NHL Day 154 2013-2014

This is our 1500th post on the blog. For the last three-plus years, I have been providing you all with various sports coverage, and a little bit of other stuff early on as well. That doesn't end now either, as we have four NHL games tonight. Rather, I just decided to update my readers on how many posts there have been. I'd also like to express my gratitude once again to those who have stopped by at any time. It is always very appreciated. We begin the coverage tonight in...

Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and James Reimer are set to start. Columbus got going in the second period with a Dalton Prout goal, coming off of Derek MacKenzie and Matt Calvert. The Blue Jackets added on with an Artem Anisimov goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Nikita Nikitin and Nick Foligno. Toronto got on the board in the third period with a Mason Raymond goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Joffrey Lupul and Morgan Rielly. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Bobrovsky (28 for 29 in saves), Anisimov, and Reimer (31 for 33 in saves).

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Kari Lehtonen are in the blue paint. Buffalo led off in the first period with a Tyler Ennis goal, his fifteenth of the season, coming off of Drew Stafford and Matt Moulson. Dallas tied it in the second period with a Jordie Benn goal, his third of the year, via Ray Whitney and Tyler Seguin. The Stars took the lead with an Alex Goligoski, his third of the season, assisted by Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Garbutt. The Sabres retied it in the third period as Ennis scored his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, with the help of Moulson and Jamie McBain. Dallas regained the lead with an Alex Chiasson power play goal, his tenth of the campaign, powered by Jamie Benn and Whitney. This made it 3-2, good for a win, with the three stars being Ennis, Whitney, and Moulson.

Back north to Minnesota, as the Wild bring in the Calgary Flames. Reto Berra and Darcy Kuemper are the rookie goalies. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Kyle Brodziak goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Matt Cooke. Calgary got on the board with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Dennis Wideman. The Wild retook the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Jared Spurgeon, his second of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Mikael Granlund. Minnesota added on as Zach Parise scored his twenty-first of the year, thanks to Jason Pominville and Granlund. The Flames got one back with a Mark Giordano goal, his tenth of the campaign, made possible by Markus Granlund and Joe Colborne. This only made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Mikael Granlund, Parise, and Spurgeon.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj is mismatched with Jonathan Quick in goal. Los Angeles began in the first period with a Jake Muzzin goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Tyler Toffoli and Justin Williams. Montreal tied it on a P.K. Subban goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. The Kings retook the lead on a Jeff Carter power play goal, his twenty-second of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Alec Martinez. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Quick (17 for 18 in saves), Carter, and Muzzin.

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NHL Day 153 2013-2014

Eight games on today, beginning in...

DC, as the Washington Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Braden Holtby are the inconsistent goalies. Washington was first to score in the first period with a Dmitry Orlov goal, his second of the season, coming off of Troy Brouwer and Martin Erat. Philadelphia tied it on a Claude Giroux goal, his twentieth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Kimmo Timonen and Jakub Voracek. The Capitals retook the lead with a Marcus Johansson goal, his eighth of the campaign, via Jason Chimera and Mike Green. The Flyers tied it in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Adam Hall, his fourth of the season, set up by Sean Couturier. Washington gained the lead as Jay Beagle potted his second of the year, with helpers provided by Joel Ward and Green. The Capitals added on with another Orlov goal, his second of the game and third of the campaign, assisted by Green, who got a sock trick, and Eric Fehr. Philadelphia pulled back in the third period with a Voracek power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Timonen and Giroux. The Flyers tied it on another Giroux goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, passed from Voracek and Braydon Coburn. Philadelphia won 5-4 in overtime with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, courtesy of Timonen, who got a sock trick, and Coburn. The three stars were Giroux, Orlov, and Timonen, while Voracek, Green, and Coburn get the honorable mentions.

Over in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the San Jose Sharks. Cory Schneider and Alex Stalock are the young goalies. San Jose got going in the second period on a Logan Couture goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Patrick Marleau and Jason Demers. New Jersey tied it with an Adam Henrique goal, his eighteenth of the year, made possible by Steve Bernier and Eric Gelinas. The Devils took the lead on a Patrik Elias goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Jon Merrill and Henrique. The Sharks retied it as Raffi Torres scored his third of the year, thanks to Joe Pavelski and James Sheppard. San Jose took the lead in the third period on a Matthew Nieto goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Pavelski and Joe Thornton. The Sharks finished it at 4-2 with an unassisted goal by Marleau, his twenty-fifth of the year. The three stars went to Marleau, Henrique, and Pavelski.

A little east to New York, where the Islanders bring in the Florida Panthers. Tim Thomas faces a lesser foe in Anders Nilsson. New York struck first in the first period with a Thomas Vanek goal, his twentieth of the season, courtesy of Cal Clutterbuck and Calvin de Haan. The Islanders added on with a power play goal by Vanek, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, powered by Lubomir Visnovsky and Frans Nielsen. Florida got on the board in the second period with a Shawn Matthias goal, his eighth of the season, via Scottie Upshall. New York replied with a Ryan Strome goal, his second of the year, made possible by Vanek and Kyle Okposo. The Panthers pulled back in the third period as Marcel Goc netted his eleventh of the season, with the help of Jonathan Huberdeau and Tim Gilbert. Florida tied it on a Matthias goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, assisted by Jimmy Hayes and Huberdeau. The Panthers gained the lead with Upshall's eleventh of the season, passed from Matthias and Brian Campbell. Florida extended the lead with a power play goal by Upshall, his second of the game and twelfth of the year, fueled by Dylan Olsen and Dmitry Kulikov. This produced the 5-3 final, with Upshall, Matthias, and Vanek getting the three stars, while Huberdeau gets an honorable mentions.

Way to the west, the final outdoor game of the season was played under a roof in Vancouver, as the Canucks hosted the Ottawa Senators for the Heritage Classic at BC Place. Craig Anderson and Eddie Lack receive the starting nods. Vancouver opened in the first period with a Jason Garrison goal, his seventh of the season, coming on the power play from Dan Hamhuis and Jannik Hansen. The Canucks added on with an unassisted goal by Zack Kassian, his eleventh of the year. Ottawa got on the board with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Erik Condra and Eric Gryba. The Senators tied it with an Erik Karlsson power play goal, his sixteenth of the year, powered by MacArthur. Ottawa took the lead in the second period on a Cody Ceci goal, his second of the season, fueled by Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek. The Senators extended the lead in the third period with a Colin Greening goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Chris Neil and Zack Smith. This was it for the scoring, leaving the final at 4-2. The three stars belonged to MacArthur, Ceci, and Karlsson.

Back to New York, where the Rangers welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New York started in the first period with a J.T. Miller goal, his third of the season, with a lone assist by Derek Stepan. Boston tied it with a Jarome Iginla goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of David Krejci and Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins took the lead in the second period with a Hamilton goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Milan Lucic and Iginla. Boston added on with a Carl Soderberg goal, his tenth of the year, passed from Loui Eriksson and Hamilton. The Rangers got one back with a Brad Richards goal, his sixteenth of the season, helped along by Ryan Callahan and Anton Stralman. The Bruins shot back in the third period as Gregory Campbell scored a shorthanded goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Eriksson and Johnny Boychuk. Boston extended the lead with another Campbell goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Daniel Paille. New York answered on a power play goal by Ryan McDonagh, his ninth of the year, powered by Chris Kreider and Stepan. The Bruins iced it at 6-3 with a Lucic goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, via Matt Bartkowski and Krejci. The three stars were Hamilton, Iginla, and Campbell, while Lucic, Krejci, Eriksson, and Stepan got the honorable mentions.

Out west again, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Tampa Bay led off in the first period with a Tom Pyatt goal, his second of the season, assisted by Teddy Purcell and Sami Salo. Colorado tied it on a Tyson Barrie goal, his eighth of the year, fueled by Paul Stastny and Nathan MacKinnon. The Avalanche took the lead with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his twenty-third of the season, coming off of Nick Holden and Matt Duchene. The Lightning retied it in the second period with a Nate Thompson goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Mike Kostka and Matt Carle. Tampa Bay took the lead as Thompson scored his second of the game and eighth of the season, thanks to Kostka. Colorado retied it on a Holden goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of O'Reilly and Duchene. The Avalanche gained the lead on an unassisted goal by Erik Johnson, his eighth of the season. Colorado added on with a Holden empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, set up by Max Talbot. The Avalanche finished it at 6-3 with an empty net goal by Stastny, his nineteenth of the campaign, with helpers provided by MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. The three stars were Holden, Thompson, and O'Reilly, while Duchene, Stastny, MacKinnon, and Kostka get the honorable mentions.

South to Phoenix, where the Coyotes host the St. Louis Blues. Ryan Miller and Mike Smith are the veteran goalies. Phoenix dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Paul Bissonnette goal, his second of the season, guided in by Michael Stone. The Coyotes added on in the second period with a Jeff Halpern goal, his third of the year, assisted by Keith Yandle and Kyle Chipchura. St. Louis got on the board in the third period with a Patrik Berglund goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues tied it with a Magnus Paajarvi goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis took the lead with a power play goal by Kevin Shattenkirk, his ninth of the season, powered by Schwartz and Alexander Steen. The Blues iced it at 4-2 with an unassisted Berglund goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year. Berglund, Schwartz, and Shattenkirk were named the three stars.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Carolina Hurricanes. Backups Cam Ward and Frederik Andersen are in goal. Anaheim began in the first period with a Corey Perry goal, his thirty-first of the season, assisted by Dustin Penner and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on with a Francois Beauchemin goal, his second of the year, passed from Perry and Penner. Anaheim extended the lead as Perry scored his second of the game and thirty-second of the season, with the help of Cam Fowler. The Ducks padded the lead in the second period as Andrew Cogliano scored a shorthanded goal, his nineteenth of the year, set up by Saku Koivu. Anaheim struck again with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Kyle Palmieri. Carolina got on the board with an Andrej Sekera goal, his eleventh of the year, coming from Ron Hainsey and Riley Nash. The Hurricanes got one back in the third period as Patrick Dwyer netted his sixth of the season, fueled by John-Michael Liles and Nathan Gerbe. Carolina crept closer with an unassisted Alexander Semin goal, his sixteenth of the year. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars being Perry, Penner, and Sekera.

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KHL Day 180 2013-2014

Twelve games on the second-to-last game day of the season. Tomorrow doesn't have a game, and then all teams play the following day. We begin in...

Chelyabinsk, with Traktor hosting Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Georgy Gelashvili and Michael Garnett are the masked men. Nizhny Novgorod got going in the third period on a Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev goal, fueled by Evgeny Skachkov. This was good for a 1-0 win, with Gelashvili (27 save shutout), Krasnoslobodtsev, and Garnett (19 for 20 in saves) earning the three stars.

Back east a bit to Ufa, where Salavat Yulaev welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Sharychenkov and Alexei Volkov are the backups making spot starts. Ufa led off in the first period with a Tomas Zaborsky power play goal, powered by Denis Khlystov and Sergei Zinovyev. Moscow tied it on a Yegor Dugin goal, passed from Maxim Karpov. Dynamo took the lead in the second period on a Dmitry Vishnevsky goal, courtesy of Leo Komarov. Moscow added on in the third period with a Maxim Pestushko goal, made possible by Komarov. The final was 3-1, with the three stars being Sharychenkov (32 for 33 in saves), Komarov, and Vishnevsky.

Next up, Metallurg Magnitogorsk brings in Ak Bars Kazan. Emil Garipov and Vasily Koshechkin are in the blue paint. Magnitogorsk began in the first period with a Jan Kovar goal, assisted by Sergei Tereshchenko and Yaroslav Khabarov. This was the game's only goal, leaving the final at 1-0. Koshechkin (33 save shutout), Kovar, and Garipov (22 for 23 in saves) receive the three stars.

Northwest to Cherepovets, where Severstal hosts Barys Astana. Ari Ahonen and Jakub Stepanek man the creases. Cherepovets dented the scoreboard in the second period as Sergei Monakhov scored, thanks to Pavel Chernov. Astana tied it with a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Cam Barker. Severstal took the lead on a Pavel Buchnevich goal, coming off of Nikolai Stasenko and Gennady Stolyarov. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Buchnevich, Stepanek (25 for 26 in saves), and Ahonen (34 for 36 in saves).

Out west, SKA St. Petersburg welcomes Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Ilya Ezhov draw the starts. St. Petersburg was first to score in the first period with a Yury Alexandrov goal, made possible by Viktor Tikhonov and Alexei Ponikarovsky. SKA added on in the second period with an Ilya Kablukov goal, with assists provided by Ponikarovsky and Dinar Khafizullin. St. Petersburg extended the lead on an Artemy Panarin goal, via Dmitry Kalinin and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA iced it at 4-0 in the third period with a power play goal by Patrick Thoresen, powered by Kevin Dallman and Roman Cervenka. The three stars went to Ezhov (29 save shutout), Alexandrov, and Ponikarovsky.

Backtracking to Nizhnekamsk, where Neftekhimik brings in Vityaz Podolsk. Sergei Denisov is mismatched with Matt Dalton in goal. Podolsk struck first in the first period on a Mathias Porseland goal, fueled by Dmitry Shitikov and Alexander Korolyuk. Nizhnekamsk tied it with a Dan Sexton goal, coming off of Dmitry Kosmachyov and Petr Koukal. Neftekhimik took the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Andrei Taratukhin, powered by Pyotr Khokhryakov and Pavel Zdunov. Nizhnekamsk added on with a Yaroslav Alshevsky goal, with a lone assist from Pavel Kulikov. Neftekhimik extended the lead as Maxim Rybin scored a power play goal, made possible by Igor Polygalov and Stanislav Romanov. Nizhnekamsk finished it at 5-1 with a power play goal by Kosmachyov, with helpers from Taratukhin and Zdunov. The three stars were given to Kosmachyov, Taratukhin, and Zdunov.

West again to Mytishchi, as Atlant hosts Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexei Kuznetsov and Stanislav Galimov protect the nets. Khanty-Mansiysk opened in the first period with a Kirill Knyazev goal, passed from Sergei Lesnukhin. Mytishchi tied it with a Maxim Velikov goal, via Evgeny Artykuhin. Atlant gained the lead in the second period as Alexei Mikhnov scored, with the help of Vitaly Atyushov and Konstantin Koltsov. Mytishchi added on with a power play goal by Roman Rukavishnikov, powered by Andreas Engqvist and Maxim Mayorov. Atlant extended the lead in the third period with a shorthanded goal by Mayorov, set up by Engqvist. Mytishchi ended up winning 5-1 on an Igor Levitsky goal, assisted by Rukavishnikov. The three stars were given to Rukavishnikov, Mayorov, and Engqvist.

Down into Moscow, CSKA welcomes Donbass Donetsk. Michael Leighton and Jeff Glass are the North American goalies. Moscow started in the first period with an Alexei Morozov goal, via Oleg Saprykin. Donetsk tied it in the second period on an unassisted goal by Evgeny Dadonov. The tie lasted to a shootout, where CSKA won with goals by Nikita Zaitsev and Nikolai Prokhorkin. The three stars belonged to Glass (36 for 37 in saves), Prokhorkin, and Leighton (29 for 30 in saves).

Northeast to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv brings in Avangard Omsk. Andrei Mezin and Curtis Sanford receive the starting nods. Omsk began in the first period with an Alexander Popov goal, courtesy of Denis Kulyash and Andrei Kostitsyn. Yaroslavl tied it in the second period on a Geoff Platt goal, coming off of Ilya Gorokhov and Janis Sprukts. Lokomotiv took the lead in the third period on a Sergei Plotnikov goal, with a lone assist from Daniil Apalkov. Yaroslavl added on as Platt scored his second of the game, thanks to Sprukts. Lokomotiv iced it at 4-1 with a Kirill Kapustin goal, fueled by Jonas Holos and Yury Petrov. The three stars were Platt, Sanford (32 for 33 in saves), and Sprukts.

Outside of Russia, Dinamo Minsk hosts Dinamo Riga. Mikael Tellqvist and Lars Haugen are called on to start. Riga was first to score in the first period on a Jamie Johnson goal, passed from Marcel Hossa and Kristaps Sotnieks. Minsk tied it with a power play goal by Andrei Stas, powered by Alexander Materukhin and Lukas Krajicek. Minsk took the lead in the second period as Materukhin scored, thanks to Krajicek. Minsk added on as Richard Lintner scored, thanks to Alexander Kitarov and Konstantin Zakharov. Minsk extended the lead in the third period with a Tomas Surovy power play goal, with a lone assist by Kitarov. Riga got one back with an unassisted goal by Gunars Skvorcovs. Minsk wrapped it up at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Zbynek Irgl, set up by Surovy and Krajicek, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Surovy, Materukhin, and Krajicek, while Kitarov gets an honorable mention.

Over in Prague, Lev welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Dekanich and Petri Vehanen guard the cages. Zagreb struck first in the first period with a Michael Ryan goal, passed from Hugh Jessiman. Prague tied it with a Jiri Novotny goal, made possible by Mikko Maenpaa and Justin Azevedo. Lev won 2-1 in overtime with a goal by Martin Thornberg, coming off of Topi Jaakola and Patrik Zackrisson. The three stars were Thornberg, Vehanen (22 for 23 in saves), and Dekanich (45 for 47 in saves).

Finally, in Bratislava, Slovan brings in Spartak Moscow. Igor Shestyorkin and Jaroslav Janus have the green light to start. Moscow led off in the second period on an Evgeny Kulik goal, fueled by Vladimir Peshekhonov and Pavel Medvedev. Spartak added on in the third period with an Andrei Sergeyev goal, made possible by Nikolai Lemtyugov. Moscow iced it a 3-0 on a Rastislav Spirko goal, assisted by Sergeyev and Lemtyugov. The three stars were Shestyorkin (33 save shutout), Sergeyev, and Lemtyugov.

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NHL Day 152 2013-2014

First of all, I am not pleased to mention that the coverage of Spring Training for this season will be discontinued. There have external circumstances beyond the control of the writers that have made it difficult to impossible to keep up. There may be coverage during the regular season, but I will not make any promises for additional baseball coverage this season. For today's NHL games, we begin in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Tuukka Rask are in the blue paint. Washington led off in the first period with an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his forty-second of the season, powered by John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on in the second period with another power play goal by Ovechkin, his second of the game and forty-third of the year, assisted by Marcus Johansson and Joel Ward. Washington extended the lead with an unassisted goal by Ward, his eighteenth of the season. Boston got on the board with a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, coming off of Dougie Hamilton and Reilly Smith. The Bruins pulled closer with a Shawn Thornton goal, his fifth of the season, via Daniel Paille and Gregory Campbell. The Capitals wrapped it up in the third period with an Eric Fehr goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Jason Chimera. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Holtby (36 for 38 in saves), and Ward.

Down to New York, where the Islanders welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Evgeni Nabokov are the veteran goalies. New Jersey opened in the first period on a power play goal by Adam Henrique, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder. The Devils added on in the second period as Jaromir Jagr scored his nineteenth of the year, thanks to Travis Zajac and Andy Greene. New Jersey extended the lead on a power play goal by Clowe, his fifth of the season, via Henrique and Eric Gelinas. New York got on the board with a Kyle Okposo goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Thomas Vanek and Josh Bailey. The Devils answered with a Marek Zidlicky goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Jagr and Patrik Elias on the power play. New Jersey chased Nabokov with a Mark Fayne goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Andrei Loktionov. Anders Nilsson relieved Nabokov in goal. The Devils padded the lead in the third period with a power play goal by Gelinas, his seventh of the campaign, fueled by Zidlicky and Elias. This was good for a 6-1 win, with the three stars going to Jagr, Gelinas, and Zidlicky, while Clowe and Elias get the honorable mentions.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Steve Mason are the masked men. Philadelphia began in the first period on a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Wayne Simmonds and Mark Streit. The Flyers added on with a Sean Couturier goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Matt Read and Kimmo Timonen. New York got on the board in the second period as Chris Kreider scored his fourteenth of the season, thanks to Rick Nash and Derek Stepan. The Rangers tied it with a power play goal by Derick Brassard, his thirteenth of the year, assisted by Brad Richards and the goalie Lundqvist. Philadelphia retook the lead with a power play goal by Simmonds, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Timonen and Brayden Schenn. The Flyers extended the lead in the third period as Luke Schenn netted his fourth of the year, with helpers from Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux. This made it a 4-2 final, with the three stars going to Simmonds, Timonen, and Luke Schenn.

West to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Sergei Bobrovsky are between the pipes. Columbus was first to score in the first period on an R.J. Umberger power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by James Wisniewski and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets added on with a power play goal by Cam Atkinson, his eighteenth of the year, powered by David Savard and Johnson. Florida got on the board with an unassisted goal by Shawn Matthias, his seventh of the campaign. The Panthers tied it in the second period on a Nick Bjugstad goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Matthias. Columbus regained the lead with a Savard goal, his fourth of the year, coming on the power play via Nathan Horton and Ryan Johansen. Florida retied it on a Sean Bergenheim goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, passed from Tom Gilbert and Bjugstad. The Blue Jackets pulled ahead on a shorthanded and unassisted goal by Artem Anisimov, his fifteenth of the season. Columbus extended the lead in the third period as Nick Foligno scored his sixteenth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Murray. The Blue Jackets finished it with another empty net goal from Matt Calvert, his seventh of the campaign, with helpers provided by Mark Letestu and Johnson, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars of the 6-3 game were Savard, Matthias, and Johnson, while Bjugstad gets an honorable mention.

South to Nashville, where the Predators host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Carter Hutton are the underwhelming goalies. Winnipeg got going in the second period with an Olli Jokinen goal, his fourteenth of the season, via Evander Kane and Jacob Trouba. The Jets added on when Andrew Ladd scored his fifteenth of the year, thanks to Zach Bogosian and Michael Frolik. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Simon Moser goal, guided in by Michael Del Zotto and Mike Fisher. Winnipeg iced it at 3-1 with a Devin Setoguchi goal, his eleventh of the campaign, courtesy of Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart. The three stars went to Pavelec (39 for 40 in saves), Ladd, and Setoguchi.

Further to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Kari Lehtonen protect the nets. Tampa Bay struck first in the first period on a Martin St. Louis goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, assisted by Eric Brewer and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on with a Nate Thompson goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Victor Hedman and Alex Killorn. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the second period with another St. Louis goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the season, with a lone assist by Palat. Dallas got on the board with an Antoine Roussel goal, his tenth of the year, courtesy of Kevin Connauton and Vernon Fiddler. The Stars pulled closer with a Fiddler goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Roussel and Ryan Garbutt. The Lightning shot back in the third period on a Sami Salo goal, his second of the year, helped along by Victor Hedman and Killorn. This was good for a 4-2 win, with the three stars being St. Louis, Killorn, and Palat, while Roussel and Fiddler receive the honorable mentions.

Out in Los Angeles, the Kings welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Anton Khudobin and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. Los Angeles dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Mike Richards goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Robyn Regehr. Carolina tied it with an Andrej Sekera goal, his tenth of the year, fueled by Riley Nash and Patrick Dwyer. The Kings retook the lead in the third period as Alec Martinez scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Dustin Brown and Justin Williams. Los Angeles finished it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Williams, his sixteenth of the year, set up by Anze Kopitar and Trevor Lewis. Quick (24 for 25 in saves), Martinez, and Williams receive the three stars.

Northeast to Montreal, with the Canadiens hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier faces a lesser foe in Peter Budaj in goal. Montreal started in the first period with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Andrei Markov. The Canadiens added on as Max Pacioretty scored his twenty-eighth of the year, thanks to Josh Gorges. Toronto got on the board with the twenty-fifth of the season by James van Riemsdyk, assisted by Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period on a shorthanded goal by van Riemsdyk, his second of the game and twenty-sixth of the year, going in unassisted. Toronto took the lead with a Kessel goal, his thirty-third of the season, passed from Tyler Bozak. Montreal tied it again with a power play goal by P.K. Subban, his ninth of the year, powered by Markov and David Desharnais. The Canadiens won 4-3 in overtime with another Pacioretty goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the campaign, coming on the power play from Markov, who got a sock trick, and Subban. The three stars were Pacioretty, Markov, and van Riemsdyk, while Kessel and Subban got the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Chicago Blackhawks bring the Pittsburgh Penguins into Soldier Field for the fourth and final installation of the Stadium Series. Marc-Andre Fleury and Corey Crawford tend the twines. Chicago led off in the first period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his twenty-ninth of the season, via Jonathan Toews and Nick Leddy. The Blackhawks added on in the second period with an unassisted goal by Toews, his twentieth of the year. Chicago extended the lead on a Kris Versteeg goal, his tenth of the season, passed from Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third period with a James Neal goal, his twenty-second of the year, going in unassisted. The Blackhawks replied with a Bryan Bickell goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Brandon Saad and Michal Rozsival. Chicago padded the lead on another Toews goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, assisted by Sharp. This made it 5-1, the final, with Toews, Sharp, and Crawford (31 for 32 in saves) being awarded the three stars.

Finally, we have the battle of Alberta, as the Edmonton Oilers host the Calgary Flames. Reto Berra and Ilya Bryzgalov have the green light to start. Calgary began in the first period with a Sean Monahan goal, his seventeenth of the season, courtesy of Joe Colborne and Mark Giordano. Edmonton tied it in the third period with a David Perron goal, his twenty-third of the year, passed from Jordan Eberle and Sam Gagner. The Flames won 2-1 in overtime on another Monahan goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the campaign, with assists provided by Paul Byron and Ladislav Smid. The three stars were Monahan, Berra (21 for 22 in saves), and Bryzgalov (28 for 30 in saves).

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KHL Day 179 2013-2014

Two games on, technically starting yesterday based on my location. We begin in...

Khabarovsk, as Amur hosts Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Nikita Lozhkin and Alexei Murygin are in the blue paint. Novokuznetsk was first to score in the first period with an Evgeny Lapenkov goal, via Semyon Valuisky. Metallurg added on with a Pavel Kanarsky power play goal, powered by Denis Kurepanov and Anton Kapotov. Khabarovsk got on the board in the second period as Ilya Krikunov scored, thanks to Mikhail Fisenko and Dmitry Bykov. Novokuznetsk replied with an Alexander Aksyonenko goal, coming off of Nikolai Skladnichenko. Metallurg extended the lead with a Valuisky goal, assisted by Raymond Giroux and Lapenkov. Amur got one back in the third period on a Dmitry Lugin goal, with a lone assist from Alexander Yunkov. Novokuznetsk answered with a Damir Zhafyrov goal, going in unassisted. Metallurg padded the lead on a Sergei Yemelin goal, guided in by Artyom Gareyev. Novokuznetsk finished it at 7-2 with a Tuukka Mantyla shorthanded goal, set up by Zhafyarov. The three stars were Lapenkov, Valuisky, and Zhafyarov.

The other game is in Vladivostok, as Admiral hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Mikko Koskinen and Evgeny Ivannikov are the masked men. Novosibirsk struck first in the first period on an Alexei Kopeikin goal, assisted by Dmitry Kugryshev. Vladivostok tied it in the second period with a Felix Schutz goal, made possible by Niclas Bergfors and Evgeny Grachyov. Admiral took the lead on an Ilya Zubov goal, fueled by Igor Bortnikov and Justin Hodgman. Vladivostok iced it at 3-1 in the third period on a Logan Pyett empty net goal, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Ivannikov (20 for 21 in saves), Zubov, and Schutz.

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NHL Day 151 2013-2014

Breaking news right around game time is that Ryan Miller and Steve Ott are headed from the Buffalo Sabres to St. Louis for Jaroslav Halak and Chris Stewart, a prospect, and picks. Welcome to NHL trade season. For the games, those very...

Buffalo Sabres host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi faces a lesser foe in Jhonas Enroth in goal. Buffalo led off in the first period with a Cody Hodgson power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Tyler Myers and Christian Ehrhoff. San Jose tied it in the second period on a James Sheppard goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Dan Boyle. The Sabres retook the lead in the third period on a Brian Flynn goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Zemgus Girgensons. Buffalo added on with a Matt Moulson goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Myers and Mike Weber. The Sharks pulled back with a Patrick Marleau goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, via Joe Thornton and Boyle. The Sabres finished it at 4-2 with a Myers goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone helper by Matt D'Agostini. The three stars were Myers, Boyle, and Moulson.

Out west, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Phoenix Coyotes. Thomas Greiss is mismatched with Semyon Varlamov in goal. Phoenix began in the first period with a Shane Doan power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Mikkel Boedker and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Colorado tied it on a P.A. Parenteau power play goal, his twelfth of the year, assisted by Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche took the lead in the third period on a Nate Guenin goal, courtesy of Gabriel Landeskog and Paul Stastny. Colorado added on with a Stastny goal, his eighteenth of the season, helped along by Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon. The Coyotes got one back with another Doan power play goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, fueled by Keith Yandle and Ekman-Larsson. The Avalanche shot back with a Landeskog power play goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, guided in by MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. This made it a 4-2 game, the final, with Landeskog, Doan, and Stastny receiving the three stars, while MacKinnon and Ekman-Larsson get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Vancouver, as the Canucks bring in the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper and Eddie Lack are the young goalies. Vancouver started in the first period with a Ryan Kesler shorthanded goal, his twenty-first of the season, set up by Chris Higgins. Minnesota tied it on a Zach Parise power play goal, his twentieth of the year, powered by Jason Pominville and Mikael Granlund. The Wild won 2-1 in the shootout with a Justin Fontaine tally. The three stars belonged to Kuemper (30 for 31 in saves), Lack (22 for 23 in saves), and Fontaine.

Down in Anaheim, the Ducks host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jonas Hiller are the masked men. Anaheim opened in the first period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Saku Koivu and Cam Fowler. This was the only goal in the game, good for a 1-0 final. The three stars were handed to Hiller (18 save shutout), Cogliano, and Elliott (18 for 19 in saves).

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MLB Spring Training: Cactus League Day 3

Everybody's in action now, so the Cactus League had eight games on today. We begin with...

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Chicago Cubs. Los Angeles staked out an early lead in the second inning with a 2-RBI double by Chris Iannetta to score both Howie Kendrick and Raul Ibanez before coming home on a single by Erick Aybar, and then Mike Trout singled in J.B. Shuck. Chicago got on the board in the fourth inning with a Darwin Barney solo home run. The Angels answered in a big way as Iannetta hit a solo shot, Mike Trout hit a grand slam to sweep in Aybar, Shuck, and Kole Calhoun, Ibanez grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed by Albert Pujols to score, and Shuck tripled to force in Ibanez, Iannetta, and Aybar in the bottom of the fourth. The Cubs got some back in the seventh inning with a two-run home run by Kris Bryant, also scoring Albert Almora. Los Angeles responded in the eighth inning with a two-run homer from Jeff Bandy, plating Alex Yarbrough and himself. This produced the 15-3 final score.

The other Los Angeles team, the Dodgers, welcome the Chicago White Sox. Los Angeles got going in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Joc Pederson, also scoring Clint Robinson. The Dodgers added on in the eighth inning as Mike Baxter doubled to score Dee Gordon, Brendan Harris hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Baxter to finish his trip home, and Robinson ripped a solo home run. This made it a 5-0 final score.

Moving along to where the Cleveland Indians bring in the Cincinnati Reds. Cleveland opened in the second inning with a two-run home run by Ryan Raburn, also scoring Lonnie Chisenhall. The Indians added on with a Carlos Moncrief 2-RBI single in the sixth inning, plating both Tony Wolters and Chisenhall. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 4-0.

Next up, the Texas Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City struck first in the second inning on a Mike Moustakas 2-RBI double, scoring both Billy Butler and Salvador Perez. The Royals added on in the third inning with a Butler single to score Norichika Aoki, followed by Alex Gordon doubling home Jason Donald, and Moustakas singling in pinch-runner Adam Moore. Kansas City extended the lead in the fifth inning when Lorenzo Cain drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Lane Adams, followed by a 2-RBI Christian Colon single that drove in both Gordon and Moustakas. The Royals padded the lead in the sixth inning as Gorkys Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Adams to score, followed by a Pedro Ciriaco single that knocked in Jimmy Paredes. Texas got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a single from Brent Lillibridge, scoring Kensuke Tanaka. The scoring ended here, with the final being 11-1 Kansas City.

At the home of the San Francisco Giants, the host team plays the first game of a split squad day against the Milwaukee Brewers. San Francisco was first to score in the third inning with a Mark Minicozzi solo home run, followed by an Angel Pagan sacrifice fly that allowed Ehire Adrianza to score. Milwaukee got on the board in the fifth inning with a solo shot from the bat of Caleb Gindl. The Giants extended their lead in the seventh inning as Adrianza reached on an error, giving time for Chris Dominguez to score, followed by Gregor Blanco's sacrifice fly to bring in Mac Williamson. The Brewers attempted a ninth inning rally with a Hector Gomez triple to force in Eugenio Velez, followed by Matt Pognozzi singling Gomez the final 90 feet home. This only made it 4-3, with the Giants holding on to win by that score.

The other half of the Giants went to visit the Oakland Athletics. San Francisco started in the first inning with a 2-RBI double Hector Sanchez, plating both Gary Brown and Brandon Belt. The Giants added on in the second inning with Brown singling to score Javier Herrera, followed by Brandon Crawford tripling to force in both Guillermo Quiroz and Brown, before finishing his trip around the bases on a Belt double. Oakland got on the board in the fourth inning with a Jed Lowrie sacrifice fly that allowed Sam Fuld to score. The Athletics pulled closer in the fifth inning on a Stephen Vogt single to knock in Daric Barton. Oakland chipped closer in the sixth inning as Jose Martinez's groundout gave time for Jake Elmore to cross the dish. The Athletics continued the comeback in the eighth inning with an Addison Russel groundout to bring home Billy Burns, before tying the game with a two-run home run by Derek Norris, also scoring Martinez, and then they took the lead as Jake Goebbert scored on a wild pitch. This stood as a 7-6 final for the Athletics.

Along to where the San Diego Padres welcome the Seattle Mariners. Seattle began in the third inning on a solo home run by Nick Franklin. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the third when Ryan Jackson scored on an error during a pickoff attempt. The Mariners retook the lead in the fourth inning with a Stefen Romero groundout, allowing Corey Hart to score. Seattle added on in the sixth inning when Xavier Avery singled home Abraham Almonte, followed by Jesus Montero scoring on a balk, Jesus Sucre singling to finish Avery's trip around the bases, and then he came home on a Nate Tenbrink two-run home run. The Mariners extended the lead in the eighth inning with a three-run home run by James Jones, sweeping in Cole Gillespie and Sucre, followed by Ji-Man Choi singling to knock in Chris Taylor. Seattle finished it at 12-1 in the ninth inning on a Jones single, driving in John Hicks.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks bring in the Colorado Rockies. Colorado led off in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ryan Casteel, also scoring Brandon Barnes. The Rockies added on in the fifth inning as Charlie Culberson doubled in Barnes, followed by Corey Dickerson hitting a 2-RBI double to plate both Culberson and Jason Pridie, Ryan Wheeler doubling to finish Dickerson's trip around, and then Wheeler scoring as Jackson Williams reached on an error. Colorado extended the lead in the seventh inning with a Williams single that plated Dickerson, and a Paul Janish single that did the game for Wheeler. The Rockies padded the lead in the eighth inning as Tom Murphy and Pridie both hit solo home runs. This made it 11-0, which was the final score.

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