoresen goal, coming off of Cervenka and Martensson. Omsk won 5-4 in overtime with a Sergei Shirokov goal, with assists provided by Blatak, who got a sock trick, and Stefan Ruzicka. The three stars were Blatak, Kostitsyn, and Cervenka, while Thoresen and Martensson get the honorable mentions.

Back to Moscow, where CSKA welcomes crosstown rivals, Spartak Moscow. Igor Shestyorkin and Jeff Glass have the green light to start. CSKA struck first in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Ivan Nepryayev, set up by Vladimir Zharkov. Spartak tied it on a Tom Wandell goal, fueled by Nikolai Lemtyugov. CSKA regained the lead in the third period with an Ilari Filppula goal, helped along by Oleg Saprykin. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Nepryayev, Glass (22 for 23 in saves), and Filppula.

North a little to Mytishchi, where Atlant brings in Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Stanislav Galimov protect the nets. Mytishchi opened in the first period with a Sergei Shmelyov goal, assisted by Alexei Petrov and Roman Rukavishnikov. Atlant added on with an Igor Radulov goal, courtesy of Maxim Mayorov and Vitaly Atyushov. Mytishchi extended the lead when Shmelyov scored his second of the game, thanks to Maxim Velikov and Evgeny Artyukhin. Astana got on the board in the second period on a Nigel Dawes goal, with a lone helper by Brandon Bochenski. Atlant shot back in the third period on an Artyukhin goal, coming off of Shmelyov. Mytishchi padded the lead on another Radulov goal, guided in by Velikov and Mayorov. This was good for a 5-1 win, with the three stars being Shmelyov, Radulov, and Artyukhin, while Mayorov and Velikov get the honorable mentions.

Over in Prague, Lev hosts Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Petri Vehanen play goal. Prague led off in the first period with a Justin Azevedo goal, coming off of Jiri Novotny. Lev added on with a Topi Jaakola goal, passed from Patrik Zackrisson and Ryan O'Byrne. Donetsk got on the board with a shorthanded goal by Oskars Bartulis, set up by Vaclav Nedorost. Prague shot back with a Petr Vrana goal, fueled by Jiri Sekac and Martin Thornberg. Lev extended the lead in the second period as Thornberg scored, thanks to Nathan Oystrick. This made it 4-1, the final, with Thornberg, Vehanen (25 for 26 in saves), and Jaakola getting the three stars.

Continuing to Riga, as Dinamo welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Barry Brust and Mikael Tellqvist tend the twines. Zagreb began in the first period with a Charles Linglet goal, assisted by Matt Ellison and Mark Popovic. Riga tied it in the second period on a Marcel Hossa shorthanded goal, set up by Maris Bicevskis. Dinamo took the lead as Roberts Bukarts scored, with the help of Andris Dzerins. Riga added on in the third period with a Marcel Hascak goal, courtesy of Paul Szczechura and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. Dinamo extended the lead with a power play goal from Sandis Ozolins, powered by Lauris Darzins. Riga finished it at 5-1 with an empty net goal by Darzins, with a lone helper from Szczechura. The three stars of the game were Tellqvist (27 for 28 in saves), Darzins, and Szczechura.

Finally, in Bratislava, we end with Slovan bringing in Dinamo Minsk. Dmitry Milchakov and Jaroslav Janus are set to start. Bratislava started in the first period with a Branko Radivojevic goal, courtesy of Peter Olvecky and Jan Brejcak. Minsk tied it on a Zbynek Irgl goal, fueled by Lukas Krajicek and Tomas Surovy. Slovan retook the lead in the second period on a power play goal by Miroslav Satan, powered by Radivojevic and Mario Bliznak. Dinamo retied it on a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Surovy. Minsk took the lead with an Alexander Materukhin power play goal, assisted by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Krajicek. Bratislava tied it again with an Olvecky goal, going in unassisted. Slovan won 4-3 in the shootout, with a lone tally coming from Martin Stajnoch. The three stars were Radivojevic, Olvecky, and Surovy, while Krajicek gets the honorable mention.

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NHL Day 148 2013-2014

One game on today, as we make up a game originally scheduled for January 7th. The Buffalo Sabres host the Carolina Hurricanes to bring us back from the Olympic break. Cam Ward and Ryan Miller draw the starts. Buffalo got going in the second period on a Christian Ehrhoff power play goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Drew Stafford and the goalie Miller. Carolina tied it with an Eric Staal goal, his fifteenth of the year, via Justin Faulk. The Sabres retook the lead with a Tyler Ennis goal, his fourteenth of the season, coming off of Matt Moulson and Stafford. The Hurricanes retied it on an Alexander Semin goal, his fifteenth of the year, with a lone assist from Andrej Sekera. Buffalo won 3-2 as Ehrhoff scored his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, guided in by the goalie Miller again. Ehrhoff, Miller (36 for 38 in saves with two assists), and Stafford get the three stars.

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NHL Day 131 2013-2014

Ten games on for the last day before a two week break from the NHL. We begin early with...

The Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Calgary Flames. Reto Berra and Ray Emery handle the goaltending duties. Philadelphia got going in the second period on a Brayden Schenn goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Wayne Simmonds and Andrej Meszaros. The Flyers added on in the third period with a Claude Giroux goal, his twentieth of the year, with a lone helper from Meszaros. Calgary got on the board with a Matt Stajan goal, his tenth of the campaign, via T.J. Galiardi and Joe Colborne. This only made it 2-1, the final, with Emery (32 for 33 in saves), Meszaros, and Giroux getting the three stars.

Out west, the St. Louis Blues welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Al Montoya and Brian Elliott are the backups in goal. St. Louis opened in the first period on a Brenden Morrow goal, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Vladimir Tarasenko and Derek Roy. Winnipeg tied it with a Mark Scheifele goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Devin Setoguchi and Zach Bogosian. The Blues retook the lead on a Roy goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Morrow and Alex Pietrangelo. The Jets tied it in the second period on another Scheifele goal, his second of the game and thirteenth of the year, with assists provided by Blake Wheeler and Chris Thorburn. St. Louis retook the lead in the third period on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his nineteenth of the season, guided in by Barret Jackman and Patrik Berglund. Winnipeg retied it again with a Dustin Byfuglien power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Wheeler and Tobias Enstrom. The Blues won with goals by T.J. Oshie and Tarasenko in the shootout for a 4-3 final. The three stars were Morrow, Roy, and Scheifele, while Tarasenko and Wheeler got the honorable mentions.

Back east, the Boston Bruins host the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Chad Johnson are in the blue paint. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Carl Soderberg and Loui Eriksson. The Bruins added on with a Chris Kelly goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of David Warsofsky and Eriksson. Boston extended the lead as Bergeron scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, thanks to Brad Marchand and Dougie Hamilton. Ottawa got on the board with a Bobby Ryan goal, his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Kyle Turris and Cory Conacher. The Bruins replied with a Jarome Iginla goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by David Krejci and Torey Krug. Boston padded the lead with a Milan Lucic goal, his seventeenth of the year, fueled by Iginla and Krejci. The Bruins struck again on a Marchand goal, his nineteenth of the season, via Reilly Smith and Bergeron. The Senators pulled back with a power play goal by Patrick Wiercioch, his sixth of the year, helped along by Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza. Boston shot back on a Soderberg goal, his ninth of the season, with assists provided by Smith and Marchand. This made it 7-2, the final, with the three stars awarded to Bergeron, Marchand, and Soderberg, while Eriksson, Iginla, Krejci, and Smith got the honorable mentions.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Bernier guard the cages. Vancouver started in the first period with a Ryan Kesler goal, his twentieth of the season, coming off of Chris Higgins and Alexander Edler. Toronto tied it in the third period with a Mason Raymond goal, his sixteenth of the year, fueled by Nikolai Kulemin and Troy Bodie. The Maple Leafs took the lead with a Phil Kessel goal, his thirty-first of the season, made possible by Tyler Bozak and Tim Gleason. Toronto added on with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, guided in by Kessel and Bozak. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars being Kessel, Bernier (32 for 33 in saves), and Bozak.

Back south, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Anton Khudobin protect the nets. Carolina dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Drayson Bowman goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Riley Nash and Justin Faulk. Montreal tied it on a David Desharnais his tenth of the year, via Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens took the lead with a Ryan White's second of the season, with a lone assist by Andrei Markov. Montreal added on in the third period on another Desharnais goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, assisted by Gallagher and Nathan Beaulieu. The Canadiens extended the lead on a Brian Gionta empty net goal, his eleventh of the season, set up by Brandon Prust and White. This made it a 4-1 final, with the three stars going to Desharnais, White, and Price (31 for 32 in saves), while Gallagher gets an honorable mention.

Further to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Ben Bishop are the masked men. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Daniel Alfredsson goal, his fourteenth of the season, with a lone helper by Pavel Datsyuk. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period with a power play goal by Ondrej Palat, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Martin St. Louis and Victor Hedman. The Red Wings retook the lead on a Tomas Jurco goal, his third of the season, via Riley Sheahan and Danny DeKeyser. The Lightning retied it as Tom Pyatt scored, thanks to Sami Salo and J.T. Brown. Tampa Bay took the lead in the third period on an Alex Killorn, his fourteenth of the year, passed from Teddy Purcell and Pyatt. The Lightning finished at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Palat, his fourteenth of the campaign and second of the game, set up by Tyler Johnson and Salo. The three stars belonged to Palat, Pyatt, and Salo.

Northward again, with the New York Islanders welcoming the Colorado Avalanche. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Evgeni Nabokov are the veteran goalies. Colorado led off in the first period on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, his twenty-second of the season, made possible by Gabriel Landeskog and Nick Holden. The Avalanche added on in the second period with a Matt Duchene goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of P.A. Parenteau and Tyson Barrie. Colorado extended the lead when Duchene scored his second of the game and nineteenth of the season, thanks to Barrie and Jamie McGinn. New York got on the board in the third period with a John Tavares power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, powered by Josh Bailey and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Islanders pulled closer with a Visnovsky power play goal, his second of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo and Tomas Vanek. The Avalanche added on with a Landeskog empty net goal, his eighteenth of the year, set up by Andre Benoit. Colorado was awarded a goal with two seconds left in the game, credited as the seventeenth of the campaign for Paul Stastny, with a lone helper by Barrie, who got a sock trick with the odd moment. The three stars went to Duchene, Visnovsky, and Landeskog, while Barrie gets an honorable mention.

Moving along to DC, as the Washington Capitals host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Braden Holtby are the young goalies. Washington began in the third period with a Julien Brouillette goal, assisted by Patrick Wey and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on with an empty net goal by Martin Erat, passed from Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Washington extended the lead on another empty net goal by Troy Brouwer, his fourteenth of the season, going in unassisted. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars going to Holtby (25 save shutout), Backstrom, and Brouillette.

Westward to Nashville, where the Predators bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller faces a lesser foe in Carter Hutton in goal. Nashville started in the first period on a Viktor Stalberg goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Simon Moser and Victor Bartley. Anaheim tied it with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, via Hampus Lindholm and Dustin Penner. The Ducks took the lead in the second period on a Corey Perry power play goal, his thirtieth of the season, powered by Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. The Predators tied it in the third period on a Mike Fisher power play goal, his sixteenth of the year, guided in by David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist. Anaheim retook the lead as Emerson Etem scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Lindholm and Saku Koivu. The Ducks added on with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Daniel Winnik. Anaheim iced it on another Getzlaf goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the campaign making it 5-2 for the final score. The three stars went to Getzlaf, Lindholm, and Etem.

Finally, in Dallas, the Stars host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Kari Lehtonen are between the pipes. Dallas opened in the first period on a Ray Whitney goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Jordie Benn and Brenden Dillon. The Stars added on in the second period with a Valeri Nichushkin goal, his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Trevor Daley and Jamie Benn. Phoenix got on the board in the third period on a Radim Vrbata power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Antoine Vermette and Keith Yandle. The three stars were awarded to Lehtonen (26 for 27 in saves), Smith (31 for 33 in saves), and Nichushkin.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and check back in two weeks for the return of the NHL.

NHL Day 130 2013-2014

Five games on the second to last day before the Olympic Break for the NHL, beginning in...

New Jersey, where the Devils host the Edmonton Oilers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Cory Schneider are set to start. New Jersey opened in the first period with an Andrei Loktionov goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Bryce Salvador and Jaromir Jagr. Edmonton tied it on a Taylor Hall goal, his twentieth of the year, via Nail Yakupov and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Devils won 2-1 in overtime on a Jon Merrill goal, assisted by Michael Ryder and Adam Henrique. The three stars were handed to Merrill, Schneider (19 for 20 in saves), and Loktionov.

West a bit to Pittsburgh, with the Penguins welcoming the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-Andre Fleury tend the twines. New York was first to score in the first period with a Benoit Pouliot goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Marc Staal. Pittsburgh tied it on an Olli Maatta power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Jussi Jokinen. The Rangers retook the lead in the second period on a Dan Girardi power play goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Derick Brassard. The Penguins tied it again on an Evgeni Malkin goal, his eighteenth of the year, coming on the power play via James Neal and Matt Niskanen. New York regained the lead in the third period as Pouliot scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season, a power play goal guided in by Girardi and Brad Richards. Pittsburgh tied it on a Neal goal, his twentieth of the year, passed from Maatta and Jayson Megna. The Rangers won 4-3 on goals by Zuccarello and Richards in the shootout, topping a lone Malkin tally. The three stars were Pouliot, Zuccarello, and Girardi, while Richards, Neal, Maatta, and Malkin get the honorable mentions.

South to Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes host the Florida Panthers. Tim Thomas faces a former understudy in Anton Khudobin in goal. Carolina struck first in the first period with a Riley Nash goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Tuomo Ruutu. The Hurricanes added on with an Alexander Semin unassisted goal, his fourteenth of the year. Florida got on the board with a Nick Bjugstad goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Dylan Olsen and Scottie Upshall. Carolina responded with a Brett Bellemore goal, his second of the year, thanks to Elias Lindholm and Jeff Skinner. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the second period on a Jiri Tlusty goal, his ninth of the season, with a lone assist by Eric Staal. Scott Clemmensen relieved Thomas at this time. Carolina padded the lead in the third period on a power play goal by Andrej Sekera, his ninth of the year, powered by Skinner and Jordan Staal. This was good for a 5-1 win, with the three stars being Khudobin (34 for 35 in saves), Skinner, and Semin.

Out west, the Phoenix Coyotes bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Mike Smith are the veteran goalies. Phoenix started in the first period with a Keith Yandle power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Mikkel Boedker and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes added on in the second period with a Radim Vrbata power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Mike Ribeiro and Yandle.

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose led off in the first period with a John McCarthy goal, passed from James Sheppard. The Sharks added on with a Patrick Marleau goal, his twenty-third of the season, with a lone helper by Scott Hannan. Columbus got on the board in the second period on a Ryan Johansen goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, going in unassisted. San Jose replied in the third period as Tommy Wingels scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Jason Demers and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Blue Jackets got one back on a Boone Jenner goal, his tenth of the year, guided in by Nathan Horton and Johansen. This was as close as it got, with the three stars going to Wingels, Johansen, and Demers.

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