MLS Sunday May 4th, 2014

Two more games on this afternoon, the first of which comes from...

Dallas, as FC Dallas hosts the New York Red Bulls. Luis Robles of New York and Raul Fernandez of Dallas are the keepers. Dallas went down to ten men in the ninth minute after a serious foul by Je-Vaughn Watson, who went spikes up on a tackle. New York's Thierry Henry was given a yellow card for a foul in the twenty-first minute. Dallas matched it in the twenty-sixth minute as Fabian Castillo was given a yellow card for diving. The Red Bulls saw another play take a yellow card in the sixty-fifth minute, as Lloyd Sam was brooked for a foul. New York opened the scoring with a Bradley Wright-Phillips goal in the seventy-first minute, with assists provided by Henry and Dax McCarty. Victor Ulloa picked up another yellow card for Dallas in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time. The Red Bulls held on for a 1-0 win. The man of the match was Robles, with a clean sheet that included three saves on shots that were on target.

The other game comes from Kansas City, as Sporting hosts the Columbus Crew. Steve Clark of Columbus and Eric Kronberg of Kansas City play goal. Kansas City started in the tenth minute with a goal by Jacob Peterson, going in unassisted. Sporting saw the game's first yellow after a Lawrence Olum foul in the thirty-eighth minute. Columbus' Wil Trapp received a yellow for a foul of his own in the forty-fifth minute. Seth Sinovic was the next to receive a yellow card in the sixty-eighth minute, adding to Kansas City's fouls. The Crew were dealt a serious blow in the eightieth minute as Trapp was booked for his second yellow for a foul in the open field, putting them down to ten men. Ethan Finlay followed with a yellow of his own in the eighty-sixth minute for a foul, and Tony Tchani also took a yellow in the eighty-seventh minute for unsporting behavior. Sporting's Benny Feilhaber was shown a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time for a foul he committed. Sporting iced the scoring at 2-0 with a Claudio Bieler goal in the fifth minute of added time, coming from a Graham Zusi pass. The man of the match was Kronberg, whose clean sheet included four saves.

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MLS Saturday May 3rd 2014

We're opening up a new sport now. I determined that baseball was going to be too much for me, but the far-less frequently played MLS (Major League Soccer for the uninitiated) looks to be a good fit for my schedule. I will probably tweak with my format a bit before it's all said and done. Today's first game was in...

Toronto, as Toronto FC hosted the New England Revolution. Julio Cesar of Toronto and Bobby Shuttleworth of New England were between the pipes. Toronto opened in the sixth minute with a goal by Jackson, with the assist from Gilberto. New England pulled level in the twenty-fourth minute on a Patrick Mullins goal, passed from Daigo Kobayashi. Jackson was shown a yellow card in the forty-third minute for a foul. Toronto was shown another yellow card when Michael Bradley was excessive on a foul in the fifty-eighth minute. Diego Fagundez picked up a yellow card in the seventy-fifth minute for New England. The Revolution took the lead as Lee Nguyen scored in the eighty-second minute. Scott Caldwell took a yellow for wasting time in the second minute of added time, but that did not hurt New England, who won 2-1. Nguyen was the man of the match.

Across Canada, the Vancouver Whitecaps welcome the San Jose Earthquakes. Jon Busch of San Jose and David Ousted of Vancouver were in the six-yard box. Vancouver struck first in the tenth minute on a Kekuta Manneh goal, going in unassisted. The Whitecaps added on with a Pedro Morales goal, and he too did it all by himself in the nineteenth minute. Morales scored again for Vancouver in the twentieth minute on a pass from Manneh, and also earned himself a yellow card for excessive celebration. San Jose got on the board as Chris Wondolowski scored in the forty-fifth minute. Alan Gordon received a yellow card in the seventieth minute for the Earthquakes. San Jose pulled closer as Wondolowski scored in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half, but they could not even the game and lost 3-2. Morales was the man of the match.

Into the United States, as the Chicago Fire bring in Real Salt Lake. Nick Rimando of Salt Lake and Sean Johnson of Chicago protect the nets. Chicago began with a Mike Magee goal in the twenty-second minute, an unassisted goal. The Fire added on in the thirtieth minute with a Juan Luis Anangonó goal, coming off of Greg Cochrane. Salt Lake's Chris Schuler was given a yellow card in this minute as well for a foul. Kyle Beckerman was also shown a yellow in the forty-fourth minute, also from a foul. Magee was called for a hand foul in the sixty-third minute that resulted in a yellow. Salt Lake got on the board in the seventy-second minute on a Joao Plata goal, assisted by Javier Morales. Real tied it in the ninetieth minute as Alvaro Saborio knocked in a goal on a pass from Kenny Mansally. Salt Lake took the lead in the third minute of added time as Plata put away the go-ahead goal, via Saborio. They held on for a 3-2 win. Plata was the man of the match.

West again to Colorado, where the Rapids host the Los Angeles Galaxy. Jaime Penedo of Los Angeles and Clinton Irwin of Colorado get the starting nods. Colorado started in the twentieth minute on a Vicente Sanchez goal, courtesy of Marc Burch. Los Angeles was shown a yellow card for a foul by Juninho in the eighty-eighth minute. The Galaxy picked up another yellow card in stoppage time as Samuel Rosa committed a bad foul three minutes into the added time. The Rapids were able to hold on for a 1-0 win. The man of the match was Irwin, who had a clean sheet in stopping the four shots directed on goal.

Up in Seattle, the Sounders FC bring in the Philadelphia Union. Zac MacMath of Philadelphia and Stefan Frei of Seattle draw the starts. Philadelphia received a gift in the thirteenth minute as Brad Evans was charged with an own goal. The Union saw Sheanon Williams pick up a yellow card in the thirty-first minute, followed by Maurice Edu having the same thing happen in the thirty-fifth minute. Both yellow cards were given for fouls. Seattle pulled level as Obafemi Martins scored in the sixty-first minute, allowing Evans some redemption with the assist. The Sounders FC gained the lead in the eighty-fourth minute on a Chad Marshall goal, with the assist by Marco Pappa. Clint Dempsey was hit with a yellow card for Seattle in the first minute of added time in the second half for a foul. The Sounders FC still won 2-1, and the man of the match was Marshall.

Down south, Chivas USA welcomes the Houston Dynamo. Tally Hall of Houston and Tim Melia of Chivas guard the cages. Chivas was first to score in the seventh minute on an Erick Torres goal, going in unassisted. Houston tied it on a twelfth minute goal from Brad Davis. The Dynamo took the lead in the thirty-second minute on a goal by Giles Barnes, via Oscar Boniek Garcia. Houston added on as Will Bruin scored in the second minute of stoppage time for the first half, and Corey Ashe and Andrew Driver picked up the assists. Chivas got a yellow card when Oswaldo Minda was dinged for persistent infringement. Things got worse for Chivas as goalie Melia got into a fight in the penalty zone, and was shown a red card in the sixty-seventh minute. After things were sorted out, Barnes put away the penalty kick for a goal, his second of the game in the sixty-ninth minute. Trevor Spangenberg came on in goal via a substitution for Torres. Chivas took another yellow card on a foul by Bobby Burling. The Dynamo won 4-1, with the man of the match being Barnes.

Finally, in Portland, the Timbers host D.C. United. Bill Hamid of D.C. and Donovan Ricketts of Portland are the keepers. Portland wasted no time in beginning the scoring, as Gaston Fernandez put one in the back of the net in the first minute, with assists credited to Diego Valeri and Darlington Nagbe. D.C. tied it on a twenty-first minute goal by Davy Arnaud, coming off of Perry Kitchen. The Timbers retook the lead in the thirty-eighth minute as Mamadou Danso scored, and Valeri picked up his second assist of the night. In the seventy-eighth minute, United tied it up again as Danso ended up being charged with an own goal. D.C.'s Fabian Espindola was hit with a yellow card for dissent in the eighty-sixth minute. Portland got a late goal by Maximiliano in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the second half, an unassisted effort that held up as the game winner for a 3-2 final. The man of the match was Valeri.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Pacific Division Playoffs: San Jose Sharks VS. Los Angeles Kings

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Joe Thornton goal, made possible by Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. The Sharks added on with a Tomas Hertl goal, via James Sheppard and Tommy Wingels. San Jose extended the lead with a Patrick Marleau goal, coming off of Matthew Nieto and Sheppard. The Sharks padded the lead in the second period with a Raffi Torres goal, assisted by Mike Brown and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose kept going with a Vlasic power play goal, powered by Hertl and Logan Couture. Quick was pulled for Martin Jones in the third period. Los Angeles got on the board with a Jake Muzzin goal, with a lone assist by Anze Kopitar. The Kings pulled closer with an unassisted Slava Voynov goal. Los Angeles got another back as Trevor Lewis scored, thanks to Jeff Carter and Robyn Regehr. The Sharks finished it at 6-3 with an empty net goal by Burns, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Vlasic, Hertl, and Burns. San Jose takes a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi. Los Angeles began in the first period with a Jake Muzzin goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. The Kings added on with a Trevor Lewis goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Jeff Carter. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Mike Brown goal, via Andrew Desjardins. The Sharks tied it on a Raffi Torres goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Desjardins. San Jose took the lead with a Justin Braun goal, with assists provided by James Sheppard and Joe Pavelski. The Sharks extended their lead with a third period goal by Patrick Marleau, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Matthew Nieto and Logan Couture. San Jose padded the lead on a Pavelski goal, courtesy of Dan Boyle and Tommy Wingels. The Sharks kept going on a Couture goal, set up by Marleau and Nieto. San Jose struck again with a Joe Thornton goal, his second of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Pavelski and Boyle. This made it a 7-2 final, with the three stars going to Pavelski, Marleau, and Couture, while Desjardins, Nieto, and Boyle get the honorable mentions. The Sharks head south holding a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi and Jonathan Quick. San Jose was first to score in the first period with a Brent Burns goal, his second of the postseason, a power play goal powered by Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle. Los Angeles tied it in the second period on a Jarret Stoll power play goal, assisted by Tyler Toffoli and Drew Doughty. The Kings took the lead with a Marian Gaborik goal, going in unassisted. The Sharks tied it with a Matthew Nieto goal, coming off of Jason Demers and Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles took the lead in the third period on a Jeff Carter power play goal, made possible by Anze Kopitar and Doughty. San Jose retied it on a Tomas Hertl goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Tommy Wingels and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks won 4-3 with an overtime goal by Marleau, his third of the postseason, with a lone helper by Scott Hannan. The three stars went to Marleau, Hertl, and Doughty. San Jose has pushed Los Angeles to the edge with a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Antti Niemi and Jonathan Quick. Los Angeles led off in the first period with a Marian Gaborik goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Dustin Brown and Slava Voynov. San Jose tied it on a James Sheppard goal, guided in by Scott Hannan and Tomas Hertl. The Kings took the lead back in the second period on a Justin Williams power play goal, powered by Mike Richards and Jake Muzzin. The Sharks tied it on a Matthew Nieto goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles retook the lead on a Williams goal, his second of the game, passed from Willie Mitchell and Jarret Stoll. The Kings added on with a Tyler Toffoli goal, coming off of Alec Martinez and Jeff Carter. Los Angeles struck again in the third period on a Gaborik goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, with a lone assist by Anze Kopitar. San Jose got one back with a Joe Pavelski goal, his second of the playoffs, a power play goal with assists from Marleau and Dan Boyle. The Kings iced it at 6-3 with a Brown empty net goal, set up by Toffoli. The three stars were handed to Gaborik, Williams, and Brown, while Marleau and Toffoli get the honorable mentions. San Jose still holds a 3-1 series lead that they will take home with them.

Game 5: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi. Los Angeles opened in the first period with a Tyler Toffoli goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Tanner Pearson and Alec Martinez. The Kings added on with an Anze Kopitar goal, fueled by Dustin Brown. Los Angeles extended the lead in the second period with a Jeff Carter power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Marian Gaborik and Drew Doughty. Alex Stalock replaced Niemi at this time. This stood for a 3-0 win, with the three stars going to Toffoli, Quick (30 save shutout), and Kopitar. The series heads back south again as the Sharks have seen their lead trimmed to 3-2.

Game 6: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Alex Stalock and Jonathan Quick. Los Angeles started in the first period with a Justin Williams goal, his third of the postseason, via Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin. San Jose tied it on a second period goal by James Sheppard, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Justin Braun and Raffi Torres. The Kings took the lead with Williams' second of the game in the third period, also his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Robyn Regehr and Anze Kopitar. Los Angeles added on with a Kopitar goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Williams and Dwight King. The Kings extended the lead on a power play goal by Kopitar, his second of the game and third of the postseason, powered by Doughty and Alec Martinez. This was good for a 4-1 win, with the three stars being Williams, Kopitar, and Quick (25 for 26 in saves), while Doughty gets an honorable mention. The Kings have rallied back to tie the series at 3, and force a Game 7 in San Jose. 

Game 7: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi. San Jose got going in the second period with a Matt Irwin goal, assisted by Tomas Hertl and James Sheppard. Los Angeles tied it on a Drew Doughty power play goal, powered by Jeff Carter and Marian Gaborik. The Kings took the lead with an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the postseason, made possible by Justin Williams and Kyle Clifford. Los Angeles added on in the third period as Tyler Toffoli scored his third of the playoffs, thanks to Tanner Pearson and Jake Muzzin. The Kings extended the lead with a Dustin Brown empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Kopitar. Los Angeles iced it at 5-1 with an empty net goal by Pearson, with a lone assist by Lewis. The three stars went to Quick (39 for 40 in saves), Kopitar, and Pearson, while Lewis gets an honorable mention. The Kings win the series 4-3, becoming the fourth team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, and they will play a fellow southern California team, the Anaheim Ducks, in round two. 

Central Division Playoffs: Colorado Avalanche VS. Minnesota Wild

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov and Semyon Varlamov. Colorado was first to score in the first period on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, made possible by Paul Stastny and Jamie McGinn. Minnesota tied it on a Charlie Coyle goal, coming off of Zach Parise and Marco Scandella. The Wild took the lead in the second period on a Ryan Suter goal, fueled by Mikko Koivu and Parise on the power play. The Avalanche retied it on a Ryan O'Reilly goal, guided in by Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. Minnesota pulled ahead again with an Erik Haula goal, with a lone assist by Jonas Brodin. The Wild added on with a Kyle Brodziak goal, via Matt Cooke and Nino Neiderreiter. Colorado pulled back with a McGinn goal, helped along by O'Reilly. The Avalanche tied it on a Stastny goal, with helpers provided by Erik Johnson and MacKinnon. Colorado won in overtime on a Stastny goal, his second of the game, passed from MacKinnon, who got a sock trick, and Barrie. The three stars in the 5-4 game were Stastny, MacKinnon, and McGinn, while O'Reilly, Barrie, and Parise get the honorable mentions. Colorado owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Ilya Bryzgalov and Semyon Varlamov. Minnesota struck first in the first period on a Charlie Coyle goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Mikko Koivu and Ryan Suter. Colorado tied it on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, via Paul Stastny and Nick Holden. The Avalanche took the lead in the second period on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by MacKinnon and Stastny. Colorado added on with another Landeskog goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, guided in by MacKinnon and Stastny, the latter getting a sock trick. Darcy Kuemper relieved Bryzgalov at this time. The Wild got one back in the third period on a Marco Scandella goal, a shorthanded goal set up by Koivu and Zach Parise. The Avalanche iced it at 4-2 with an empty net power play goal by Stastny, his third of the playoffs, with a lone assist by MacKinnon, who got a sock trick. The three stars were MacKinnon, Stastny, and Landeskog, while Koivu gets an honorable mention. The Avalanche will travel with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Semyon Varlamov and Darcy Kuemper. The game was scoreless into overtime, where Mikael Granlund scored, thanks to Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. The final was 1-0, and the three stars went to Kuemper (22 save shutout), Varlamov (45 for 46 in saves), and Granlund. The Avalanche still lead the series 2-1.

Game 4: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Semyon Varlamov and Darcy Kuemper. Minnesota began in the first period on a Jared Spurgeon goal, made possible by Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund. The Wild added on in the second period with a Charlie Coyle power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Jason Pominville. Colorado got on the board on a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Jamie McGinn. They failed to tie it, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Coyle, Spurgeon, and Varlamov (30 for 32 in saves). The series heads back to Denver tied at 2.

Game 5: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Darcy Kuemper and Semyon Varlamov. Colorado got going in the second period on a Cody McLeod shorthanded goal, set up by Ryan O'Reilly. Minnesota tied it on a Matt Moulson goal, fueled by Jared Spurgeon and Dany Heatley. The Avalanche retook the lead as Nick Holden scored, thanks to Andre Benoit and Nathan MacKinnon. The Wild tied it in the third period on a Zach Parise goal, guided in by Jason Pominville and Mikael Granlund. Minnesota took the lead with a Kyle Brodziak goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Heatley and Charlie Coyle. Colorado pulled even with a late goal by P.A. Parenteau, passed from Paul Stastny and MacKinnon. The Avalanche won with a MacKinnon goal in overtime, his second of the playoffs, with helpers from Gabriel Landeskog and Ryan Wilson. The three stars belonged to MacKinnon, Parenteau, and Heatley. The Avalanche can win the series in Minnesota in the next game as they have a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Semyon Varlamov and Darcy Kuemper. Minnesota led off in the first period with a Zach Parise power play goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu. The Wild added on with a Mikael Granlund goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Jason Pominville and Parise. Colorado got on the board with a shorthanded Paul Stastny goal, his fourth of the postseason, set up by Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche tied it in the second period on a Nick Holden power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by O'Reilly and Matt Duchene. Minnesota took the lead back in the third period on a Parise goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, passed from Koivu and Suter. The Wild extended the lead with an empty net goal by Pominville, courtesy of Erik Haula and Parise. Minnesota won 5-2 with an unassisted empty net goal by Marco Scandella. The three stars were given to Parise, Pominville, and O'Reilly, while Suter and Koivu get the honorable mentions. The series will head to a decisive game 7 in Denver. 

Game 7: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado. In goal: Darcy Kuemper and Semyon Varlamov. Colorado opened in the first period on a Nick Holden power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Jamie McGinn and Matt Duchene. Minnesota tied it on a Mikko Koivu goal, guided in by Charlie Coyle and Matt Moulson. The Avalanche retook the lead on a McGinn goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Joey Hishon and Ryan Wilson. The Wild tied it again in the second period with a Dany Heatley goal, coming off of Mikael Granlund and Jonas Brodin. Colorado pulled ahead in the third period with a Paul Stastny goal, his fifth of the postseason, via P.A. Parenteau and Nate Guenin. Minnesota pulled even as Nino Neiderreiter scored, thanks to Kyle Brodziak and Heatley. The Avalanche gained the lead on an Erik Johnson goal, made possible by Parenteau and Duchene. The Wild got another equalizer as Jared Spurgeon scored his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Minnesota won the game 5-4 with a Neiderreiter goal, his second of the game, with assists provided by Brodziak and Heatley. The three stars were Neiderreiter, Heatley, and Spurgeon, while Brodziak, McGinn, Duchene, and Parenteau receive the honorable mentions. The Wild surprisingly advance with a 4-3 series win, and will play the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round.

Metropolitan Division Playoffs: New York Rangers VS. Philadelphia Flyers

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Ray Emery and Henrik Lundqvist. Philadelphia started with an Andrew MacDonald goal, via Scott Hartnell. New York tied it on a Mats Zuccarello goal, assisted by Benoit Pouliot and Marc Staal. The Rangers took the lead in the third period on a Brad Richards power play goal, powered by Martin St. Louis and Rick Nash. New York added on with a Derek Stepan power play goal, fueled by Richards and St. Louis. The Rangers iced it at 4-1 on a Carl Hagelin goal, courtesy of Richards and Jesper Fast. The three stars went to Richards, Lundqvist (14 for 15 in saves), and St. Louis. New York owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Ray Emery and Henrik Lundqvist. New York was first to score in the first period on a Martin St. Louis goal, made possible by Derek Stepan and Rick Nash. The Rangers added on with a Benoit Pouliot power play goal, fueled by Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Philadelphia got on the board with a Jakub Voracek goal, coming off of Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux. The Flyers tied it in the second period with a Jason Akeson power play goal, powered by Brayden Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier. Philadelphia took the lead on a Luke Schenn goal, passed from Adam Hall and Michael Raffl. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with an empty net power play goal by Wayne Simmonds, with a lone assist by Matt Read. The three stars went to Luke Schenn, Akeson, and Emery (31 for 33 in saves). The series shifts to Philadelphia tied at 1.

Game 3: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Ray Emery. New York opened in the first period on a Derek Stepan goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis. The Rangers added on as St. Louis scored his second of the playoffs, thanks to Dan Girardi and Nash. Philadelphia got on the board with a Mark Streit goal, fueled by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. New York replied in the second period on a Girardi goal, via Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin. The Rangers extended the lead in the third period with a Daniel Carcillo goal, with a lone assist by Brian Boyle. Steve Mason relieved Emery. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars going to St. Louis, Girardi, and Lundqvist (31 for 32 in saves), while Nash gets an honorable mention. The Rangers retake a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Steve Mason. New York began in the first period on a Dominic Moore goal, via Brian Boyle. Philadelphia tied it on a Matt Read goal, coming off of Jason Akeson and Braydon Coburn. The Flyers took the lead in the second period on a Jakub Voracek power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Brayden Schenn and Mark Streit. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Voracek, Mason (37 for 38 in saves), and Read. The series heads back to the Big Apple tied at 2.

Game 5: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Steve Mason and Henrik Lundqvist. New York struck first in the first period with a Marc Staal goal, fueled by Martin St. Louis and Derek Stepan. The Rangers added on in the second period with a Brad Richards goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by J.T. Miller and Carl Hagelin. New York extended the lead on an unassisted Dominic Moore goal, his second of the playoffs. Philadelphia got on the board as Vincent Lecavalier scored a power play goal, powered by Mark Streit and Andrew MacDonald. The Flyers pulled closer in the third period on a Claude Giroux goal, courtesy of Kimmo Timonen and Wayne Simmonds. The Rangers iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Brian Boyle, set up by Moore and Dan Girardi. The three stars were Moore, Richards, and Staal. The Rangers pulled ahead on a 3-2 series lead and look to close it out in Philadelphia.

Game 6: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist and Steve Mason. Philadelphia led off in the first period with a power play goal by Wayne Simmonds, his second of the postseason, powered by Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux. The Flyers added on as Simmonds scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs in the second period, with a lone assist by Brayden Schenn. Philadelphia extended the lead with an Erik Gustafsson goal, passed from Braydon Coburn. The Flyers padded the lead as Simmonds completed his hat trick with another power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, courtesy of Jakub Voracek and Giroux. Cam Talbot relieved Lundqvist for the third period. New York got on the board in the third period as Carl Hagelin scored his second of the playoffs, thanks to Anton Stralman and Brad Richards. Philadelphia shot back with an empty net goal by Giroux, his second of the postseason, going in unassisted. The Rangers took one back late on a Mats Zuccarello goal, his second of the playoffs, via Benoit Pouliot and J.T. Miller. This made it a 5-2 final, with the three stars going to Simmonds, Giroux, and Mason (34 for 36 in saves). The series is tied at 3 and will be decided tomorrow in New York. 

Game 7: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Steve Mason and Henrik Lundqvist. New York got going in the second period with a Dan Carcillo goal, his second of the postseason, via Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Klein. The Rangers added on as Benoit Pouliot scored his second of the playoffs, thanks to Derick Brassard and Anton Stralman. Philadelphia got on the board in the third period on a Jason Akeson goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Braydon Coburn and Matt Read. This was as close as it got, with the final being 2-1, and the three stars were given to Lundqvist (26 for 27 in saves), Pouliot, and Carcillo. This gave the Rangers a 4-3 series win, advancing to play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. 

Gagarin Cup Finals: Metallurg Magnitogorsk VS. Lev Prague FULL SERIES

This post will cover all Gagarin Cup Finals games.

Game 1: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen for Lev and Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg. Prague opened in the first period with a Martin Sevc power play goal, powered by Justin Azevedo. Lev added on in the second period with a Petr Vrana goal, assisted by Jiri Sekac and Martin Thornberg. Prague extended the lead in the third period as Azevedo scored an empty net goal, set up by Jiri Novotny and Patrik Zackrisson. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars being Vehanen (21 save shutout), Azevedo, and Sevc. Lev establishes a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen for Lev and Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period on a Bogdan Potekhin goal, fueled by Mikhail Yunkov and Sergei Tereshchenko. Metallurg added on with a Danis Zaripov goal, assisted by Chris Lee and Sergei Mozyakin. Magnitogorsk extended the lead as Jan Kovar scored a power play goal, powered by Mozyakin and Zaripov. Metallurg padded the lead in the third period on a Mozyakin goal, made possible Kovar and Rinat Ibragimov. Prague got on the board with a Justin Azevedo goal, guided in by Mikko Maenpaa. This made it 4-1, with the three stars going to Mozyakin, Zaripov, and Kovar. The series heads to the Czech Republic tied at 1.

Game 3: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg and Petri Vehanen for Lev. Prague started in the first period on a Jiri Sekac goal, assisted by Martin Thornberg and Petr Vrana. Magnitogorsk tied it in the second period on a power play goal by Sergei Mozyakin, powered by Danis Zaripov. Lev took the lead back in the third period on a Justin Azevedo goal, guided in by Nathan Oystrick and Mikko Maenpaa on the power play. Metallurg tied it late with a Francis Pare goal, coming off of Mozyakin and Chris Lee. Prague won 3-2 on another Azevedo goal, with a lone assist by Maenpaa. The three stars were Azevedo, Mozyakin, and Maenpaa. Lev has a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin for Metallurg and Petri Vehanen for Lev. Magnitogorsk was first to score in the first period on a Yaroslav Khabarov goal, made possible by Evgeny Timkin. Prague tied it on a David Ullstrom goal, fueled by Niko Kapanen. Lev took the lead on a Justin Azevedo goal, via Patrik Zackrisson. Metallurg retied it on a Viktor Antipin power play goal, powered by Danis Zaripov and Sergei Mozyakin. Prague pulled ahead again in the second period as Ondrej Nemec scored a power play goal, with the help of Azevedo and Kapanen. Magnitogorsk pulled even on an Antipin goal, with a lone assist by Mozyakin. Metallurg took the lead in the third period as Zaripov scored, thanks to Mozyakin, who got a sock trick, and Antipin. Magnitogorsk made it 5-3, the final, with another Zaripov goal, assisted by Mozyakin and Jan Kovar on the power play. The three stars went to Zaripov, Antipin, and Mozyakin, while Azevedo and Kapanen get the honorable mentions. The series heads back to Russia tied at 2.

Game 5: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen and Vasily Koshechkin. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, with a lone assist by Jan Kovar. Prague tied it in the third period as Justin Azevedo scored, thanks to Patrik Zackrisson and Martin Sevc. Metallurg won 2-1 in overtime on another Mozyakin, his second of the game, made possible by Danis Zaripov and Kovar. The three stars were given to Mozyakin, Koshechkin (35 for 36 in saves), and Kovar. Metallurg has a 3-2 series advantage and will look to close out the championship on the road.

Game 6: Prague, Czech Republic. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin and Petri Vehanen. Magnitogorsk struck first in the first period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, assisted by Danis Zaripov and Jan Kovar. Prague tied it on a power play goal by Justin Azevedo, powered by Martin Sevc and Ondrej Nemec. Lev took the lead as Sevc scored a power play goal, helped along by Nemec and Azevedo. Metallurg tied it in the second period with a Mikhail Yunkov goal, made possible by Oskar Osala and Sergei Tereshchenko. Magnitogorsk pulled ahead on a Chris Lee goal, passed from Tim Brent and Evgeny Timkin. Prague pulled even again on a Ryan O'Byrne goal, guided in by Michal Birner and Michal Repik. Metallurg took the lead again as Francis Pare scored, thanks to Mozyakin and Yunkov. Lev evened the score in the third period with an unassisted goal by Mikko Maenpaa. Prague won 5-4 in overtime with a Nathan Oystrick goal, with a lone helper by Patrik Zackrisson. The three stars were Azevedo, Sevc, and Mozyakin, while Yunkov and Nemec get the honorable mentions. The series will be decided on Thursday in Magnitogorsk, with the current mark being a 3-3 tie. 

Game 7: Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Petri Vehanen and Vasily Koshechkin. Magnitogorsk led off in the first period with a Francis Pare goal, via Yaroslav Khabarov. Prague tied it with a David Ullstrom goal, helped along by Marc-Andre Gragnani. Metallurg retook the lead in the second period on an Evgeny Biryukov goal, made possible by Viktor Antipin and Danis Zaripov. Lev tied it again as Ryan O'Byrne scored an unassisted goal. Magnitogorsk regained the lead on a Yaroslav Kosov goal, guided in by Evgeny Timkin and Dmitry Kazionov. Metallurg added on with a Jan Kovar goal, fueled by Antipin and Zaripov. Magnitogorsk extended the lead in the third period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, passed from Zaripov, who got a sock trick, and Kovar. Metallurg padded the lead as Zaripov scored, thanks to Kovar. Prague got one back on a Martin Thornberg goal, assisted by Ondrej Nemec. Lev chipped closer as Justin Azevedo scored, with the help of Nemec and Jivi Novotny. Magnitogorsk iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by Mikhail Yunkov, set up by Pare and Oskar Osala. The three stars were given to Zaripov, Kovar, and Pare, while Antipin and Nemec get the honorable mentions. Metallurg captures the Gagarin Cup Championship by a 4-3 margin in the series.

See you all next September for more KHL hockey as I will enter my third season covering the league. In the meantime, keep reading through my NHL playoffs posts and look ahead to the MLS coverage I will be bringing beginning in May. 

Metropolitan Division Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Columbus Blue Jackets

This post is a reference for the above referenced series, so check back here for each game.

Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Columbus led off in the first period with a Jack Johnson goal, fueled by Brandon Dubinsky. Pittsburgh tied it with a Jussi Jokinen goal, courtesy of Evgeni Malkin and Olli Maatta. The Blue Jackets took the lead back on a power play goal by Mark Letestu, powered by Johnson and Boone Jenner. Columbus added on in the second period as Derek MacKenzie scored a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Penguins shot back with a Beau Bennett power play goal, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Paul Martin. Pittsburgh tied it with a power play goal by Niskanen, guided in by Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins took the lead in the third period on a Brett Sutter goal, passed from Bennett and Martin. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Niskanen, Bennett, and Johnson, while Malkin and Martin get the honorable mentions. Pittsburgh owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Pittsburgh opened in the first period on a Brian Gibbons goal, fueled by Matt Niskanen and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on with a Gibbons goal, his second of the game, a shorthanded goal set up by Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik. Columbus tied it on a Ryan Johansen power play goal, powered by David Savard and Ryan Murray. Pittsburgh shot back on a power play goal by Niskanen, his second of the postseason, guided in by Martin and Crosby on the power play. The Blue Jackets got one back in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Matt Calvert, made possible by Artem Anisimov and Savard. Columbus tied it in the third period on a power play goal by Jack Johnson, his second of the playoffs, assisted by Johansen and Boone Jenner. The Blue Jackets won in the second overtime on another goal by Calvert, his second of the game, helped along by Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. The three stars in the 4-3 game were Calvert, Johansen, and Gibbons, while Niskanen, Savard, Martin, and Crosby got the honorable mentions. The series shifts to Columbus tied at 1.

Game 3: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Columbus started in the first period with a Boone Jenner goal, fueled by Jack Skille and Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Jack Johnson goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Brandon Dubinsky and David Savard. Pittsburgh got on the board in the second period on a Brooks Orpik goal, made possible by Beau Bennett and Paul Martin. Columbus shot back in the third period on a Cam Atkinson goal, via Dubinsky and Matt Calvert. The Penguins pulled back with a Brandon Sutter goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Martin and Bennett. Pittsburgh tied it on a Lee Stempniak goal, assisted by Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang. The Penguins took the lead with an Jussi Jokinen goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Olli Maatta and Evgeni Malkin. They held on for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Bennett, Martin, and Dubinsky. The Penguins now have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period with a Craig Adams shorthanded goal, set up by Brandon Sutter and Paul Martin. The Penguins added on with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, powered by Matt Niskanen and Martin. Pittsburgh extended the lead as James Neal scored, thanks to Jussi Jokinen and Evgeni Malkin. Columbus got on the board with a Boone Jenner power play goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Mark Letestu and James Wisniewski. The Blue Jackets pulled closer on a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his second of the playoffs, via Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. Columbus tied it in the third period as Dubinsky scored, with the help of Johansen and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime on a Nick Foligno goal, made possible by R.J. Umberger and Wisniewski. The three stars were Dubinsky, Johansen, and Wisniewski, while Martin gets an honorable mention. Heading back to Pittsburgh, the series is tied at 2.

Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury. Columbus struck first in the first period on a Boone Jenner goal, his third of the postseason, a power play goal powered by David Savard and Ryan Johansen. Pittsburgh tied it in the second period with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. The Penguins took the lead on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Brandon Sutter and Lee Stempniak. Pittsburgh finished it at 3-1 with a Kris Letang empty net goal, guided in by Craig Adams and Kunitz. The three stars were Kunitz, Jokinen, and Fleury (23 for 24 in saves). The Penguins hold a 3-2 series lead to take to Columbus. 

Game 6: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky. Pittsburgh began in the first period on an Evgeni Malkin goal, fueled by Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on as Malkin scored his second of the game, a power play goal powered by Sidney Crosby and Matt Niskanen. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period on an unassisted goal by Brandon Sutter, his third of the postseason. The Penguins padded the lead when Malkin finish his hat trick with his third of the night, passed from Jussi Jokinen and Niskanen. Columbus got on the board in the third period on a Fedor Tyutin shorthanded goal, set up by Matt Calvert and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets got another back on an Artem Anisimov power play goal, courtesy of Johnson and Cam Atkinson. Columbus pulled closer on a Nick Foligno goal, his second of the playoffs, via Tyutin. They couldn't get the equalizer, falling 4-3. The three stars belonged to Malkin, Niskanen, and Tyutin, while Johnson gets an honorable mention. The Penguins advance on a 4-2 series win.